Time will tell how Roon implementation will sound compared to Conductor app. Based on my interactions with Aurender chief designer, they will try to keep the signal as faithful as possible to original bits. That’s been a hallmark of Conductor app. As far as W20SE vs N30SA, it’s a matter of personal preference. I do plan on comparing the W20SE vs N30SA in a month or so and keep what sounds best to my ears. Both streamers will be slaved through my Merging 10MHz master clock.
Music Server Advice
I’m an analog guy moving up the digital path and I’m asking for some help from my AGon colleagues with my next move. I currently use an Intel NUC/Rock to run Roon feeding an Esoteric D-05x. It really sounds good! If this sub $700 NUC sounds this good, I’m keen on discovering what can be had in the $4K to $7K range (New or Used) to replace the NUC/Rock. (I’m not letting go of the D-05x!) I’ve used Roon since its inception but I’ve tried other apps from time to time, most recently the Aurender App as well as Innuos, JRiver, and Audvirana.
Recently owned/auditioned:
Aurender N10 - Loved the sound, hated the App (to be fair I was comparing to Roon)
Innuos Pulse - Lots of detail no soul. Couldn’t listen to very long, fatiguing
Auralic Altair G1 - Mid Fi. traded in for Esoteric/added NUC Rock
Under Consideration:
- Go back to the N10 and get used to their app
- Aurender N200...get used to their app
- Antipodes...
- 432evo
I’m open to suggestions!
Digital: NUC/Rock - Esoteric D-05x - Esoteric F-05 - Wilson Sohia.
Listen to 95% Jazz.
Appreciate all responses in advance!
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@ghdprentice I agree. I think the Grimm is a different flavor from the N20, for example, with the N20 having more density, richness, slam and refinement and the Grimm being dryer and thinner. I haven’t compared the W20SE or W20 to the Grimm, but I know the W20SE you have is even more refined than the N20 and my N30SA is both refined while being more dynamic and resolving than the N20. Did you or @lalitk play with the Grimm’s oversampling settings much? |
@ghdprentice @blisshifi , Hello! So when you are comparing these streamers are you comparing Roon on the Grimm vs Conductor on the Aurenders? Not picking on your assessment just wanting to understand the comparisons. I have not played with the Grimm oversampling settings, but using what is recommended to me. I love the MU1, and it is better than the Aries G2.1 and runs Roon Core so quite a bit simpler. With the MU1's future software update, it could be one of my servers, with an Aurender being the other. Then I would choose one of them to run Roon Core. Where have you purchased your Aurender products? I would wait for Roon certification, but am anxious to hear one in my system! And of course which Aurender??? Thanks for pushing the envelope! |
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