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Aurender integrated streamer/DACs

Does anyone have experience with any of the mid-to-upper-level Aurender units that feature integrated DACs and how do they compare with comparably-priced outboard DACs?  Understanding DAC voicing can be a matter of preference, I am also considering a dedicated Roon Core built of JCAT components feeding either a Weiss 502 or the new PS Audio DSD when that becomes available.

Bonus question: looking at this another way (assuming the DACs referenced above are superior to a built-in Aurender DAC), how would a nicely spec'd Roon Core compare with an Aurender Server/Streamer?

Please answer only on in terms of sound quality only.  I believe the UI will work fine for me, whether it is Conductor or Roon.  Thanks very much!

mhwilliford
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,450 posts
 

@gsomin 

If you don’t believe in break-in then you can return A200. The DAC’s are known to open up after 250-400 hours. 

soix
9,456 posts
 

If I’m you I’d play the Aurender exclusively for 200 hours and then do some critical listening then switch the Node back in and see what you think. Also, what cable are you using into the streamers? Lastly, at the level of your system you really need to invest in a better DAC.  If you specify what sound characteristics you prefer you can get some good recommendations here or maybe better to just start another thread for that. 

marco1's avatar
marco1
519 posts
 

Agree that the A200 needs to be broken in.  However, even out of the box there should be a night and day difference between the two, in favor of Aurender.  Could it be a defective player? Have you contacted Aurender?  They should be able to trouble shoot online for you.

gsomin
5 posts
 

Aurender support is looking into it, I will report back when I hear back from them. 

I am using Linn standard interconnects https://www.linn.co.uk/us/speakers/accessories/black-interconnects. 

The comment about the DAC is concerning. Are you saying that Aurender's DAC is not good enough, and I should have bought a digital only streamer? 

soix
9,456 posts
 

The comment about the DAC is concerning. Are you saying that Aurender's DAC is not good enough, and I should have bought a digital only streamer?

@gsomin  Yes.  That’s exactly what I’m saying given the other components in your system.  The DAC in the Aurender is a bottleneck and your system will reward you greatly with a better standalone DAC.  You can continue to use the Aurender as a streamer, but your system is crying out for a better DAC IMHO. 

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