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Time To Upgrade My Digital Front End

Been streaming via a LAN connection (through SFP’s) using my Gustard R26 DAC as a renderer and have been pretty happy with the sound quality, but I think I would like to step things up a little.

Many here mention the likes of Aurender, Auralic, Innous, and a few smaller, boutique companies as well. Most of these are a bit over my budget though.

I have been reading about the TEAC UD 701 DAC/Server/PA here on AG and some other sites and it’s getting decent write ups. I’m finding though that most of those threads on AG don’t have some of the more seasoned member’s opinions on the TEAC. Is it possibly not up to par?

The UD 701 is around $4K, under my budget of $5K. I’m not opposed to purchasing used (I see one on presently on AG) but would really like to have the security the warranty provides.

And I know, separates are preferred which the TEAC is not...

 

128x128navyachts
navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@mattmiller thanks. I think I would prefer to stick with Roon and I don’t think Aurender is compatible. I did here that the Aurender ap is very good though, maybe I could save myself $14 a month! 

With only $2K left for a DAC maybe I should keep my Gustard R26?

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,016 posts
 

If you have ROON already, try a USED Bryston BDP 3 as a renderer. BDP2 with a BDP3 soundcard on USaudio for like $1k.  Then you could compare ROON vs MPD.

ghdprentice
7,491 posts
 

The Aurender Conductor app is very good. The sound quality of the Aurrender streamers are excellent at all price points. If you could get a used or demo N200, you would be getting an outstanding streamer.

‘I used to own an Aurlic Aries G2… I would recommend the Aurrender.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,630 posts
 

@navyachts 

With your preference for Roon, consider Innuos or Lumin. Aurender is coming out with Roon certification soon. Having heard both Roon and Conductor side by side, I still prefer Conductor app SQ by a mile, just my .02 cents. 

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

“Many here mention the likes of Aurender, Auralic, Innous, and a few smaller, boutique companies as well. Most of these are a bit over my budget though”

I need to sell my Roon NUC.

I purchased a used Aurender from a member and now dealer. Look carefully at what you like about Roon and what is missing in Conductor. I say this, because the prospect of leaving Roon made me hesitant to move to Aurender, but the results were worth the move.

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