Aurender

But with N200, you may not hear any difference vs going direct. Just ask @soix what streamer being used before DDC.

That’s why I asked which input is best on the Gustard because everything depends on that. If Gustard says their i2S input is superior then you’re probably looking at a nice improvement with a DDC and i2S versus going direct even if you’ve got the Aurender, but if USB is equally as good then absolutely going direct from Aurender, etc. may be perfectly fine.  I’m using an iFi Zen Stream, but in this case it really comes down to which input on the Gustard is superior, and I’m sure they can tell you that.  My point was that IF the i2S input is better on your DAC as it is on mine, then an extra $400 or so is like a DAC upgrade on the cheap that can work in concert with the better streamer. 

@navyachts What part of the world are you in? There is a dealer here in Southern California that is aggressive with pricing on some products.

@bikeboy52 just north of Seattle, so just up the road! Can you share the dealer’s name? How about your bike too?

@soix it's a general consensus (over at head-fi) LAN is the best connection on the Gustard, but that's using the DAC as a renderer, which I won't be doing. So, not sure if USB or i2s is the way to go at this point. Although, it sounds like USB is the Aurenders preference for connecting to a DAC. Thanks!

@navyachts Indeed ,right up the road, quite a beautiful road too if you’ve got the time.I’ll PM you his number, communication is tough over the phone but I think it could be worth it for you. He,s sold me both Aurender and Prima luna. I purchased my Focal Kanto speakers from Hawthorne stereo up in your neck of the woods and they beat everyone by a long shot down here even with shipping.Best !

@bikeboy52 very familiar with Hawthorne, quite a few demos there but unfortunately no purchases yet. Great prices and a great spot regardless. Thanks for the CA info as well!