750$ Intel NUC vs $6000 Aurender N200: I don't hear the difference

I had Rogue RP1 preamp that retails for around $1600?

I bought it used for about $1200.
I had Audience OHNO ( oh no…) interconnects on it initially then upgraded to Acoustic Zen Matrix Ref II, then to Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper. I also put a Nordost Brahma power cord on it. These cables, each set, cost a lot more than that preamp. And each cable upgrade took it to new heights. I eventually upgraded the preamp and kept the cables.
I’m not sure why’s it so impossible to understand:

1. That cables improve the performance of the components

2. It’s none of your business the cables I decide to buy after hearing them bring so much to the table

3. No one owes anyone any type of justification. The best measurement tool is our ears. We buy what we can afford and what sounds best. It’s that simple.

This hobby is a journey for a lot of us, not a destination.
We learn along the way. Sometimes from our mistakes. The objective is to enjoy the best possible music reproduction within what each of us considers reasonable, for us, in our own systems, in our own rooms.

If there’s anything I’m missing please let me know.

”It’s none of your business the cables I decide to buy after hearing them bring so much to the table”

Wow!  Then why post? Why ask us questions as to what we should do?  Sorry man, but just cuz I disagree with you doesn’t mean I have less right to respond to a post. 

One other point: Of course measurements (and science) matter.  Here’s an example.  I live in a temperate region where weather hasn’t materially changed.  My experience tells me weather is not changing, ergo, no climate change.  I mean, I know what I’m experiencing, therefore I must be right.  Or maybe my local weather patterns have changed, but I haven’t bothered to monitor the data closely, so I pronounce “no climate change.”  Either way I’m wrong, even though I’m convinced of my rightness.  So let’s welcome the world of science and measurements, where the phenomena we experience /or don’t - are well explained and understood.  I don’t criticize Newton for ruining my experience of the falling apple.  I thank him for enhancing my understanding of it.  

So yes, I think you’re missing a bunch.  

@audphile1 

btw, once again you misrepresent my position.  Your interconnect example is actually consistent with my post - I specifically said that power cables really matter in the analog realm - DACs, amps, preamps.  Do what is your point exactly?

@mdalton was it not you who earlier stated this: 

 I would just note that you may have been a little harsh towards the op here. 

You just told half of this forum they are pissing their money away. I think the shoe is on the other foot.

I am done responding in this thread.