Aurender Model Choices


Before I ask my question let me provide some context.

My system includes the following:

New MacBook Air Running itunes/Music serving hundreds of stored CDs

Macbook connected to my Benchmark DAC3 via Audioquest Coffee USB Cable

DAC balanced connection to Benchmark HPA4 PreAmp

PreAmp balanced connection to Benchmark ABH2 Amp

Benchmark Amp connected to Harbeth C7es-XD Speakers

This configuration has provided a neutral clean, and balanced sound. Really no complaints. However I wanted to add Streaming. So I Signed up for Qobuz and downloaded the App to my MacBook. Using WiFi I found that the Qobuz stream offered superior sound quality to my local CD library. Even Redbook CD quality was better plus the HiRes albums were really good

So now I need to get a dedicated Streamer. Using the MacBook is not convenient and from what I’ve read a Streamer should offer additional SQ enhancement. I’ve done a lot of research and really like the Aurender products plus when I recently purchased my speakers I auditioned them with an Aurender Model 100. The sound was excellent. I plan to go back in a few weeks to audition the $6k N200 model. I’m sure it will sound very good but I will be left wondering what does the N20 sound like? How much better can it be for another $6K? Unfortunately my dealer doesn’t have one to audition and neither does any other dealer near me. I’ve read comments on several forums that the N20 is twice as good as the N200 or that the N200 is nipping at the heals of the N20 or that the N20 just offers a 20% increase in SQ or the N20 blows the N200 out of the water. Without a side by side audition I’m struggling with paying twice the price without a demonstrable and significant SQ improvement. I would expect a SQ that once heard I could never settle for the less expensive model. In my recent experience a more expensive model does’t always win. When buying my speakers I auditioned the Harbeth C7es-XD and the more expensive 30.2 XD model. After almost an hour of back and forth I preferred the lower priced model.

So to conclude has anyone had the opportunity to audition the N20 and N200 together?

If so please Specifically what if any SQ differences did you hear and were they worth an additional $6k?

As I listen to my system streaming from my MacBook with wonderfully smooth, clean HiRes sound  I wonder can I actually get significantly more improvement for $6k or $12K?

Thanks for any info and experiences you can provide.

jfrmusic

I found the Benchmark a bit too matter of fact and cool sounding for my taste. While it’s a significant step in the right direction by the designers at Benchmark compared to the DAC 1 that I used to have years ago, it still retains that studio monitoring tool vibe. 
When I picked up the M3 I had A/B’d the two DACs.
The Bricasti sounds more natural and engaging in my system, to me. There’s an improvement across the board over the Benchmark DAC starting with its black background, better bass, clearer mids and more delicate highs to the soundstage. The M3 better matches the rest of my system as well. It also has a killer volume control if it needs to be used as a makeshift preamp, is better built, has linear power supply with digital and analog sections isolated, two toroidal transformers, lower noise floor and better details. It has multiple filters and clock settings that let you dial it in to best fit your system. Display that tells you the format/bitrate (auto shutoff) vs the tiny lights on DAC3. This isn’t a benchmark beat down. The Benchmark DAC 3 is an excellent DAC in its price category. I’m not downplaying its capabilities by any means. 

One more thing to add…I think the very resolving, dynamic but sweet/tube like sounding N200 with the right digital cable and power cord will greatly complement the DAC3. That’s why I stated it will be a good match. 

@audphile1 

Thanks again. I’ve wondered what a reasonable upgrade path might be if in the future I want a better DAC. Will keep the Bricasti in mind.