Aurender n200, talk me out of signing on the dotted line

 

wlutke OP

681 posts

03-28-2024 at 07:56am 

@dwest1023 

Should I get sound on par with my CD I'll be happy as a pig in spit.  Good to hear.

I don’t see why not. Few weeks ago I compared the N200 to Marantz SA10 spinning CDs. To make certain my comparison was 🍏 to 🍏 I compared an uncompressed FLAC rips on a N200 (Samsung SSD mounted inside the Aurender) to a CD played on SA10. The N200 was connected to the SA10 via AQ Diamond USB. To be honest I preferred the N200 in some case but it was nearly impossible to distinguish. It was not worse than the CD. 
Compared to Qobuz HiRes version of the same album is not a relevant comparison as it could be a different mix/master on Qobuz but I did that as well.
Judging purely from sound quality (tone, accuracy) perspective it’s on par with 💿 

@wlutke

There is an Aurender N10 for sale right here on Audiogon for $3k. I just purchased a used N10 to replace the N100 and it sounds great. From what I read, these models are more organic sounding than the newer models. I never had issue with the conductor app since I purchased the N100 6 years ago. BTW- I’m also using the Audio Mirror IV.

If you’re looking for a warmer sounding tube with less grain for your Audio Mirror, I bought an NOS Mullard 6DJ8 for $47 from Brent Jesse. 

@ronrags

I considered that option (N10) at length too.

Looks like a good unit.

I’ve used a Mullard, much prefer the Tele.

Is this thread’s title serious, or more a search for confirmation?

I have no need for any unit such as this and couldn’t be talked into spending 1/10th of the retail price for one, but seems you want to get it, so why would anyone need to talk you out of it?