Solo streamer

@rvpiano I had a Benchmark LA4 preamp. It is well regarded and delivers great sound. I really liked it, but felt there might be more to discover. Only suggesting that it would be worth trying something outside that brand. It is a bit on the cool, analytical side, which I honestly like, but I am happier since moving on to a different sound. 

@zlone

I believe my warm sounding tubed Conrad Johnson preamp makes the rest of the system work.

Ah, that would do it. 

OP,

That sounds right to me. Connnie Jay… great preamps.

I was wrong about AirPlay on the Aurender.
It sounds just fine, despite the volume being partly controlled by the tablet.