Solo streamer

@rvpiano there is something else you might try. Your CJ preamp is capable of 20 volts output. The Benchmark amp has three gain settings. Try setting the Benchmark gain to a lower setting. Hopefully it isn't already at the ~2v setting. Krell has been known to run one stage of the amp high into the next stage, giving the dynamics a boost.

Mick designer of Supratek believes line stages must have high output for this very reason. He realizes it won't be optimal for every amp and system, so the linestage as adjustable volume and another control for output voltage. My PS Audio S300 amp has an stage in it and 10db more gain than the Orchard Audio Stereo Ultra DMC V1 amp. I have to change the preamp to match the amp. Your amp is providing the same adjustment. 

Good luck,

aldnorab 

@aldnorab,

My Benchmark is already at the lowest gain setting.

Thanks for your suggestion though..

@ghdprentice it isn’t the worst but it isn’t the best. It sounds fine on my system. But it’s kind of bunched up and overdone. Dynamic range from quiet to loud is fine. The loud is the overdone part. No fault of N200. 

@audphile1 @rvpiano 

have followed this thread with interest. tempts me to go and buy an Aurender N200 right now. But a bit out of my budget. @audphile1 or others - any views on the N150? Or any other streamer in the $3k-4k range?

regards,

Manu

@dxbwineguy

i was in the same position you are in. I decided to buy the N200 on time, interest free with 12 monthly payments. Doesn’t hurt as much.  
I’m so happy I did.  It’s totally worth it.