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Discerning a difference between streamers is difficult...only me or common for all?

I have struggled to appreciate the upgrade to the streamer in my system. A couple years ago I had an Audio Research DAC 8 being fed by a Bluesound Node 2i. I picked up an Aurender N10 and did not appreciate anything so sold the N10. I tried a couple all-in-one units. First was the Aurender A20 and I was happy but curious about dCS. I got a Bartok 2.0 and felt the music was more natural sounding from the Bartok and sold the A20. I have always wanted the Audio Research DAC 9 to match all my other AR gear so got one that showed up on eBay a couple weeks ago. Since I couldn’t use the Bartok to stream I ordered a new Bluesound Node Nano so I could utilize the DAC 9 immediately. The pair sounded wonderful but I did not compare it to the Bartok. I ended up getting a quick buyer and it was already gone. The following week I purchase an Aurender W20. I was prepared to have my mind blown....but no. Some albums I could not tell any difference in the sound and others I think the W20 sounded slightly better but again...nothing huge. For the money and the space the W20 took on my shelf, I sold it. Over the years I always appreciate upgrades for all other components. This makes me feel like I am losing my mind. Have any others experienced this regarding streamers? I want to try more. Auralic and Lumin are on my list.

Thanks,

Dana

dhite71
dhite71 OP
336 posts
 

Some additional insight was offered by Aurender tech support.  I owned an A20 for about a year and had spoke to and emailed them a few times throughout my ownership.  Their support/service is top notch.  They felt that since I only had the Audioquest Cinnamon when using the W20 that I never was able to realize its full potential.  Unfortunately I didn't yet have access to the Clearer Audio Silver Line cable that sounds so good with the Node Nano.  

I ordered the Audio Envy digital coax and the Snake River Boomslang today so will have more cables to audition in the next week or so.  

Whatever cable I end up with I am sure I will try more streamers over time...maybe even another Aurender like the N20 or W20SE.  That is one thing I enjoy about the used market.  I am fine with buying and selling a piece of equipment like that and sometimes you may lose a few hundred or may even make a few hundred.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,613 posts
 

@dhite71 

Experimenting with streamers in the used market is a smart and practical approach, especially when dealing with high-end gear like the Aurender N20 or W20SE. It’s a great way to explore different sound signatures and features that best suits your needs and also helps towards refining your system.

IME, N20 holds a sweet spot in Aurender lineup. 

dogearedaudio's avatar
dogearedaudio
162 posts
 

@asctim

I’m not talking about cables, that’s a rather different topic. I’m talking about the differences between different servers and different software. One digital copy may exactly resemble another, but you still have to get that digital file from one place to another and then convert it to a convincing analog audio presentation. Some people have latched on to SD players, which eliminate all the server protocols like DLNA and UPnP, and pretty much do away with an intervening operating system. But most digital audiophiles are stuck with a motherboard, an operating system and various forms of interconnectivity between the server and the DAC--USB, coax, I2S etc.

As for "grooves are grooves," well, take the same LP and play it on two different turntables. Heck, two different catridges! All else being the same, that LP will sound completely different.

 

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