Lumin U2 or Aurender N200

I used to run Audience AU24se+ USB cable in my system and it was fantastic. I expect the FrontRow to be even better. Unfortunately I need 1.5m and in that length the Reserve is more than I want to spend on a digital cable. 

@audphile1 Just now I just happened to be reading an Inakustik cable review from a couple of years ago, and the reviewer quite liked their USB- I know we can't demo everything, but kind of perked my curiousity as he also went through AU24 and Diamond. Pasted below are a couple of highlights: 

"...For perspective, here are the USB aftermarket cables I’ve actually auditioned in my system: Audience AU24 SE; AudioQuest Cinnamon, Coffee and Diamond; Belkin Gold; Cardas Clear; and Wireworld Starlight 7. All of these beat stock USB cables handily, but I ended up with the Stealth Audio USB-T Select. ....

..The Stealth USB was slightly laid back, while the Inakustik High Speed USB was ever so slightly forward. Generally, I prefer slightly laid back, in part because of my room setup, which is set up “width-wise,” so the listening width is greater than the listening depth. Nonetheless, despite the slightly more forward presentation, I found myself more drawn into the music with the Inakustik. However, I had a hard time identifying exactly why. When I listened for specific qualities, such as tonality, soundstage, detail, dynamic range, etc., I was not able to readily discern any major difference in any of those particular aspects of the presentation. Gradually, I realized that I had just a bit “more” in every aspect of the Inakustik, and that the cumulative combined difference was a more realistic and engaging “live” presentation. This was especially true of good live recordings, where the combination of performer placement and excellent detail resulted in a phenomenal ability to focus either on individual performances, on the performance as a whole, or a combination of your own choosing. All of this for about 25% of the cost of an excellent USB cable that I had selected after extensive comparison testing. Very impressive."

https://www.dagogo.com/inakustik-reference-ls-4004-air-speaker-cable-reference-digital-2404-air-coax-cable-reference-high-speed-usb-cable-review/2/

Thanks @mclinnguy the fact that it’s forward sounding is alarming to me. I can’t have that with my electronics. I need cables that are as neutral (I try to avoid using this term usually) as possible. But the statement the reviewer made about the Stealth USB is kind of intriguing. I’ll ask how it compares to Audience. 
In my experience with Audience I like their USB, speaker cables and power cords. I have not had good luck with their interconnects in any iteration of my system, and I tried OHNO, AU24SE, AU24SX, FrontRow. Not impressed. I much prefer my Nordost Tyr 2. 

@mclinnguy 

Roon’s integration with folder views is a significant step for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to library management, especially when paired with devices like the ACS. It bridges the gap between metadata-driven organization and traditional folder browsing, offering both flexibility and convenience.

Coming back to your question, between software choices, I do like Roon’s user-interface and deep metadata integration but it wasn’t an easy transition. I have been in Aurender eco-system for over 10 years and Conductor app remains an excellent option for users who value a simpler, device-focused experience. 

Beyond the excellent Roon UI, I wasn’t quite sold on the SQ initially when compared with Conductor. The comparisons was made between my Merging +player and N20 and later with N30SA. And Conductor always sounded better, more natural and fuller until early this year. I believe it was around March or so, Roon made a substantial leap in SQ and closed the gap between the two. I went back n forth over the course of next three-month period to fully understand what was going on. If there were any differences between the two software, they were subtle at best with no apparent disadvantages. Both software sounded equally immersive and natural through my Merging DAC. 

For my specific needs, ACS is indispensable. You get Roon’s advanced playback and discovery features alongside the ACS’s SOTA iOS app, library management, ripping and ultra quiet storage / playback capabilities. 

@lalitk I wonder what that leap in sound quality was due to. I’m assuming you’re still using your N30S?
I’ve spent weeks of critical listening with my N200 / Bricasti M3 combo comparing Roon to Conductor. No luck for me. I actually ditched Roon - cancelled my subscription for now.

May be the superior OCXO clock in the N30S is the equalizer in your case? Since I’m running my digital front end with USB and my N200 isn’t as good as your N30S, the effect in my system is much more prominent?

Don’t get me wrong I love Roon. I just wish it sounded as good as the Conductor. I’d be using Roon only. 

@audphile1 

To my understanding, software updates to Roon app contributed to bump in SQ. They are constantly updating the software (mostly ironing out bugs) but the updates around March 2024, when I noticed Roon sounding significantly better than my previous accounts. As a result, I sold my N30SA back in July. 

What were you using to compare Roon. Roon did not sound good through my N30SA  compared to Conductor.