FWIW I am running my N200 with USB to a Denafrips Hermes/Terminator 15th combo and it is a really good combo. I like R2R dacs. I also like the option to use the I2s connection as wells as the clock sync function. The Terminator is a huge DAC and very well made.
DAC for Aurender N200
For past 2 years I have been running Aurender N200 into Musical Fidelity M6s DAC. The DAC is built like a tank and very versatile, but I must connect via coax since Aurender clock is superior to DAC clock.
Well, I am ready to upgrade DAC for SQ reasons and presently inclining to PSAudio MkII for US mfr, good reviews, good service, current bargain price.
Q1: What DAC (<$8k) would you consider an optimal match for the N200?
Q2: N200 has very few outputs compared with other streamers in its price class.
I know Aurender has always inclined to USB. All else being equal, is USB the best output?
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@soix Clocks are not as important for USB compared to the other connections. Also, the N200 only uses a TCXO clock and not an OCXO clock like the N20. Big difference! |
The N200 has only USB and coax outputs. But I would like to use USB with a superior DAC and it sounds like used ARC DAC 9 would fit that bill. I have always aspired to hear what an ARC piece would do in my (slowly evolving) system. Will be on lookout for a used DAC 9. Failing that, I gather T+A DAC 200, Denafrips Terminator (product support after Vinshine?), Bricasti, PS Audio might all provide a distinct improvement. Thanks to all for insights. Any other info welcome pending good luck on the used market. |
@willywonka Yeah I was aware the clock in the streamer is basically a non issue for USB, but the info on the TXCO clock was interesting. That said, my Iris has a TXCO clock and I still notice a significant improvement although I’m using the i2S connection so not sure how much each is contributing. |
I am using a Lab 12 DAC 1 Reference with my N200. I like this DAC a lot , I bought the N200 by leveraging a preamp I wasn't using that had some value toward the N200. For .$800 plus that trade I stepped I to an Aurender. For me it was a no brainer. Another factor was I wanted a streamer good enough that it would not be outclassed if I updated my DAC. The N200 has had some recent FW updates and some Conductor updates in the last month. Aurender support is excellent |
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