DAC for Aurender N200

@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 

With N200, USB is the best way to take advantage of its stellar capabilities. The SPDIF connection while it’s decent, provided for convenience and to facilitate connectivity with legacy DAC’s.

In absolute terms, OCXOs are much more accurate and stable than the temperature-varying crystal oscillators (TCXO’s).