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?
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). |
+1 @jwpstayman The Aurender and T+A DAC 200 might make a great combo, since the Aurender can do both - PCM and DSD on USB. This is one flexible DAC with tons of option. |
@lalitk Given the state of my hearing, I'm unlikely ever to move up to N20. So as you say, the goal is to connect N200 via USB to a better DAC. Wondering which if any of those recommended above you would pair with the N200? |
