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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?

 

hickamore
v-fi
90 posts
 

So many good options in your budget. Check out Meitner, Bricasti, Lampizator, Rockna, Denafrips. Laiv, etc. 

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,402 posts
 

+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.

hickamore OP
667 posts
 

@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?

marco1's avatar
marco1
522 posts
 

I find that on the N200 the usb is by far the better of the two connections. I run mine with a Denafrips Terminator Plus, which I also find to be a very good combination. I’ve also tried the Bartok and TA DAC’s but find the Terminator more to my liking.  I understand with Vineshine out of the picture Denafrips will still use their Texas service center so if there were to be a problem, service would not be too inconvenient for US residents. If you do decide on Denafrips I would confirm that though.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,114 posts
 

@hickamore a word of caution/warning with ARC DACs - only the latest iterations include the USB card that is compatible with Linux based streamers. You would have to check with ARC if the unit includes the latest USB card or was upgraded. Otherwise your N200 is not going to be compatible with DAC9 if you’re planning to use USB.

Few more DACs to add to the list…

Chord DAVE: Awesome DAC but a bit long in a tooth so expect a replacement soon however the prices on a used market are great.
dCS Bartok: older non-Apex version is within your price range. dCS are considered to be top notch DACs. The brand’s been around forever and as with other big names (think Wilson Audio, B&W, McIntosh, etc.) has its fan base as well as plenty of haters. I would not hesitate to try a dCS DAC if one’s available on a used market at a price that would allow for a flip at minimal loss in case you don’t like it. And this is true for other DACs as well. Everything in this hobby is subjective. Some will say dCS sounds analytical, others will state it’s superb and is natural and musical sounding - too many variables to consider and is best to try.

 

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