DAC for Aurender N200

@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.

I actually liked the Bartok.  I didn’t find it analytical at all.  I just like the Terminator a bit more.

The Audio Analogue AA DAC for 5000, it has a great volume control, you can eliminate the preamp…a real steal..

@marco1 I too have found that my Terminator 15th (Which is a Terminator +) sounds really good with the N200. I almost bought a T+A Dac 200 but changed my mind.

Everyone likes something different, of course, and most people recommend what they have. I have the DCS Bartok And it is not at all analytical to my hearing. But I will say the upgrade to the Apex version is a substantial improvement in sound quality. If you got interested in it, I would strongly consider the Apex version, to my ears, the upgrade is very much worth the money.