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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
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,742 posts
 

I’m really happy with using a good USB from my N200 to the Pontus ll. Though I must admit that I haven’t tried ABS/EBU.

lanx0003
852 posts
 

The following DACs are highly compatible with the Aurender N200’s capabilities in delivering high-resolution files and managing noise effectively.

R2R

  • Denafrips Pontus 15th / Venus 15th – Highly regarded for natural, analog-like sound.
  • Holo Audio Spring 3 (Level 2 or KTE) – Exceptional detail and tonal richness, suitable for audiophiles.
  • MSB Discrete DAC – Modular design, excellent for upgrades; very high-end performance.
  • Rockna Wavelight DAC – Smooth, organic, and precise sound reproduction.

Delta-Sigma chip based

  • Chord Qutest / Hugo TT2 – Known for transparency and detail retrieval.
  • Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ – Offers a neutral and detailed sound signature with a robust feature set.
  • Benchmark DAC3 – Clean, accurate, and neutral presentation, ideal for reference listening.
  • T+A DAC 200 – A hybrid approach delivering both precision and warmth.

Hybrid or Tube-based

  • LampizatOr Amber 4 – Tube-based design for warm, lush sound.
  • Audio Note DAC 2.1x – Purely musical with a minimalist approach.
  • PS Audio DirectStream DAC MKii – FPGA-based, highly resolving and smooth sound.
  • Weiss DAC502 – High-end DAC with precision and great functionality.
  • LTA Aero DAC – Tube output stage with low output impedance

High-End (these might be over your budget but worth consideration one day you become rich

  • dCS Bartók – Renowned for advanced technology and unparalleled soundstage.
  • dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC – dCS flagship DAC
  • Mola Mola Tambaqui – Compact, highly resolving, and extremely dynamic.
  • Esoteric N-05XD – Matches the refinement of the Aurender N200  perfectly.
  • Luxman DA-06 – Offers a smooth, musical presentation with excellent build quality
willywonka
245 posts
 

I'm using my Aurender N200 with a Holo Audio May KTE DAC via USB and I'm very happy. I did try coaxial but thought the USB sounded better.

terrapin77
87 posts
 

The AudioMirror Tubadour V is <$8k and is an excellent tube DAC. 

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,800 posts
 

we sell a  large number of dacs: naim, nad,chord,bricasti, aqua hifi, and a few others 

 

we recommend you look at an aqua hifi lascala for a number of reasons:

 

Extremely musical r to r design with a tube output stage:

unlike many r to r designs the lascala has incredible resolution while  having a lush midrange.

accepts high res pcm and dsd

is completely modular and upgradable so as technology improves the dac can evolve.

 

Dave and Troy

Audio Intellect NJ

aqua hifi dealer

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