Low-cost streamer compares to Aurender

Well the CAD isn't low cost but in general, I've found that my Mac Mini compares well with a few streamers I have had in the system. As stated above my experience is that the DAC is much more determinant of the SQ than the streamer. Will say that does not apply when you start talking about higher end renderer/streamers.

bonzo75 said:

Yes, Melco too...Will get to hear Melco and CAD CAT against Aurender at some point.

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spiritofmusic said:

Tao, I'd really really like to consider SOtM.
But your reports on its finickityness and my lack of experience/poor skills w computer audio make this a bad match.
I'd like to keep my options open however, so exactly what units of SOtM are you using, the website is pretty baffling?

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Been thinking about your dilemma, and thinking whatever way you go you will be on a learning curve

Even implemented servers still get glitches why is one of the immense annoyances of computer Audio

I think it is a must for you to have a good local dealer who will provide support

Having said that many are not experts and are relying on manufacturer support

All adult learning comes challenge to get something done

I am also unclear if you are familiar with any computer system Mac Windows, Linux etc

This might also help

Although I have a fair bit of experience now, I still started as a newbie plugging my Mac into the USB socket so long ago

If you can decide on a DAC, why not just start with an actual computer and take it from there
Do you have computer files

Or are you going to

Use tidal
Download from sites with hires
Rip your own Cd

I remember you previously stated you like your cd sound, so don’t see the point of you reproducing this again

Not being difficult just trying to focus your thoughts

If you into classical, just downloading you tube video from your computer, and even subscribing to Berlin philharmonic online can be an experience, I personally love the Berlin philaharmonic streaming

This would at least get you going

Roon is not much of a step up

But I am unclear where you are going to derive your software ?

Keith, move to Select is not feasible.
TBH, budget of Select II spent on creating my room/acoustic treatments/isolated pwr grid/balanced transformer/dedicated lines/Stacore isoln to cdp, has boosted my RBCD to near analog levels as it is.
I don't have another £80k sitting about for the MSB, and it's not needed.
My advice to you Keith - don't buy the Select, put as much investment as you can in yr room acoustics, power and vibn control, and you'll be v satisfied w what you already have.

Awsmone
In summary
I'm not a natural for computer audio, don't know my USB cbl from my elbow, indeed have a real antipathy to dealing w all things computer.
You know, just what's wrong w buying a disc, 5" silver or 12" black, and putting it in or on a player?
My genres aren't brilliantly covered by Tidal, but I know in time I'll find a fair amount I'll like.
I'm not at all bothered by Hi Rez, if others want to find dozens of Native specialist dsd, good luck to them.
All I want is a system that is relatively plug and play, and doesn't embarrass itself in comparison to my long established cdp and tt.
It's this last aspect that's going to tax me the most, but I'm rapidly concluding I don't need to go to SGM to have really enjoyable computer audio at home.
VPN's advice on Innuos Zenith SE working in his very impressive looking system, soon to mate with a top top dac, is selling the idea to me.

Ok Ked, Willdo.
I certainly need my hand held dipping into the shark tank that is computer audio.
At a fellow audio guy's house, me and Blue58 spent 90% of our time putting up w crashed files, and a computer not speaking to the dac.
And the other 10% feeling our fillings fall out of our teeth w rampantly noisy digititis.

Has anyone had the chance to compare the new A10 to the top of the line W20?

Also, the DAC in the A10, is it any good and does it compare to regular high end DACs?

The comparision between the 2 is far apart. You get what you pay for with the A10, which is a streamer and dac in one and represent a good value when considering separate streamer and dac. Additionally, you get full mqa decoding on top of that.

The flagship Aurender certainly sounds ahead, but also has a stronger character sonically, a more mid centric dense sound and big bass. The N10 may be moat balanced sounding from the range and again, has a different sonic character.

The W20 in particular has a most characteristic punchy bass which has snap and most centered in the midrange frequencie.

But all this seems to trade for some extension and resolution in the bass which seems to impart a similar bass tonality over different types and genres of music.

spiritofmusic said:

Ok Ked, Willdo.
I certainly need my hand held dipping into the shark tank that is computer audio.
At a fellow audio guy's house, me and Blue58 spent 90% of our time putting up w crashed files, and a computer not speaking to the dac.
And the other 10% feeling our fillings fall out of our teeth w rampantly noisy digititis.

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What kinda server is that? i have 2 OS running on separate SSDs and never have that connectivity issue. Digititis? Your pal must have bad stuff!
Sorry for you guys.