Aurender N10 Caching Music Server review

[rottikid]

Well my Aurender has arrived and I will be loading my music files this weekend. Dan when you loaded your music files did you load them onto one folder, for example, "Classic" or did you set up individual folders. I'm thinking 1 folder for entire red book and 2nd folder for High Rez? Also do you leave your Aurender when not playing in Stand by mode or do you power it down? Thanks.
Jim

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by rscotth

Dan,

Since you are only using the SPDIF outputs, is there a way to turn off the power to the USB audio output in the N10?

Scott.......Yes, the USB power can be shut off, although I haven't figured out how to do it yet. I sent an email to Aurender support asking them how it's done..

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by rottikid

Well my Aurender has arrived and I will be loading my music files this weekend. Dan when you loaded your music files did you load them onto one folder, for example, "Classic" or did you set up individual folders. I'm thinking 1 folder for entire red book and 2nd folder for High Rez? Also do you leave your Aurender when not playing in Stand by mode or do you power it down? Thanks.

Jim.......

I moved my music files into several folders, Rock, Jazz, New Age, Classic, and Hi-Res. All of your music shows up when you tap Albums and All. Having the folders allows you to narrow down a search.

I have not turned off the N10 since I powered it up. I have been playing a playlist on Repeat 24/7 to speed up the break-in process. It is still playing right now. I shut off the amps and preamp but leave the N10 and the K-03 on. Right now my Aurender N10 has 294 hours on it. I'll be heading down to the studio shortly for some more listening.

When I get to the point of turning the N10 off once I have sufficient break-in hours on it, I plan to use Standby. My PurePower 2000 AC regenerator that powers the N10 has battery back-up, so if there is a utility power interruption I don't have to worry about any type of improper shut down causing me issues. If the music server were plugged into the wall or a power conditioner that loses power if the utility goes down, then I would turn the server completely off as detailed in the owner's manual.

[pete6737]

Thanks for the info, Dan! It's on my short list to mate with my K03X. Glad you've figured out the USB.
I'm still recovering from my daughters over budget wedding! Maybe in spring I can get one.

[rscotth]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Scott.......Yes, the USB power can be shut off, although I haven't figured out how to do it yet. I sent an email to Aurender support asking them how it's done..

Thanks Dan. I also sent them a message to get clarity on turning off the USB audio out. Keep us posted. Thx

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by rscotth

Thanks Dan. I also sent them a message to get clarity on turning off the USB audio out. Keep us posted. Thx

Scott.......I just noticed in your signature that along with your Aurender N10 you also have the Aurender N100H. Can you offer some impressions on how the N100H sound compared to the N10? I am already beginning to consider an N100H for the living room system.

[rscotth]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Scott.......I just noticed in your signature that along with your Aurender N10 you also have the Aurender N100H. Can you offer some impressions on how the N100H sound compared to the N10? I am already beginning to consider an N100H for the living room system.

Dan,

As you know the n100h only uses USB audio out. I, like you, prefer the clock inside the n10. The n10 is much more of an audiophile type component. Better air, detail and soundstage. Don't get me wrong, the n100h is a great unit, just not as refined as the n10. I like the flexibility of the n10. I'm using BNC out to my audio research dac9 and xlr aes to my oppo ha-1 headphone amp. I've completely bypassed the Esoteric dac. The dac9 is more liquid and smoother and "more analog"! I started with the n100h, to dip my toe in, and the limitation of only USB out was a bit of a negative for me. I use the n100h when we travel. We usually rent a house up north for a month or two, and it works great for that with a dac and hp amp. I've also used the n100h in my office system. It's interface with the conductor app, is identical with what you're used to. For a second system the n100h is a great way to go!

[jdandy]

Scott.......Thank you. Does the N100H have Tidal integration with the Conductor app? I notice that there is no mention of Tidal in the N100H advertising.

[rscotth]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Scott.......Thank you. Does the N100H have Tidal integration with the Conductor app? I notice that there is no mention of Tidal in the N100H advertising.

It sure does.

[jdandy]

Break-in now equals 321 hours. The Aurender N10 is sounding so captivating and smooth, and Tidal streaming is quite impressive as well. The N10 is drawing me deep into the performance every single time. What a great Christmas present to myself.