Aurender N10 - Stereophile 2017 Recommended Components A+

[GreginNH1]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Greg.......The more you listen to your Aurender N10 the more you will appreciate what a phenomenal music server it is. I hope you are taking advantage of the SPDIF coaxial output supported by the N10's ultra accurate oven controlled crystal oscillator clock. The clarity, detail, and texture of the music is astonishing.

I have owned my Aurender N10 just over 10 months now. I am still completely thrilled every time the music begins to play. Each time is like the first time. Truly remarkable performance from a state of the art caching music server.

It is a good looker, too.

Thanks Dan. I had a brief two hour session this week after getting back from vacation. The difference from my Bluesound Vault 2 is astounding!

I am heading out for a 3 day business trip today so Sunday will be the first day that I can devote some serous time to some critical listening.

Coincidentally, my Chord DAVE has also arrived and I will be comparing it to the K-01X when paired with the N10.

Best,

Greg

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by GreginNH1

Thanks Dan. I had a brief two hour session this week after getting back from vacation. The difference from my Bluesound Vault 2 is astounding!

I am heading out for a 3 day business trip today so Sunday will be the first day that I can devote some serous time to some critical listening.

Coincidentally, my Chord DAVE has also arrived and I will be comparing it to the K-01X when paired with the N10.

Greg.......The Chord Dave has received glowing reviews. It will be an interesting comparison. I will be looking forward to your review in a new thread.

Hope you left the N10 playing on repeat while you are away. It's a perfect way to log some break-in hours.

[ctsooner]

Great thread. I have loved the N10 since it first came out. My buddy has had nearly every other server in his room and so far nothing is close to the N10. I'm using the Ayre QX5/20 over the Chord Dave, which I like a TON. I actually just got a Mojo as I like what Chord does digitally. I know that Charles Hansen of Ayre used a spdiff input on his QX5/20, so that's interesting to see that is the output you guys are using. It makes sense that output could sound better than the USB. I have been hoping to use my ethernet input on the QX5/20 as it's internally, optically isolated, plus I use optical isolation within the room, but I will have to get it in the room and check out all the inputs.

[imprezap2]

Ayre knows how to implement good USB connections, doubt you will hear a difference over SPDIF. (I have a feeling USB will come out on top over the QX5)

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by imprezap2

Ayre knows how to implement good USB connections, doubt you will hear a difference over SPDIF. (I have a feeling USB will come out on top over the QX5)

Olaf.......The Aurender N10's SPDIF outputs (coaxial, Toslink AES/EBU) are controlled by Aurender's fully shielded and independently powered proprietary digital output circuits and its incredibly accurate oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) clock (0.02 ppm accuracy). The 2.0 USB audio grade output of the N10, as well as your N100H are very good but the asynchronous timing of the USN output is controlled by the clock in whatever DAC it is connected to. The huge improvement in timing accuracy associated with the N10's coaxial output does produce a performance difference. While I can appreciate your enthusiasm for the excellent and highly regarded Ayre QX5, it is my opinion that should you experience the Aurender N10's coaxial output connected to one of the SPDIF BNC inputs on the QX5 you would understand my enthusiasm for that connection over the USB. I keep both USB and coaxial outputs from my N10 connected to the Esoteric K-01X for direct A/B comparisons and also for DSD playback via USB, but my preference for PCM playback is definitely the coaxial output.

[imprezap2]

Hi Dan,

Same here, I understand your enthusiasm for the Aurender N10, in combination with the K-01X the SPDIF connection will be the better choice, but the Ayre DAC's have one of the better USB implementations (and the QX-5 has also a great internal clock, doubly-rotated Morion quartz crystal-based oscillator) getting the most out of N10/N100 USB connection.

There are more ways to get to Hifi heaven :-)

Ctsooner will be able to give the end conclusion if he tries the SPDIF connection

[ctsooner]

IF I get the unit back into the house, I will try them all. I will most probably use the AES/EBU connection between the two. I was told that the Ayre's Morton clock is as good as any unit you can get. I odnt' know the figures and can't find them. I do know that I feel the need to try them. Can I use the ethernet connection from the Aurender into the Ayre? I also find it interesting that Hansen uses a spinner with spdif connection. I also know he uses a Melco server.

I do feel that their USB connection is about as good as any I've heard in my system. I have had some top units in the house so I think I can make a decent decision when I get the N10 in.

[SCAudiophile]

Originally Posted by imprezap2

Hi Dan,

Same here, I understand your enthusiasm for the Aurender N10, in combination with the K-01X the SPDIF connection will be the better choice, but the Ayre DAC's have one of the better USB implementations (and the QX-5 has also a great internal clock, doubly-rotated Morion quartz crystal-based oscillator) getting the most out of N10/N100 USB connection.

There are more ways to get to Hifi heaven :-)

Ctsooner will be able to give the end conclusion if he tries the SPDIF connection

Ayre makes great sounding and performing gear! Any chance of finding out from Ayre what model Morion clock they utilize?

[jdandy]

ctsooner.......I will be very interested to read your impressions of the Aurender N10 supported by the Ayre QX5. As for the N10 Ethernet connection, I don't believe you can connect it directly to the QX5. As I understand it, the N10's Ethernet connection is strictly for LAN connectivity. You may want to ask the folks at Aurender (support@aurender.com).

[audio bill]

Originally Posted by SCAudiophile

Ayre makes great sounding and performing gear! Any chance of finding out from Ayre what model Morion clock they utilize?

I can't find the article now, but I recall reading that it's a custom clock which they source from the Russian manufacturer who actually cuts the crystals.