mjb

Correct. If one finds $90 of resistors in the network path of a $20k streamer can improve the audio to the point of having to gush about it, I can only think that streamer wasn't designed correctly - or should at least incorporate those resistors, lol.

I don’t know why you are experiencing this, I certainly don’t. I can share my settings with you, but I’m pretty sure things are basically set at defaults. Roon and Devialet work very well together, over ethernet/Wifi, USB won’t give the signal path or volume setting feedback (to Roon).

Exactly. Don't underestimate the importance of the Reinheitsgebot.

Unless you're after totally silent operation, eg in conjunction with a fanless case.

The Devialet SPDIF to AES/EBU cable is below, it's as you describe: negative to pins 1 & 3, positive to pin 2.

Well, I think the intent is to stop people creating fire hazards with dodgy chargers. No mention of DRM anywhere. https://usb.org/sites/default/files/article_files/USB_Type-C_Authentication_PR_FINAL.pdf

In the brochure (http://www.moremusic.nl/aurender/brochures/Brochure-Aurender_A100.pdf) its says "AK4490(AKM) x 1 (Single Stereo Design)" - scroll down for an A10/A100 specification comparison. I would presume this is correct.

Same DAC (AK4490), but only one in stereo mode, as opposed to two in a dual-mono configuration in the A10, so not only the balanced outputs missing with the A100.

Max lengths - USB 2: 5 meters, USB 3: 3 meters, S/PDIF: 15 meters. So, I’d go with a long S/PDIF cable, but you may want to give either method a try and go with what works best.

@The Computer Audiophile Well, assuming internal components are in working order (which is quite a caveat for some older gear), circuit/chip design has without doubt improved over the years, and one would assume in a good way...

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with this on many levels. A couple of reasons perhaps why: Old today vs. yesterday - components age, capacitors leak, slower decoding, higher noise floor, etc... New today vs. yesterday - newer tech, shorter signal paths, better decoding, cleaner designs, faster data rates.

It's a fan-less design in a hefty metal box: the top gets hot because its dissipating heat. I'm quite sure there's no need to be concerned about the N100's TPD, and the processor (whatever it is) is obviously more than capable of running the task at hand.

Well, actually it doesn't matter. The audience turned the presentation into a bit of a sham. Good on Chris for making his point despite the opposition.

Who's the guy fast asleep?

Yes, burn in is a myth, and the burn-in period is usually a day or so longer than the ‘no questions asked’ return policy.

Yet another thread that started out promising, but has decended into underhand “he-said/she-said” bickering - like so many other threads on this forum. It’s a real pity.

A Conductor update is out, v2.9.11 adding an ACS connection feature. I don’t know what that’s means, but perhaps someone else will. The app icon is also a bit “modernized”, perhaps a sign of things to come.

@bmichels It's very easy to say "you get what you pay for", and to a large extent I think it's true, but there is also the rule of diminishing returns. Any Aurender is a big chunk of change. The higher up the range you go, you'd expect a sonic improvement, but we start taking about some serious coin. With an Aurender you're also buying into the software (Conductor app) and support which you'd get with any model.

From what I’ve read little to none sound wise, a little slower, limited dsp, and it’s fanless...

lol, the capital bold letters must have made me blind to it.

USB is designed to be hot-swappable, and I’ve certainly not had any problems hot switching DACs on my X100 (normal electrostatic precautions obviously apply). I have also not seen anything where Aurender specifically recomend powering down first, but I may have overlooked it. I have heard of some “boutique” USB cables not working correctly before if that applies.

I really don’t think the cable composition is going to make much difference for a 1ft interconnect. Just go for good quality construction at an affordable price.

@MikePM IMO you’re right, unfortunately we’ve seemingly become mostly box buyers these days. It would be nice to see some more diy projects, tips and discussions here - especially if we can all agree on the “server -> endpoint -> dac” model. Lots of room for experimentation there.

@bachish In your experience, does a well mic‘d solo cello benifit from 88.2 Khz/24 bit, or is there little to no activity above 22Khz?

@rapp Artwork must be either imbedded in each file with the help of a "tag editor" program, and/or saved as "folder.jpg" in the album folder with the AIFF files. Aurender supports both methods. iTunes doesn't do this, and this may be where the confusion arrises. Changes won't be instant, Aurenders scanner will discover the album art after a while, download a new database to the conductor app, and at that point you should see it in the Conductor app.