Aurender N100h usb to Qutest dac issues -SOS-

Have you contacted Aurender for support? Is your N100H updated to the latest firmware? Those are good first steps.

The Aurender is a streamer you can't use it with a Node, Roon or anything else. Connect it to your router by ethernet cable the USB from Aurender to the DAC.

DAC out to your amp.

Thanks for the replies, quick update. The N100h is on latest firmware. It's never had problem feeding other usb DACs. I've had my Arcam irDac, Schiit Gumby, and now the build in dac on my Mcintosh. Never had these issues before. 

Lordmelton, I'd replace the N100H with the Node. No confusion about what's feeding what. May seem like a downgrade but I'd try it. I'm somewhat motivated to get away from usb feeds. Like I said they can be a little finicky and I listen to mostly redbook so coax should do nicely.  

Hi treynolds, Interesting system.

The description you give of SQ sounds like something I've heard with new gear before burn in.  Seems the previous owner exclusively used S/PDIF and you are only using USB.  Possibly the two signal paths are sufficiently discrete to require separate burn in time?  
In the past I've noticed this requirement for addressing each input channel separately in some of my amplifiers.

While I still suggest you contact Aurender for support - it's always worth making that effort - I gave up on my N100H and dumped it at a loss. Many people praise Aurender products and support but I have nothing nice to say about either one, based on my experience.

Sandstone, yeah I thought of the break-in potential but when I swapped in a no name pc grade usb cable just to test...it sounded much worse, downright unlistenable. Same cable then moved to integrated amp's dac and it sounded fine. Hey I use nice cables too, but even the no name one should never have sounded that bad.   

And taking the Aurender out of the equation, this same thing is going on for a MacBook Pro direct via usb, and iPhone and iPad via Camera Connection kit (usb).  It 

So darn frustrating, thanks for the assist guys. 

usb is not an issue with a server designed from the ground up to run USB.

our 432EVO servers sound amazing, run usb flawlessly and are 100% upggradable and modular

this design allows you to purchase A STARTER SERVER AND EASILY UPGRADE ITS SOUND QUALITY

this is done by swapping parts.which then moves You into the next model.

WE DO ALL SERVICE IN THE STATES.aS WELL.

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect nj

US importer 432EVO music servers

Cleeds, what problem did you have with your N100h? Mine is rock solid compared to the darn Mcintosh MB50 streamer/dac. Sounded real nice but often lost it's settings and you'd have to start from scratch setting it up. No wifi issues though, I could rerun playlists for weeks without issue. But the more I went in and changed tracks or do anything...the problems began.

In contrast, the Aurender runs internet radio almost constantly (custom URLs now too!) and I hit my Qobuz playlists hard daily. Rarely a hiccup, never had any wifi issues with my Netgear and Cisco bridges. I've been in IT for over 25 years, so I'm covered on all the networking stuff.

audiotroy, thanks for the info. I'd put the Aurender in a pretty high class too. Lots of well sorted out usb equipment to be had. What OS do these 432EVO servers use?

treynolds155

Cleeds, what problem did you have with your N100h ...

"3. So I take the Aurender out of the equation and Camera Kit connect my iPhone and iPad directly to the Qutest’s usb connection and it’s the same. MacBook Pro direct usb in...same thing."

The Qutest has a busted USB check it with other things.

Maybe needs a factory reset and software/firmware update contact Chord.

Thanks for all the updates gentlemen. A shout out to Jeff the seller who put me in contact with the east coast Chord service guy, Steve. Talked to Steve for quite a while and he went through the normal questions, probably in his mind to figure out how I screwed it up lol.

When I told him my background and the steps I took, he pretty much stopped me after I mentioned the Apple CCK with two IOS devices not working either, and said..."yeah you've got a bad board". So hopefully in about a week he'll be popping a new one in, fresh from England. 

Now that's service from a seller and a good company. It'll be basically brand new so lots of break-in will commence. I'll circle back and report on the N100h/Qutest combo after the repair. 

Cleeds, your Aurender experience sounds horrible. I've never had to contact them once, I've used three different usb DACs pretty much problem free. One strange quirk is if you change tracks too often and quickly, the Aurender will eventually  give you a usb error on the screen, and a reboot of the dac is required. Bounce around tracks just a little slower and you can go for months problem free. 

what worked I have the same pieces same problem??? Please!

@wjz500333 

Sorry to hear you've got the same problem. My Qutest was sent to a factory authorized service tech and the mainboard was replaced. Never had a problem since. 

You may be better off with a UC100 or UT100 converter and just go fiber or coax to it. I ended with both and prefer the coax by just a smidge. 

My Qutest is almost new. I tried changing the voltage last night from 3 to 2 and it seemed to be gone. Did you keep yours at 3Vs? I’m thinking about getting the Denafrips Pontus II 12th I have the ability to audition one in my system and decide if I like it better. If not I just paid for shipping. I love the Qutest but it will great to A/B them. 

I tried both voltages and it did not correct the issue prior to repair. Would be interested to hear your take on the Pontus vs Qutest.