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Cocktail Audio N15 - A Contender?

I have been searching for an all-in-one streamer-DAC under $1000 that will offer good sonics, gapless FLAC playback of at least 24/192, wireless streaming via my home network, DLNA compliance, and digital output for future DAC upgrades.  It must have a good control app available for Android devices.  

Given my long list of requirements, I have only found one product that offers all of these features (although I cannot judge the sonics without hearing it, of course).  The Cocktail Audio N15 seems to do it all.  It even has a bay for a HDD, potentially eliminating the need for my separate server.

Has anyone tried/heard this unit or its app, "NOVATRON Music X" ?  Reviews on line are few and not comprehensive.  Thanks!  
bondmanp

Showing 2 responses by rowbozz

rowbozz
2 posts
 
I am trying it now (the newer N15D version). So far I have not been able to get Spotify Connect to work, but Roon does work through the Roon Ready function.

I do not have the Wi-Fi dongle so I can’t try the Wi-Fi connection. I have not tried the built in hard disk function, my music is stored on my iMac.

Audirvana Plus on my iMac to the N15D through USB sounds very good on it.

I wish it had a display showing the volume level to keep from accidently damaging my hearing or the speakers. The volume knob/faceplate does not have a min/max volume indicator. The volume knob is a little wobbly so it does not have a premium feel.

Sound quality is very good. Not as good as my PS Audio DSJ DAC but the DSJ cost four times as much.

If I succeed in getting Spotify Connect to work I will try to update this post.

I’m using firmware version 1.0.0.r1203 dated April 2018.

An alternative product to the N15D would be the Auralic Altair and Lumin D2, but the D2 does not have a volume control.

Here’s a good review on the N15D from Hans Beekhuyzen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23C1wcfvrA0


rowbozz
2 posts
 
Update on my earlier post: I was never able to get Spotify Connect to work on the N15D so I returned it for a refund from Hi-Fi Heaven. They were very helpful and they helped troubleshoot it. I recommend them as an audio dealer. I tried to get it to work with a Netgear R6400 router. You might have different results with a different model router.
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