Jay’s Audio CDT3-MK3 wins over Aurender W20SE

I agree with @lalitk that a well mastered recording in any format would sound excellent.

@brandonhifi 

It would be fair to compare the same master recording amongst all formats and come to your own conclusion as to how your money would be next well spent. Once you have concluded what is best for your system and your ears, you will be vindicated by your next purchase of cd's or streaming service. 

This hobby is indeed a journey of discovery of what works best for you. And there can be no regrets for your streaming needs as the W20SE is indeed a top-notch streamer in its own right. So, you already have the best of both worlds in your system but only with the best masters.

Try. Using HQ player ,through a great purpose built computer using optical ,a very good dedicated line all Gold copper connections throughout ,which makes a Big difference.

a very good dac, like a Denafrips Terminator + or 2, or Holo springs May KTE ,  very good quality digital cables which are at least $750 minimum and a synergistic research Ethernet hub  makes a world of difference I  no longer need CDs period 

I use Roon HQ player which I built into the Roon core, and QObuz ,

tons off flexibility and processor power with HQ player ,you need at least 1-2T  SS drive just forHQ player ,once you learn it you will never remove it it is that good .

@brandonhifi maybe a stupid question, but how are you getting a sacd ripped to the aurenders hdd ? 

This take me to the same place in the subject of analog vs digital streaming. People need to stop turning everything in to a competition. We right now have so many great ways to get music we know and discover new artist we never knew existed before. All sources should be looked at as complements instead of competitions. Enjoy the music any way you can get it.

@brandonhifi I too am of the opinion that stored AIFF/FLAC/WAV sound better then my streaming source (Innuous ZenithMK3 w Phoenix; stored vs streamed). I'd also lean towards a good CD transport doing the same set against streaming.