Comparing streamer/DACs between $5-10k

Just found a video of a reviewer talking about his Rose vs. Antipodes K22 FWIW

(Yes, not fair as the K22 is quite a bit more, I know) 

He rambles on quite a bit, so skip to about 14min in if you just want the Rose comparison

K22

I’ve been enjoying the Rose 250A for a few days now.  The rose app is really fantastic-maybe better than Aurender, & the sonics are about the same as the A200 that I home auditioned a couple weeks ago.  Now I am eagerly anticipating connecting my Venus 2 via Cardas high speed USB when that part of the kit arrives.  I will report back, but at this stage of my equipment investiture I am very pleased!

The Cardas high speed USB should be a nice improvement over what is packaged with the streamer.  Also keep in mind that both the cable and Venus need to break/settle in for a few hundred hours until you’re listening at full resolution.  Be patient. It kind of sneaks up on you.  One day you’ll be listening and realize, damn this really sounds good 😀

I had the hi rose 130 transport snd sold it after a week. In my system it had no life and no jump factor. I was very disappointed. I thought the Eversolo A8  was better.

I finally happened to get a deal on a aurender N200 and the foot tapping came back. The N200 was just so natural sounding. Everything just sounded correct. I only do local streaming from internal ssd. The n200 connected to my Pass 250 and Holo May KTE is just magic . I also use a Cardas hi speed usb cable. They do take a minute to break in. 

First, A big thank you to everyone for chiming in  on this purchase decision.  I now have a great combo of streamer (HiFi Rose 250A) + DAC (Denafrips venus2, 12th anniversary.).  Total cost to me was $4780.  I started with a strong consideration for a Aurender A200($6300+ tax). So glad I went with the combo of separates I did.  Sound quality I’m already enjoying from the Denafrips blows away the Aurender.  Not even close.  Even when I add the fancy cables (Cardas HS USB, AQ Ethernet) I’m well below what I would’ve paid alone for the A200 (without cables).  
 

*Another massive pleasant surprise is that the HiFi Rose app is brilliant!  Better than Conductor in every way with the exception that it doesn’t fade out of tracks you’re playing..

Current Rig:

HiFi Rose 250A—>

Denafrips Venus 2–>
ModWright LS100(SE Blue 6SN7’s & NOS Mullard 5AR4)—>
Rogue Audio dragoN—>
Chapman T-7 Speakers(these are 30 yrs old & outperform $30k Magicos and Sonus Fabers!!!!!!!!!!!)