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Streamer and Connection Questions

I'm looking at a new DAC that requires a USB connection. Currently, I have a Grimm MU1 streamer, which I really love; however, it only has SPDIF or AES output to my Nagra Tube DAC for the connection. Obviously, Grimm is set up for Roon. So, my questions are:

  • Does anyone have experience with the Aurender N30SA?
  • Although I am a Roon lover,  should I bite the bullet and move over to the Conductor app. Although I am aware that this unit uses Roon, I have been informed that Roon lowers the SQ. 
  • I wouldn't be able to stream multiple playbacks simultaneously with the Aurender app, but I do enjoy using my Grimm as a whole house streamer, using music in almost every room.

Since I have a lifetime subscription to Roon, I could use the Aurender exclusively in my primary setup and keep the Grimm for the rest of the house.

Looking for some insights.

Thanks!

woots
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,987 posts
 

@woots

few things to consider…

1. Grimm is optimized for Roon.

2. Roon is a significantly better UI than the Aurender’s Conductor

3. With Aurender Roon will not sound as good as the using the Aurender Conductor. Means for critical listening you will use Conductor 

4. If you want separates, all you need is a top notch DAC to connect your MU1 to via AES cable 

5. if you want a top flight all in one, try Grimm MU2. It’s optimized for Roon and has an amazing DAC. 
 

Qobuz Connect is an option with Aurender but again the UI is not nearly as goos as Roon and with a Roon optimized unit like Grimm you really won’t benefit from it 

That’s my $0.02

woots's avatar
woots OP
368 posts
 

@audiophile1

answers to your comments then a comment or 2

1) Agree Grimm is optimized for Grimm

2) Agree Roon has a better UI than Aurender

3) I would use Aurender Conductor in my main listening area and Roon for streaming elsewhere. The dealer has verified this will work.

4) I already have separates. I have a Nagra Tube DAC with a separate power supply, but the DAC I am looking at (Master Fidelity) requires USB output from the streamer to the new DAC. The Grimm currently only has AES, and I'm using a Siltech Royal Double Crown Cable or SPDIF connection.

5) I prefer separates over top-tier all-in-ones.

So, my quandary is that I need a streamer that will continue to allow Roon to run in most of my house, like the Grimm, but I also need a streamer that has a USB port to connect with the new DAC I am looking at. I landed on the N30SA based on features and a dealer recommendation, but I have literally just started looking. Another option is the Ideon streamer, which does both Roon and Qobuz as well as Tidal similarly, but better than Aurender.

Appreciate your commentary and insights.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,987 posts
 

@woots 

Got it.
Aurender N30S has a premium OCXO clock and focuses on AES and Coax SPDIF outputs. USB implementation is also highly optimized in the Aurender bur with USB the clock in the DAC is the master clock. So you’ll not be leveraging the most of what the N30S is built for as your DAC will be the master clock.
It’s still an amazing streamer but I’m just not sure what the difference will be using USB out on N30S vs USB out on N20, feeding the Master Fidelity DAC.
 

I would think the N30S will most likely sound superior to Grimm MU1 driving your Nagra via AES.

In any case, it’s worth trying N20 and N30S with your hew DAC to see if the extra cost of N30S is absolutely worth it with USB output over N20. 

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