This is the DAC I use and also the previous version, been very happy :
As I said previously get the N20 with an A100 you'll be very happy and combine them with the Musetec, USB is great but you can get a DDC if you like and use I2s.
Aurender N30SA or Jay's Audio CDT3-MK3
I have the Jay's Audio CDT3-MK3. I have a lot of CDs but I also have made a lot of recordings from FLAC files bought on Presto and burned to CD-R.
I recently replaced the Philips CD Pro2 with a new one. Now I notice that my Maxell CD-Rs are noisy in comparison to commercial CDs which are very quiet.
I bought a different brand of CD-R Verbatim and they are quiet like the commercial CDs. Now I want to replace all the Maxell with the Verbatim and that is a lot of CD-Rs which I burn at 4X so it will take a long time.
So I considered getting an Aurender N30SA to play the FLAC files from the server. I was hoping the sound quality would equal or be better than what I was getting from my burned CD-Rs played on the Jay's.
I asked AI which would sound better and got the following response (see below for a summary). I know to be careful accepting what AI has to say and try to do more research to confirm. What are your thoughts on what AI had to say?
I also found this thread where Brandonhifi likes his Jay's over his Aurender W20SE but he was streaming rather than playing the files from the server https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/jay-s-audio-cdt3-mk3-wins-over-aurender-w20se/by_member?username=lordmelton
AI
So which one “sounds better”?
If the disc is perfect (AZO, Taiyo Yuden, MAM‑A Gold, or a flawless pressed CD):
➡️ Jay’s CDT3‑MK3 will sound more natural, more dimensional, more “live.” It has a drive and immediacy that even the N30SA can’t quite duplicate.
If the disc is average or flawed:
➡️ Aurender N30SA will sound cleaner, quieter, and more stable. It removes all mechanical variables and gives you a blacker background.
If the rip is bit‑perfect and the DAC is excellent:
➡️ N30SA will be more consistent and more neutral.
If you value “musicality,” “drive,” and “presence”:
➡️ CDT3‑MK3 wins with a great disc.
If you value “silence,” “precision,” and “effortlessness”:
➡️ N30SA wins every time.
Thanks, Kent
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The N20 is very tempting at the much lower price point. And I bet I would like it but I would always wonder about the N30SA. This has been such a difficult decision for me. I am still thinking but leaning towards going all out with the N30SA. The N50 also crossed my mind but no. dwest1023 I have been researching the Holo May KTE and it does sound like that might be the one for me without going crazy. It will be difficult for me to pull the trigger because this is so much and I thought I was done when I bought the Jay's. It has just had issues for me. I replaced the laser and then a few months later that broke. I bought a new CDPro2 and then it was loud on all my CD-R. Perhaps it was loud on the 1st one too but I never noticed it and can't believe I wouldn't. I had to move on. The new Verbatim are quiet and so for a while I gave up on getting an Aurender. But the display is also dimming on my Jay's. I bought a new display but can't figure out how to install it. Have asked for instructions months ago and am waiting. Maybe it is very difficult. If I get the N30SA and Holo May, would I connect with AES or USB. Copilot is recommending USB while I think another AI recommends AES. AES would use the N30SA clock while USB is supposed be very good on the Holo May. I have an older Byrston Preamp that only takes RCA so I would have to use that and not XLR. One AI recommends using a signal transformer so I can use XLR into the DAC if I understand correctly. This is getting overly complicated. However, Copilot says RCA is just fine and best. I realize I am relying too much on AI, but it is quick for now and is helping me understand the possibilities so I can get more information. I need to do more research. I have a switch so I can go between my preamp for my speakers and an Enleum AMP 23-R for my Susvara Unveiled headphones. I really do appreciate all the advice. This is a huge purchase for me and I want to do it right. |
@kent10 you will be making a big mistake with N30SA and Holo DAC. You should focus on the DAC. For the same price if buying new you can get EMM Labs DV2i and you don’t need a separate streamer. You also don’t need a preamp if you ate just running digital as a source There’s also MSB DAC with streaming module and several other DACs with similar features. You said you’re looking for advice. I’m giving you one. DAC will make the biggest difference in your case.
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Thanks audphile1. I do appreciate your advice. I would be buying the N30SA and probably also the Holo May used. The main attraction to Aurender for me is the server end to use all the files I have. And the Conductor software. I have never streamed except lower quality Spotify to see if I would like a performance. Many of my files and CDs are not on Qubuz. I'll keep looking at the EMM Labs to learn more about it. |
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