N10 versus W20SE
I recently solicited upgrade recommendations from my dealer. In his first response, he pushed the W20SE. I was a little blown back by the cost. After further discussions, he recommended the N10. If money were no object, I’m sure the W20SE is superior. I was wondering if anyone has owned or compared these 2 options. If so, how big is the difference in performance. I’m leaning to the N10 primarily due to cost considerations. I’m wondering if I should defer my decision until the W20SE could be an option.
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The N10 is a great player, but the W20SE wins easy, no contest.
My dealer had a W20SE for some time, when putting the N10 back in his sytem, the difference was not minor. (as is the price difference) |
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Did you feel like it is worth the almost 3 times difference in cost? I’m concerned the balance of my system would not allow me to fully appreciate the difference. McIntosh 452/50 amp/preamp Ayre QX5-Twenty DAC Rockport Atria speakers |
I think the N10 would match your system very well, would not worry about the W20SE.
You can always upgrade at a later date. With the QX5-Twenty and a good AES (XLR) digital cable connected to the N10, the result will be very good. |
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Thanks for your thoughts. I was leaning towards the N10. |
Sorry, no mention of sales on the open forum please.
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N20 and N30 models are coming
Just for your information: two new Aurender models are coming this autumn, the N20 and the N30.
The N20 is a "one-box" model, while the N30 is a "two-box" model with a separate power supply. You can find more information if you search the net. Some say that the N20 is right there with W20SE sonically. |
Talked to my dealer, who talked to Aurender. The N20 and N30 are only available in Asia for now (for some reason), and are not anticipated for US availability until later in 2021. The W20SE is intended to remain their flagship model with its battery operation, and I suspect its SSD (looks like the N20 and N30 have spinning HDD). I definitely want to A/B the W20SE vs N30 to find out their differences in sound. Certainly the big OLED screen of the N30 is more impressive, but sound quality is my first priority.
My W20SE was delivered today, mailed straight from Korea. |
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I think I got my WE20se not long after this post. I am very thankful for having gone for the WE20se instead of the N10.
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George |
I suppose it depends on the DAC. I have tried both (USB and AES)... if there is a difference it is not great. But your Esoteric can do dual AES inputs to the full 384mhz... your DAC is ready to take full advantage of the WE20se. This is such an incredible streamer very much worth it.
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I use USB (Nordost Valhalla2) to connect from W20SE to MSB Select2 DAC and the sound is spectacular! YES it is worth it. I also demo’d the N10, and the W20SE is absolutely worth the upgrade.
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I recently upgraded from an N10 to a W20SE. I thought it was worth it, but the extra cost did take a bite out of my wallet. It did make me upgrade my USB cable and my DAC, I just had to. The justifications we make for better sound are amazing. Don't listen to the W20SE unless you can afford it because you will want one after hearing it.
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Thanks for the feedback guys .. I'll make sure and not audition it until I'm ready to buy! :-)
George |
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