Aurender X100 [DAC + Hard Drive]

[Golucid]

After months and months of searching, I think I may have found the right DAC + Hard Drive solution. The Aurender X100. I did look at their upper end models [W20 and S10 and I like these, because they have the meters that would fit nicely with my current McIntosh equipment] but the X100 offers the type of configuration I want that the more reference designs do not offer. An all in one DAC + Hard Drive. I also considered the Lumin and they offer a really impressive product as well. But, I am stuck with attaching the library storage to the network.

Yes, I know the DAC + Hard Drive solution is offered by McIntosh/Autonomic via MB100 but the MB100 has fundamental issues and unfortunately, not a viable rational reasonable solution. Anyway, at one time, Meridian [Sooloos] was an option but it appears they have moved away from the all in one solution as well.

It appears that the de facto standard push is either a combonation Music Server DAC + Libary or a Music Server + DAC + Library. For me, that's just too many components for a one room solution. I have no interest in streaming or subscribing to streaming services. I already have a comprehensive audio library that I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars for and want to use it.

As I begin again to embarace the music all in one dac/server/library adventure: My thought is, I don't want to deal with having to learn a configuration. At these price points, they should just work right out of the box. Companies like Apple, Samsung and others on the very cheap end strive to make things works right out of the box. These multi thousands dollar units should work flawlessly: plug and play.

I could of course, continue to use my AK240 plugged into the rear of either the C2500 or MCD550 and in the near future, MCD1100. But, I would like an all in one rack solution and not have to fiddle with my portable units.

1. Does anyone out there have the X100 and if so, what has been your experience?

2. I would wager that the Aurender is going to beat the pants off McIntosh/Autonomics but are there issues that you have encountered?

3. Any other recommendations?

[j3brow]

Excellent choice. I have owned the X100L for 11 months now. I love it. Sounded great connected to the MCD1100 via USB. it has NEVER EVER froze, stuttered, shut down, whatever. Perfect operation since day 1. Very simple to use. The App is fantastic. Tidal integration is a snap. Couldn't be more pleased. Dollar for dollar Best $3500 addition every put into my system. You will love it. By the way, there is no DAC inside any Aurender music server. You will use DAC in your c2500 or Mcd550 or mcd1100

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by j3brow

Excellent choice. I have owned the X100L for 11 months now. I love it. Sounded great connected to the MCD1100 via USB. it has NEVER EVER froze, stuttered, shut down, whatever. Perfect operation since day 1. Very simple to use. The App is fantastic. Tidal integration is a snap. Couldn't be more pleased. Dollar for dollar Best $3500 addition every put into my system. You will love it. By the way, there is no DAC inside any Aurender music server. You will use DAC in your c2500 or Mcd550 or mcd1100

Awesome awesome awesome Mr. j3brow That's exactly wheat I am looking for. I am LAZY. I want to plug it in and play. I had no idea what the price was. I have a retailer looking into that for me as we speak. $3500 bucks, that's a bargain!

Thanks for the feedback. I'm excited about buying it.

BTW: is the device friendly enough to say, pop in a SSD if I want to change out drives? Say, Samsung debuts a 2 TB SSD. An option?

[Golucid]

@j3brow

Boom! Just now completed purchasing the unit. I would love the W20 but it simply requires too much effort to set up. The X100 will be perfect. Plug N Play!

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by Golucid

@j3brow Boom! Just now completed purchasing the unit. I would love the W20 but it simply requires too much effort to set up. The X100 will be perfect. Plug N Play!

Awesome! Congrats. Which size drive did you get? I went with 6TB total (two 3TB drives). I split my collection between the two internal drives. Artists A - L on drive 1 and M - Z on the 2nd drive. That way, in case a drive dies, and eventually one will, I will know everything that was lost and be able to get back in business quickly. Everything is backed up on external drives (I actually have 3 backup copies at the moment). I know if/when drive fails, it is serviceable in the field. No need to send it back to Korea. Install new drive. Aurender remotes in. They get you backup and running. Enjoy.

Pics show 2,763 albums in my library, that's 3TB of music. Couldn't listen to it all in 3 lifetimes .......

[chessman]

Originally Posted by j3brow

Awesome! Congrats. Which size drive did you get? I went with 6TB total (two 3TB drives). I split my collection between the two internal drives. Artists A - L on drive 1 and M - Z on the 2nd drive. That way, in case a drive dies, and eventually one will, I will know everything that was lost and be able to get back in business quickly. Everything is backed up on external drives (I actually have 3 backup copies at the moment). I know if/when drive fails, it is serviceable in the field. No need to send it back to Korea. Install new drive. Aurender remotes in. They get you backup and running. Enjoy.

Pics show 2,763 albums in my library, that's 3TB of music. Couldn't listen to it all in 3 lifetimes .......

My goodness, I am in awe of your library.

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by chessman

My goodness, I am in awe of your library.

Ahh shucks. I've been working on my library for a long time. That's why non of the streaming services are a value to me. I have invested so much in the media that I do have, I want to use it!

I have a diverse set of Music likes. Everything from Vivaldi to Marilyn Manson; The Carpenters to The B-52s; Led Zeppelin to Bauhause, Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance.

Whats your music range? Do you serve it up digitally and on what type of device?

[Mr. Big]

Originally Posted by Golucid

Boom! Just now completed purchasing the unit. I would love the W20 but it simply requires too much effort to set up. The X100 will be perfect. Plug N Play!

So what are your impressions so far? I just pulled the trigger on the N100S (with built-in 1TB SSD). I finally got tired of dealing with the MacMini/JRiver combo. It's been great, but it's still prone to crashing and I want a one-box plug and play unit. I didn't want to spend the extra money for the S10 yet so I'm just sticking my toe in the water to see how I like it.

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by Mr. Big

So what are your impressions so far? I just pulled the trigger on the N100S (with built-in 1TB SSD). I finally got tired of dealing with the MacMini/JRiver combo. It's been great, but it's still prone to crashing and I want a one-box plug and play unit. I didn't want to spend the extra money for the S10 yet so I'm just sticking my toe in the water to see how I like it.

Mr. Big, I didn't want to deal with multiple devices throughout my house. I want a one box solution and the MB100 doest this completely and the Aurender X100 does it almost. It is missing an internal DAC. But, that's not an issue of you can connect the USB cable to a DAC such as a McIntosh D100/150 or its MCD line of spinners and of course, their DAC PreAmps such as the C2500.

What I like so far, and this is from what I have read and in conversations whither Aurender owners is the build quality. I also like its small footprint too.

Again, i have to say, I really love my MB100 now but it has taken a serious undertaking to understand the unit and an OS update to make this thing whistle!

Once I receive my Aurender X100, I will loop back with my experience. It does come with a 1TB HDD and I plan to replace that with a 1TB SSD. I see no point of HDDs any longer.

[Mr. Big]

Originally Posted by Golucid

Once I receive my Aurender X100, I will loop back with my experience.

Ah, thanks. I thought maybe you've already taken delivery. Yes, I'd like to know what you think.