Anyone Using An Aurender W20?

[SuperD]

I'll look into the Vivaldi Dac but knowing myself, I'd probably end up wanting the upsampler and transport. It would be interesting to mix and match DCS and Esoteric. I've seen some guys over seas using both but usually I like to stick with one brand at a time.

[joeling]

Originally Posted by SuperDave

I'll look into the Vivaldi Dac but knowing myself, I'd probably end up wanting the upsampler and transport. It would be interesting to mix and match DCS and Esoteric. I've seen some guys over seas using both but usually I like to stick with one brand at a time.

In my limited experience, Vivaldi stack with the latest firmware trumps the Esoteric Grandioso 4 piece.

[Nacho]

Hi.

I write the email answer from Aurender.
Hope this helps !!!

* What is the battery life expected?
-The LiFEPO4 Batteries have an life expectancy of over 20 years. There are three banks; one powering the audio board, the other acting as a UPS, and the third charging. Each bank is cycled through each state.

* Can i do the replacement when they would be empty?
- Based on the above, I don't think you will have to worry about replacement of the batteries.

* What difference are between OCXO clocks on both models?
- The OCXO clock is the same in the N10 and W20.
The information for the W20 OCXO is below:
1. Phase noise < 155dBc/Hz@10000Hz
2. Warm-up time @25C : < 2min
3. Temperature range : -10~+60C
4. Stability : +/-2×10(exp-8)
5. Operating frequency: 12.8MHz


* What accuracy clock have i to put to really improve the W20 sound?
- Since using an external word clock is more about noise reduction, and each clock has different operating frequencies, we can't say what accuracy level is better than the internal clock on the W20.
If using an external word clock, the source (W20) and the DAC can be synced to the same clock, which lowers noise and improves timing accuracy.


* What is the bit rate on Dual Aes output?
- The Dual AES/EBU output supports up to 24/192khz (24/96 on each channel).
If using the Dual AES output, the DAC is not “slaved” to the W20 clock signal – the
DAC has it’s own clock which creates a PLL (phase locked loop) based on the incoming
SPDIF signal from the W20.

* Do you recommend this option to drive my Esoteric D02X vs USB?
- We've found many end users prefer many different configurations depending on the system and the DAC, but in general the Dual AES/EBU option is the best sounding.

* Will be the W20 upgradeable to the future new model?
- We don't have a plan for a future model yet, so there are also no plans for offering an upgrade to the W20.

* How many Ram storage have each model?
- Both the N10 and W20 have a 240GB SSD for caching files for playback.

* Could i change the HHD to SSD?
- We don't support changing the HDD's to SSD's.

* Could you explain more profoundly the difference between these two models?
- In general, the differences between the W20 and N10 are going to come down to the resolution of your system and also the capability of the connected equipment. If not using the word clock input or Dual AES output on the W20, the main differences between the W20 and N10 are the power supply and the chassis construction. The HDD's are encased in an aluminum enclosure in the W20 to reduce noise, and the chassis is also quite a bit better insulated from external vibration. The W20's battery power supply isolates the audio board from external AC line noise and the SMPS allows us to use larger 3.5" hard disks for increased storage capacity. If you are able to use the Dual AES and word clock options, there is no doubt the W20 is a much better performance product than the N10; if not able to use these features, the sound quality differences may be subtle or they may be profound depending on the system.

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by joeling

In my limited experience, Vivaldi stack with the latest firmware trumps the Esoteric Grandioso 4 piece.

Joeling,
I have to agree with you. The more I listen to the W20, the more I want/need the Vivaldi Dac which will lead to the clock and upsampler. I love cds but I'm not sure I can justify the expense of the transport. Are you using the full stack with the W20 or just the DAC?

[gtl]

Originally Posted by SuperDave

Joeling,
I have to agree with you. The more I listen to the W20, the more I want/need the Vivaldi Dac which will lead to the clock and upsampler. I love cds but I'm not sure I can justify the expense of the transport. Are you using the full stack with the W20 or just the DAC?

Why not just rip the CDs and store the files to the W20? Is there any benefits for using a CD transport?

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by gtl

Why not just rip the CDs and store the files to the W20? Is there any benefits for using a CD transport?

I may be wrong but I don't see any benefit to ripping hundreds of CDs at the same quality as Tidal Streaming. I would prefer to fill the W20 with hi Rez tracks. I have an Esoteric spinner. It if I switch to DCS, the Esoteric will have to go and I'll always need a transport for SACD...at least for now.

Dave

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by SuperDave

...and I'll always need a transport for SACD....

Just in case that you are not aware, it is possible for you to rip your SACDs (using the Oppo 103 and 105 players). After you rip all your SACDs you can save your ripped DSF files in the Aurender hard drive. Then you can play your "SACDs" without the need of a transport using the Conductor App.
Of course, you may still prefer to use the discs and the transport, but just thought of mentioning the ripping option.

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by nicoff

Just in case that you are not aware, it is possible for you to rip your SACDs (using the Oppo 103 and 105 players). After you rip all your SACDs you can save your ripped DSF files in the Aurender hard drive. Then you can play your "SACDs" without the need of a transport using the Conductor App.
Of course, you may still prefer to use the discs and the transport, but just thought of mentioning the ripping option.

Nicoff,
Thanks for the info! I have read that it is possible through the Oppo and older PlayStation 3 consoles but haven't followed up much further. I have the BDP-95 but thought it would be wasteful to buy a 103 or 105 while I'm waiting for their reference 4K model. If it is simple enough, I could probably do it but computers and software are not my strengths. As of now, I prefer the sound of spinning discs to the W20 but that may change if I add the DCS dac and run fully balanced duel AES/EBU. Still more research to be done...

[Nacho]

Hi Dave.
Why are you considering changing to DCS?

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by Nacho

Hi Dave.
Why are you considering changing to DCS?

For now just the DAC. It has duel AES/EBU for the W20 and can function as a pre until Nagra releases an HD preamp. I like the Nagra/DCS/Rockport/Wilson synergy. I'm thinking to move in this direction.