 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
78.145.146.16
In Reply to: RE: CD + Streaming one-box solution posted by Mr Peabody on August 07, 2019 at 14:18:48
Mr P - I'm intrigued by your decision to sell your NAD M50.2 in favour of the Aurender ACS10.
I have the NAD and am generally very pleased with its abilities and performance. The Aurender appears to be a pretty basic box that includes a fraction of the features offered by NAD, but I'm tempted to arrange a home trial if, as you claim, the sound quality is significantly better than the NAD.
Looking at what the NAD can do which the Aurender clearly can't, the ability to simply PLAY a CD is a significant advantage in my book. The NAD offers industry standard digital outputs via AES, Coax and Optical, whereas the Aurender offers only a "computer industry" USB output - not compatible with most DACs.
On the alternative input side, the Aurender offers none, while the NAD offers digital (coax and optical), analogue (via ADC) and USB inputs. Moreover the NAD offers an HDMI video output so a TV can be used to allow a rather better display than the tiny front-panel LED screen. The NAD has built-in MQA decoding whereas the already more costly Aurender needs an add-in board.
However, sound quality is the prime reason for buying any hi-fi product and I'd be surprised if the Aurender will better the NAD, particularly as the latter is listed as a Stereophile A+ Recommended Component. However I'm happy to be proved wrong, although I'd not want to be unable to simply play a borrowed or friend's CD!
Follow Ups:
I promise you the ACS10 is significantly better sounding than the M50.2.
What are you using for a DAC?
I used to have a Levinson #512 SACD player so deciding to stream I already had a high bar. I sold the #512 and a couple other pieces of my system to get the #526 pream w/DAC built in.
I researched and the M50.2 checked all the boxes, as you point out, and I mentioned in my prior post it was functionally great. However, I could never get the M50.2 to satisfy me sonically. The M50.2 is very transparent and clean with detail, I found images seem small on the sound stage and a sort of strident sound or lack of texture, especially in things like strings. The M50.2 has a punchy bass.
I found with the M50.2 that Ethernet is better than the Wyfi for streaming music via the net. I was pretty disappointed that NAD would have a new unit like that and only use 2.4G Wyfi. I also found the AES/BU was the best sounding digital output.
You'd have to read on Aurender's site but the USB isengineered well. They told me they use it because it allows the highest resolution. However, on the N10 or A30 they do offer the other digital outputs.
I like the Aurender app much better than Bluesound, though Conductor can only be used on an iPad for now. Bluesound does offer more music services.
The ACS10 sounded much better than the M50.2 but widened that gap further when I added an Audioquest Diamond USB cable. The ACS10 has a more analog and natural tone and excellent sound stage.
Please let me know what you thought if you decide to audition.
Thanks for your comparison. I use the NAD M32 as my preferred DAC and amplifier, connected via AES/EBU, although I have several alternative power amps that can be used with my M12 preamp.With the M50.2 and M32, I get the full MQA processing that Tidal HQ requires. The M32 has a Type B USB socket described as for streaming 24/96 PCM from a PC, so presumably also suitable for connection to an Aurender if I were to test one.
By coincidence, Aurender is distributed here by the same company as my Avantgarde speakers and they've been most helpful with a problem I had with my earlier Unos - I have Duos now - and Martin Logan Expression 13A ELS speakers that I sadly don't care for!
I don't use Wi-Fi at all except for occasional MP3 from a friend's player. Otherwise always hard-wired Ethernet.
One other reason for choosing the NAD was for its user interface. Having previously used Sonos and been frustrated that no other control app was anywhere near as user friendly or flexible as Sonos, I was pleased to find that BluOS was somewhat similar, although instead of improving it over the last 3 years or so, I think they've messed it up - the PC version anyway.
It would be interesting to try the Conductor app, though I don't have an iPad which makes an Aurender home demo that much more tricky. And I'd regret selling my Mark Levinson 390S CDP if I were to go the Aurender route!
PS - it would be interesting to compare the Aurender with the Metronome MC1 which is a similar price. This offers most of what the Aurender seems to lack - conventional (and USB) outputs and ability to simply play CDs as well as to rip them. There's a HiFi show here in November where both these products should be on demo. It's a show I've always been intending to visit but never have!
Edits: 08/09/19 08/09/19 08/09/19
Nice speakers, the AG's. I also like ML, especially with a nice tube set up. I almost bought a pair but couldn't get used to the lack of the feel of the music. I wonder if the powered bass helps with that any.
I think if you are happy with what you are hearing, stick with it. The NAD pieces may have a good synergy going. You also take a beating on the used market.
What my dealer did was bring his demo over along with his iPad that was already set up with the app etc. Then when I decided to order I went on Facebook marketplace and found an iPad.
I think that the latest range of hybrid MLs (including the 13As) have hugely improved the interface between panel and sub. The optional room correction software further irons out peaks and troughs in the crossover region, but I still don't get the excitement factor that the AGs offer. My 13As are effectively brand new and are for sale.
Did you see my edit that referred to the Metronome? This is another bit of kit I'd like to try out as it seems to do all that the M50.2 does - but 3 times the price.
Yeah, the AG's are a different animal than ML's for sure. I'm using JBL 4367's.
I'll have to look at the Metronome, not familiar. It's out of my budget though and I'm satisfied with what the ACS10 is doing. Since you compared it to the M50.2 regarding features, I'm assuming no DAC? If I had your system I think I would look at a upgrade in DAC/preamp before spending $12k on a streamer. Not that the M32 has anything wrong, just thinking system balance.
If you use the 390's analog outputs, how do they compare to the M50.2/32 DAC?
The 390S has long since found a new home but the DAC was of an ancient design and didn't compare with the one in the M12 - my first NAD purchase. However for years my system revolved around the ML with FM or DAB radio being fed to the Aux inputs and XLR cables to active ATC 50 speakers - later to 845 SET monos and the AG Unos. I like simple systems with as few boxes and cables as practical.
Edits: 08/11/19
I really like the ATC stuff I've heard.
I thought from one of your prior posts it sounded like you still had the 390.
I also noticed the NAD is an integrated.
I had been hankering for ATC50s for years and eventually bought an Active pair direct from ATC in about 2000. I suspect they may have been refurbished as the price was good, but seemingly perfect. However, and very disappointingly, I found them far too "in your face" and wanted to push them back another 20 feet. My room at the time was 300 sq ft with 10 ft ceilings and previous speakers (KEF Reference 107s) sounded fine in that room.
I was then subscribing to Stereophile and noted that they had chosen the Avantgarde Uno as their Joint Loudspeaker of the Year (shared with an $85K Dynaudio system), so I carefully read their very comprehensive review. It described exactly the sort of sound I wanted and quite different from the ATC. I arranged a quick audition in a small dingy London basement showroom, but that was enough for me to buy a pair in about 2002.
I had these Unos until earlier this year when I found a pair of slightly younger Duos - after disastrously purchasing the Martin Logans! I've modified their appearance by ditching the supporting "scaffolding" and replaced the 3 supporting poles with a single rear-mounted F shaped bracket that supports the horn tubes. With new outrigger feet, they now have a much more contemporary appearance without upsetting the sound.
The ML 390S was sold about 4 years ago after purchasing the M12 (preamp) and M50.2, making a stand-along CDP unnecessary as the M50.2 plays (as well as rips) CDs very well.
The M12 is a preamp, the M32 is an integrated amp with DAC. Both can be fitted with a BluOS card enabling streaming from Tidal, Qobuz, etc plus internet radio, both are MQA compatible and (I believe) Roon ready - whatever that means.
Over the last 18 months or so, I've bought or borrowed a number of amps, but found the M32 as good as any. The lovely Accuphase A36 is a bit soft, the GamuT D200 a bit brutal, the Sugden, Benchmark and Quad were non-starters and the Micromega M100 also quite good. The old Consonance Cyber 845 monos are still around but I wanted to move to SS for a number of reasons.
I have quite a bit of stuff currently for sale. Perhaps I should look for a better amplifier and maybe streamer once this stuff is sold.
I heard a Gamut system a couple years back and thought it sounded good. I haven't heard Sugden but everyone had good things to say about it. But guys have raved about gear before I found disappointing.
You've had some good gear, if you are happy with the NAD, maybe stick with it.
Just curious if you've heard or tried Pass Labs.
I've had Krell, Conrad Johnson and Pass in the past. I find Levinson is about my spot, good transients, more neutral, while remaning musical and not overly aggressive.
I liked Pass, just a bit on the plite side. I really liked my CJ gear. The amp had EL34's so not the best for Rock but it sounded so good I could pretty much forgive any short comings.
If your AG's are powered you really wouldn't need much power. Well, probably wouldn't either way.
Yes the GamuT is a great amp but a little primitive in that it doesn't have any trigger or auto shut down when unused for 30 minutes or so. It also starts with a significant "thump" through my high efficiency speakers, although this wouldn't be a problem if used with standard efficiency speakers for which it's designed.The Accuphase is much more civilised and behaves impeccably with relay-delayed start and auto shut down (at least the EU version). It offer 4 gain settings selected from a front panel dial, whereas the GamuT requires removal of the top panel (16 screws) before its nasty little gain dip switched can be accessed!
I've not tried Pass Labs but that's on a list of possible SS amps that may improve my system - as is Lavardin.
You mentioned Mark Levinson which is a brand I greatly admire. I've just noticed they list a brand new digital only integrated amp, the 5802 priced at a modest $7000. With 125 watts and MQA, I'm getting quite excited! No reviews yet but it seems to tick most boxes for me.
The AG Duos are 104 dB so don't need much power. However they seem to sound better with a hefty amp behind them - such as the 150-200 watts offered by the NAD or GamuT. I used to use tube amps and the Art Audio PX-25 (5 watts) was great with jazz and chamber music, but overall the 28 watts from my Cyber 845 monos was my preferred option.
Edits: 08/12/19 08/12/19
My dealer has one of the two Levinson models in, not sure if the $7k version or $8500.00 version. I hope to get a listen soon and will report back. Maybe start a thread on the "amp" forum.
Amp thread started but no takers! I've found 2 reviews of the 5805 unit but none so far on the digital only 5802, although I'm told they should be identical in performance from digital sources. A couple of dealers here have offered the send me their demo 5805 unit for home trial. I'll let you know how this goes.
Please do. It will also be interesting to see how the M50.2 does with it.
| FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
