Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    34

    Aurender W20 or ACS10

    Hi,

    I'm thinking of buying an Aurender to replace my Melco N1, hoping for an increase in convenience and sound quality. I like the look of the ACS10 but I may be able to pick up a secondhand W20 for near enough the same price as a new ACS10. I'm using an Esoteric K05X as a DAC. From what I read, the ACS10 may be more convenient and the W20, one would imagine, has a better sound quality. At 3 years old, the W20 would be out of warranty, and the drives (which are striped and not mirrored) will be closer to needing replacing. I would appreciate some advice from people who know these machines. Is the difference in sound quality of the W20 only evident if one has an absolutely astounding DAC? Funds and pandemic permitting, I might upgrade the Esoteric to a K03XD within a year or so.

    Many thanks.

  2. #2
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Aurender W20 or ACS10

    The ACS10 is really optimized for storage and ripping, however, it’s sonic quality is in between an N100H and N10. USB only. The one to get is the N20. The screen is gorgeous and the sound rivals the W20SE. The N20 makes sense if you’re going to step up to the K-03XD. That’s the setup we use in the store.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  3. #3

    Re: Aurender W20 or ACS10

    The Melco's have a fantastic network "filter", I honestly don't know how much better you can get in a purely digital streamer without spending 10x. Made in Japan also means a little more to me than Korea.

  4. #4
    Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    34

    Re: Aurender W20 or ACS10

    Thanks for that. The N20 has just become available in the UK, and retails at £12,500. (and for $12,000 in the US for some reason) I was thinking of spending about half of that, so the choice would remain between the secondhand W20 or a new ASC10 I'm afraid.

  5. #5
    Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    34

    Re: Aurender W20 or ACS10

    Interesting, thanks. Have you listened to a Melco N1 and compared it with one of the Aurenders I'm considering? I would certainly be looking for a reasonable improvement in sound quality, and ideally an increase in convenience.

  6. #6

    Re: Aurender W20 or ACS10

    I own the N1ZS/EX, it is a fantastic streamer but has its limitations. I owned 2 Aurender's back about 3 years ago and both were having drop-out issues. My Lumin and Bryston did not so it was not a network issue.

    Only you can decide what provides a reasonable and audible improvement... in my experience, the Melco is awesome.

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Aurender W20 or ACS10

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •