W20SE vs N30?

**Battles** · November 15, 2021, 04:01 PM

Has anyone had an opportunity to compare the sonic differences between these two models? Aurender doesn't declare which model is the current flagship, but instead states that they are both at the top of the heap and which is better depends on the listener's taste and chemistry with their system.

Thanks,
Battles

**La Dolce Vita** · November 15, 2021, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Battles

Has anyone had an opportunity to compare the sonic differences between these two models? Aurender doesn't declare which model is the current flagship, but instead states that they are both at the top of the heap and which is better depends on the listener's taste and chemistry with their system.

Thanks,
Battles

I own both models. I agree that both are at the top of the heap. To me the W20SE has so much finesse. The N30SA is dynamic with slam… you cannot go wrong with either. One does need to think about his/her shelf space. W20SE is one chassis, N30SA is two… I do enjoy the color display on the N30SA but gravitate towards the sound of the W20SE… enjoy

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**Battles** · November 15, 2021, 04:25 PM

La Dolce Vita,

Thanks for your quick feedback. As I don't have much need for a LED, and in fact enjoy listening in a dim environment, I'm prioritizing sonics. Subject to your guidance, I surmise the other advantage of the W20SE is that it doesn't require a high end power cord to sound its best being battery powered.

Separately, before purchasing the N30, did you consider and/or compare to the Taiko?

Thx,
Battles

**Calvin** · November 15, 2021, 04:56 PM

This thread may be of interest to you:

Aurender N30SA

**Battles** · November 15, 2021, 05:02 PM

Thanks Calvin

**La Dolce Vita** · November 15, 2021, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by Battles

La Dolce Vita,

Thanks for your quick feedback. As I don't have much need for a LED, and in fact enjoy listening in a dim environment, I'm prioritizing sonics. Subject to your guidance, I surmise the other advantage of the W20SE is that it doesn't require a high end power cord to sound its best being battery powered.

Separately, before purchasing the N30, did you consider and/or compare to the Taiko?

Thx,
Battles

Most welcome. Correct regarding the power cord.

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**Calvin** · November 15, 2021, 05:16 PM

Also this is a review of the N30 (change to English on upper right side).

One reviewer - it may be this one - who owned the W20SE went ahead and bought the N30.

High-end Internet - HIFICLUB - ???? ???? ????? ?? ?? Aurender N30 ?? ???

**Alpinist** · November 15, 2021, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by La Dolce Vita

I own both models. I agree that both are at the top of the heap. To me the W20SE has so much finesse. The N30SA is dynamic with slam… you cannot go wrong with either. One does need to think about his/her shelf space. W20SE is one chassis, N30SA is two… I do enjoy the color display on the N30SA but gravitate towards the sound of the W20SE… enjoy

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Hi Andy,

Thanks for your observations, which are very logical. One would expect the W20SE to sound a little sweeter and more nuanced due to the total lack of AC noise due to being battery powered. However, one would expect the N30SA to have superior dynamics due to its robust separate power supply, which can deliver greater peak current than the battery power supply. I guess it really comes down to personal preference and the type of music you listen to. Smooth jazz, acoustic and piano probably really excel on the W20SE, while hard rock, big band and full orchestra probably excel on the N30SA.

Best,
Ken

**La Dolce Vita** · November 15, 2021, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your observations, which are very logical. One would expect the W20SE to sound a little sweeter and more nuanced due to the total lack of AC noise due to being battery powered. However, one would expect the N30SA to have superior dynamics due to its robust separate power supply, which can deliver greater peak current than the battery power supply. I guess it really comes down to personal preference and the type of music you listen to. Smooth jazz, acoustic and piano probably really excel on the W20SE, while hard rock, big band and full orchestra probably excel on the N30SA.

Best,
Ken

Great to hear from you Ken! Very well said… you’re welcome to come hear both if you’d like.

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**still-one** · November 15, 2021, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Battles

La Dolce Vita,

Thanks for your quick feedback. As I don't have much need for a LED, and in fact enjoy listening in a dim environment, I'm prioritizing sonics. Subject to your guidance, I surmise the other advantage of the W20SE is that it doesn't require a high end power cord to sound its best being battery powered.

Separately, before purchasing the N30, did you consider and/or compare to the Taiko?

Thx,
Battles

I A/B'd the N30 vs the Taiko. I preferred the N30. As I initially went in to audition the Taiko, I was surprised.

**Battles** · November 15, 2021, 06:00 PM

Thanks Ken. I too own the MSB Select with separate power bases and am using the MSB network renderer module as my Roon endpoint...or more specifically: QNAP Server running Roon Sever > Commercial Cisco Switch > Fiber > EtherRegen w/ upgraded PSU and external clock > Gobel Ethernet Cable > MSB Network Renderer v2 Module.

As I read posts on the various forums, I continue to hear that I'm leaving quite a bit of sonic upside on the table by not utilizing an audiophile server and MSB's pro USB module. Hence my interest in the Aurender W20SE/N30SA or perhaps the Taiko. That being said, I'm loathe to drop $20K+ on an audiophile server plus the additive cost of isolation and reference USB/power cords all to conclude that the sonic difference between my current set up vs. the new was only negligible. I see you that you are using the network renderer module on your Select and am wondering if you've already gone through this comparison? If so, would you mind sharing your conclusion?

Thanks,
Battles

**Alpinist** · November 15, 2021, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by La Dolce Vita

Great to hear from you Ken! Very well said… you’re welcome to come hear both if you’d like.

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Thanks Andy. It sounds like Aurender has two winners with the W20SE and the N30SA. The hardest part would be choosing one.

Ken

**Alpinist** · November 15, 2021, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by Battles

Thanks Ken. I too own the MSB Select with separate power bases and am using the MSB network renderer module as my Roon endpoint...or more specifically: QNAP Server running Roon Sever > Commercial Cisco Switch > Fiber > EtherRegen w/ upgraded PSU and external clock > Gobel Ethernet Cable > MSB Network Renderer v2 Module.

As I read posts on the various forums, I continue to hear that I'm leaving quite a bit of sonic upside on the table by not utilizing an audiophile server and MSB's pro USB module. Hence my interest in the Aurender W20SE/N30SA or perhaps the Taiko. That being said, I'm loathe to drop $20K+ on an audiophile server plus the additive cost of isolation and reference USB/power cords all to conclude that the sonic difference between my current set up vs. the new was only negligible. I see you that you are using the network render module on your Select and am wondering if you've already gone through this comparison? If so, would you mind sharing your conclusion?

Thanks,
Battles

Hi Battles,

I totally understand where you’re coming from as we are very much in the same position. I have not yet had the opportunity to compare the Roon Nucleus + to the Aurenders or Taiko Extreme. However, people who I know and trust have done the comparison and tell me both the Aurenders and Taiko Extreme are significantly better than my Nucleus +. What I can tell you is I recently purchased a lightly used MSB UMT-V Signature Transport and it blows away the Nucleus + in every way. Consequently, I’ve been spinning a lot more CDs lately. Additionally, if you don’t want to break the bank, you could always purchase the N20, which is supposed to be excellent, and add 16TB of SSD to it. I hope this helps.

Best,
Ken

**Battles** · November 15, 2021, 06:36 PM

Thanks Ken! Once upon a time I owned a full MSB Diamond IV+ Stack with the UMT+ and separate signature power base...I should have kept it! Are you using the USB output of the Nucleus+ into the Pro-USB module of the Select, or does the Nucleus+ offer the option to stream to the MSB's network renderer module? If you're doing the latter, have you tried isolating the Nucleus via fiber w/ a device like the EtherRegen?

**Alpinist** · November 15, 2021, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by Battles

Thanks Ken! Once upon a time I owned a full MSB Diamond IV+ Stack with the UMT+ and separate signature power base...I should have kept it! Are you using the USB output of the Nucleus+ into the Pro-USB module of the Select, or does the Nucleus+ offer the option to stream to the MSB's network renderer module? If you're doing the latter, have you tried isolating the Nucleus via fiber w/ a device like the EtherRegen?

Hi Battles,

Yes, I am still using the Roon Nucleus + with the Renderer V2 Input Module and it sounds excellent, although not nearly as good as my MSB Transport. I really like being able to adjust the volume through Roon on my IPad. I haven’t tried the EtherRegen but I did use the Gigafoil V4 for awhile. If I were to purchase an Aurender or Taiko Extreme, I would move to the Pro USB/Pro ISL Input Module, as USB is the preferred connection on those servers.

Ken

**Battles** · November 15, 2021, 08:30 PM

Thanks Ken. You make a good point about volume control from the iPad, of which neither the Pro USB/ISL provide, but the Render module does. That would be missed.

**dminches** · November 16, 2021, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

I A/B'd the N30 vs the Taiko. I preferred the N30. As I initially went in to audition the Taiko, I was surprised.

Were you listening to Roon on the Taiko Extreme or TAS?

**still-one** · November 16, 2021, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by dminches

Were you listening to Roon on the Taiko Extreme or TAS?

We did not use Roon. TAS was on the Taiko and for the Aurender we used its app. All equipment was exactly the same except for disconnecting the USB from the Taiko and connecting it to the N30.

**Battles** · November 20, 2021, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by La Dolce Vita

I own both models. I agree that both are at the top of the heap. To me the W20SE has so much finesse. The N30SA is dynamic with slam… you cannot go wrong with either. One does need to think about his/her shelf space. W20SE is one chassis, N30SA is two… I do enjoy the color display on the N30SA but gravitate towards the sound of the W20SE… enjoy

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Hi La Dolce Vita, et al,

I’m down to the short strokes of deciding between the N30SA and the W20SE to feed my MSB Select DAC. Will likely decide in the next 24 hours. Mike’s been helpful in sharing his opinion as have others. Saying that, for those who’ve owned or auditioned both models, and recognizing price is essentially equal as is sonic performance, are there attributes about the N30SA (besides the pretty screen) that make it a more compelling purchase after considering the need for an additional isolation platform to separate the N30SA’s CPU and power chassis, a reference power cord that is not necessary on the W20SE, an additional set of aftermarket isolation footers, etc? Seems like it requires much more equipment in tow to perform at its best. Ideally, I’d have the opportunity to demo these units in my system and decide for myself, but unfortunately I do not.

Thanks again,
Battles

**La Dolce Vita** · November 20, 2021, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by Battles

Hi La Dolce Vita, et al,

I’m down to the short strokes of deciding between the N30SA and the W20SE to feed my MSB Select DAC. Will likely decide in the next 24 hours. Mike’s been helpful in sharing his opinion as have others. Saying that, for those who’ve owned or auditioned both models, and recognizing price is essentially equal as is sonic performance, are there attributes about the N30SA (besides the pretty screen) that make it a more compelling purchase after considering the need for an additional isolation platform to separate the N30SA’s CPU and power chassis, a reference power cord that is not necessary on the W20SE, an additional set of aftermarket isolation footers, etc? Ideally, I’d have the opportunity to demo these units in my system and decide for myself, but unfortunately I do not.

Thanks again,
Battles

It sounds like you’re answering your own question. :-)

The N30SA is awesome - but so is the W20SE. Do you want to go to the added expense of the isolation platform, the power cord, etc., when you’re splitting hairs with respect to performance?

There is no right or wrong answer here - it’s a personal decision based on what the heart wants and on your budget.

You cannot go wrong. Enjoy.

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**Battles** · November 20, 2021, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by La Dolce Vita

It sounds like youÂ’re answering your own question. :-)

The N30SA is awesome - but so is the W20SE. Do you want to go to the added expense of the isolation platform, the power cord, etc., when youÂ’re splitting hairs with respect to performance?

There is no right or wrong answer here - itÂ’s a personal decision based on what the heart wants and on your budget.

You cannot go wrong. Enjoy.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks La Dolce Vita. Indeed it sounds like I posted a rhetorical question! Knowing what you know now having lived with both models, would you now rather own two W20SEs if you could do it all over again? If not, why?

I guess what’s throwing me is that when reading the Korean gentleman’s review he doesn’t seem to flinch at purchasing the N30 over the W20SE stating that the latter is more of a pimped out version of the W20, their old platform, and that the soundstage of the N30 is 1.5x that of the W20SE and has greater inner soundstage detail. However, it doesn’t sound like the “sonic gulf” in performance he describes is heard by your ears.

In my particular situation, I do have an extra HRS platform and reference power cord available, which makes my decision harder. Having said that, it’s a head scratcher as to why anyone would opt to purchase the N30SA over the W20SE if the former requires an additional ~$10K investment in reference equipment to sound as good as the W20SE.

Again, your thoughts are much appreciated!

Battles

**Alpinist** · November 21, 2021, 03:02 AM

Hi Battles,

I would encourage you to take a quick trip over to Suncoast Audio and do a head-to-head comparison of the N30SA and W20SE. After doing the audition, your decision should become clear and the guess work will be taken out of the equation.

Best of Luck,
Ken

**imprezap2** · November 21, 2021, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Battles,

Yes, I am still using the Roon Nucleus + with the Renderer V2 Input Module and it sounds excellent, although not nearly as good as my MSB Transport. I really like being able to adjust the volume through Roon on my IPad. I haven’t tried the EtherRegen but I did use the Gigafoil V4 for awhile. If I were to purchase an Aurender or Taiko Extreme, I would move to the Pro USB/Pro ISL Input Module, as USB is the preferred connection on those servers.

Ken

Hi Ken,

I am not sure that the USB connection is preferred on Aurenders, USB is best for being able to play all resolution, but for me the AES connection still sounds the best (both N10/N20)

Olaf

**kiat** · November 21, 2021, 06:02 AM

Does N30 support dual AES output?

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**Alpinist** · November 21, 2021, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by imprezap2

Hi Ken,

I am not sure that the USB connection is preferred on Aurenders, USB is best for being able to play all resolution, but for me the AES connection still sounds the best (both N10/N20)

Olaf

Hi Olaf,

I totally agree with you that the preferred connection for Aurender + DCS is AES, but for Aurender + MSB (Battles has the Select DAC like me), the preferred connection is USB due to MSB’s superb Pro USB/Pro ISL optical connection, which uses MSB’s latest technology.

Best,
Ken

**Battles** · November 23, 2021, 01:43 PM

Hi All and Happy Thanksgiving to those of us who are stateside. Just to catch everyone up, I decided to pull the trigger on the N30SA. This was based on a number of conversations I had with those who’ve had direct exposure to the model. No one expressed that it was better than the W20SE, just different, however my instinct is that the newer model should have greater residual value to the extent one were to apply it to the cost of the W30 if and when it is released. Really appreciate everyone’s generous feedback on the W20SE vs N30SA as I narrowed my purchasing decision.

Next step is step is deciding how far to go in isolating the N30SA between the network router and its network input via Sotm, Melco, EtherRegen etc. and whether it’s worth investing in a USB reclocker between the N30SA’s USB output and the USB input of MSB’s ProUSB module. One would hope that the N30SA, being Aurender’s newest flagship model, has improved upon cleaning up the network signal coming into it and the USB signal coming out to it so that another $10K Invesment in input and output signal conditioning wouldn’t yield a significant sonic improvement. However, who knows until the audio gods on WBF have posted their conclusions.

Thanks,
Battles

**La Dolce Vita** · November 23, 2021, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by Battles

Hi All and Happy Thanksgiving to those of us who are stateside. Just to catch everyone up, I decided to pull the trigger on the N30SA. This was based on a number of conversations I had with those who’ve had direct exposure to the model. No one expressed that it was better than the W20SE, just different, however my instinct is that the newer model should have greater residual value to the extent one were to apply it to the cost of the W30 if and when it is released. Really appreciate everyone’s generous feedback on the W20SE vs N30SA as I narrowed my purchasing decision.

Next step is step is deciding how far to go in isolating the N30SA between the network router and its network input via Sotm, Melco, EtherRegen etc. and whether it’s worth investing in a USB reclocker between the N30SA’s USB output and the USB input of MSB’s ProUSB module. One would hope that the N30SA, being Aurender’s newest flagship model, has improved upon cleaning up the network signal coming into it and the USB signal coming out to it so that another $10K Invesment in input and output signal conditioning wouldn’t yield a significant sonic improvement. However, who knows until the audio gods on WBF have posted their conclusions.

Thanks,
Battles

Congrats. It’s a great component. Enjoy…

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**Alpinist** · November 23, 2021, 07:12 PM

Congrats Battles on the N30SA! You should have stellar performance running the N30SA to the Pro USB/Pro ISL Input Module on the Select DAC. Top of the line all the way.

Best,
Ken

**Battles** · November 23, 2021, 07:24 PM

Thanks La Dolce Vita & Ken!

La Dolce Vita, have you experimented with different audiophile switch configurations and/or USB reclocking before / after the N30SA’s signal path? If you have, that might save me some legwork.

Thanks again,

Blake

**RaChiK** · November 23, 2021, 07:38 PM

Congrats and good luck. I recently got Aurender N20 and love it with SPDIF out to Esoteric K-01XD. When I was using Antipodes S30 to K-01XD via USB out, I used Ideon 3R Mastertime USB Reclocker and it made noticeable difference, and could not live without it.
My digital side is fiber optic > Sotm SNH (Shunyata sigma) > English electric 8S (sablon 2020) > Eno acoustics . I had etheregen but in this chain, it did not make much difference (despite using excellent power supply- Uptone JS-2).
Other options to consider is Melco S-100 and M12 switch. Since I am happy with my above set up, I am not exploring newer options for now, but as you know, in our hobby, promises can be kept only for few months, at best a year.

**Henry303** · November 23, 2021, 08:07 PM

The W20SE is timeless, something just right about it (I did not hear the N30).

**Ritmo** · November 24, 2021, 07:59 AM

Congrats Battles/Blake! The Aurender N30SA is a terrific music server/streamer.

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