I have not heard the Aurender XL 100 but I have recently purchased a used Bryston BDP-2 and I am using my Oppo BDP-95 as a transport. I am using a Calyx Femto as a DAC.
I haven't played with it much as it is still pretty new to me but my initial impression is that playing the same red book cd first with the Oppo BDP-95 to the DAC and then the ripped cd through the BDP-2 to the DAC, there is perhaps a little more detail but it is close.
I have also played some hi res files on a memory stick plugged into the Oppo to the DAC and then plugged into the BDP-2 to the same DAC. Both sounded dynamic, detailed and musical. I do not experience any listener fatigue due to harsh highs or thin sound. The Oppo on it's own, however, did sound thin in comparison. Perhaps this is mostly due to different DAC. Even though they use the same Sabre chips, there is a big difference in sound.
This is why I wanted to try a different DAC. The BDP-2 will allow me to try hi res music more easily and offer the great convenience of thousands of songs at my fingertips. Plus it streams internet radio. I am very happy with my digital side now. I even play classical concert laser discs every once in a while which is also dynamic and on the warm side. Perhaps not as detailed but still very enjoyable.
