New Aurender models; X100 vs N100 vs N10 vs S10 ?

[kenreau]

I submitted the USB, SPDIF, AES port format question to Devialet and got a very prompt response I thought would be beneficial for the group
 
Thierry Massoubre (Devialet)
Jan 14 09:13
Dear Ken,
Thanks for your message. Basically, the 3 inputs are as qualitative (provided that the USB output of the Aurender is asynchronous). The selecting factor will be more linked to the distance between the different elements.
 A USB cable shouldn't be longer than 2 to 3m. If you intend to have a wider distance betwenn the Devialet and your server, you may consider using the AES/EBU input. Mind using a genuine 100 Ohm digital cable in this case.
I hope this helps you.
Best regards,
Thierry

Thanks
 Kenreau

I assume by "Qualitative" Thierry means equivalent?

and i confirm that Aurender usb out is async.

what will be ideal if any of the members here on the forum own W20 or S10 as they will be in a position to do a direct comparison between the different three outputs and how each one plays with Devialet

I agree, equivalent.

I did ask around at whatsbest and did get a related response;

Hi Kenreau,

I have a frd who is using Devialet 400 monos and Aurender S10.

He tried the two connection configurations of S10 to D400 and told me that the USB input of Devialet was mediocre. Its spdif digital inputs gave better performance. It may be because the usb-to-spdif circuit of S10 is better than the internal one of Devialet.

My friend compared only the USB output vs Coaxial digital output of his S10 into his Devialet 400. Although S10 also has AES digital output, he didn't use this route. However, I guess USB connection is still the most inferior of the three routes.

CK

This leads me to consider the (Aurender) AES to (Devialet) AES connections as most likely the best.  Given a choice (from the Aurender S10) avoiding the kluge USB signal conversions out of a server machine and back into receiver / dac for an unconversion seem like a compromised route, unless there is something to be gained by a possible high quality USB SPDIF convertor appliance (i.e. Berkeley Alpha USB converter) set up between devices for added isolation and reclocking process.

Kenreau