Burn In on Aurender N100H

Thanks for the input.  I reached out to Aurender and they recommend burning in the unit for 100-150 hours.  I'm working on that now.  Thanks, Dave for the feedback on USB cables.  I just heard about the Curious cable from a friend.  I checked out some reviews and pulled the trigger on a .8m cable this morning.  I am looking forward to hearing the difference.  I sure hope this creates more warmth.  It seems the unit does provide better sound stage than the modded Connect, but the metallic treble needs to diminish and the bass response needs to improve.  I'll let you know how this turns out.  Only 90 hours to go.  

You’re welcome. I just stumbled on this USB comparison. The Curious accounted for itself quite well:

http://audiobacon.net/2017/09/18/curious-cables-usb-review/

I would agree with the reviewer on the relative merits of the USB cables of that bunch (the ones that I have heard). I hope you are pleased with the Curious USB and with your Aurender.

Post Script: re: the review, I would take the 100 hours the reviewer recommended seriously for the Curious to fully relax.

Dave

I would suggest researching the LUSH usb by Phaser Audio.  I tried several usb cables from the Cable Company (including some expensive ones) and the LUSH bested them all.  The most musical usb presentation I have heard.  They are very reasonably priced (about $330 for 1M).  

My experience with the N100H has never given me an overtly "digital" sound. Quite the opposite. I was coming from  modded Mac Mini, which was quite good actually, I just wanted a one box solution and an iPad based control point. It was definitely an improvement over the Mac Mini setup and a more natural/organic sound. I won't say "analog" and open that can of worms because it's not a record player and never will be. That said, the USB cable makes quite a difference in my experience. I started with an Audioquest Diamond USB which is VERY good, and am now using the Curious USB cable (which I prefer). It is a very natural sounding USB cable. 

I have found the N100H to be sensitive to power cable selection. I have had good results with an Audience Powerchord "e", Nordost Heimdall 2, and Valhalla. Throwing some Nordost Sort Kones under the unit picks it up a notch also. Beyond that you can try things like an Uptone Audio USB Regen, PS Audio Lan Rover, etc. They all make a difference of some kind with the N100H as I have tried them. Whether the difference will be to your liking and/or worth the investment will be your call. I would start with the USB cable and work slowly from there IF you see the need for any improvement at all in your system, but don't give up before the recommended burn is complete and you have at least tried a different USB cable. I think the N100H is outstanding.

I purchased my N100H slightly used so it was already "burned in". The seller decided to move up to the W20. It came with a high end purist audio cable and sounds just fantastic. I cannot tell if it is the result of the cable but I have no complaints at all with the Aurender.