We have been using the Aurender W20SE Streamer in our Main Setup for the past 6 months. It is the Streamer that we use 100% of the time to demo and showcase the DENAFRIPS DACs.
It is amazing.
The W20SE is so good that we do not have the urge to replace it with other streamer. The Aurender Conductor App is responsive, intuitive and user-friendly. It is equipped with abundance of Digital Outputs, allow us to connect multiple DACs simultaneously. It's extremely useful for us (and the customers) where A/B tests can be performed easily.
Customers who visited us will usually asked about our system' setup, which streamer we are using, etc. When they hear our answer: "We use the Aurender W20SE", we could sense the 'peace of mind' reaction from their body language and facial expression. It's understandable though. Afterall, the W20SE is Aurender flagship streamer, cost US$23-25k.
Adapt to Change
The W20SE has been on the Hifi Rack, doing its job as our main go-to streamer. It was also one of the reasons why we did not share the 'Part #2' follow up video. We were so reluctant to remove it from our system to film the follow up video. Until recently...
Aurender reached out to us and told us that they needed the W20SE back. We were saddened but at the same time, appreciate the opportunity. Well...
W20SE + DENAFRIPS Terminator II/Plus
What piqued our interests the most is that the W20SE is featured with the uncommon but interesting Dual-Wire AES/EBU Output, as well as External Master/Word Clock Input.
DENAFRIPS flagship DACs, Terminator II and Terminator Plus feature Dual AES/EBU Input, as well as Master/Word Clock Output. The W20SE and Terminator II/Plus are seemingly a natural soul mate. The two devices can be connected as shown in the following diagram to elevate the sonic performance.
Why Dual-Wire Mode AES/EBU?
The short answer is: To increase the Resolution (384kHz) of the AES/EBU transmission.
Increasingly, Hi-res formats are getting more popular and commonly available these days. Although we may use other mediums available for such a Hi-res transmission (USB/I²S), it would be interesting to use the Professional Digital Audio Interface (AES/EBU) to transmit Hi-res music to hear the differences. That's the fun part of audio hobby, yes?
Once configured, the W20SE outputs 192kHz/384kHz signal to the Terminator II/Plus DAC over Dual-Wire AES/EBU. It's worth noting that the Dual-Wire AES/EBU works for Hi-res only.
Master/Word Clock Sync
We are in agreement with Aurender. Synchronizing the Streamer and DAC with the same Master/Word Clock reduces the jitters for the SPDIF/AES transmission.
DENAFRIPS beliefs: “The BEST clocks are the clocks inside the DAC”.
Instead of having an additional Master Clock 'box', extra cables from the MCLK to the DAC and Streamer, etc; DENAFRIPS flagship DACs, Terminator II/Plus, is equipped with Master/Word Clock Output. The Clock Output can be synchronized with streamers comes with an External Clock Input (like the W20SE).
44.1KHz, 48KHz
22.5774Mhz, 24.576Mhz
45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz
Farewell, Aurender W20SE
We have been using the W20SE and Terminator Plus DAC in Dual-Wire AES/EBU and Clock-Sync mode. That changes our perception as to "Which input sounds the best". The synergy of the two flagship devices is simply exceptional.
It's hard for us to let it go. Well, life is about making compromising, adapt to change, and move forward.
Farewell, Aurender W20SE. Till we meet again!
Team Vinshine Audio