I've heard both but not at the same time. The time with the Sony was very brief and long before the Aurender. I already have two systems with music server (both HAL - Hollis Audio Labs - posts here as HAL) and made 3 visits to a local Aurender dealer, the last in April. Could not get the driver for Windows 10 working with his Berkeley Reference DAC and I sent him an email (right there which he got) so he could arrange to lend it to me (he said he would). Still waiting. My HAL music server with JRiver, iFi USB Power and Meitner DAC sounds great so whenever I get back there I'll re-visit the issue. Both the Sony and Aurender sounded nice but I was not able to compare them to anything.