Aurender A15 is packed with a high-performance, dual-mono AKM4490 digital-to-analog convertor with MQA full-decoder technology and balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs....
Go to the review section| Brand | Aurender |
| Type | Digital Music System |
| Tags | Media Server, Streaming |
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The legendary A10 changed the paradigm for Aurender by introducing our first ever music server/streamer with a built-in DAC and analog outputs. Aurender is now proud to introduce the next generation model A15 to our product suite. Equipped with many new features and audible improvements, A15 delivers a cost-effective, high end audio presentation from a streamlined one-box digital source component. By eliminating the complication and expense of assembling a system built around a stand-alone streamer and separate DAC, Aurender has taken the guesswork out of designing a stellar system with a digital front end.
A15 is packed with a high-performance, dual-mono AKM4490 digital-to-analog convertor with MQA full-decoder technology and balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs. As with all of Aurender’s “A” series, A15 is designed to take full advantage of the vast selection of MQA encoded music that is now available. It also has two rear panel bays which can accommodate user-installable 2.5″ HDDs or SSDs of (up to 8TB each) to store the largest of music libraries. A large full-color front panel display shows album cover art along with artist name and song title on the “now playing” screen.
Dual-Mono MQA Full-Decoder DAC
At the heart of A15 is a dual-mono configuration of the renowned AKM4490 DAC chipset. The DAC boards are supported by discrete linear power supplies for the best performance in channel separation, dynamics and noise floor reduction. Aurender engineers have designed input/output circuit topologies around this chip, achieving new levels of audio performance and fidelity. A15 is voiced for a sonic signature that’s resolved and smooth, without sounding etched or dark. In addition to delivering the highest possible audio performance that the MQA process offers, A15’s built in DAC also decodes PCM files up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512.
FPGA-Based Precision Clock
A high-precision clock generation system incorporating Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) runs A15’s DAC section. An extremely accurate sub 100fs clock generator precisely times the digital audio data transmission to reduce jitter well below negligible levels.
Linear Power Supply Designed to Keep the System Noise Level as Low as Possible
In sensitive digital source components, the power supply plays a critical role in the overall sonic presentation. A15’s fully-linear power supply structure incorporates four audiophile-grade toroidal transformers, along with advanced shielding and isolation, to prevent noise from being introduced to the signal path at this stage.
Connectivity with Versatility
The A15 can function as a source or a preamplifier with volume control and digital source selection. It can be connected directly to any power amplifier or an active loudspeaker system for the utmost simplicity. Volume control, and other playback actions, can be adjusted from the Aurender Conductor app or included machined-aluminum IR remote control. If you already use a preamplifier or integrated amp, the variable output can be set to “Direct Output” mode for a fixed output level with no volume attenuation. The front panel buttons also provide an interface to adjust volume, play / pause / skip track, as well as select and start a created playlist.
Digital Inputs / Output
For maximum flexibility, the A15 features both a coaxial (RCA) and optical (TosLink) digital input. These inputs allow other sources like a Blu-Ray / DVD player, CD Transport or TV to be connected to the A15 and utilize its DAC to improve the audio fidelity. A USB audio output is also provided to send a digital signal to a second system or DAC.
Audio / Visual
The faceplate of the A15 features a 6.9” widescreen LCD display reproducing album artwork and “now playing” information with vivid color and clarity. The cover art and text are rendered large enough to be visible from the listening position without being a distraction from the music.
Support for High-Resolution Streaming and File-Based Content
A15 supports all widely used file formats including: DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE and MP3. With the capability of high resolution PCM up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD512, you can expect the highest audio performance from all formats and codecs.
Adaptive File Library Storage
A15 provides two user accessible storage bays on its rear panel for the user to install the type and capacity of hard drive that best meets their requirements. Most users opt for SSDs which are reliable, efficient and silent but traditional HDD’s are also supported for a more economical approach. With the dual storage trays, it’s possible to fit the A15 with up to a mind-boggling 16TB of storage! If you’re a streaming enthusiast, then no drive(s) need to be installed. Should your situation ever change, you can always install storage at any time without the need for any tools or factory service.
Cache-based Playback
With Aurender, all playback occurs from an innovative internal solid state cache. As soon as any track, album, or playlist is added to the queue, the content is immediately downloaded to the internal cache memory for playback. By caching tracks to the solid state drive, electrical and acoustic noise generated from spinning disks, moving heads and motors are completely eliminated. This technology results in lower demand on overall system resources and power supplies, less wear-and-tear on internal storage drives, increased reliability and most importantly, superior audio performance.
Aurender Conductor App: Packed with Convenient Features for Full-Function Control
The Aurender Conductor App turns any iPad, iPhone or Android phone or tablet into a versatile user interface for any Aurender Music Server. All preferences, functions and behaviors of the Aurender can be easily accessed and customized through the Settings menu. The Aurender App comes with extensive features to make managing, viewing and playing your high-resolution music library a breeze.
Analog Audio Output Supported Formats PCM up to 32bit/768kHz, DSD up to 512 (DSD512 converted to PCM by FPGA)
Analog Audio Outputs Balanced XLR, 4.0Vrms Output, Unbalanced RCA, 2.0Vrms Output
Control Software Aurender Conductor for iPad, iPhone and Android
CPU Intel Low Power Quad-Core
D/A Convertor AKM4490 (dual-mono design), MQA Full-Decoder Certified
Digital Audio Outputs USB Audio Class 2.0 x 1
Dimensions & Weight 16.9″ (W) x 3.8″ (H) x 14.0″ (D), 26.2 lbs, 430mm (W) x 96mm (H) x 355mm (D), 11.9 kg
Front Panel Display 6.9” 1280 x 480 IPS Color LCD
Gigabit Ethernet Double-Isolated x 1
I/O Ports 2 x USB 3.0 (rear)
IR Remote Control Supplied
Main Clock TCXO Based Precision Jitter Reducing Clock
Material Machined Aluminum Chassis
Power Consumption Play (29W), Peak (42W), Standby (7W)
Power Supply Full-Linear
SPDIF Digital Inputs Coaxial x 1, Optical x 1
SSD for System and Cache 240GB NVMe
Storage (optional-user installed) 2 bays accommodating 2.5” HDDs or SSDs (15mm height max)
Streaming Support Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect and Internet Radio
System Memory 8GB
UPS Yes (Super Capacitor based)
USB Audio Output Supported Formats PCM up to 32bit/768kHz, DSD: DoP up to 256, Native DSD up to 512
Volume Control Variable or Fixed Output
MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the studio. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream, while also being backward compatible, so you can play MQA music on any device.
MQA technology is licensed by labels, music services, and hardware manufacturers worldwide.
Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.*
The Aurender models A30, A20, A15 and A200 include Full Decoder MQA technology, and is a fully compliant MQA end-to-end solution enabling you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the “original master recording”. This method of decoding delivers the highest possible sound quality available from MQA.
The Aurender Conductor App will indicate that “MQA” or “MQA Studio” content is being played back. A green or blue dot next to the MQA logo indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. The blue dot indicates it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner.
The front panel display also uses text indicators to display MQA playback and the respective sampling rate of the file or stream being played. ‘MQA’ or ‘MQA Studio’ indicates that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. ‘‘MQA Studio’ indicates it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner.
*The MQA logo is a trade mark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2017
From AU $38,995
From AU $38,995
