Aurender A30 Caching Music Server/Streamer/Ripper/Full MQA Decoder DAC

Description

MY TAKE: The A30 offers features, flexibility, and performance I've not seen matched by any competitor. A do-it-all unit, the A30 combines numerous functions into a single, super-attractive package. - Galen Carol

A30 Caching Music Server / Streamer / CD Ripper /  HDD Storage / Full MQA Decoder DAC / Headphone Amplifier -

A30 is the flagship model from Aurender’s range of analog output digital music players. Like A10 and A100, A30 is, at its essence, a caching music server / streamer with internal storage and control via Aurender Conductor. The Aurender A30 also includes full MQA Decoder technology which enables you to play back full-resolution MQA audio files and streams, delivering the highest possible sound quality of the original master recording. What distinguishes A30 from the others is the pure audio performance and exhaustive feature set. Aurender have designed A30 to be the comprehensive digital focal point of your system providing useful aides not usually associated with a typical music server. Functions like CD ripping, a high-quality headphone amplifier, 10TB of internal storage, ultra-wide color LCD display and an integrated software suite of metadata editing and library management tools. All this, and much more, makes the A30 the new performance standard in all-in-one digital source components.

FEATURES:

Integrated Dual-Mono Full Decoder MQA DAC with Fully Discrete Linear Power Supplies -

Aurender engineered 768KHz/32bit dual-mono DAC designed around next-generation flagship AKM AK4497 DAC Chipset with dual-mono linear power supplies delivers reference-class fidelity. Aurender designed the A30 for those seeking the simplicity of an all-in-one but unwilling to sacrifice a high level of resolution, transparency, and the reproduction of inner detail. The Aurender A30 includes full MQA Decoder technology, which enables you to playback MQA audio files and streams, delivering the highest possible sound quality of the original master recording.

Flexible Volume Adjustment -

When A30 is used as a preamplifier, the volume can be adjusted from three locations; the front panel rotary control, iPad app, and supplied IR remote control. When used with a preamplifier the variable output can be set to fixed direct output in settings.

High-Performance Headphone Amplifier -

Incorporated within the topology of the A30 is a high-quality headphone amplifier suitable for use with the finest headphones. Three different jacks can accommodate the popular balanced and unbalanced jacks found on the best headphones and upgraded aftermarket cables.

Balanced (XLR) / Unbalanced (RCA) Audio Outputs -

Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are provided for interface to a preamplifier or power amplifier. When A30 is connected directly to a power amplifier the analog output is adjustable to best match the sensitivity of the amplifier used. The two settings for balanced are 4.0Vrms and 5.4Vrms. Unbalanced outputs are selectable 2.0Vrms or 2.7Vrms.

FPGA-Based Precision Clock with World-Class Jitter Reduction -

Precision clock generation system incorporates Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) with sub 100fs jitter-reducing clock generator precisely times digital audio data transmissions and minimizes jitter to below negligible levels.

Linear Power Supply for Ultra-Low Noise Floor -

A full-linear power supply and extensive shielding prevent noise from being delivered to sensitive DACs for the best sound reproduction. Four discrete toroidal transformers power the server system, digital output, and dual DACs respectively.

Linear Power Supply with Integrated UPS -

Full-linear power supply with “super capacitor” uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for stabilizing the A30 under an abrupt power outage condition.

Aurender Conductor App Packed with Convenient Features for Full-Function Control -

The Aurender Conductor App turns the iPad into a versatile user interface for all Aurender Music Server/Players. All settings and functions of the Aurender can be easily accessed through the Settings menu, and Aurender Conductor comes with extensive features to make managing, viewing, and playing high-resolution music collections a breeze. The subscription streaming services TIDAL and Qobuz are embedded within the Aurender Conductor creating a seamless user experience. Merging streaming service content to your main file library provides easy access to all your favorite music and the ability to blend content when creating playlists.

10TB Hard Disk Drive Storage with Solid-State Drive Cache for Playback -

A30’s internal 3.5″ hard drive provides 10TB of storage and a second 480GB solid-state drive is used to cache music for playback. If a selected song or album is already cached to the solid-state drive, the hard drive remains asleep. This minimizes wear and tear on the main library hard drive. By caching files to the solid-state drive for playback, electrical and acoustic noise resulting from spinning disks, moving heads, and motors are also completely eliminated.

Dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 Output with Ultra Low Noise Power Circuitry -

The dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 output is designed to deliver an exceptionally transparent audio signal free of noise and is shielded from outside electronic interference. It can be used, for example, to allow the A30 to source a different DAC for another system.

USB and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) Support -

The best audio performance occurs when music is stored on Aurender’s internal storage. However, the Aurender platform is also capable of seamlessly integrating content stored on a NAS, external USB hard drive or thumb drive.

A30 Manager Companion App -

A30 is so packed with features, we had to give it its very own app! The A30 Manager companion app is used to configure all system settings including CD ripping preferences and behaviors. Smart Copy, Move, Delete, Editing and Duplicate Checker are just some of the library management software-based tools provided allowing you to organize your music library the way you want.

State-of-the-Art Automatic CD Ripping -

Aurender’s CD ripping software, which was custom engineered, designed, and optimized to work with the high-quality TEAC CD-ROM, yields shockingly good CD rips in WAV, FLAC, or AIFF codecs. Sophisticated error detection and correction software ensure accurate rips for great sounding digital files. A30 supports the Acronova AutoLoader (not included) which allows for unattended and automated ripping of up to 100 CDs at a time.

Massive Storage for the Largest Music Libraries -

A30 is fitted with a single 3.5″ 10TB hard drive with the capacity to provide enough storage space for even the largest digital music libraries.

SSD Caching -

Unique to Aurender is its caching system. While music files are stored on conventional spinning hard drives (HDD), playback always occurs from a solid-state drive (SSD). This method allows for the HDD to only be concerned with loading content onto the SSD for playback. The result is that the drives experience a short duty cycle of operation before going idle contributing to their long-term reliability.

Support for High-Resolution Formats -

All major codecs supported. PCM up to 786kHz/32-bit. DSD up to 256 DoP. Native DSD up to 512.

Upsampling -

The A30 is capable of upsampling non-DSD files to 705.6/768kHz to the analog outputs. You can also choose PCM audio to reach the DAC without alteration and allow the DAC to perform its own upsampling.

User Adjustable Analog and Digital Filters -

The parameters of the digital and analog filters are able to be adjusted by the user for precisely fine-tuning the sound to best compliment the audio system the A30 is used in. There is a factory default filter setting that can be selected. MQA content requires a filter setting that cannot be changed as it is fixed for the MQA decoding process.

Critical Listening Mode -

For best audio performance, circuitry related to panel illumination, cd ripping, and other background function can be defeated. This mode conserves system resources for the best possible sound quality.

2X Isolated LAN Port -

A30 features a 2X isolated LAN port in which to connect directly to your router. This LAN port will isolate the A30 from any noise introduced by the LAN/Router connection.

Digital Connectivity -

Four digital inputs are provided: one RCA Coax, one BNC Coax, and two Optical. These inputs allow for the interface of additional digital sources such as a CD transport, DVD player, television, etc. Any device connected this way will now be able to take full advantage of the superior sound quality of the DAC within the A30.

USB Connectivity -

A30 features two USB 3.0 ports either for super fast copying from a USB storage device or allow for the interface of a Nimbie AutoLoader (not included) for automated ripping of up to 100 CDs.

Remote Internet Technical Support -

A Remote Support request can be sent through the Aurender App which allows engineers to quickly diagnose and correct issues over the internet.

REVIEWS:

HiFi+: "Benchmarks. Noun: a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed. Bravo Aurender, the simplicity benchmark." -
 

Audiophile Style: "The A30 is a component the likes of which we haven’t seen from Aurender. Sure it’s a server, streamer, ripper, with a DAC, but the company has never released a digital/analog product at this level. This is Aurender’s flagship product with a built-in digital to analog converter as well as all the other goodies that make an Aurender and Aurender. This company cut its teeth on digital music servers and has now made a complete product with analog output at a very high level. Even old school curmudgeon, set in their ways audiophiles, who don’t believe a manufacturer can build more than one type of product, should give the A30 a solid listen. Sure the digital side is fully Aurender like everyone expects, but the DAC and analog output stage are in a class higher than all previous Aurender products.

"Reproducing bass with both punch and texture, underneath delicate and airy high frequencies is par for the course with the A30 in one’s system. The powerful balanced outputs have drive to bypass a preamp, connecting straight to power amplifiers. This enables the elimination of external DACs and cables, and frees up space in one’s rack.

"Aurender’s track record for great products and customer service over the last decade, now enhanced by its analog flagship A30, is proof that this company has taken itself to another level. I believe Aurender should now be considered one of the blue chip companies in HiFi. I unquestionably recommend the A30 to even the most knuckle-dragging, stubborn, old school audiophiles. To quote the late Christopher Wallace, “If you don’t know, now you know.” - The Computer Audiophile

SPECIFICATIONS:

* Compatible Formats: DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE, and others
* Bit and Sample Rates: PCM up to 768kHz/32bit. DSD up to 256 DoP. Native DSD up to 512(Internal play only)
* HDD for Music Library Storage: 10TB 3.5″ X 1 HDD, SSD for System and Cache 480GB M.2 NVMe
* DAC Chipset: AKM AK4497 Dual-Mono Design with Dual-Mono Linear Power Supplies
* Power Supply: Full-Linear
* Display: 8.8″ 1920 x 480 WIDE IPS COLOR LCD
* Digital Audio: Inputs 1 x RCA SPDIF / 1 x BNC SPDIF / 2 x TOSLINK up to 24-bit / 192 kHz / DOP up to DSD64
* Data: USB 2 x USB 3.0 (Rear)
* Dedicated Audio USB Port 1 x USB AUDIO Class 2.0
* Ethernet: 1 x Double-Isolated Gigabit Ethernet
* Volume Control: -90 dB – 0dB, 0.5 dB step, Velocity Sensitive Operation Variable output control from front panel rotary knob, Conductor App and supplied IR remote control when used as a preamplifier
* Clock Structure: Revised Full Differential System
* Headphone Outputs: 1 x 4pin XLR Balanced / 1 x 4.4mm Balanced / 1 x 6.5mm Unbalanced
* CD Ripping: TEAC Slot-Load CD-ROM Drive  Automated ripping support for Arconova Nimbie Autoloader via USB 3.0 port (optional)
* Main Clock Accuracy: OCXO Based Precision Jitter Reducing Clock Generator
* CPU: Intel N4200 Quad Core
* Internal UPS Super Capacitor Based UPS (uninterrupted power supply)
* USB Audio Output: PCM: Up to 32bit / 768kHz – DSD: DoP Up to 128- Native DSD Up to 256
* Analog Audio Outputs: Unbalanced (RCA): 2.0 or 2.7 Vrms / Balanced (XLR): 4.0 or 5.4 Vrms selectable
* User Software: Aurender Conductor iPad App, iPhone App (Lite Version), Android App (Lite Version), Tablet App
* Dimensions:16.9 x 4.7 x 14.0 inch / 430 x 120 x 355 mm (unit only) 16.9 x 5.6 x 14.0 inch / 430 x 141 x 355 mm (unit with foot)
* Weight 37.5 lbs / 17.0 kg