Aurender N200 Caching Music Server / Streamer

The N200 is yet another leap in audio performance that one would expect from a new Aurender model. Updated and improved upon by virtue of an all-new low-power Intel quad-core processor, low-noise linear power supply and increased system memory brings higher fidelity to your digital files and streams. A beautiful machined aluminium chassis sporting a 6.9” colour LCD display lends the N200 the look of a mini N20.

Also included are all the Aurender innovations you’ve come to expect including their latest-generation Audio Class 2.0 USB and Coaxial digital outputs, 2X isolated gigabit ethernet port and super-capacitor based uninterrupted power supply (UPS). Aurender has also expanded the options for internal music library storage capacity by providing two user-accessible dual HDD/SSD trays allowing you to use the drive type and capacity that best suits your needs. And, if you’re streaming 100%, no drives would need to be installed.

All Aurender music servers are controlled by the exclusive app, Aurender Conductor which is supported on iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets.

The N200, as is true will all Aurender models, benefits from being an inclusive design, meaning that all the necessary technology required for file serving or streaming music is incorporated within one audio component. This approach provides a high level of stability, reliability and predictability of operation which results in superior sound quality and user experience.

Key Features

• High-performance caching music server & streamer
• Stream hi-res music from Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify or internet radio
• Sampling rate up to 24-bit/192kHz, DSD up to 512 via the SPDIF output
• Supports DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, and APE formats
• Store up to 16TB of music locally with the dual 2.5” SSD/HDD bays (drives not included)
• Linear power supply with super-capacitor-based UPS
• 6.9” widescreen LCD display for displaying track information and album artwork
• Digital USB & SPDIF (coax) audio output
• Machined aluminium chassis with black or silver finish
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN port for network connectivity
• Control playback and access technical support from the Aurender Conductor app

Innovative Technology

The N200 digital music server/streamer incorporates technology derived from our best-in-class models. For example, the solid-state 240GB NVMe caching drive for playback eliminates latency and the potential of drop-outs often associated with using IT storage devices like NAS and USB drives for music playback. And the dedicated high-performance Audio 2.0 USB digital audio output or SPDIF Coax feature ultra low-noise power circuitry to deliver a pristine digital stream to the connected DAC. The N200 greatly benefits from “trickle down” technology from our far more expensive models making them both deliver audio performance that belies their cost.

USB HDD and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) Support

Best performance occurs when music is stored on the Aurender’s internal storage. However, the Aurender platform is also capable of seamlessly integrating content stored on a NAS or external USB hard drive. (In this case, stored content navigation is accomplished from the folder view)

Network Streaming With Solid-State Drive (SSD) Caching Playback

After a song or album is selected from the Aurender Conductor App, that specific music is cached to the 240GB NVMe SSD from the internal drive and the N200 will then playback directly from the SSD. This minimizes wear and tear on the drives as after loading to the caching drive, the storage drive(s) goes idle. Additionally, by caching songs to the SDD for playback, it eliminates any sound quality degradation and even dropouts due to a non-optimal network connection from, for example, a NAS drive.

Typical System Configuration

Ultra High-Quality SPDIF Digital Audio Output

SPDIF audio outputs differ from asynchronous (USB) outputs in that the clocking is done from within the server as opposed to the DAC. Which is best? One must try that in the context of your system to know. However, there many very good performing legacy DACs manufactured before USB existed and here the SPDIF RCA Coax may be you’re only connectivity option.

Dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 Output With Noise-Free Power Circuitry

Our dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 output is designed to deliver an exceptionally transparent audio signal, free of noise and shielded from any outside electrical or RFI interference.

Gigabit Ethernet LAN Port for Network Connectivity

For network connectivity, streaming, upgrades and file transfers, N200 has a Gigabit Ethernet Port along with two USB 2.0 data ports for copying files from a USB HDD or USB thumb drive.

Copying Content

Loading music into your Aurender is simple and easy. You can choose between two simple methods depending upon where your digital music library currently resides – direct from a USB storage device or over the network from a NAS.

The Aurender Conductor App Takes Control of Your Music

The Aurender Conductor App turns your iPad, iPhone, Android phone or tablet into a highly versatile user interface for Aurender Music Servers making managing, viewing, playing and streaming high-resolution music collections a breeze. All permissions, behaviours and functions of the Aurender Music Server / Streamer can be easily accessed through the Settings menu of the Aurender Conductor App. Embedded within Conductor are the lossless streaming services Tidal and Qobuz (subscription required). Spotify Connect and internet radio are also available as alternative music sources. When using a streaming service, Aurender handles the streaming content the same way as files stored internally (Tidal and Qobuz only), so all functions and operations are the same with either library. In fact, it’s easy to combine streaming content into your library of files making all content appear to be one and the same.

Download the Aurender Conductor App

MQA Core Decoder (optional in-app purchase)

Aurender’s optional MQA Core Decoder upgrade enables first unfold to play MQA files through a non-MQA certified DAC at up to 88.2kHz or 96kHz. The Core Decode upgrade can also deliver the first unfold to MQA certified DACs requiring it so the DAC can perform the final rendering.

Linear Power Supply

A full-linear power supply provides clean and stable power to the CPU and audio output circuitry. Linear supplies are renowned for their ability to deliver a wide dynamic range capability, deep and powerful low-frequency response and a wide and deep soundstage.

Adaptive File Library Storage

The N200 provides two user accessible ports on its rear panel that allow the user to install the type and capacity of hard drive that best meets their requirements. Most users opt for SSDs which are reliable, cost-effective and are available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and 8TB capacity. With the dual trays, it’s possible to fit the N200 with up to a mindboggling 16TB of SSD storage! If you’re a streaming enthusiast, then no drive(s) need to be fitted. But should your situation ever change you can install them at a later date and begin to collect and store hi-res file-based content.

Caching Storage

The internal hard drive you install provides for storage of your high-resolution files and a 240GB solid-state drive is used to cache music for playback. When the command to playback a song or album is initiated, the content moves from the storage drive to the caching drive for playback. When that selected song or album is cached to the solid-state drive, the hard drive will remain asleep. This minimizes wear and tear on the HDD. By caching songs to the solid-state drive for playback, electrical and acoustic noise resulting from spinning disks, moving heads and motors are also completely eliminated.

FPGA-Based Precision Clock

A high-precision clock generation system incorporating Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) is at the heart of the N200. With a sub 100fs jitter-reducing clock generator precisely timing the digital audio data transmission, jitter is brought to well below negligible levels.

Remote Internet Technical Support

In the unlikely event you may need technical support, you can do so right from the Aurender Conductor App. Sending a Remote Support Request from Aurender’s app allows their engineers to quickly diagnose and correct problems over the Internet, should they ever occur.

Aurender – The Future of Sound

Laptops and consumer-grade network products are a significant source of noise and jitter, and a high-quality streamer is potentially one of the biggest upgrades you can make in a digital system. Aurender designs its products with sonic quality first, using the best components, most efficient processing, high-quality clocks, and excellent isolation.

Through in-house engineering and manufacturing, Aurender makes the finest high-fidelity music servers and audio players on the market. Their design process starts with a blank sheet of paper. Everything from circuit design to industrial design is meticulously engineered with a focus on performance and build quality.

Aurender’s hand-picked components have changed the game, standing head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

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