Aurender A15 Music Server / Streamer / Player / MQA DAC

The legendary A10 changed the paradigm for Aurender by introducing their 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 (up to 8TB each) to store the largest of music libraries. A large full-colour front panel display shows album cover art along with artist name and song title on the “now playing” screen.

Key Features

• Ultra-high-performance Music Server / Streamer / Player
• Dual-Mono MQA Full-Decoder DAC
• Stream hi-res music from Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify or internet radio
• Sampling rate up to 32bit/768kHz, DSD up to 512
• Supports DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE and other formats
• Store up to 16TB of music locally with the dual 2.5” SSD/HDD bays (drives not included)
• Fully-linear power supply structure with super-capacitor-based UPS
• 6.9” widescreen LCD display for displaying track information and album artwork
• Balanced and single-ended analog outputs, digital inputs/output
• Control playback and access technical support from the Aurender Conductor app

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.

Typical System Configuration

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 aluminium 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.

Audio / Visual

The faceplate of the A15 features a 6.9” widescreen LCD display reproducing album artwork and “now playing” information with vivid colour 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.

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

The App turns your iPad, iPhone, Android phone or tablet 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 Aurender Conductor and Spotify Connect and internet radio service as well as creating a seamless user experience. Merging streaming service content to your main file library provides easy access to all your favourite music and the ability to blend content when creating playlists.

Download the Aurender Conductor App

2X Isolated LAN Port

A15 features a 2X isolated LAN port in which to connect directly to your router. This LAN port will isolate the A15 from any noise introduced by the LAN/Router connection.

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.

USB Connectivity

A USB audio output is also provided to send a digital signal to a second system or DAC. The A15 also features two USB 3.0 ports either for super-fast copying from a USB storage device.

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.

Remote Internet Technical Support

Sending a Remote Support Request through the Aurender Conductor App allows engineers to answer questions and remotely diagnose and fix any problems over the Internet.

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.