Aurender A200 Caching Music Server / Streamer / Player

The A200 is the entry point of the Aurender range of DAC equipped music servers & streamers. While the A200 is a budget-friendly model, it doesn’t scrimp on features, functionality or audio performance. This compact digital music player is packed with features including a high-performance digital-to-analog convertor with full-decode MQA* enabling it to take full advantage of the vast selection of MQA encoded music from the Tidal streaming service (subscription required) or from stored music files. It also has the capability to store a massive amount of content and playback files of virtually any resolution and bit-depth. Two rear panel ports can accommodate drives of up to 8TB each to store the largest of music libraries.
Browsing your music collection couldn’t be easier with the Aurender Conductor app, which is simple and intuitive to operate. The A200 is a great choice for those replacing an aging CD player, computer audio system, or just wanting the inherent simplicity of a one-box source component. Whether you stream, play hi-res files or both and seek a cost-effective option to do so, look no further than the A200.

Key Features

• High-performance caching music server & streamer
• Built-in DAC with Full-Decode MQA
• Stream hi-res music from Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify or internet radio
• Sampling rate up to 32bit/768kHz, DSD up to 512 via the analogue output
• Supports DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE and MP3 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 inputs & outputs for versatile connection options
• Machined aluminium chassis with silver finish
• Control playback and access technical support from the Aurender Conductor app

Connectivity with Versatility

A200 can function as a preamplifier and can be connected directly to a basic power amplifier or an active loudspeaker system for the utmost in simplicity. Volume can be adjusted from the Aurender Conductor app for iPad, iPhone or Android devices. If you already use a preamplifier, the variable output can be set to a fixed output level so control of volume is the connected preamplifier’s job now. Additionally, the supplied machined aluminium IR remote control allows for adjustment of volume, mute, input / output select, play / pause and other essential functions without reliance upon your phone or tablet. The front panel also provides the ability to adjust volume, play / pause / skip track as well as select and start a created playlist.

Digital Inputs / Output

For maximum flexibility, the A200 features both a coaxial (RCA) and optical digital input. These inputs allow other sources like a Blu-Ray / DVD player, CD Transport or cable box to be connected to the A200 and use its DAC to improve the audio fidelity. A USB output is also provided to send a digital signal to a different system or DAC.

Audio / Visual

The faceplate of the A200 features a 6.9” widescreen LCD display reproducing album artwork in vivid colour. A second alpha-numeric display shows artist and album name as well as other indications of system status. The cover art and text are rendered large enough to be visible at a distance yet not enough to be a distraction.

DAC with Full-Decode MQA

The stereo version of the AKM4490 chipset is the basis of the DAC within the A200. Aurender engineers have designed circuit topologies around this chip achieving new levels of audio performance and fidelity. Fine-tuned and voiced for a sonic signature that’s resolved and not etched and smooth without sounding dark. The analog outputs of the A200 can reproduce PCM files up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512. In addition, high-resolution streaming can be realized using the A200’s MQA full-decode DAC for TIDAL’s MQA Masters content. The full decoder offers the highest possible sound quality the MQA process can deliver.

FPGA-Based Precision Clock

A high-precision clock generation system incorporating Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) is at the heart of the A200. With a sub 100fs jitter-reducing clock generator precisely timing the digital audio data transmission, jitter is brough to well below negligible levels.

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.

Support for High-Resolution Streaming and File-Based Content

The A200 is compatible with all the lossless and lossy file codecs which include DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE and MP3. The analog audio outputs can PCM formats up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD up to 256 so you can expect the highest audio performance

Linear Power Supply Designed to Keep the System Noise Level as Low as Possible

A full-linear power supply along with special shielding prevents noise from being delivered to sensitive DACs for the best sound reproduction. Three individual toroidal power transformers are used for the music server, digital circuitry and DAC.

Adaptive File Library Storage

The A200 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 A200 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.

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.