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High-Performance Analog-Output Music Server / Streamer – Now Roon Ready
The legendary A10 was Aurender's first ever music server/streamer with a built-in DAC and analog outputs. Now comes the next generation model A15. Equipped with many new features and audible improvements, the A15 delivers a cost-effective, high end audio presentation from a streamlined one-box digital source component. By eliminating the complication and expense of building a system around a stand-alone streamer and separate DAC, Aurender has taken the guesswork out of designing a stellar system with a digital front end.
The A15 boasts a high-performance, dual-mono AKM4490 digital-to-analog converter with MQA full-decoder technology and balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs. As with all of Aurender's A-series components, the A15 is designed to take full advantage of the vast selection of MQA encoded music that is now available. Two rear panel bays can accommodate user-installable 2.5" HDDs or SSDs of (up to 8TB each) to store the largest of music libraries (these drives are not included). A large full-color front panel display shows album cover art along with artist name and song title on the "now playing" screen.
Roon Ready, Too!
Here's great news! This Aurender model is now Roon Ready. See bottom of our product description (what you're reading now) for more information.
"Stunningly Beautiful and Precision-Crafted"
"Everything I played was rendered beautifully. I was able to connect with each piece of music without worrying about any detractors," reports Barry Jones, soundstageaustralia.com, March 1, 2023. "Add to this the fact that it is stunningly beautiful and a precision-crafted piece of gear, packed with some serious technology, and this is a network streamer that’s very easy to recommend at this price."
"In short, it offers pretty much everything you need for a modern HiFi system around digital content," notes Michael Holzinger, hifi.blog, August 28, 2022. "And since the Aurender A15 can also act as a preamp, in the simplest case a power amp plus a couple of speakers, or even a pair of active speaker systems alone, is all that’s needed."
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 Keeps System Noise Ultra-Low
In sensitive digital source components, the power supply plays a critical role in the overall sonic presentation. The 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 component or as 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. Control of the volume other playback functions can be adjusted from the Aurender Conductor app or the 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.
High-Resolution Streaming and File-Based Content
The 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.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)
MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the studio. The final 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.
The Aurender models A30, A20, A1,5 and A200 include Full-Decoder MQA DAC technology, delivering the maximum audio performance of MQA. These are fully compliant MQA end-to-end solutions providing the ideal sound of the "original master recording." This method of decoding delivers the highest possible performance available from MQA.
Adaptive File Library Storage
The A15 provides two user-accessible storage bays on its rear panel for users to install the type and capacity of hard drive that best meets their requirements. (These hard drives are not included.) Most users opt for SSDs which are reliable, efficient and silent, but traditional HDDs 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 drives 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.
Convenient Aurender Conductor App
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.
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.
Roon Ready Upgrade
Here's great news! This Aurender model is Roon Ready. Roon Ready models now function as Roon Endpoints. This means you can play music using the Roon app if you have a Roon Server running on the same local network as Aurender music server/streamer units.
To ensure your device is Roon Ready:
- Update your Conductor App to the latest version (Minimum Requirement 4.25).
- Update your Aurender System Software to the latest version (minimum requirement 1.24.255 for AP20 and A1000, 1.24.265 for A20 and A30)
- Ensure you have Roon Server installed on your local network with an active subscription.
