Aurender A15

The now-legendary A10 changed the paradigm for Aurender by introducing the first music server/streamer with a built-in DAC. A15 is the upgraded replacement of A10, featuring many new features and audible improvements. And, while it's a true high-performance music server/streamer, it is priced to be highly competitive with comparable separate DAC/Server setups.

A15 is performance-packed with balanced analog outputs and a high-performance dual-mono AKM4490 digital-to-analog convertor with MQA full-decoder technology. As with all Aurender "A" series, A15 is designed to take full advantage of the vast selection of MQA encoded music from the Tidal streaming service or from stored MQA music files. It also has two rear panel bays which can accommodate user-installable 2.5" HDDs or
SSDs of up to 8TB each to store the largest of music libraries. A large full-color front panel display shows album cover art along with artist name and song title.

The A15 is a great choice for those replacing an aging CD player, laptop or just for wanting the inherent simplicity of a one-box source component. Whether you stream, play hi-res files or both and seek an affordable option to do so, look no further than the A15.

At the heart of A15 is a dual-mono configuration of the renowned AKM4490 DAC chipset. The DAC boards are supported by a dual-mono linear supply 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. Fine-tuned and voiced for a sonic signature that's resolved and not etched - smooth without sounding dark. The analog outputs of the A15 can reproduce PCM files up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512. In addition, high-resolution streaming can be realized using the A15's MQA full-decoder
DAC for TIDAL's MQA Masters content. The MQA full-decoder DAC realizes the highest possible audio performance that the MQA process can deliver.

A high-precision clock generation system incorporating Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) runs A15's DAC section. With a sub 100fs jitter-reducing clock generator precisely timing the digital audio data transmission, jitter is mitigated to well below negligible levels.

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

The A15 can function 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 in simplicity. Volume can be adjusted from the Aurender Conductor app. Or, 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. Additionally, the supplied machined aluminum 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.

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 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.

The faceplate of the A15 features a 6.9" widescreen LCD display reproducing album artwork and "now playing" information in vivid color. The cover art and text are rendered large enough to be visible at a distance yet not enough to be a distraction.

No widely used file format is incompatible. A15 supports DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE and MP3. The analog audio outputs can output PCM formats up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD up to 512, so you can expect the highest audio performance from any format or codec.

A15 provides two user accessible ports on its rear panel for the user to install the type and capacity of hard drive/SSD that best meets their requirements. Most users opt for SSDs which are reliable, efficient, and cost effective. With the dual storage trays, it's possible to fit the A15 with up to a mind-boggling 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 storing hi-res file-based content.

As with all Aurender source components, all playback occurs from the 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 for playback, electrical and acoustic noise resulting from spinning disks, moving heads and motors are also completely eliminated. This technology results in lower demands on overall system resources and power supplies,
less wear-and-tear on internal storage drives, increased reliability, and, ultimately, better audio performance.

The Aurender Conductor App turns an iPad, iPhone or Android phone or tablet into a versatile user interface for any Aurender Music Server/Player. All functions, preferences, 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.

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.

MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the studio. The master 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.