Description
The Aurender A30 is the flagship model from their range of analog output digital music players. Like A10 and A100, A30 is at its essence a caching music server / streamer with internal storage and control via Aurender Conductor. The Aurender A30 also includes full MQA Decoder technology which enables you to play back full-resolution MQA audio files and streams, delivering the highest possible sound quality of the original master recording. What distinguishes A30 from the others is the pure audio performance and exhaustive feature set. Aurender have designed A30 to be the comprehensive digital focal point of your system providing useful aides not usually associated with a typical music server. Functions like CD ripping, a high-quality headphone amplifier, 10TB of internal storage, ultra-wide color LCD display and an integrated software suite of metadata editing and library management tools. All this, and much more, makes the A30 the new performance standard in all-in-one digital source components.
Specifications
Compatible Formats | DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE and others |
Bit and Sample Rates | PCM up to 768kHz/32bit. DSD up to 256 DoP. Native DSD up to 512(Internal play only) |
HDD for Music Library Storage | 10TB 3.5″ X 1 HDD |
SSD for System and Cache | 480GB M.2 NVMe |
DAC Chipset | AKM AK4497 Dual-Mono Design with Dual-Mono Linear Power Supplies |
Power Supply | Full-Linear |
Display | 8.8″ 1920 x 480 WIDE IPS COLOR LCD |
Digital Audio Inputs | 1 x RCA SPDIF / 1 x BNC SPDIF / 2 x TOSLINK up to 24-bit / 192 kHz / DOP up to DSD64 |
Data USB | 2 x USB 3.0 (Rear) |
Dedicated Audio USB Port | 1 x USB AUDIO Class 2.0 |
Ethernet | 1 x Double-Isolated Gigabit Ethernet |
Volume Control | -90 dB – 0dB, 0.5 dB step, Velocity Sensitive Operation Variable output control from front panel rotary knob, Conductor App and supplied IR remote control when used as preamplifier |
Clock Structure | Revised Full Differential System |
Headphone Outputs | 1 x 4pin XLR Balanced / 1 x 4.4mm Balanced / 1 x 6.5mm Unbalanced |
CD Ripping | TEAC Slot-Load CD-ROM Drive Automated ripping support for Arconova Nimbie Autoloader via USB 3.0 port (optional) |
Main Clock Accuracy | OCXO Based Precision Jitter Reducing Clock Generator |
CPU | Intel N4200 Quad Core |
Internal UPS | Super Capacitor Based UPS (uninterrupted power supply) |
USB Audio Output | PCM: Up to 32bit / 768kHz – DSD: DoP Up to 128- Native DSD Up to 256 |
Analog Audio Outputs | Unbalanced (RCA): 2.0 or 2.7 Vrms / Balanced (XLR): 4.0 or 5.4 Vrms selectable |
User Software | Aurender Conductor App for iPad, iPhone, Android Phone and Tablets |
Dimensions | 16.9 x 4.7 x 14.0 inch / 430 x 120 x 355 mm (unit only) 16.9 x 5.6 x 14.0 inch / 430 x 141 x 355 mm (unit with foot) |
Weight | 37.5 lbs / 17.0 kg |
Integrated Dual-Mono Full Decoder MQA DAC with Fully Discrete Linear Power Supplies
Aurender engineered 768KHz/32bit dual-mono DAC designed around next generation flagship AKM AK4497 DAC Chipset with dual-mono linear power supplies delivers reference-class fidelity. Aurender designed the A30 for those seeking the simplicity of an all-in-one but unwilling to sacrifice a high level of resolution, transparency and the reproduction of inner detail. The Aurender A30 includes full MQA Decoder technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the highest possible sound quality of the original master recording.
Fixed Volume Adjustment
When A30 is used as a preamplifier, volume can be adjusted from three locations; the front panel rotary control, iPad app and supplied IR remote control. When used with a preamplifier the variable output can be set to fixed direct output in settings.
High-Performance Headphone Amplifier
Incorporated within the topology of the A30 is a high-quality headphone amplifier suitable for use with the finest headphones. Three different jacks can accommodate the popular balanced and unbalanced jacks found on the best headphones and upgraded aftermarket cables.
Balanced (XLR) / Unbalanced (RCA) Audio Outputs
Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are provided for interface to a preamplifier or power amplifier. When A30 is connected directly to a power amplifier the analog output is adjustable to best match the sensitivity of the amplifier used. The two settings for balanced are 4.0Vrms and 5.4Vrms. Unbalanced outputs are selectable 2.0Vrms or 2.7Vrms.
FPGA-Based Precision Clock with World-Class Jitter Reduction
Precision clock generation system incorporaties Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) with sub 100fs jitter-reducing clock generator precisely times digital audio data transmissions and minimizes jitter to below negligible levels.
Linear Power Supply For Ultra-Low Noise Floor & With Integrated UPS
Full-linear power supply and extensive shielding prevent noise from being delivered to sensitive DACs for the best sound reproduction. Four discrete toroidal transformers power the server system, digital output and dual DACs respectively. Full-linear power supply with “super capacitor” uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for stabilizing the A30 under an abrupt power outage condition.
Aurender Conductor App Packed with Convenient Features for Full-Function Control
The Aurender Conductor App turns the iPad 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 imbedded within Aurender Conductor creating a seamless user experience. Merging streaming service content to your main file library provides easy access to all your favorite music and the ability to blend content when creating playlists.
10TB Hard Disk Drive Storage with Solid-State Drive Cache for Playback
A30’s internal 3.5″ hard drive provide 10TB of storage and a second 480GB solid-state drive is used to cache music for playback. If a selected song or album is already cached to the solid-state drive, the hard drive remains asleep. This minimizes wear and tear on the main library hard drive. By caching files to the solid-state drive for playback, electrical and acoustic noise resulting from spinning disks, moving heads and motors are also completely eliminated.
Dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 Output with Ultra Low Noise Power Circuitry
The dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 output is designed to deliver an exceptionally transparent audio signal free of noise, and is shielded from outside electronic interference. It can be used, for example, to allow the A30 to source a different DAC for another system.
USB and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) Support
The best audio performance occurs when music is stored on Aurender’s internal storage. However, the Aurender platform is also capable of seamlessly integrating content stored on a NAS, external USB hard drive, or thumb drive.
A30 Manager Companion App
A30 is so packed with features, we had to give it its very own app! The A30 Manager companion app is used to configure all system settings including CD ripping preferences and behaviors. Smart Copy, Move, Delete, Editing and Duplicate Checker are just some of the library management software-based tools provided allowing you to organize your music library the way you want.
State-of-the-Art Automatic CD Ripping
Aurender’s CD ripping software, which was custom engineered, designed and optimized to work with the high-quality TEAC CD-ROM, yields shockingly good CD rips in WAV, FLAC or AIFF codecs. Sophisticated error detection and correction softwaretware ensures accurate rips for great sounding digital files. A30 supports the Acronova AutoLoader (not included) which allows for unattended and automated ripping of up to 100 cds at a time.
Massive Storage for the Largest Music Libraries
A30 is fitted with a single 3.5″ 10TB hard drive with capacity to provide enough storage space for even the largest digital music libraries.
SSD Caching
Unique to Aurender is its caching system. While music files are stored on conventional spinning hard drives (HDD), playback always occurs from a solid state drive (SSD). This method allows for the HDD to only be concerned with loading content onto the SSD for playback. The result is that the drives experience a short duty cycle of operation before going idle contributing to their long term reliability.
Support for High-Resolution Formats
All major codecs supported. PCM up to 786kHz/32-bit. DSD up to 256 DoP. Native DSD up to 512.
Upsampling
The A30 is capable of upsampling non-DSD files to 705.6/768kHz to the analog outputs. You can also choose PCM audio to reach the DAC without alteration and allow the DAC to preform its own upsampling.
User Adjustable Analog and Digital Filters
The parameters of the digital and analog filters are able to be adjusted by the user for precisely fine tuning the sound to best compliment the audio system the A30 is used in. There is a factory default filter setting which can be selected. MQA content requires a filter setting that cannot be changed as it is a fixed for the MQA decoding process.
Critical Listening Mode
For best audio performance, circuitry related to panel illumination, cd ripping and other background function can be defeated. This mode conserves system resources for the best possible sound quality.
2X Isolated LAN Port
A30 features a 2X isolated LAN port in which to connect directly to your router. This LAN port will isolate the A30 from any noise introduced by the LAN/Router connection.
Digital Connectivity
Four digital inputs are provided: one RCA Coax, one BNC Coax and two Optical. These inputs allow for the interface of additional digital sources such as a CD transport, DVD player, television etc. Any device connected this way will now be able to take full advantage of the superior sound quality of the DAC within the A30.
USB Connectivity
A30 features two USB 3.0 ports either for super fast copying from a USB storage device, or allow for the interface of a Nimbie AutoLoader (not included) for automated ripping of up to 100 cds.
Remote Internet Technical Support
A Remote Support request can be sent through the Aurender App which allows engineers to quickly diagnose and correct issues over the internet.
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, A15 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. The Aurender Conductor App and front panel display will indicate that “MQA” or “MQA Studio” content is being played. A green or blue dot next to the MQA logo indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. The blue dot indicates it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner. MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trade marks of MQA Limited © 2016