Aurender Music Servers & Streamers

N150

A Smart Decision for the Sound Obsessed on a Budget

The heart of the N150 is the newly specified low-power Intel dual-core CPU providing low-noise processing for the desirable quiet background your music will emerge from. Also, contributing to lower noise operation is the new 2X isolated Gigabit LAN port and ultra-clean Audio Class 2.0 USB output. Additionally, a built-in super-capacitor based uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is there to safely boot-down the N150 in case of an abrupt power outage. Aurender has also expanded the options for internal music library storage by providing a single user accessible HDD/SSD tray allowing for the drive type and capacity of your choice. And, if you’re streaming 100%, hard drives are totally unnecessary!

N150 is a compact component incorporating everything needed to browse and stream hi-res music from Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify or internet radio using our dedicated application, Aurender Conductor. Should you wish to add digital files to the N150, there’s a provision to add a single 2TB or 4TB HDD or an 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB SSD in order to fully accommodate the size of your file library. And the N150 handles virtually any file format. From its “clean” Audio Class 2.0 USB output file resolutions supported include 32-bit / 384kHz, 1-bit, 2.8MHz (DSD64); 1-bit, 5.6MHz (DSD128), 11.2MHz (DSD256) and DSD512. Updated and improved upon by virtue of an all-new dual-core processor, low-noise linear power supply and increased system memory brings higher fidelity to your digital files and streams. The beautifully machined aluminum chassis sports a 3.0” AMOLED display that indicates the album and song name in an alphanumeric readout.

All Aurender music servers are controlled by their exclusive app, Aurender Conductor which is supported on iPad, iPhone, Android phone and tablets.

The N150, as is true with all Aurender models, benefits from being an inclusive design, meaning that all the necessary technology required for file serving or streaming music is incorporate within one audio component. This approach provides a high level of stability, reliability and predictability of operation which results in superior sound quality and user experience.

FEATURES
Innovative Technology

The N150 digital music player incorporate technology derived from Aurender's best-in-class models. For example, the solid-state 240GB MVMe caching drive for playback eliminates latency and the potential of drop-outs often associated with using IT storage devices like NAS and USB drives for music playback. And their dedicated high-performance Audio 2.0 USB digital audio output features ultra-low-noise power circuitry to deliver a pristine digital stream to the connected DAC. The N150 greatly benefits from “trickle down” technology from our far more expensive models making them both deliver audio performance that belies its cost. Aurender’s unique adaptive storage system lets you decide the amount of storage necessary for your file library and the type of drive preferred, HDD or SSD. Either drive is user installed at purchase, any time thereafter or never if you stream 100% of the time.

Gigabit Ethernet LAN Port for Network Connectivity

For network connectivity, streaming, upgrades and file transfers, the N150 has a Gigabit Ethernet Port along with two USB 2.0 data ports for copying files from a USB HDD or USB thumb drive.

Copying Content

Loading music into your Aurender is simple and easy. You can choose between two methods depending upon where your digital music library currently resides – direct from a USB storage device or over the network from a NAS.

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, behaviors 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.

MQA Core Decoder (optional in-app purchase)

Aurender’s MQA Core Decoder upgrade enables first unfold to play MQA files through a non-MQA certified DAC at up to 88.2kHz or 96kHz. The Core Decoder can also deliver the first unfold to MQA certified DACs requiring it so the DAC can perform the final rendering.

USB HD and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) Support

Best performance occurs when music is stored on the Aurender’s internal storage. However, the Aurender platform is also capable of seamlessly integrating content stored on a NAS or external USB hard drive using AMM (Aurender Media Manager).

Network Streaming with Solid-State Drive (SSD) Caching Playback

After a song or album is selected from the Aurender Conductor App, that specific music is cached to the 240GB SSD from the internal HDD and the N150 will then playback directly from the SSD. This minimizes wear and tear on the storage drive installed as after loading to the caching drive, the storage drive goes idle. Additionally, by caching songs to the SDD for playback, it eliminates any sound quality degradation and even drop outs due to a non-optimal network connection from for example, a NAS drive.

Dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 Output with Noise-Free Power Circuitry

Aurender's dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 output is designed to deliver an exceptionally transparent audio signal, free of noise and shielded from any outside electrical or RFI interference.

Linear Power Supply

A full-linear power supply provides clean and stable power to the CPU and audio output circuitry. Linear supplies are renowned for their ability to deliver a wide dynamic range capability, deep and powerful low frequency response and a wide and deep soundstage.

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 our app allows engineers to quickly diagnose and correct problems over the Internet, should they ever occur.

N200

The Art of Delivering Music

N200 is yet another leap in audio performance that one would expect from a new Aurender model. Updated and improved upon by virtue of an all-new low-power Intel quad-core processor, low-noise linear power supply and increased system memory brings higher fidelity to your digital files and streams. A beautiful machined aluminium chassis sporting a 6.9” color LCD display lends the N200 the look of a mini N20.

Also included are all the Aurender innovations you’ve come to expect including their latest-generation Audio Class 2.0 USB and Coaxial digital outputs, 2X isolated gigabit ethernet port and super-capacitor based uninterrupted power supply (UPS). They have also expanded the options for internal music library storage capacity by providing two user accessible dual HDD/SSD trays allowing for the user to the drive type and capacity that best suits your needs. And, if you are streaming 100%, no drives would need to be installed.

All Aurender music servers are controlled by our exclusive app, Aurender Conductor which is supported on iPad, iPhone, Android phone and tablets.
The N200, as is true with all Aurender models, benefits from being an inclusive design, meaning that all the necessary technology required for file serving or streaming music is incorporated within one audio component. This approach provides a high level of stability, reliability and predictability of operation which results in superior sound quality and user experience.

FEATURES
Innovative Technology

The N200 digital music server / streamer incorporates technology derived from our best-in-class models. For example, the solid-state 240GB MVMe caching drive for playback eliminates latency and the potential of drop-outs often associated with using IT storage devices like NAS and USB drives for music playback. And the dedicated high-performance Audio 2.0 USB digital audio output or SPDIF Coax feature ultra low-noise power circuitry to deliver a pristine digital stream to the connected DAC. The N200 greatly benefits from “trickle down” technology from our far more expensive models making them both deliver audio performance that belies their cost.

Storage, Your Way

Many consumers today are using streaming services exclusively. For these users, no internal hard drive is necessary, however the N200 has a rear panel tray that can accommodate dual 2.5′′ HDDs or SSDs. Either drive is user installed at purchase, any time thereafter or never.

Gigabit Ethernet LAN Port for Network Connectivity

For WiFi network connectivity, streaming, upgrades and file transfers, N200 has a Gigabit Ethernet Port along with two USB 2.0 data ports for copying files from a USB HDD or USB thumb drive.

Copying Content

Loading music into your Aurender is simple and easy. You can choose between two simple methods depending upon where you digital music library currently resides – direct from a USB storage device or over the network from a NAS.

The Aurender Conductor App Takes Control Of Your Music

The Aurender Conductor App turns your iPad, 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 ConductorApp. Embedded within the Aurender App are the lossless streaming services Tidal and Qobuz (subscription required). When using a streaming service, Aurender handles the streaming content the same way as files stored internally, 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.

MQA Core Decoder (optional in-app purchase)

Aurender’s optional MQA Core Decoder upgrade enables first unfold to play MQA files through a non-MQA certified DAC at up to 88.2kHz or 96kHz. The Core Decode upgrade can also deliver the first unfold to MQA certified DACs requiring it so the DAC can perform the final rendering.

USB HD and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) Support

Best performance occurs when music is stored on the Aurender’s internal storage. However, the Aurender platform is also capable of seamlessly integrating content stored on a NAS or external USB hard drive using AMM (Aurender Media Manager).

Network Streaming With Solid-State Drive (SSD) Caching Playback

After a song or album is selected from the Aurender Conductor App, that specific music is cached to the 240GB MVMe from the internal drive and the N200 will then playback directly from the SSD. This minimises wear and tear on the drives as after loading to the caching drive, the storage drive(s) goes idle. Additionally, by caching songs to the SDD for playback, it eliminates any sound quality degradation and even dropouts due to a non-optimal network connection from, for example, a NAS drive.

Dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 Output With Noise-Free Power Circuitry

Aurender's dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 output is designed to deliver an exceptionally transparent audio signal, free of noise and shielded from any outside electrical or RFI interference.

Ultra High-Quality SPDIF Digital Audio Output

SPDIF audio outputs differ from asynchronous (USB) outputs in that the clocking is done from within the server as opposed to the DAC. Which is best? One must try that in the context of your system to know. However, there many very good performing legacy DACs manufactured before USB existed and here the SPDIF RCA Coax may be you’re only connectivity option.

Linear Power Supply

A full-linear power supply provides clean and stable power to the CPU and audio output circuitry. Linear supplies are renowned for their ability to deliver a wide dynamic range capability, deep and powerful low frequency response and a wide and deep soundstage.

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 our app allows engineers to quickly diagnose and correct problems over the Internet, should they occur.

N10

When computer audio first started to gain popularity, USB was the de facto standard for the digital audio signal transport. This was simply because computers have USB ports, not AES/EBU or other SPDIF ports. Unfortunately, USB can be a flawed protocol for digital audio transmission as it is prone to noise, jitter, and compatibility issues. Done properly, AES/EBU and SPDIF audio outputs represent a superior method of audio transmission with nearly universal compatibility, less jitter, and greater ease and flow to the overall musical presentation. N10 represents the state-of-the art of these protocols with its OCXO controlled SPDIF outputs – use them and discover a higher standard than USB.

FEATURES
Ultra High-Quality SPDIF and AES/EBU Digital Audio Outputs

N10’s AES/EBU, BNC, Coaxial, and Optical outputs provide a superior musical presentation. As opposed to an asynchronous USB connection, where the DAC pulls packets of information from the player, N10’s SPDIF and AES/EBU audio outputs push signal out to the DAC at intervals defined by the on-board OCXO clock. With a clock this precise, trust us, you want to use it!

Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) for Long-Term Jitter Reduction

OCXOs are among the most accurate and stable clocks in use today, and are orders of magnitude more accurate and stable than commonly used ordinary crystal oscillators usually found in computers. Temperature changes cause crystal oscillations to fluctuate, which can lead to jitter in the digital audio signal. Moreover, ordinary crystals are much less stable and lose accuracy over time. In OCXO clocks, a very stable, high-grade crystal oscillator is enclosed in a compartment and kept at a constant temperature to prevent jitter from temperature fluctuations.

Precision DSD-to-PCM Conversion by FPGA

Many DACs support DSD decoding only on their USB inputs and not on SPDIF or AES/EBU. That’s why the Aurender N10 (and W20) feature an extremely high-quality DSD-to-PCM conversion by FPGA.

FPGA-Based All Digital Phase-Locked Loop System

An All Digital Phase-Locked Loop system (ADPLL) incorporating Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) with OCXO clocks precisely times digital audio data transmissions and minimises jitter to below negligible levels.

4TB or 8TB Hard Disk Drive Storage with Solid-State Drive Cache for Playback

Internal hard drives provide either 4TB or 8TB of storage and a 240G 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 will remain asleep. This minimises wear and tear on the hard drive. By caching songs to the solid-state drive for playback, electrical and acoustic noise resulting from spinning disks, moving heads and motors are 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.

USB HDD and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) Support

Best performance occurs when music is stored on the Aurender’s internal storage. However, the Aurender platform is also capable of seamlessly integrating content stored on a NAS or external USB hard drive.

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

The Aurender Conductor App turns the iPad into a versatile user interface for Aurender music servers. All settings and functions of the Aurender server can be easily accessed through the Settings menu, and the app comes with extensive features to make browsing and playing high resolution music collections a breeze.

MQA Core Decoder (optional in-app purchase)

Aurender’s optional MQA Core Decoder upgrade enables “first-level” MQA unfolding to play MQA files at up to 48 or 96 kHz.

Remote Internet Technical Support

Sending a Remote Support Request through the Aurender App allows engineers to quickly diagnose and correct problems over the Internet

N20

A significant advantage is that the N20 contains two empty storage bays. This allows you to customize storage to best meet your budget and intended use. For example, these days many music lovers listen exclusively to streaming content. Therefore, no internal storage is necessary (although it can be easily added at any time if desired). Have a modestly sized music collection? Install an inexpensive 2TB HDD. Own a massive music library? Opt-in for 2 SSDs or HDDs. Fully loaded, the N20 is capable of accommodating an incredible 16TB of solid-state storage!

Within the Aurender range of models, the N20 truly represents the best cost / performance ratio in terms of audio performance, features and functionally. Many performance enhancing design techniques, circuit topologies and upgraded component parts have been employed to push its advancement of digital audio reproduction.

An Intel Quad Core CPU is used to support the most demanding digital file codecs including Native DSD512 transmission. All file types and formats are handled by this processor with exceptional ease and aplomb. Aurender's latest generation SPDIF digital output suite employs transformer isolated grounding for the lowest possible noise floor, and their USB Audio Class 2.0 output benefits from their latest jitter and noise reducing designs. A word clock input is included as well. This allows for an external word clock to be connected, pushing our reference-class SPDIF digital output performance even higher! And, a double-isolated Ethernet LAN port significantly reduces network / router noise, lowering the overall system noise floor for a clearer and more pristine audio signal.

However, improvements are not limited only to the N20’s exceptional audio performance. The new, bold 8.8” full-color front panel display illustrates the album cover artwork as well as the album name and artist using a large and vibrant readout. And, practically speaking, an internal uninterrupted power supply (UPS) has the ability to perform safe shutdown under an abrupt power outage preventing system and/or disc corruption.

Features
Ultra-High-Quality SPDIF and AES/EBU Digital Audio Outputs

The N20’s AES/EBU, BNC, Coaxial, and Optical outputs provide a superior musical presentation with some DACs due to the superior clock and oscillator. As opposed to asynchronous USB connections, where the DAC pulls packets of information from the player, N20’s SPDIF audio outputs push the signal out to the DAC at intervals defined by the on-board precision OCXO clock. With a clock this precise, once heard, you’ll want to use it.

Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) for Long-Term Jitter Reduction

OCXOs are among the most accurate and stable clocks in use today, and are orders of magnitude more accurate and stable than commonly used ordinary crystal oscillators usually found in computers. Temperature changes cause crystal oscillations to fluctuate, which can lead to jitter in the digital audio signal. Moreover, ordinary crystals are much less stable and lose accuracy over time. In OCXO clocks, a very stable, high-grade crystal oscillator is enclosed in a compartment and kept at a constant temperature to maintain an absolutely stable flow of information.

Precision DSD-to-PCM Conversion by FPGA

Many DACs support DSD decoding only on their USB inputs, but not on SPDIF. Additionally, some excellent DACs still in use are non-DSD compliant altogether. That’s why the Aurender N20 (and W20SE and N10) all feature this extremely high quality method of DSD-to-PCM conversion on-the-fly by FPGA. The resulting sampling frequency output is user selectable between 88.2kHz and 176.4kHz, gain is adjustable 1-6dB and a low-pass filter accommodates 24Hz, 30Hz, 40Hz and 50Hz settings.

FPGA-Based All-Digital Phase-Locked Loop System

An All-Digital Phase-Locked Loop system (ADPLL) incorporating Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) with OCXO clocks precisely times digital audio data transmissions and minimizes jitter to below negligible levels. The results are sonically audible with better image focus, a wider, deeper, taller soundstage presentation and an uncanny analog-like organic quality.

Dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 Output with Ultra-Low Noise Power Circuitry

The N20’s dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 output is designed to deliver an exceptionally transparent audio signal free of noise and jitter, and it is shielded from outside electronic interference. The improved module-type design is chassis mounted for strength and durability.

Dedicated Word Clock Input

The N20 offers support for an external word clock which can, in some cases, improve upon the SPDIF audio performance in terms of musical rhythm, pace, timing, and phase coherence. If the user wants to use a separate master clock and SPDIF interconnects, a music server with master clock input is needed as well as a DAC with master clock input. The external word clock can then be used to synchronise timing between both digital devices ensuring jitter-free and time-perfect data transmission. N20 can accept word clocks with the following frequencies: Master clock: 10MHz, 12.8MHz, Word clock: 44.1KHz and 48KHz in multiples from 1 to 512. N20 supports both word clock (dCS, DACs or similar) or Master Clock (MSB DACs or similar) inputs.

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)

At the heart of any music server is, essentially, a computer. Like any desktop computer, it doesn’t like when its electrical connection is abruptly terminated. In the case of an AC power outage or momentary “brownout”, the N20 is protected by a clever super capacitor-based power supply which allows the unit to stay powered on long enough to automatically power down. This prevents the system and hard drives from being corrupted by the loss of AC power.

User-Installable Hard Drive Storage with Solid-State Caching Drive for Playback

The N20 provides unparalleled flexibility in terms of the type and capacity of drive that can be fitted. Each of the two trays on the rear panel can be fitted with a 1TB/2TB/4TB or 5TB HDD or a 1TB/2TB/4TB or 8TB SSD. You can choose to install one or both to accommodate your current capacity and/or future expansion of your digital files. If installed, these internal hard drives provide storage for your music library and an internal 500GB 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 storage drive remains idle. This minimizes the system’s overhead resources in se, and wear and tear on the hard drive. Additionally, by caching songs to the solid-state drive for playback, electrical and acoustic noise resulting from spinning disks, moving heads and motors is completely eliminated.

USB HDD and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) Support

The most streamlined use case occurs when music is stored on the Aurender’s internal storage. However, the Aurender platform is also capable of seamlessly integrating content stored on a NAS, external USB HDD or thumb drive. Two USB 2.0 ports on the rear panel are used to import content or playback from the attached storage device. If importing content, Aurender’s SmartCopy feature can be used for bulk transfer or to selectively copy specific content onto the internal hard drives.

Upsampling and Critical Listening Mode

N20 offers the user the ability to upsample any lower resolution content to a user determined sampling rate. Three selections are available to choose from: 44.1/48kHz, 88.2/96kHz and 176.4/192kHz. Since results vary from server-to-DAC combinations, experimentation is in order to determine the sonic results. Upsampling effects only the system’s SPDIF digital outputs, not USB. Critical Listening Mode is a feature that allows the user to defeat any background tasks and circuitry that are non-essential to playing music. By defeating the display illumination and disabling other background functions, system resources are reduced for the best possible sound quality.

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

The Aurender Conductor App turns the iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets into a versatile user interface for all Aurender music servers. All settings and functions of the Aurender server can be easily accessed through the Settings menu, and Conductor comes with extensive features to make browsing and playing high resolution music collections a breeze. Two streaming services, Qobuz and Tidal (subscription required) are embedded within the Conductor App allowing easy access to millions of high-resolution albums. Content found on streaming services can be easily integrated into your main file library, making it easy to combine and compile content in one location.

MQA Core Decoder (optional in-app purchase)

Aurender’s MQA Core Decoder upgrade enables MQA Core or first unfold allowing playback of MQA files at up to 88.2kHz or 96kHz. This is beneficial if using a non-MQA DAC as Core Decoding will deliver some of the MQA benefit from MQA encoded content. Additionally, MQA Core Decoder will work with DACs that perform MQA rendering which is the second stage of MQA decoding. Together, they provides full MQA decoding.

Remote Internet Technical Support

Sending a Remote Support Request through the Aurender App allows engineers to quickly diagnose and correct problems over the Internet. This service can correct for file, software or firmware issues and is a service provided free of charge.

N150

N200

N10

N20