Caching Music Server, Streamer, and Player with MQA Full-Decode DAC
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. This enables 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.
The Aurender A200 also has the capability to store a massive amount of content and play files of virtually any resolution and bit-depth. Two rear panel ports can accommodate drives of up to 8TB each to store the largest music libraries. Browsing your music collection couldn't be easier thank to 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.
Connectivity with Versatility
Aurender's 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 remains the connected preamp's job.
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 and play / pause / skip tracks, as well as select and start a created playlist.
The Ins and Outs
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.
Widescreen LCD
The faceplate of the A200 features a 6.9" widescreen LCD display that reproduces album artwork in vivid color. 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 too large to become 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.
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 Keeps Noise Level Low
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 real panel that allow you to install the type and capacity of hard drive that best meets your 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 you can 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 added. But should your situation ever change, you can install them later.
Caching Storage for Playback
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 play a song or album is initiated, the content moves from the storage drive to the caching drive for playback. Once the 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 completely eliminated.
Full-Decode MQA Technology
The A200 includes Full-Decode MQA technology, and is a fully compliant MQA end-to-end solution enabling you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the "original master recording". This method of decoding delivers the highest possible sound quality available from MQA.
The Aurender Conductor App will indicate that "MQA" or "MQA Studio" content is being played back. 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. The front panel display also uses text indicators to display MQA playback and the respective sampling rate of the file or stream being played.
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, behaviors 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.
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 the app allows engineers to quickly diagnose and correct problems over the Internet, should they occur.
