Aurender - A1 15th Anniversary Edition - Analog Music Server (Special Order)

Aurender was founded in Seoul, South Korea in 2011 by a team of engineers who had grown frustrated with the compromises inherent in using a general-purpose computer as a music source. A laptop or desktop computer is designed to do many things simultaneously — manage network traffic, handle background processes, and respond to user input — all of which introduce electrical noise and timing inconsistencies that affect the quality of digital audio output. Aurender's founding insight was straightforward: build a device that does one thing, does it with complete precision, and does nothing else. The result was a range of music servers and streamers that redefined what high-quality digital audio playback could sound like.

ENGINEERING PHILOSOPHY

Aurender music servers load the audio file being played into a dedicated RAM buffer before playback begins, completely isolating the playback process from the mechanical and electrical noise of the storage drive. The custom Linux operating system runs only the processes required for audio playback — no background tasks, no operating system overhead, no network activity during the playback moment itself. The clock circuits used in Aurender's reference models achieve jitter levels measured in femtoseconds, an order of magnitude better than the clocks used in computer-based playback systems. The chassis are machined from solid aluminium and internally shielded to prevent the digital circuits from radiating noise into the audio signal path. Every design decision is made in service of a single goal: to deliver the digital audio signal to your DAC with the lowest possible noise floor and the most accurate timing achievable.

WHY THE AUDIO TAILOR CARRIES AURENDER

We recommend Aurender as the digital source in any serious system because the source is where the signal chain begins — and the limitations introduced at the source cannot be corrected downstream. If you are streaming music through a laptop or phone into an expensive DAC, you are not hearing what your DAC is capable of.

Aurender A1 anniversary edition

To mark Aurender’s 15th anniversary, they proudly present the A1 15th Anniversary, a special edition music server that embodies their dedication to musical purity and engineering excellence. Limited to 300 units worldwide, this model sets a new standard in analog performance.

• Quad DAC Architecture
• Bluetooth (lossless), HDMI ARC, I2S, AES/EBU inputs
• Google Cast, AirPlay, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Roon Ready

Redefining Digital Music Playback

Engineered for a rich, engaging sound, the A1 15th Anniversary showcases our uncompromising “sound-first” design philosophy—ideal for discerning audiophiles.

15th Anniversary Edition Details

• Limited to 300 units worldwide
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• Limited edition featuring a commemorative gold plate
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• Ergonomic rotary remote controller that combines tactile feedback with elegant functionality

Quad DAC Architecture

• Features four AKM4499EX DAC chips for superior channel separation and natural tonality
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• Aurender’s proprietary analog output stage preserves detail and dynamics
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• R2R volume control ensures precise, transparent adjustment without signal loss

Comprehensive Streaming Support

Native compatibility with Google Cast, AirPlay, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, and Roon Ready — no external devices required

Versatile Input Connectivity

Supports Bluetooth (lossless), HDMI eARC, I2S, AES/EBU, SPDIF (Coaxial/Optical), USB-Audio — for seamless system integration

Premium Headphone Output

• Equipped with 3.5mm and 6.3mm unbalanced outputs, and a 4.4mm balanced output
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• The robust analog stage effortlessly drives high-performance headphones, delivering exceptional clarity and control

Specifications

Basic HW Specs

• SoC / Memory: RK3588 (Octa-core) 2.4Ghz, 8G/32G
• Casing: 430mm full size (8T)
• Dimensions: 430 x 130 x 355 mm
• Front display: 8.8″ 1920×480 IPS LCD
• NVMe: 480GB PCI3.0x
• Power: Full Linear Toroidal
• Clock: OCXO & FPGA high precision
• DAC: AKM4499EX Quad (2x/CH)
• Headphone Amp: Yes
• Ethernet: 100/1000 (Gigabit)
• Buttons/ Jog: 1x Power/ 7x Buttons/ 1x Volume Jog

Streaming Inputs

• Summary: G-cast/ BT/ ARC/ SPDIF-in/ USB-in/ SSD
• G-cast builtin: 1x HW module
• BT: AptX-Lossless
• ARC: Yes
• 2.5″ tray: 2x 2.5″ tray for SSD/HDD

Digital Inputs

• Coaxial/ Optical/ USB: 1x/ 1x/ 1x
• AES-EBU IN: 1x
• I2S IN: 1x
• USB IN: 1x

Clock Input

• External Clock IN: 10Mhz BNC

Analog/ Digital Outputs

• Coaxial OUT: 1x
• USB OUT: 1x
• Analog OUT: 1x XLR, 1x RCA

Other IO/ Headphone Outputs

• Headphone Output: 3.5mm/ 6.3mm/ 4.4mm Sony
• USB 3.0: 2x for external storage
• 12V Trigger OUT: 1x for external equipment
• 12V Trigger IN: -

Software/ Decoding Specs/ Remote

• OS: Debian 11 (booting time < 20 seconds)
• Streaming Support: G-cast / Tidal Connect/ Spotify Connect
• Music Client: Aurender Conductor
• Decoding spec: PCM 32bit/1536Khz, DSD1024 (native)
• Remote (BLE): Basic + Rotary NC machined