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Aurender A30
Reference Analog Music Server
MQA Full-Decoder DAC / Headphone Amplifier
CD Ripper / Music Library Manager / 10TB HDD Storage
Variable-Output Balanced XLR and Single-Ended RCA Analog Outputs
USB Digital Output / Coaxial and Optical Digital Inputs
Aurender's best DAC, plus the convenience of built-in CD Ripping
Reference Analog Output Network Player with Aurender's best built-in DAC, CD Ripping, Library Management functionality, 10TB storage, and Dedicated Headphone Section
A Marriage of Performance and Convenience
A30 is the flagship model from Aurender's range of analog output network players. Like A200, A15, and A20, A30 is, at its essence, a caching music server/streamer with a built-in DAC and analog outputs.
A30 is built around Aurender's best internal DAC architecture: a dual-mono pair of AKM4497 DACs for the ultimate performance in channel separation, resolution, and control.
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. Beyond delivering exceptional audio quality, A30 includes functions like CD ripping, 10TB of internal storage, ultra-wide color LCD display, a high-quality dedicated headphone section, 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.
Key Features
Aurender's Best DAC
Aurender designed the A30 for those seeking the simplicity of an all-in-one unit without sacrificing a high level of resolution, transparency, and the reproduction of inner detail. Built around an integrated dual-mono AKM4497 DAC module, A30 delivers MQA full-decoding to get the best performance out of MQA content, as well as every other major digital audio format.
Linear Power Supply with Integrated UPS
A fully-linear power supply architecture with extensive shielding prevents noise from being delivered to sensitive DACs. Four discrete toroidal transformers power the server system, digital outputs and dual-mono DAC respectively. A "super capacitor" based UPS system stabilizes A30 in the event of an abrupt loss of power.
FPGA-Based Precision Clock
A30's precision clock generation system incorporates a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with sub 100fs jitter-reducing clock generator to precisely time digital audio data transmissions and minimize jitter to below negligible levels.
Variable Output XLR & RCA Outputs
A30's high quality Balanced (XLR) and Unbalanced (RCA) outputs guarantee compatibility with any preamp, integrated amp, or even power amps! A30's DAC-level lossless volume control enables it to function as a preamp when connected directly to a power amplifier.
Dedicated Headphone Section
In addition to being a stellar Analog Output Network Player for loudspeaker systems, A30's sophisticated headphone section is a real overachiever! Featuring a dedicated headphone amp and three different types of headphone outputs, A30 is a HeadFi lover's endgame.
10TB HDD Internal Storage
With a 10TB HDD built-in, even the most extensive music libraries will have plenty of headroom.
Automatic CD Ripping
Aurender's CD ripping software, which was custom engineered and optimized to work with the integrated TEAC CD-ROM, yields shockingly good CD rips in WAV, FLAC or AIFF codecs. Sophisticated error detection and correction software ensures accurate rips for great sounding digital files. A30 supports the Acronova Nimbie AutoLoader (not included) which allows for unattended and automated ripping of up to 100 cds at a time.
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 Library Management functionality including CD ripping preferences and behaviors. Smart Copy/Move/Delete utilities, Metadata Editing and Duplicate Checker are just some of the library management software-based tools provided for you to organize your music library the way you want.
Digital Connectivity
A30 is capable of upsampling non-DSD files up to 705.6/768kHz to the analog outputs. Or leave upsampling off (default setting) for an untouched bitstream.
Upsampling DAC Option
A30 is capable of upsampling non-DSD files up to 705.6/768kHz to the analog outputs. Or leave upsampling off (default setting) for an untouched bitstream.
Hallmarks of Aurender
Hardware <> Software Integration
A closed system. Aurender playback and control software is developed in the same building as its hardware. Superior integration means that Aurender's software engineers are able to specifically optimize playback performance of the extremely robust hardware at their disposal.
Caching Playback Engine
Other systems buffer. Aurenders cache. Every Aurender model features a massive solid state memory from which all playback occurs. This important feature helps to minimize system resource requirements for enhanced audio performance and stability.
Dedicated USB Audio Output
USB is prone to transferring noise between devices. Aurender's dedicated USB Audio output is physically and electrically isolated from the noise-generating CPU board to minimize noise in the sensitive audio interconnect.
Low-Power High-Efficiency CPU
A powerful CPU is essential to making any computer run smoothly and quickly. However, with more power comes more noise. Aurender's low-power high-efficiency Intel CPUs have enough headroom to run the machine while minimizing the amount of current drawn in order to keep the noise floor as low as possible.
Elegant Front Panel Display
Easy to read high resolution LCD display. Dynamic, elegant, understated.
Double Isolated LAN Port
Two layers of transformer based isolation to filter noise out of Ethernet connection.
Local Library Storage Capacity
Every Aurender contains either massive built-in internal storage capacity, or at least one slot for super easy user-installable storage options. Enjoy localized media storage, and ditch the cumbersome NAS or HDD.
Integrated Streaming Services
The entire world of streaming music content is available to you within one great app. Enjoy integrated access to TIDAL, Qobuz, and Internet Radio. Plus Spotify Connect and AirPlay.
Critical Listening Mode
Enable Critical Listening Mode to defeat the front panel screen, buttons, and all background computing activity that is not essential for playing music. CLM offers an even quieter, more transparent audio presentation.
USB HDD and NAS Connectivity
The best user experience occurs when your music content is stored on Aurender's internal storage. However, USB 3.0 data ports and NAS share connectivity are included in order to play or import content stored on a NAS, external USB hard drive, or thumb drive.
Support for All Major Audio Codecs & Formats
Remote Internet Technical Support
In case you should encounter any difficulty or problems, Aurender's dedicated support team may log into your system remotely to diagnose and fix any issues. We take support extremely seriously, and we're here to help!
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Usability
94/100
Value for Money
88/100
The clean, detailed A30 delivers a tightly controlled, high-resolution presentation with excellent bass grip and precise imaging. HiFi News and Part Time Audiophile praise its refined, reference-level sound, while Audiophile Style highlights its standout DAC stage and all-in-one convenience for serious digital libraries.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers a clean, detailed, and precise sound with strong rhythmic control and tightly focused imaging.
Offers excellent bass grip and dynamic drive, staying composed even with demanding or raw-edged music.
Combines streaming, CD ripping, internal storage, DAC, preamp, and headphone amp duties in one polished chassis.
The Conductor app and overall usability are widely praised as smooth, intuitive, and well integrated.
&
Cons
Can sound a little dry and less warm or romantic than some listeners may prefer.
File management can be awkward for power users, since deleting or moving files still requires a computer.
Transfers to internal storage can be slow, and the app offers limited feedback while they run.
The large footprint and premium price make it a serious investment rather than an easy-buy component.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers consistently describe the A30 as clean, detailed, precise, and highly controlled, with a sound that stays composed even on harder-edged material. Several also praise its convincing bass grip, rhythmic drive, and spacious imaging, though a few note that it can lean a little dry and is not the most romantic presentation.
Tonal Balance Musicality
90/100
The A30 is repeatedly described as natural, fluid, and free from harshness, with one reviewer saying it kept its cool on raw-edged music. At the same time, there are comments that it can be a little dry and less warm or romantic than some listeners may want.
Resolution Detail
95/100
Detail retrieval is a major strength in the reviews, with repeated remarks about nuance, texture, and fine information coming through clearly. One reviewer even contrasts it favorably with the Aurender A10, saying the A30 has much more resolution, texture, and detail.
Digital Performance
92/100
Reviewers praise the A30’s clean, precise digital execution, with tight control, strong timing, and an absence of obvious digital glare or hardness. The CD-ripping and cached playback path also gets specific credit for sounding especially clean and composed.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently describe the A30 as exceptionally versatile and easy to live with, especially for users who want a single box to handle streaming, ripping, storage, DAC duties, and preamp function. The app and setup are praised, and the wide connectivity makes it unusually practical for a high-end digital hub.
Streaming Software
93/100
Aurender’s Conductor app and overall control experience are described as slick, easy to configure, and a delight to use. Reviewers also mention smooth library access from local storage and NAS, with streaming services integrated into a generally polished experience.
Features Connectivity
96/100
The A30 offers a very broad set of practical options: internal storage, CD ripping, balanced and single-ended analog outputs, digital inputs and outputs, headphone outputs, preamp mode, and support for major streaming services and formats. Reviewers clearly value how much it can centralize in one box.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
The chassis and internal engineering draw strong praise, with comments about reference-quality build, serious power-supply separation, and a tank-like feel. One reviewer does say the unit feels a bit wobbly, so the construction praise is strong but not entirely uniform.
Value for Money
88/100
Reviewers repeatedly acknowledge the high price, but they also argue that the A30 replaces several separate components and can actually simplify a system while delivering elite performance. It is clearly a luxury purchase, yet the consensus is that its breadth and quality help justify the asking price for the right buyer.
Reviews
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Aurender A30
- The ASOC Gallery of Fine Audio — in-store — Stratford, Ontario, Canada (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- A 10 Audio Room 4 Music — in-store — Amsterdam Nieuw-West, Noord-Holland, Netherlands (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- All That Audio — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 140 more verified dealers