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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!
Dealers selling Aurender near you
Aurender A30 — flagship music server, DAC and ripper
Built as a one‑box front end, the Aurender A30 pairs a dual‑mono AKM4497 DAC with 10TB internal storage, 480GB NVMe caching, a slot‑loading TEAC ripper and a linear, multi‑transformer power supply to deliver a highly resolved, dynamic presentation. Reviewers including Andrew Everard and Scot Hull praise its clean, detailed and reference-quality sound, strong transient control and expansive imaging, while the Aurender Conductor app and CD‑ripping workflow are highlighted by Jaap Veenstra as simplifying library management. The A30’s headphone outputs, variable line outputs and MQA/DSD512 support make it system‑flexible. With features like SSD caching, OCXO clocking and a capacitor UPS, it prioritizes low noise and timing accuracy. For serious listeners seeking a high‑end consolidated source, the A30 offers a compelling, engineering‑led package.
Pros
- Reference-level, highly detailed presentation with strong transient control and precise imaging.
- Extensive one‑box feature set — 10TB internal library, 480GB NVMe caching, slot‑loading CD ripper, MQA full decoding and native DSD512 — with tight Conductor app integration for library and streaming management.
- Robust engineering and low‑noise design: separate linear power supplies, multiple toroidal transformers, OCXO clocking and super‑capacitor UPS reduce noise and improve timing.
- Flexible outputs and a strong headphone section plus variable line outputs and a dedicated low‑noise USB make the A30 able to act as server, DAC and preamp in many systems.
&
Cons
- Tonality can feel a touch lean or analytical to listeners who prefer a warmer, more generous midrange.
- Large library transfers and some file‑management tasks can be slow and show limited progress feedback in the app.
- A reviewer noted the front‑panel volume knob feels slightly wobbly compared with the otherwise solid chassis.
Sound Quality
92/100
Multiple reviewers praise its rhythmic drive and transient control — handling everything from the massive climaxes of orchestral passages to delicate jazz with convincing punch and micro-dynamic detail. The A30’s output and analog stage are reported to deliver strong, controlled bass and transient authority, with reviewers noting it has enough drive to be used without an external preamp in many systems.
Noise Floor
86/100
Aurender’s SSD caching, Critical Listening Mode, separate linear supplies and toroidal transformers are specifically cited as measures to reduce electrical and mechanical noise, and reviewers note reduced HDD/drive noise and lowered background processes. While reviewers describe a very quiet presentation and deliberate noise-mitigation design, there is no repeated explicit phrasing like “dead quiet/inky black background” for the headphone output, so the score reflects excellent but not absolute reference-level silence.
Headphone Compatibility
90/100
The A30 offers a full headphone section (1/4" unbalanced, 4‑pin XLR and 4.4mm balanced) and reviewers report the section as exceptional and sufficiently powerful (reported 5.4Vrms balanced line output and dedicated headphone supply) to drive demanding loads and even allow bypassing a preamp. Output impedance isn’t specified in reviews, but multiple reviewers confirm ample drive and flexibility across material, so compatibility with sensitive IEMs and many hard-to-drive cans is judged excellent.
Build Quality
92/100
Build is repeatedly called ‘reference-quality’ and ‘built like a tank’ with a machined-aluminium chassis, four toroidal transformers and a capacitor-based UPS for resilience. One reviewer mentioned a slight sense of wobbliness in one area, but overall reviewers praise the engineering, separation of power supplies and premium construction.
Features Connectivity
95/100
The A30 is a fully featured one-box solution: dual-mono AKM4497 DAC, MQA full decoding, native DSD up to DSD512, dedicated galvanically-isolated USB audio output, multiple digital ins (coax, BNC, optical), XLR and RCA analogue outs, slot-loading TEAC CD ripper and large internal storage with SSD caching. Given the extensive balanced headphone outputs (4-pin XLR + 4.4mm), preamp functionality, streaming services support and ripping capability, the connectivity/features tally is among the top tier (capped at the feature score ceiling).
Value for Money
90/100
At roughly the reported high-end price (~€20,900 / ~£19,000 / ~$18,000), reviewers repeatedly say the A30 is pricey but justified — noting it can replace a server, DAC and preamp and may even save money/space while delivering very high performance. Sentiment across reviews is that the premium is earned and the product competes well in its class, so value is judged as a justified premium.
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