Aurender A1 15th Anniversary Edition Music Server, Streamer & DAC
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Availability
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Call or text: 410-239-2020Yes, that's literally his cell
Aurender A1 15th Anniversary Edition Music Server, Streamer & DAC
Description
Description
The Aurender A1 15th Anniversary Edition is a limited-production analog music server built to mark fifteen years of Aurender, with a conversion stage no other model in the Analog Output Series carries: four AKM4499EX chips, two per channel, feeding Aurender's own analog output stage through R2R volume control. Production is limited to 300 units worldwide, each with a commemorative gold plate on the faceplate.
Key Features of the Aurender A1 15th Anniversary
- Quad AKM4499EX DAC: Four chips, two per channel, for channel separation and natural tonality
- R2R volume control: Resistor-ladder level adjustment without signal loss
- Proprietary analog output stage: Balanced XLR and RCA outputs that preserve detail and dynamics
- Limited edition: 300 units worldwide, each with a commemorative gold plate
- Native streaming: Google Cast, AirPlay, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and Qobuz, with Roon Ready certification in progress
- Full input suite: Bluetooth with AptX Lossless, HDMI eARC, I2S, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, plus USB Audio
- Three headphone outputs: 3.5mm and 6.3mm unbalanced plus a 4.4mm balanced jack
- User-installable storage: Two 2.5" bays for SSDs or HDDs up to 15mm tall
What Makes the 15th Anniversary Edition Special
Aurender is building 300 examples of the A1 15th Anniversary worldwide. Each carries a gold commemorative plate beneath the display and ships with two remotes: the IR handset and a rotary controller that pairs over Bluetooth LE. The anniversary treatment goes deeper than the plate: the A1 is the only model in the Analog Output Series built on Aurender's quad-DAC architecture, and the company describes the design brief in two words: sound first.
Quad DAC Architecture and R2R Volume Control
The A1 15th Anniversary converts with four AKM4499EX DAC chips running two per channel, chosen for channel separation and natural tonality. The signal then passes through Aurender's proprietary analog output stage, and level control happens in a resistor-ladder R2R network, so lowering the volume never discards digital resolution.
With balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs under precise analog volume control, the A1 connects straight to a power amplifier and replaces a separate preamp. Timing comes from an OCXO clock with FPGA-controlled precision, and a 10MHz BNC input accepts an external master clock to lock the chain to one reference.
Streaming Without Extra Boxes
Google Cast is built into the A1 15th Anniversary as a dedicated hardware module, joined by AirPlay, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and Qobuz support. Aurender lists Roon Ready support with certification in progress. Decoding runs to PCM 768kHz and DSD512, and playback lives in Aurender's Conductor app, developed in-house.
Inputs and Outputs for the Whole System
Beyond streaming, the A1 15th Anniversary takes Bluetooth with AptX Lossless, HDMI eARC from your TV, I2S, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, plus USB Audio. A 12V trigger input and output tie it into system switching, and coaxial and USB digital outputs can feed an outboard DAC. The eARC input means TV sound plays through the same quad-DAC stage and main speakers as your music, with no soundbar in the room.
A Headphone Stage from the Main Analog Section
Three front-panel headphone outputs, 3.5mm and 6.3mm unbalanced plus a 4.4mm balanced jack, run from the same robust analog stage that feeds the rear outputs. Aurender specifies it to drive high-performance headphones with clarity and control, so headphone listening gets the full quad-DAC treatment.
Storage the Way You Want It
Two rear trays accept user-installed 2.5" SSDs or HDDs up to 15mm tall. No drives ship in the box, so you pay only for the capacity you want. A 500GB NVMe system drive runs the OS, and two USB 3.0 ports connect external drives.
Built on a Full-Size Linear Platform
The A1 15th Anniversary is a 430mm full-width component, 19.25kg (42.4 lb) of aluminum chassis and heatsink, powered by a full linear toroidal supply. The 8.8" 1920x480 IPS display spans the faceplate with album art and playback detail, with a volume jog and transport buttons.
Where the A1 15th Anniversary Fits in the Aurender Analog Line
Every Analog Output Series server streams and converts in one box. Here is what each step up the line adds.
Choose the A30 if ripping CDs into built-in storage matters most; the A1 15th Anniversary is built around the conversion stage itself. Browse the line in Aurender Analog Output Servers or everything from Aurender.
Complete the Aurender System
Two Aurender components made for the A1 15th Anniversary:
- MC10 Master Clock: a 10MHz rubidium master clock for the A1's BNC clock input, locking the whole digital chain to one timebase.
- NH10 Network Hub: Aurender's low-noise network hub that hands the server a clean Ethernet feed.
No Ethernet Run Near Your System?
The Aurender A1 15th Anniversary connects to your network over wired Ethernet. If there is no network port near your rack, the NETGEAR EX6120 WiFi Range Extender plugs into a nearby outlet, joins the WiFi network you already have, and gives the A1 a wired port to connect to.
The Listening Room Difference
We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. At this level, every detail matters, and we're here to make sure you get it right. Whether you need help with system matching, setup guidance, or just want to talk through your options before pulling the trigger, owner Mike Hoatson is a phone call away. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, and our support lasts well beyond the sale. Call or text 410-239-2020.
Aurender A1 15th Anniversary Specifications
| DAC | AKM4499EX quad configuration (two chips per channel); R2R resistor-ladder volume control |
| Analog Outputs | 1x XLR (balanced), 1x RCA (unbalanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5mm and 6.3mm unbalanced, 4.4mm balanced |
| Digital Inputs | 1x AES/EBU, 1x I2S, 1x coaxial, 1x optical, 1x USB, HDMI eARC (TV audio) |
| Digital Outputs | 1x coaxial, 1x USB Audio |
| Clocking | OCXO with FPGA control; 10MHz 50 ohm BNC external clock input |
| Streaming | Google Cast (built-in module), AirPlay, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz; Bluetooth AptX Lossless; Roon Ready certification in progress |
| Decoding | PCM up to 768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 |
| Internal Storage | 2x 2.5" trays for SSD/HDD up to 15mm (drives not included); 500GB NVMe system drive |
| Other Connections | Gigabit Ethernet; 2x USB 3.0 for external storage; 12V trigger in and out |
| Platform | 8.8" 1920x480 IPS LCD; RK3588 octa-core 2.4GHz, 8GB RAM; Conductor app; Debian-based OS boots in under 25 seconds |
| Power Supply | Full linear, toroidal |
| Dimensions | 430 x 130 x 355 mm (16.9" W x 5.1" H x 14" D) |
| Weight | 19.25 kg (42.4 lb) |
| Production | Limited to 300 units worldwide, commemorative gold plate; IR remote plus rotary Bluetooth LE remote included |
