Aurender A1000 silver
Specifications and features
Overview
At Aurender, a network server often simply carries the signal to a separate converter. The A1000 takes a different approach: it incorporates an AKM converter, volume control and analog outputs, while retaining digital outputs that leave the door open to an external DAC. Server, network player, converter and preamp are all housed in a single machined aluminum chassis, at the entry level of the brand’s catalogue.
An all-in-one that retains its digital outputs
Aurender network players are usually designed to output a clean digital stream to a dedicated converter. The A1000 reverses this logic: conversion takes place internally, and a pair of unbalanced RCA connectors sends the analog signal directly to an amplifier. Volume control at converter level even makes it possible to drive a power amplifier without a preamp.
The interesting point lies in what it retains. USB and coaxial digital outputs remain available. If the system evolves toward a more ambitious external converter, the A1000 sends it the stream while continuing to handle network playback and library management. You can change converters without changing servers.
The AKM converter in dual mono
The analog stage is based on an AKM AK4490REQ chip from the Velvet Sound family, configured in dual mono (each channel processed independently). The conversion chip and ARM processor each have their own low-noise linear power supply, separating sensitive sections from the digital stages.
At its analog output, the A1000 plays PCM up to 384 kHz at 32 bits and DSD512. The Conductor app provides access to the converter’s digital filters, allowing signal reconstruction to be adjusted to suit your ears and the rest of the system. Volume operates in the digital domain, as close as possible to the converter, without loss: set to variable mode, it drives a power amplifier; locked in fixed mode, it sends a constant level to a preamp or integrated amplifier.
Bringing together digital sources around a single device
The A1000 is not limited to file playback and streaming. Its rear panel includes an HDMI ARC input for retrieving TV sound, a coaxial S/PDIF input for a CD player or transport, an optical Toslink input and a USB Type-B input allowing a computer to use it as a converter.
The result: a living room’s digital sources converge on a single device before being output in analog form via the RCA connectors. The TV, set to PCM output, connects through the ARC input; a CD transport connects via coaxial; the computer connects via USB. The streaming section completes the setup without an additional cable.
Streaming, library and Conductor app
Control is primarily handled through the Conductor app (iOS and Android), which integrates Tidal and Qobuz and manages the local library. Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect allow control from those applications; AirPlay and Google Cast open up other services, including Qobuz, Deezer and YouTube Music; Bluetooth aptX HD completes the package for receiving audio. The A1000 is also Roon Ready: it appears as a playback endpoint as soon as a Roon server is running on the network, while its internal library remains accessible via Conductor.
For storage, a 2.5-inch bay accommodates a user-installed SSD or hard drive, up to 8 TB. Left empty, it adds no cost if listening is entirely online. A 120 GB NVMe SSD cache buffers playback to isolate it from disk and network fluctuations, in keeping with Aurender’s cache playback tradition. A critical listening mode turns off the screen, front-panel buttons and background tasks, leaving only what is strictly necessary active.
Linear power supply and machined chassis
The power supply uses a toroidal transformer and linear regulation for the audio sections. The 2 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 platform, supported by 4 GB of RAM, consumes very little: 15 W during playback, 20 W maximum, 1.4 W in standby. The machined aluminum chassis has a low profile and houses a 17.5 cm (1280 × 480 pixels) color IPS LCD display showing album artwork, VU meters and the queue. A Bluetooth Low Energy remote control provides all controls. Dimensions are 350 × 356 × 97 mm, for a weight of 8.3 kg.
Technical specifications
Overview
- Type: network music server with integrated DAC
- Chassis: machined aluminum
- Display: 17.5 cm (6.9-inch) color IPS LCD, 1280 × 480 pixel resolution
Hardware architecture
- Processor: 2.0 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A55
- RAM: 4 GB DRAM
- System storage: 32 GB eMMC
- Cache memory: 120 GB NVMe SSD
- Music storage: 1 × 6.35 cm (2.5-inch) bay for user-installed HDD or SSD
- Maximum storage capacity: up to 8 TB with compatible SSD
Digital-to-analog conversion
- DAC: AKM AK4490REQ in Dual Mono configuration
- Volume control: lossless digital control at DAC level
- Supported formats: PCM up to 384 kHz / 32-bit, native DSD512
Analog audio outputs
- Outputs: 1 pair of unbalanced RCA outputs
- Output mode: variable or fixed
Digital audio outputs
- USB audio: yes, for external DAC
- Coaxial: RCA
- Formats via USB: PCM up to 768 kHz / 32-bit, native DSD512, DSD256 DoP
Digital audio inputs
- HDMI ARC: 1 ARC input for TV
- Coaxial: RCA
- Optical: Toslink
- USB: USB Type-B
Streaming and wireless connectivity
- Tidal Connect: yes
- Spotify Connect: yes
- AirPlay: yes
- Google Cast Audio: yes, up to 96 kHz / 24-bit depending on compatible services
- Bluetooth: AptX HD
- Services compatible via Google Cast: Qobuz, Deezer, YouTube Music and other compatible applications
Compatible audio formats
- DSD: DSF, DFF
- PCM: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A and other compatible formats
Connections and interfaces
- USB port for external storage: 1
- Ethernet: 1 × Gigabit (10 / 100 / 1000 Mbit/s)
- Trigger output: 1 × 12 V
Controls and operation
- Control app: Aurender Conductor
- Front-panel controls: power on / off, input selection, output selection, mode, play / pause, next track, previous track and volume control
- Remote control: Bluetooth Low Energy with full control
Power supply
- Power supply: linear with toroidal transformer
- Power consumption: 15 W during playback, 20 W maximum, 1.4 W in standby
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (W × D × H): 350 × 356 × 97 mm
- Weight: 8.3 kg
- Packaging dimensions: 498 × 478 × 259 mm
- Weight with packaging: 12 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install a hard drive or an SSD to use the A1000?
No. The 2.5-inch bay is optional: the device works perfectly for streaming with the slot empty. It is used to host a local library, with an SSD or hard drive up to 8 TB installed by you.
Can the A1000 replace a preamplifier?
Yes, in variable output mode. Volume control is handled at the converter level, without loss, and allows the RCA outputs to be connected directly to a power amplifier. If you are already using a preamplifier or integrated amplifier, simply disable the volume control in the Conductor app to switch to fixed output.
Can an external converter be added later?
Yes. The USB audio output transmits PCM up to 768 kHz in 32-bit, native DSD512 and DSD256 in DoP to an external converter; a coaxial output is also available. The A1000 then retains its server and network player functions.
How does the A1000 connect to a television?
Via the HDMI ARC input. The TV sends its audio signal to the A1000, provided it is set to stereo PCM output, and the sound is output through the analog outputs to your amplifier.
Is the A1000 compatible with Roon?
It is Roon Ready and functions as a Roon playback endpoint. A Roon server must be running elsewhere on the network, as the A1000 does not host the Roon library itself. Files stored internally remain accessible via the Conductor app.
How does Qobuz work on the A1000?
Qobuz is integrated directly into the Conductor app, alongside Tidal. It is also accessible via Google Cast, together with Deezer and YouTube Music. Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, meanwhile, allow playback to be controlled from those applications.
What resolution do the analog output and USB output support?
The internal AKM converter, via the RCA outputs, handles PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bits and DSD512. The digital USB output, intended for an external converter, reaches 768 kHz / 32 bits, with native DSD512 and DSD256 in DoP.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
