Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- The Aavik S-180 produces a vital and alive sound with strong immediacy and impressive low-level resolution
- It is easy to use and has a reliable and consistent control app (Aavik Stream Control App)
- Sound quality is best when streaming 'local' sources, characterized by an extended frequency response and a large, drawn-to-scale soundstage
- The Aavik S-180's cabinet is well-built and shares the same design with other Aavik components, allowing for aesthetically pleasing stacking
- Good looks makes it a no-brainer to purchase along with another Aavik component
Product Considerations
- The Aavik app is based on Conversdigital's mconnect software and demands an iPad to work
- The red LED display, while excellent, can be too bright in a less-than-bright room and can be an eye-catcher
- The remote control is an ordinary Apple remote
- It does not include mains cables
- Absence of a regular power cord
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Innuos Statement: The Innuos Statement is more energetic, wiry, immediate, contoured, open, investigative, and spatially more enveloping—with deeper and harder-hitting bass
- Vs fidata HFAS1-S10U: The Aavik S-180's aesthetic fits right in-between the fidata HFAS1-S10U (warm, fluffy, round, thick, calm, intimate, tonally rich) and the Innuos Statement (resolution, quickness, openness, raw power, spatial stunts)
Takeaway: The Aavik S-180 is a revealing and engaging streamer that provides a relaxed but detailed sound, and it works very well with other Aavik components. It is worth consideration for those seeking a high-end streamer that is easy to use and sounds great.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Aavik C-580:
- Positioning: A compact control amplifier offering refined signal management on a more accessible budget.
- Description: Features a straightforward implementation of active Tesla coil technology and basic dither circuitry, ensuring low noise and precise control suitable for modest listening environments. In comparison to the C-880, offers fewer advanced noise reduction features while still delivering solid performance for users with limited functionality needs.
Aavik C-880:
- Positioning: A high-end control amplifier engineered for signal fidelity and advanced noise suppression.
- Description: Incorporates a significantly higher count of active Tesla coils and enhanced analog dither technology for further noise reduction and dynamic musical detail. Compared to the C-580, offers increased performance and control capabilities.
Aavik U-588:
- Positioning: A modern all-in-one unity amplifier that combines streaming, DAC, line stage, and power amplification in a single enclosure.
- Description: Uses the latest Pascal class D (UMAC) technology with lower output impedance and reduced noise, adding digital streaming and connectivity features for versatile use in compact setups. Compared to the traditional 880 series products, offers added functionality and ease of integration.
Aavik P-880:
- Positioning: A standalone power amplifier designed to deliver high current and efficient pure Class A performance.
- Description: Uses a resonant mode power supply and local capacitor banks to achieve lower noise and improved feeding of speakers, which suits environments requiring high peak power and dynamic control. In contrast to the integrated I-880, the P-880 splits the amplification process, offering greater flexibility in system configuration.
Aavik I-880:
- Positioning: The flagship integrated amplifier combining power, control, and cutting-edge noise reduction technologies in one unit.
- Description: Features an extensive suite of innovations including a switchless optical input board, active Tesla coil systems, and a solid copper enclosure that ensure exceptionally low noise and outstanding musical detail, ideal for high-end, room-filling setups. Compared to its segmented counterparts, it delivers the most comprehensive performance and functionality.
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Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Aavik S-180
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Manufacturer's notes
The Aavik S-180 streamer provides an audiophile dimension with a dynamic musicality and a natural sound stage. From the early concept stage of audio engineering, the Aavik streamer has been designed with a view to redefining and distinctly up-grading the audio quality of streaming network-based music. The Aavik streamer opens the gates for a dynamic musicality and a natural sound stage that features an unprecedented clarity and precision.
Manufacturer Specs
- Inputs: [object Object]
- Outputs: [object Object]
- Standards: [object Object]
- Active Noise Reduction: [object Object]
- Power Consumption: [object Object]
- Dimensions: 400 x 384 x 102 mm (15 3/4 x 15 1/8 x 4 1/64 inch)
- Weight: 5.2 kg (11 lbs)
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Average Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used Products
11
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
115
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
26
Founded
2015
Our take on the brand
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Brand Page
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Aavik
What if you spend a bit more?
Aavik S-280
10495
10495
/
2
Reviews
Aavik
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Audiophile performance with a huge, detailed soundstage and a natural analog signature
- Incredibly powerful dynamic headroom
- Offers advantages over a laptop-as-server digital strategy, making streaming more consistent, seamless, and trouble-free
- Technologies like Tesla coils and analog dithering technologies lower the noise floor, leading to more musical detail and clarity
Product Considerations
- The app is designed for use with an iPad, not an iPhone
- Setting up can present challenges, requiring the user to figure things out
- The Apple remote supplied is functional, but not aesthetically pleasing for a high-end system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Aavik offers similar pristine and clear dynamic sound to Lumin, dCS, and Naim, with a unique tonal signature that is less analytical and more engaging
- The streamer was comparable to MBL CD/DAC on a superb SACD playback, even preferred by one listener for richer cello overtones
Takeaway: The Aavik S-280 makes streaming music sound amazing, giving more detail and clarity. For effortless streaming with high-quality sound, this could be a solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Visit our
Aavik S-280
page
Product Page
A20
15000
15000
/
8
Reviews
Aurender
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The A20 is a full-fledged, high-performance server, streamer, preamplifier, DAC, and headphone amplifier
- Excellent DAC with a natural, detailed, clean, and neutral sound
- Impressive storage capabilities with slots for user-installable SSD or HDD drives and limitless storage options by integrating content from a NAS or external USB drive
- The Aurender Conductor App is highly user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and is easy to navigate
Product Considerations
- The A20 is not compatible with Roon
- The A20 does not have built-in CD ripping functionality
- The A20's sound signature might not immediately impress
- There is a learning curve for maximum functionality
Takeaway: The Aurender A20 is a great option for audiophiles seeking a digital hub that covers both headphone and loudspeaker listening and whose music collection is already digitized. It has excellent sound quality, hardware, software, and customer service.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Visit our
A20
page
Product Page
N20
12500
12500
/
7
Reviews
Aurender
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Integrates the functions of a music server, a content streamer, and a LAN port, consolidating multiple devices into one for simpler setup
- Has two internal, hard-drive storage bays, which allow users to customize on-board music storage according to their needs (up to 16TB with SSDs)
- Employs an all-digital, phase-locked-loop subsystem (ADPLL) with an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) to reduce jitter, improving the musical presentation
- Supports various digital file codecs, including native DSD512, handled by a dedicated Intel Quad-Core CPU
- Exceptional build quality, with a minimalistic, stylish design and a large, high-resolution (1920 x 480 pixels) AMOLED display for album art and information
- Outstanding customer service is available
Product Considerations
- Does not have a built-in DAC, requiring an external DAC for audio output
- Roon is not fully supported as a RAAT device, only as an Airplay device
- The Android version of the control app may not be as user-friendly as the iOS version
- HDDs/SSDs not included, so the cost of storage is not part of the overall price
- The Aurender N20 does not offer a hardware remote, which might be a problem for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Aurender A20: The N20 is a superior streamer for upscale rigs due to its dedicated functionality and higher parts quality, whereas the A20 is an excellent choice as a streamlined hifi
- Vs Aurender W20SE: The reviewer believes the sweet spot in the Aurender lineup is the N20 unless dual AES output is needed, in which case—the W20SE would be better
- Vs Small Green Computer CAPS 20.1: The Aurender N20 is a state-of-the-art server with great sound quality for plug and play, while CAPS 20.1 needs maintenance
- Vs Linn Klimax DSM/3: Unlike the Linn Klimax DSM/3, the N20 comes with two internal hard-drive storage bays
Takeaway: The Aurender N20 is a well-designed music server/streamer with high-quality sound that offers a streamlined user experience and integration of various digital audio functions. It is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking simplicity, stability, and excellent sound quality in a digital source component.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Visit our
N20
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Product Page
KALA 50
19000
19000
/
4
Reviews
Antipodes
The KALA 50 is the flagship of the KALA range, with an electronic design that is derived from the Kala 50, delivering compelling musical performance at a more affordable level. Every panel in the KALA 50 is precision machined from a thick solid plate of premium alloy for a perfect fit and finish, and outstanding vibration control.
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Robust and solid build quality
- Excellent sound quality, reproducing music with high fidelity
- Gives music life, verve, vigor, and emotional involvement
- Antipodes optimizes the power supplies to increase speed and lower noise
- Offers a platform for the best available applications
Product Considerations
- The burn-in process can take a long time
- Worldwide chip shortages forced a few changes to the design, and the beta software would not be bug-free
- The USB output is considered the worst in terms of sound quality and receives the least amount of isolation and reclocking
- Removing Roon local option can be a problem for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Aurender N20: The K50 replaced an Aurender N20
- Vs. Innuos Statement: The Innuos Statement has a warm and smooth signature
- Vs. HiFi ROSE RS150b: The K50 provides interconnectedness between sounds that the HiFi ROSE does not
- Vs. Antipodes K41 and K22: Combining an Antipodes K41 and K22 will make for a two-box K50 if one is so inclined
Takeaway: The Antipodes K50 is a well-built music server that brings soul back into a digital system. It creates a natural and inviting sound that can help you rediscover your favorite music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
Visit our
KALA 50
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
A200
6300
/
Released
2022
Aurender
A200 replaces model A100 as Aurender's most compact and economical Analog Output Network Player. Offering superlative audio performance and the renowned Aurender user experience, A200 is an ideal choice for the music lover building a high-performance yet economical digital audio system.
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines music server, streamer, and DAC functionalities into an all-in-one system
- Features user-installable storage with two bays for 2.5' drives
- Equipped with the AKM 4490 DAC chipset, known for musicality and a rich, smooth sound
- Comes with the Aurender Conductor app, which is simple, intuitive and stable for browsing and control
- Uses a caching system with a 240GB SSD to ensure stable playback and minimize stress on storage drives
Product Considerations
- The overall unit size is fairly large
- Requires a stable network connection for streaming
- Storage drives are for 2.5 inch drives, rather than the more common and affordable 3.5 inch desktop size disk drives
- Internet Radio and Spotify Connect are available on the app, but cannot be cached because they're considered a constant stream
- May be overkill for casual listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Aurender A100, the A200 runs cooler, boots up faster, and has a larger screen—the A200 also offers two user-installable drive bays for large libraries of local files
- Compared to AURALiC Vega G1, the A200 offers a deeper and more introspective look inside each song, but lacks horizontal soundstage expansiveness and 3D imaging effects
Takeaway: The Aurender A200 is a versatile digital audio solution that offers a combination of excellent sound quality, user-friendly software, and flexible storage options. It could be the perfect choice for audiophiles seeking a streamlined and high-performance music server and streamer.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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A200
Page
Product Page
Wavelight (Server)
6000
/
Released
2023
Rockna
The Wavelight audiophile music Server – or the WLS – is your perfect source partner for Wavelight/Wavedream dacs, or just any dac, especially if equipped with a I2S input. In addition the I2S output, USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, and optical output (Toslink) are available.
Rockna Audio is distinguished by its proprietary DAC chips and hybrid ladder topology, which work together with advanced clock systems to reduce jitter and deliver natural sound reproduction. The brand's flagship Wavelight DAC features an analog volume control and chameleon-like sound signature that adapts its tonality to each recording.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Natural and realistic sound, not 'tubey' but refined
- Organic warmth and a touch of 'tube magic'
- Technical abilities combined with a natural, alive sound signature
- Exceptional transient response with inner detail and lifelike information
- Many inputs and outputs available
Product Considerations
- The sound can initially be very 'digital' before properly conditioned, requiring a couple of days to achieve its optimal sonic signature
- A reviewer noticed a subtle midrange bump, which may cause congestion in super-complex music compared to higher-priced DACs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bricasti M3: Wavelight is slightly warmer sounding with somewhat deeper bass, and overall, the Wavelight is preferred for its musicality at a lower price point
Takeaway: The Rockna Wavelight is a well-built DAC/preamp that provides a balanced, natural, and engaging listening experience. It offers high-end performance with unique technologies and features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rockna Audio is distinguished by its proprietary DAC chips and hybrid ladder topology, which work together with advanced clock systems to reduce jitter and deliver natural sound reproduction. The brand's flagship Wavelight DAC features an analog volume control and chameleon-like sound signature that adapts its tonality to each recording.
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Wavelight (Server)
Page
Product Page
Pulsar
6649
/
Released
2022
Innuos
Whether you're streaming from an existing music server, NAS or streaming service, PULSAR will deliver you a large, deep soundstage with incredible instrument separation and true-to-life sound textures that bring emotion to your listening experience. PULSAR is the star of our PULSE Series network music players and it's packed with things that make it stand out the moment you hear it.
Innuos is a Portuguese hifi brand that handcrafts digital audio components with advanced power supply designs and custom-built components, including their signature PhoenixUSB Reclocker for improved USB signal quality. Their proprietary InnuOS operating system and Sense 2.0 music app are praised for delivering more natural sound than Roon, while offering unique features like Assisted CD Ripping and rule-based music import engines.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Employs a PhoenixUSB Lite Reclocker, which significantly impacts the sound of digital files sent to the DAC
- Features ARC6 active rectification with Mundorf capacitors and a 300VA audiophile-grade toroidal transformer, designed for vibration damping and magnetic screening
- Uses Single-Level Cell SSD technology for the operating system, offering better durability and lower noise
- Delivers precise timing and rhythm, as well as highly articulate bass
- Excellent clarity and detail retrieval, revealing more nuances in music
- Requires a network switch and Ethernet cables designed for audio in mind, to hear its potential
Product Considerations
- Sense app lacks the rich metadata and information found in Roon
- Does not offer Spotify or Amazon Music streaming services natively
- Sound can occasionally be a little lean, erring on the side of accuracy rather than warmth
- Special rubberized feet are good for isolation, but the unit cannot be slid around easily without peeling the feet off
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Lumin T1: Pulsar delivers a more highly focused presentation, while the T1 initially seems more open and airy
- Vs Antipodes Oladra: Pulsar is built to exceptional tolerances, like the Oladra, but for considerably less money
- Vs Innuos Statement Next-Gen: Innuos Pulsar's sound is different versus the Next-Gen's, yet not inferior—the Next-Gen is better in dynamics and intensity
Takeaway: The Innuos Pulsar is a fantastic streamer for those who primarily stream their music and want a high-quality, easy-to-use device with excellent sound. Its focus on detail, clarity, and rhythmic precision makes it a worthwhile addition to any audiophile's system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Innuos is a Portuguese hifi brand that handcrafts digital audio components with advanced power supply designs and custom-built components, including their signature PhoenixUSB Reclocker for improved USB signal quality. Their proprietary InnuOS operating system and Sense 2.0 music app are praised for delivering more natural sound than Roon, while offering unique features like Assisted CD Ripping and rule-based music import engines.
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Pulsar
Page
Product Page
MP 200
5900
/
Released
2021
T+A
The MP 200 was developed with the design requirement of combining compact dimensions with a wide range of sources. From Bluetooth and CD to the very latest streaming and radio reproduction, the unit is able to exploit all sources to their fullest potential. The MP 200 can handle not only FM, FM-HD and DAB+ reproduction, it also offers equally convenient streaming from mobile devices and local network memory devices. External digital sources benefit equally from its outstanding signal processing capabilities.
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The T+A MP 200 combines Compact Disc playback, streaming, and FM radio into a single chassis without compromising audio performance
- Styling is classy and understated, with a nicely executed finish and solid chassis
- The T+A MP 200 can also be the control center for the whole 200 series ecosystem, going beyond the usual volume control
- Intended to be your sole source for all your digital audio files, it has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ethernet, digital inputs, USB, and SCL (streaming client) in addition to a DAB/FM tuner
Product Considerations
- The T+A MP 200 does not include an internal DAC
- It does not play audiophile legacy formats like SACD and DVD-Audio
- There is no integrated support for AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify, and other streaming services favored by younger listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Eversolo DMR-A6 Master Edition: The Eversolo has a built-in DAC and a well-developed interface, with a large touch-screen and Spotify support, but its build quality is not comparable
Takeaway: The T+A MP 200 is a unique audiophile component that combines CD playback, streaming, and FM radio in a stylish and well-built chassis, making it an excellent front-end for a high-end audio system. If building a T+A Series 200 system, this selection is a no-brainer.
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
Visit
MP 200
Page
Product Page
A15
8400
/
Released
2022
Aurender
The revolutionary A10 changed the paradigm for Aurender by introducing our first music server/streamer with a built-in DAC. A15 is the upgraded replacement of A10, featuring many new features and audible improvements. And, while it's a true high performance all-in-one Digital Source Component, it is priced to be highly competitive with comparable separate DAC & Transport setups.
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautifully crafted with smooth lines, elegant heat sinks, and available in silver or black finishes
- Features a large, super clear, and easy-to-read 6.9-inch display
- Offers onboard storage for media files via two user-accessible storage bays on the rear panel
- Dual-mono AKM4490 DAC configuration delivers exceptional channel separation and a remarkably low noise floor
- Supports Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Internet Radio
Product Considerations
- Premium price point
- Storage drives are not included
- Might be feature-rich for users seeking a simpler solution
Takeaway: The Aurender A15 is a stunning and precision-crafted piece of gear, packed with technology, that delivers convenience and sound quality. It allows one to enjoy music at a level rarely achievable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Visit
A15
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- The Aavik S-180 produces a vital and alive sound with strong immediacy and impressive low-level resolution
- It is easy to use and has a reliable and consistent control app (Aavik Stream Control App)
- Sound quality is best when streaming 'local' sources, characterized by an extended frequency response and a large, drawn-to-scale soundstage
- The Aavik S-180's cabinet is well-built and shares the same design with other Aavik components, allowing for aesthetically pleasing stacking
- Good looks makes it a no-brainer to purchase along with another Aavik component
Product Considerations
- The Aavik app is based on Conversdigital's mconnect software and demands an iPad to work
- The red LED display, while excellent, can be too bright in a less-than-bright room and can be an eye-catcher
- The remote control is an ordinary Apple remote
- It does not include mains cables
- Absence of a regular power cord
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Innuos Statement: The Innuos Statement is more energetic, wiry, immediate, contoured, open, investigative, and spatially more enveloping—with deeper and harder-hitting bass
- Vs fidata HFAS1-S10U: The Aavik S-180's aesthetic fits right in-between the fidata HFAS1-S10U (warm, fluffy, round, thick, calm, intimate, tonally rich) and the Innuos Statement (resolution, quickness, openness, raw power, spatial stunts)
Takeaway: The Aavik S-180 is a revealing and engaging streamer that provides a relaxed but detailed sound, and it works very well with other Aavik components. It is worth consideration for those seeking a high-end streamer that is easy to use and sounds great.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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