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
- 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.
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.
Aurender Content Server (ACS)
- Positioning: Serves as a centralized content management solution with features like CD ripping and library management.
- Description: The ACS models, such as the ACS10, are designed for audiophiles who need robust library management and centralized storage, offering features like metadata editing and duplicate detection. Unlike the A1000, which focuses on playback, the ACS series excels in content management.
Digital Output Network Transports
- Positioning: These transports are designed to enhance the performance of any DAC with high-quality digital output.
- Description: Aurender's digital output transports, like the N20, provide a jitter-free signal rendering, enhancing the performance of connected DACs. While the A1000 integrates a DAC for direct playback, these transports focus on delivering the best digital signal to external DACs.
AP20
- Positioning: An all-in-one digital source and integrated amplifier, offering a complete audio solution.
- Description: Combines a high-performance Class D amplifier with Aurender's best DAC, providing a powerful and integrated audio solution. Unlike the A1000, which is a network player, the AP20 includes amplification, making it perfect for users who want a simplified setup without separate components.
Read the reviews

A15
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Manufacturer's notes
- Dimensions: W16.9" x D14" x H3.8" (3.3" w/o feet)
- Weight: 26.2 lb
- Front Panel Display: 6.9" 1280 x 480 Wide IPS Color LCD
- Power Supply: Full Linear, 1x50W (CPU), 2x25W (DAC L&R), 1x25W (FPGA)
- CPU: Intel Low Power Quad Core
- RAM: 8GB
- SSD for System & Cache: 240GB NVME
- Data USB Ports: 2X USB 3.0 (Rear)
- Ethernet Port: Double-Isolated Gigabit LAN
- Power Consumption: Play (29W), Peak (42W), Standby (7W)
- DAC Chipset: AKM 4490 – Dual-Mono
- Audio Word Clock: TCXO
- Supported Format: PCM: Up to 32-bit / 768 kHz; DSD: Up to DSD256, + DSD512 (Converted to PCM)
Our take on the brand
Used
Aurender
What if you spend a bit more?

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

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

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.
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

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Achieves ideal isolation for best performance using PLINK, PDFAS clocking technology, and separate chassis with high-quality linear power supply
- Offers superb sound quality whether streaming from UPnP or using local or streaming Roon RAAT sources
- Delivers a neutral, fast, lively, and expressive sound that is also finely nuanced, fluid, spacious, and gently svelte
- Has a direct, rhythmic, fast, pure, and impactful sound, combined with deep tonal saturation and an enveloping soundstage
- The MPS-X is designed to allow multiple clock signals for the streamer, network bridge, etc, but it then re-clocks all digital signals through the proprietary high-precision clock generator before sending the signal out to the DAC via its fiber optical interface (PLINK)
Product Considerations
- PLINK is not 100% compatible with Nagra Link, there is skipping/glitching on certain sample rates
- Aftermarket feet could alter pacing and drive, so it is best to start with the MPS-X's own feet
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Aqua LinQ, the MPS-X excels in being liquid, free-flowing, and spacious, particularly possessing more distinct layering in the depth plane, while the Aqua LinQ is more immediate and direct
Takeaway: The MPS-X offers excellent streaming audio performance with great sound quality and isolation, improving the sound of music servers and offering further potential within a Playback Designs system. It is an expertly crafted device that should make listening to music even more enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?

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

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Easy to install storage, with a tool-less design using thumbscrews for 2.5in HDDs or SSDs
- A 240GB NVMe SSD is used for caching music for playback, which prevents glitches
- A super capacitor UPS is included for an orderly shutdown in case of mains failures
Product Considerations
- No built-in digital-to-analogue conversion, so it needs to be used with a DAC or amp/preamp with onboard conversion
- Not Roon-compatible
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Aurender A30: The N200 is half the price, but gives away little apart from an optical disc-drive
Takeaway: The Aurender N200 is a well-designed network audio transport with easy storage installation and a caching system for smooth playback. It is built to avoid glitches and can be a great addition to an audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand

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

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very organic and lifelike sound quality
- Excellent customer support with immediate responses and remote system login assistance
- Easy to set up and use, with a simple drop-down menu to select desired player (Squeeze, Roon, HQ Player, etc.)
- Stable and reliable performance, without freezing or connection issues
- Provides tighter and fuller bass compared to some other streamers
Product Considerations
- Requires several hundred hours of burn-in for optimal performance
- Not recommended for DSP-heavy use (HQ Player) without upgrading to K41 or K50 models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFi ROSE streamer, Antipodes K22 provides more insight and better separation of voices in a chorus
- Vs HiFi ROSE streamer, the K22 has more organic sound quality and dynamic ebb and flow
- Vs HiFi ROSE streamer, the K22 provides tighter and fuller bass compared to the softer–bloated bass of the HiFi ROSE
Takeaway: The Antipodes Audio K22 is user-friendly and has commendable customer support, plus it renders music in a lifelike and organic manner. This streamer can bring a new level of musical enjoyment to a system.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wonderfully highly resolving and neutral delivery that is nimble, articulate, and expressive when streaming to a network endpoint
- A second network connection labeled "Player" can be used to connect the streaming endpoint directly to the server, resulting in a gentler, cleaner, purer sound
- The N5 can also be connected directly to a DAC via USB, and also functions as a Roon Ready endpoint
- Sleek looks and very solid build quality
Product Considerations
- When using USB output, the delivery can have a controlled and analytical quality to it, making one appreciate the performance more cerebrally than emotionally
- The Melco N5 preferred the Ansuz T2 footers, but the Oladra really benefits from StillPoints
- The Melco app is based on mConnect
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Antipodes Oladra (using UPnP mode): The Oladra sounds richer and creamier, while the Melco sounds tighter and crisper
- Vs Melco N100: N5 has levels of crispness, solidity, refinement, and timbral realism that the N100 cannot reach
- Vs Antipodes Oladra (using USB): The Oladra sounds considerably smoother and creamier than when streaming to the C1.2 or Aqua LinQ
Takeaway: The N5-H50 Digital Music Library is a superb UPnP music source that is able to stream music to a network endpoint. The server has a resolving and neutral delivery with sleek looks and build quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
- 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.
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