Aurender A1000 Network Player Review

Introduction

Time really flies. The last time I featured an Aurender product was in 2015 when I did a review for the N10 music streamer - a truly outstanding product. The A1000 featured here is a lot more friendly to the wallet, costing S$5,000 or US$ 3,500.  

As a quick recap, Aurender products are slightly different from the competition. Your music is stored locally - either by copying your files to the unit’s internal storage, or plugging in a thumb drive or hard drive to the USB port. Control and operation is via their in-house developed Conductor software. For best performance, music files are copied on-the-fly into an internal flash memory cache prior to playback. This means that you can’t simply stream your music from a UPnP audio server although you can play these files through a “folder view” mode. Most Aurender models are Roon ready while the A1000’s certification is in the works.

Aurender offers different levels of functionality from all-in-one units like the AP20 (just add speakers) to the two-box flagship N30SA that has separate boxes for streaming and storage. The A1000 is an all-in-one source, featuring analog outputs, multiple inputs and a preamplifier function. In a nod to video duties, this is the first Aurender product to include a HDMI ARC input, which makes it perfect for handling two-channel home theater duties.  

Technical Details

 

The A1000 is the new entry-level model for Aurender, slotting in below the A200. Curiously, the A1000 offers a few features missing from the pricier A200. Apart from the HDMI ARC input, the A1000 also offers dual-mono DAC chips, Bluetooth, a coaxial output, a USB input and a 12V trigger. However, the A200 justifies its price premium with a superior TCXO clock, double 2.5” drive slots, a double-isolated LAN port and a supercapacitor-based UPS. 

The A1000 measures 13.8x14x3.8 inches (W/D/H) and weighs 8.3 kg. As expected from an Aurender product, the unit is constructed from solid aluminium. A 6.9 inch IPS colour LCD panel displays the necessary information. A rotary knob controls volume while a series of buttons control the most essential operations. You can also use the supplied Bluetooth remote control or the Conductor app which runs on both iOS and Android devices.

On the inside, power is supplied through three toroidal transformers - one for the CPU board and the remaining two for each audio channel. Processing is handled by a quad-core 2GHz ARM Coretex-A55 processor. Internal storage is not supplied by default. Instead, a small tray on the rear slides out to accept a 2.5 inch solid-state or hard drive. The tray is secured by two thumb screws and you can have your drive installed in a few minutes without any tools - impressive! There is great attention to detail on the immaculately finished casework, solid aluminium knobs and even the cork-lined footers. You get great pride of ownership for an entry-level product.

The Aurender connects to your network via a 100/1000 ethernet port. There is no built-in wifi. Digital inputs consist of a coaxial, Toslink, USB-B and a HDMI ARC socket. A coaxial and USB-A socket digital output allows connection to an external DAC. The A1000 also has a Bluetooth receiver module (with AptX-HD support),

The DAC section is based on the AK4490REQ chip from Asahi Kasei, used here in mono mode. This supports decoding of PCM data up to 32 bits and 768 KHz sampling rates, as well as DSD streams up to DSD512. The A1000’s analog output is single-ended only. Cheaper products offer balanced outputs and much fancier DAC chips, so this was a bit of a surprise. Expensive DAC chips don’t guarantee good sound though, so I would prefer to judge the A1000 on its sonic merits. The Aurender does not offer any analog inputs, and the volume control operates in the digital domain, which will impact fidelity at low volume settings. 

Operation    

Setup was easy. I installed the Conductor App on my Android phone and followed the on-screen instructions. Aurender’s local dealer, X-audio supplied a 1 TB SSD to install, and I copied my test files to this via my PC. It is also possible to stream music via Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Airplay and Google Cast. The Conductor App is more suited for large-screen tablets, but I found it reliable and stable on my phone too. 

In operation, the bright display shows you the album art and track information, including the sampling rate. Rotating the knob changes the volume setting, and feels solid and smooth in use. The App provides a high degree of customisation, including fade in/out when changing tracks and a “critical listening mode” which claims to improve sound quality by shutting down all non-essential background computer activity and the front panel screen/buttons. The Conductor App is easy and intuitive to use. As far as streamers go, it is one of the better interfaces out there. 

One notable niggle - the HDMI ARC input often showed that there was no signal lock, even though there was sound. Sometimes, the wrong sampling rates were indicated and the volume behaviour was erratic. This is probably a software issue and owners of the A1000 should disable the preamp function or CEC control until this is fixed. All other inputs and functions worked without any issue.  

Sound Quality 

Conventional and outdated “wisdom” suggests that digital sources (especially streaming) sound brittle and lacking in body. However, music flows through the Aurender with a highly polished and confident tone. Bass is full, and there is no harshness that plagues the A1000. I was impressed with the coherent sound, quietness and the overall lack of glare. To use a well-worn cliche, the presentation is analog-like, with a smooth and rich flow. There is a full midbass and laidback midrange that made long listening sessions non-fatiguing. Although there is decent treble extension and sparkle, there is a slight restraint in the reproduction of air which made live recordings in particular sound less lively. This gives the Aurender a subtly dark and creamy tone. 

The Aurender does soundstaging and imaging like a champ. It offers a precise portrayal of sonic images, with decent width and depth. Separation of instruments and vocals is good, with a very neat presentation even during heavy mixes. Resolution is also above average. Subtle and fine detail in familiar recordings were reproduced competently. The warmth is not overdone and music retains a fair degree of “bite” and texture. An important note, this is with critical listening mode enabled - otherwise the performance level takes a significant hit.

I was pleased with the quality of the Bluetooth input too. I obtained very high-quality sound from my Google Pixel 7 Pro phone. There was also minimal lag, with videos playing with no discernible lip-sync issues.  

I connected a fully tricked-out Geschelli Labs J2S DAC to the Aurender via its USB output. My J2S DAC uses the top of the line AKM4499 DAC chip and is outfitted with a flagship linear power supply and Sparkos SS3602 opamps. The Aurender’s internal DAC sounded quieter, cleaner and more resolving by a significant margin. It is comforting to know that the Aurender’s DAC section is of suitably high quality and will be good enough for most users. Nevertheless, you can explore upgrading the DAC but be prepared for a significant financial investment to obtain meaningful improvements.  

Conclusion

The A1000 offers an excellent all-in-one streaming solution. Despite being an entry-level product, it performs well enough to satisfy most discerning audiophiles. My only reservation would be the glitches noticed on the HDMI ARC input. Hopefully Aurender is able to fix that via a firmware upgrade soon. Best Buy 

This review unit was kindly provided to me by X Audio, the local dealer for Aurender.

Aurender A1000 Network Player - S$5,000 or US$ 3,500

X Audio

Apex@Henderson

201 Henderson Road, #06-13

Singapore 159545

http://xaudio.sg

 

William Eikos Ultra-Litz Field Cable Review

Introduction

William Eikos was founded by William Funnell-Pilcher. Speaking to Bill, I was impressed with his vast experience and knowledge on audio-related matters, and his passion for music. He started work in the hi-fi industry in the 80s and was responsible for developing a variant of the Spica TC-50 for the United Kingdom market. I recall the moment I first saw and heard the TC-50 (yeah, I’m that old). The triangular wedge-like speaker had little bass, but offered the most amazing staging and imaging I heard at that price point. He also worked with Pioneer UK to develop the Precision range. We reminisced about old times, gems like the A400 amplifier (my first proper amplifier) and the usual things that vintage audiophiles like to talk about.    

The subjects on review here are the Ultra-Litz Field Cables. Bill explained that he developed them to pair with his Aurigen loudspeaker, after determining that available cables on the market curtailed performance. 

Leather case for the cable split.

Description

The Ultra-Litz Field Cables are definitely something different and are an out-of-the-box approach to cable design. William Eikos explains on their website that they believe that conventional cable insulation (usually petrochemical-derived plastics such as Teflon and foamed insulation) hurt the sound by distorting AC signals. Similarly, solder and strand interaction are also cited as sonic issues afflicting the competition.   

Litz cables consist of many fine wires that are individually insulated to prevent skin-effect and strand interaction. Put simply, higher frequency signals travel at the surface of the wire where the smaller cross-sectional area presents greater resistance. By using individually insulated conductors, current flows equally through each strand.  

In the case of the line-level cables, you have 750 strands of litz wire for each leg (and 8000 strands for the speaker cable). Each strand is less than half the thickness of a strand of hair. Great care is taken in assembly of the cables, including attention to reduce oxidation and avoid the use of solder. The RCA cables are terminated in solderless WBT Nextgen plugs and the speaker cables utilise a special solid silver spade connector custom-made for William Eikos that are connected to the wire strands using high-pressure crimping. For sake of brevity, I am grossly oversimplifying the various processes applied. Do head over to William Eikos’ website for a more detailed read. 

The unboxing experience was also unique, with the cables packed in re-usable cloth bags and a refreshing freedom from environmentally-damaging packaging. The wool felt jackets were chosen not just for their near-ideal dielectric qualities, but also damping of micro-vibrations. William Eikos cites the use of felt in pianos, pipe-organs and other musical instruments as an example. Other natural materials like leather and silk are also used in construction of the Ultra-Litz cables. 

During installation, I found that the RCA plugs did not fit PCB-mounted RCA sockets, or any tightly spaced jacks for that matter. Removing the felt socks would be necessary in such a case. Otherwise, everything went smoothly. 

The felt socks can be removed for tight spaces or for tightening the plug screw collar.

Sound Quality

It may be helpful to explain what these cables do not sound like. First up are cables that create a sonic impact from the get-go, much like the brightest display panel in the shop. Then you have the cables that provide an obvious bump in their tonal balance. Instead of taking you out with a sucker punch, the Ultra-Litz cable impresses you over the long-term with their naturalness and musical flow. I would describe their tonal balance as soft-neutral - with a full and weighty bass, and even-handed presentation. There is a realistic presentation of music with a balance between the leading-edge and fade, avoiding the sharp and incisive presentation of some other cables.

The textured and full bass provided the necessary authority and scale when required, while retaining plenty of detail when listening to instruments like double bass. I noticed that the vocals enjoyed a subtle degree of projection, providing a more intimate presentation. The Ultra-Litz cables did not sound overly bright or airy in the upper frequencies. Metal percussion instruments sounded clean and crisp, but presented in a gentle way that seamlessly blended with the midrange. Although these cables are highly resolving, they served up fine detail in a subtle and unforced manner. It’s all there for you to discover, but more like the way colour and details are presented to the eye, as opposed to a photo post-processed for visual pop.    

From an imaging and soundstaging perspective, the Ultra-Litz threw a wide soundstage, with very good image height and depth. The sonic images were somewhat larger in size compared to my usual cables, with a beguiling energy imparted to voices and instruments, as well as the acoustic space around them. This lent a rare quality of dimensionality that eludes most other cables on the market and is one of the key sonic strengths of the Ultra-Litz cables. 

Trying the interconnects and speaker cables separately, I found both to have an equal contribution to sonic performance. I did have some misgivings that using both together would result in too much a good thing, but this proved to be unfounded. Using the cables together built upon their collective strengths and achieved a higher level of performance.

I found the Ultra-Litz cables to excel in reproducing acoustic instruments like the piano and string instruments which were portrayed with stunning realism. However, the full bass tone would not be my choice for EDM or other types of fast music where there is a need to sound tight and pacey.  

Conclusion

The Ultra-Litz Field Cable set new standards on how natural sounding a cable can be. The elephant in the room would be cost. These cables are very expensive indeed. Detractors may argue that these costly cables should be perfect in every way. My own experience is that no such perfection exists, except as conjured up by creative copywriters. Give these cables a listen and let your ears decide.

William Eikos Ultra-Litz Field Cable

http://williameikos.com

Price : USD 9,000 - 1.0m RCA cable pair. USD 11,200 - 1.0m XLR cable pair. USD 19,625 - 2.5m speaker cable pair.

Diesis Audio Roma and Bonham Tribute Speakers

After reading my HiEnd Asia show report and noting that I missed the opportunity to listen to the Diesis Audio speakers, Louis Chew of Stardust Pictures kindly invited me to his home to listen to the Roma and Bonham Tribute speakers.

To be honest, I am not really a fan of open baffle designs or horn-loaded speakers. Listening to the Diesis Audio system though had me impressed. 

Here is a video with sound clips from my visit.

Powered by vintage Sony power amplifiers and a Shindo Labs tube preamp, this Diesis Audio system was musical, with very large scale and dynamics. Apart from the deep bass, the midrange was well-balanced with full, yet detailed vocals. A lot of horn-loaded setups I've listened to sounded a bit grainy or shouty, so this was a nice surprise. The soundstage depth was also very deep, with good image height. 

I also liked that the system was non-fatiguing, yet detailed so we could enjoy both good and mediocre recordings. The price and size of the system will deter many audiophiles, but it was a great listening experience. 

To top it off, I had a warm and wonderful meet-and-greet from the two lovely resident felines.