Widealab Aurender Digital Music Player

Widealab of South Korea announced the launch of their Aurender Series Digital Music Storage and Playback Systems with Solid State Drive Playback and iPad user interface. Solid State Drives have numerous advantages over CD mechanisms and hard disk drives which have mechanical parts that wear down and emit noise. More importantly, there are limitations to accurately reading and playing back data from a spinning disk in real time. Solid State Drives have no disks, almost no seek times and vastly lower random access times than hard disk drives and compact disk drives. This ensures absolute accuracy in reading and playback of music files.

Another vital factor in flawless playback is the accuracy of the clocks which are used as references in reading and playing back music data. Aurender's clocks are based on ultra-stable TCXO or OCXO oscillators, depending on the model. The next step up in performance to OCXO oscillators are rubidium oscillators which are used in atomic clocks. The OCXO oscillators used in the Aurender are of the finest quality and boast an accuracy under 5 billionth of a second. TCXO and OCXO based clocks along with proprietary re-clocking using Field Programmable Gate Arrays guarantee that the signal to the Digital Analog Converter is as accurate as possible. 

The Aurender can store up to 6 terabytes of music in uncompressed or lossless formats which are used by studios and broadcasting companies to archive their recordings. The iPad is the user interface for the Aurender Music System and the application is free of charge. By using the iPad as an interface, users can easily view all details of the music collection according to Song, Artist, Genre,Album, Composer and Conductor, in addition to instantly selecting songs and editing playlists.

All models are designed to be used with high quality DACs and have AES/EBU, Coaxial and Optical outputs. The S30 model offers an IIS connection and the R10 model has a digital I/O for master clock (10Mhz). Other features include Linux OS customized for audio applications, uncompressed and lossless formats, up to 24 bit/192 kHz resolution, fanless design and precision machined aluminum case and parts designed to protect sensitive components from electromagnetic noise and vibrations. In addition, the Aurender has LAN and USB connections for transfer of music files from external storage devices or PCs.

Expected retail prices are $4,600 for the Aurender A10 and $5,700 for the Aurender S10.

Aurender Brochure

BO.01 REBRAUN music server

Came across this re-worked vintage B&O Braun by Bootleg Objects.  Intended as an art piece, but nevertheless interesting.

BO.01 REBRAUN - MUSIC JUKEBOX AND SERVER

Vintage case, digital data, mixed multimedia, aluminium, acrylic, steel, liquidcrystal. CNC-milled, welded, thermoformed, lacquered, anodized.Programmed with the VVVV MULTIPURPOSE TOOLKIT.DIMENSIONS (WxHxD): 650x120x280mm

12000 EUR purchasing information

Designed in 1962 by Dieter Rams, the “Audio 1 Kompaktanlage” is a milestone of german post-war design. It embodies, even more than its predecessor, the famous “snow-white’s coffin”, the design ideals of the rationalist “Ulm School”. These sober paradigms of utility and matter-of-factness are playfully remodelled in the “ReBraun”: Two TFT-Displays take the place of the radio scales, the lettering on the anodised front plate ironically quotes the lingo of the radio era. A randomly positioned button, labelled “Zufall” (Randomness) stands for the freedom from mechanical constraints. The antenna does not receive any FM radio, but is used to connect the system to the internet via Wireless LAN. The case and acrylic hood were lowered by several centimetres for sporty reasons (think: hot rod!), and the window that formerly contained a signal strength readout now becomes a tabernacle for the old Braun nameplate.

Burmester Music Server 111

Berlin based Burmester Audiosysteme, founded in 1977, produces really high end stuffs. The legendary preamp 777 was indeed its foundation (named after its origination date – July 1977) and has established that shiny metallic look for all products that followed.  There are people who really like their stuff so much that they go out and buy a new Porsche, as Burmesters are premium sound system option for the car.  Of course, you need perfectly reproduced music to go with your Cayenne Turbo to pick up the kids.  

The new Music Server model 111 compliments their existing line of CD players (No 061, 069 and 089) and was launched during the high end show in Munich.  It is a hard disk based server with integrated drive slot for ripping, WIFI and LAN capable.

"The new Reference Line Music Server convinces not only by its excellent sound quality, but also by the extremely fast processing of even very large data sets. The local player is both about the device, via the web browser, and via handheld devices such as iPad with a specially developed Burmester Darfur app to be controlled.

Streaming over WLAN is also possible. On the integrated drive slot, an existing CD collection in the highest possible quality to rip it. Were not deposited album art and track information are added automatically to a comparison with the database. Due to the forward error correction (FEC) of only a few seconds for audio CD drives, there is the possibility that older or scratched CD went to an audio data stream that includes sporadic dropouts. Without appropriate countermeasures can thus reduce the noise listening."

Sonore Music Server

The Sonore Music Server is a minimalist, Linux based computer audio playback system which rips CDs and DVDs, store audio data into a large internal storage drive with embedded tags and cover art. You can control playback of the stored audio content with any web browser on the home network, or with a free iTouch/iPhone/iPad/Droid App.  No screens, no keyboard.

• Compatible with aiff, wav, flac, alac, mp3 and other popular formats without DRM
• Control of music playback with a free iTouch/iPhone/iPad APP MPoD from Katoemba 
• Control of music playback with web interface from any computer on the home network 
• Automatic ripping and tagging of your CDs with cover art finder in flac format
• Automatic ripping of your DVDs to MKV format
• Includes solid state drive for operating system and 2TB harddrive for music storage
• Shares and stores your music collection for use on the home network (iTunes compatible)
• Fanless design
• OPTIONS: Silver or black faceplate, 3TB hard drive for music storage

The Lampizator Transport

The legendary Lukasz Fikus just launched the new Lampizator Transport, full details on his website soon.

From what we know so far is that it is a transport based on the Logitech Squeezebox Duet and will be housed in the same chassis as the Lampizator DAC.  Lukasz built a new dedicated power supply and replaced stock capacitors with highest quality Oscons.  New MR superclock mk2 with its own transformer is installed. The key element that sets it apart from any other transport (well..except the stratospherically expensive Audio Note CDT Five, whose output stage is actually based on his design) is the Digilampizator buffered tube output stage, not for analog outputs since it does not have any, but for the digital S/PDIF output signal (Digital+Lampize+ator - get it?) 

The concept of Digilampization is quite refreshing.  We all know that a clean square wave signal with perfect timing is what needed from a transport. We spent time and money tweaking cables, re-clockers, isolation devices etc. to get closer to that.  Is there a better way?

From Lukasz' writing:

"....I analysed over 25 schematics and I reached the conclusion that all these player's digital trace and all schematics of outputs look bad. Some of them better than others, some - so-so, and some just plain bad.

What particularly annoyed me is that the signal trace is so sensitive to small changes of the load - resistance, capacitance and inductance. That's why digital cables sound different from one another - because the transmitter is not optimized. It is weak. Its output impedance is 10 times too high or even more.
if all the problems which distort the signal on the way to the DAC are arising from too weak generator, why not make what an engineer should and add a buffer. The chip will be happy working into virtually no load at all, just the grid. The square will be perfect as hell. Then the tube will have infinitely better output impedance (single hundreds of Ohms) and it will send the signal nice, pure, sharp , stiff and indifferent to cable and plugs. The quality means sending a proper signal not deploying voo-doo and mythology.

I took the tube which is good for high frequencies - the Russian 6N14P, which has a frequency response good till 200 MHz. Our signal needs circa 20 MHz bandwidth so the tube is ten times "too good" for the job. Any other radio tube is good, The parameters like amplification etc. do not matter because it is a cathode follower. The audio tubes are no good because the frequency range is too low.

Tapping of signal to output tube buffer  Credit:Lukasz Fikus

The resulting square wave is PERFECT. It beats the stock signal without sweat. The difference on the scope is night and day. There is no ringing, no roll off, all is just excellent. I have yet to see the output trace as clean as this one! The MR super clock also helps reducing jitter - data timing problems, as well as it eliminates the high frequency modulations of signals, power supplies and earth in the player...."

Before Digilampization  Credit: Lukasz Fikus

After Digilampization  Credit Lukasz Fikus

The LZ Transport's output tube also has a dedicated tube rectifier power supply. There is also provision for an i2s output in a proprietary arrangement (3 RCA outputs: clock, LRCK, and data). Music can be streamed via Wifi/LAN from any computer running Squeezecenter server software. There is also a memory buffer a-la Genesis Digital Lens, so that's even better.  The included Squeezebox Duet's remote has a screen which is highly usable from listening position.

All sounds very tempting.  Projected price is around EUR2,000.  Discussions about the new Lampizator transport over at Lampizator forum here.

Auraliti PK100 reviewed by ComputerAudiophile.com

ComputerAudiophile.com has posted its review of the $799 Linux-based Auraliti PK-100 File Player which we covered in our earlier blog.

Very interesting and in some ways similar to Bryston's BDP-1. The fan less , hard drive less PK-100 however does not stream from Network Attached Server Drives (NAS), does not rip CDs, and nor allow for connection to USB DACs yet. The philopsophy is to keep it simple stupid. Connect a USB drive and press play on a remote website or iDevice application. It output analog audio (via internal DAC based on an AKM chip) and digital S/PDIF coaxial.

Auraliti is also coming out with a new line of products which include the higher-end L-1000, the improved PK-200, and the PK-USB.

The PK-200 is similar to the PK-100 but with improved power supply regulation and transformer coupled S/PDIF connection. The PK-USB will allow connection to USB DACs.

Autonomic Controls MMS-2 cloud-based music server

Autonomic Controls' MMS-2 is a cloud-based media server, that can access their digital music libraries from iTunes, Windows Media and other popular audio formats, anywhere in the world. Listeners will also enjoy access to their favorite streaming services from Pandora, RadioTime and SiriusXM Internet Radio. 

Pulling from Macs, PCs and other network storage devices, the MMS-2 automatically synchronizes and streams content to remote locations. Using the Autonomic cloud service as the system’s backbone, the MMS-2 provides secure, global access to digital media collections and streaming services through Wi-Fi or 3G/4G mobile devices. Automated music programming allows users to schedule content in their homes or wherever they happen to be in the world.

With a leaner form factor and a lower price point, the MMS-2 is designed to work as a solo server for compact spaces, such as a beach house, yacht or pied-à-terre, or as a complement to the award-winning, five-source Mirage Media Server (MMS-5). The MMS-2 features 500GB of internal storage, two independent audio outputs—one 5.1 digital output for the audiophile in the main listening room and one analog output for distribution to multiple rooms—and one video output for displaying metadata and photo slideshows on the HDTV.

When a song or album is purchased or ripped at home, the MMS-2 will automatically synchronize new media to the cloud and make it available anywhere with Internet access, sparing the trouble of manually transferring music. To protect a user’s content, MMS-2 offers automatic backup to a private Internet data locker (the "cloud"), reducing the chances of losing digital files, while offering remote access to music from computers and mobile devices. Users can also create Pandora Internet Radio stations based on whatever artist or song is playing, allowing them to create customized music stations on the fly.

With the convenience and low cost of an iPad, users can now browse and control media libraries and all supported streaming services, complete with metadata and album art, all from one application. Mirage Media Controller (MMC) for iPad is currently available from the iTunes App Store for $49.99, and the same app for iPhone and iPod Touch is available for $19.99.  MMS-2 MSRP is $1,995.

Bladelius Embla

Mike Bladelius was the head designer of the great Threshold Audio and consulted for Classe' Audio and Primare during the 90s.  Now he is back with his own company, Bladelius Design Group, based in Sweden.  The Embla has got to be one of the most beautiful piece of audio gear in existence.  Classic Scandinavian clean looks plus super high-tech touches.  

"The Embla offers a silent playback system without any moving mechanical parts when playing from the built-in flash memory.  Unlike computer based playback products the Embla is based on our proprietary audio DSP design, allowing complete control over the timing and reading of the discs. The Embla is designed as a true audiophile unit from the ground up and it's not a modified computer that can copy discs. Not only is the Embla a playback system but it also includes an analog preamplifier, a world class DA-converter based on our reference CD-player, the Gondul M. The DA-converter also carries a switchable digital filter with analog behavior. Insert a CD and you have the option to play directly from the disc like a standard CD-player or you can store the disc on the internal flash memory. You're not even limited to just internal storage. External units can directly connect via USB to the Embla, as well as you may access files on a network drive or music streaming from a PC.

The Embla comes preloaded with a database with album and track names and will display album art if connected to the internet via its Ethernet port."

• Bit perfect copies into memory from integrated DVD-ROM drive, eliminate transport-related jitter
• Silent operation when drive not in use
• 2 x USB host port
• PCM, WAV, HRx, FLAC, MP3, and OGG
• 2 x 32-bit/192kHz dac chips per channel
• User selectable digital filters to suit listening preferences
• Built-in pre-amp with analog volume control in 0.5dB steps
• Digital inputs: 1 X AES/EBU, 1 x RCA, 1 x Toslink
• Digital outputs: 1 X AES/EBU, 1 x RCA
• RJ45 port for internet connection
• Bluetooth 
• Balanced and un-balanced analog output

Behold Gentle G192 Media Player

Behold Gentle G192 Media Player comes with a 7" full coloured widescreen TFT-Display (800x480). The control of the device is realised by a touch panel placed in front of the display.  Connection can be via an external USB connected drive. This can be placed up to 60ft “away” from the Gentle for direct use at the listening position. The internal HDD can also be used with 120GB storage for up to 12.000 minutes of music.
There are up to 8 analog and 6 digital inputs available to run several stereo channels or one multi-channel 5.1. 

Musical Fidelity M1 Clic

The new Musical Fidelity M1 Clic music control centre has 3 digital inputs, 3 analog inputs, a USB memory stick and a digital iPod input.  The iPod input accesses the digital data, not usual analog.  It also has wireless and ethernet LAN connectivity and also streams internet radio as well.  The M1 Clic has fixed and variable outputs so it can be used as a full preamp or a signal source. Retails for £1299.

The Purist HDR 6

AMI Hifi of Germany has an all in one Hard disk storage/Music Server and CD ripper.

• 24/192 resolution
• FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3, ACC, APE, AAC, AIFF
• 2TB storage
• Option to use SSD disks of up to 1TB
• 1.5GB cache
• Quad core CPU
• ASIO streaming interface
• NAS interface (squeezebox compatible)
• Digital outputs: AES/EBU, Coaxial, Toslink
• Teac DVD-ROM slot-load drive mechanism
• HDMI 1.3 compatible (1080p)
• Ethernet port
• 4 x USB host port
• 1 x eSATA power
• iPod touch and iPad interface
• Option for an improved analog stage with discrete I/V and purist analog filter
• Option for better master clock
• Option to include Blu-ray capabilities
• Option for WLAN 802.11n

Auraliti L1000

In addition to the $599 Linux-based music server PK100, which is only available directly from Auraliti website.  The company is launching new product line which will be sold through audio specialist dealers (TBA).  


Auraliti's main man is Demian Martin, a well-regarded audio designer who co-founded Spectral Audio, and now designs and consults technically for Constellation Audio, Rockport, Nuforce and Monster Cables.  Some web forums swears by the PK100 and thinks it beats the Mac Mini as a specialized computer-based music server.  I have yet to try it but the L1000 looks very tempting.

  

• L1000 - Flagship performance with AES/EBU digital output, Aluminum case
• PK200 - is an upgraded power supply version of the PK100 with SPDIF output
• PKUSB - USB output version for connection to USB DACs

Features:

• Zero config (via Bonjour) on Mac OSX
• MPD freeware cients for PC and MAC
• DAC chip: AKM4396 24-bit/192 kHz
• Low jitter crystal oscillators
• SSD hard drive for Linux OS
• External drive for storage of music via USB host port
• Ethernet LAN for connection to NAS drives
• Fully silent operations, fan-less
• FLAC, WAV, AIFF playback
• Auto select 44.1kHz to 192kHz
• Remote control from network connected web browser
• iPhone and iPad control
• Bit perfect, no re-sampling nor DSP
• RCA analog outputs and optional XLR balance outputs

Pathos Musiteca server and Inpol Remix integrated amp/DAC

Pathos Acoustics of Italy has some interesting products.

Musiteca™ high-end music server

• Proprietary user-friendly interface with 16/9 touch screen 21"
• Built-in CD drive for music ripping
• 1 TB hard drive good for 2,000 CDs in lossless format
• Tube output stage
• State-of-the-art D/A converter, the same of the acclaimed Endorphin™CD player
• USB input for importing either lossless or Mp3 files
• LAN connection for downloading track info and cover arts
• Available in 2011

INPOL Remix Integrated Amplifier / DAC 

• INPOL circuit (Inseguitore a Pompa Lineare - Linear Pump Tracker) patented by Pathos
• 10W in pure class A with zero-feedback (rms 8 ohm)
• 24/96 digital to analog converter
• Original aluminium heatsinks reproduce the logo of the company
• Front panel is covered by wood
• 1 x XLR and 1 x RCA analog input
• 2 x USB input
• Speakers connectors + analog RCA for subwoofer

Meridian DSP3200, Audio Core 200 and Sooloos Media Core 200

Meridian Audio introduced two new products, the DSP3200 compact digital active loudspeaker ($6,000) and the Audio Core 200 stereo audio controller ($3,000). 

DSP3200 digital speakers is a wide-range driver speaker system that allows the DSP crossover frequency to be well outside the speech band. The DSP3200 is suited to a wide range of room positions - on or in furniture, on floor stands or on wall brackets and is offered with two high-gloss paint finishes; high-gloss white and high-gloss black. 


The Meridian Audio Core 200 stereo audio controller brings together audio sources with Meridian Resolution Enhancement technologies such as an Apodising filter and upsampling. The Audio Core 200 includes PC digital audio replay via USB. There is a Meridian SpeakerLink input for single-wire connection to a Meridian Sooloos Digital Media System. Fully compatible with Meridian's i80 Dock for iPod, the Audio Core 200 will play iPod/iPhone via Meridian DSP Loudspeakers while it charges. Users can control what they hear via the front panel or remote handset. The Audio Core 200's intelligent front-panel controls feature smart buttons for intuitive operation, and an auto-dimming OLED display for maximum readability.


Meridian Audio's Sooloos division has also announced Meridian Sooloos Media Core 200 digital media system ($4,000). 

This elegant, compact and virtually silent system that requires only the user's choice of controller to perform. It can be operated by any of the network-based control systems available, including the iPad or iPhone App, a computer running the Control PC or Control Mac application, or a Meridian Sooloos controller such as the Control 15 or Control 10. At the heart of the Media Source 200 is a 500GB hard drive, storing around 1000 CD albums in lossless quality for graphical and touch-screen access via the award-winning Sooloos interface. Users may also enjoy streamed audio services including Rhapsody. For those with terabytes of data, you can import a small fraction of your collection to the 500GB give via free Meridian Sooloos software tools. Of course the unit does offer full integration with Meridian and Meridian Sooloos audio systems plus may be networked to any other Meridian Sooloos product to add extra storage or zones.

Blue Smoke Systems' Black Box audiophile vista music server

Blue Smoke Systems recently launched the Black Box music server ($6,995).

• Optimized Window Vista based
• No on-board display
• SSD drive for OS, no moving parts
• Efficient ow-noise power supply
• Aluminum core heat-sinks and heat-piping
• External storage of media files over network or USB host port
• Propreitary sound card
• Can slave to external word clock over BNC
• Output native 24/192 with up or down sampling capabilities
• RCA, AES/EBU, Toslink and i2s digital outputs
• RCA and i2S digital inputs
• i2s (MSB implementations) over RJ-45 and CAT-6 cable
• Bit perfect ripper
• Realtime DSD to PCM conversion

Weiss MAN 202 Music Archive Network Player

Weiss Engineering, maker of DigitalAudioBlog's current reference d/a converter, the DAC202, is announcing at CES2011 their new digital audio network player - the MAN202.

• Rips CD directly to Network Attached Server (NAS)
• Weiss' high quality DAC implementation (DAC202 quality)
• iPad control
• Analog output over XLR and RCA
• 1 x AES/EBU and 1 x RCA S/PDIF digital inputs
• 2 x AES/EBU digital outputs and 2 x RCA S/PDIF digital outputs
• Word clock in and out
• Ethernet connector for LAN and Network Attached Server (NAS)
• Automatic cover art download from the internet 
• Built-in wireless capabilities
• Firewire for optional connection to external DAC
• USB host connector for thumb and external drive

More details after the CES announcement.  Also new from Weiss is Medea+ DAC which is its upgraded flagship consumer digital to analog converter with new analog section and firewire input taken from the DAC202.  My understanding is that the digital section remains unchanged.

Update: Weiss is planning another version without the DAC, only fire wire and digital outputs.

Edovia's Screens app for iOS

Controlling your Multimedia PCs (Mac, Linux or PC) using VNC client protocol couldn't be easier and more elegant than the new $14.99 Screens app for iOS.  
Perfect for controlling the Mac Mini headless server streaming music on the hi-fi shelve in conjunction with the already excellent Apple's Remote app for controlling iTunes content, and Rowmote for everything else.

Features:

• Universal - Screens will run on both iPhone and iPad - one app for both devices.
• Easy to Use - Screens is the easiest, most user friendly VNC client for iOS.
• Exit Cursor - Screens is a 100%, fully touched-base VNC client. Forget the cursor. Click, drag and scroll where your fingers are, not the cursor.
• Secure - Screens can connect to your computer through a SSH Tunnel so your session is encrypted and safe.
• Pull-to-Dock - Your Dock is hidden? No problem! Screens can make it appear with a simple flick!
• Multi-Touch - Screens supports many multi-touch features your already use on your trackpad.
• Screens Connect - Make your computer available from anywhere. Easy as flicking a switch! No messy router setup.
• Versatile - Compatible with OS X, Windows and Linux.
• Works Anywhere - Through WiFi or a 3G network.

Olive O6HD Music Server

Olive is taking pre-order (as of Dec 2010) for its new Music Server, the new O6HD.  Seems to provide the right tick box for sound conscious techno-audiophiles.

Features:

• Solid aluminium enclosure with anti-vibration feet
• Quiet passive cooling
• Browse covers of up to 6,000 CDs on its 10.1" 800x480 pixels glass color touch screen
• TEAC CDRW mechanism for importing CDs direct.  Drive also burn Audio CDs and MP3
• Balanced differential DAC design with dual Burr-Brown PCM 1792 24-bit
• Ultra low jitter master clock
• High end sample rate converter (up to 24-but/384kHz)
• Linear power supply with toroidal transformer for analog output stage
• High performance current-feedback headphone amplifier
• Ultra quiet 2TB hard drive
• Support WAV, FLAC, AAC, and MP3
• AES/EBU, Toslink, coaxial, HDMI and USB input
• XLR and RCA output
• Access to internet radio
• Olive O2M multi-room compatible
• Olive for Apple iPhone application for remote controlling
• Available in black or silver

Two headless servers

After scouting the resourceful Computer Audiophile forum for a while, I decided to get myself a new Mac Mini 2010 model, complete with 8GB Ram and will be configuring it purely for audio use.  To be controlled headlessly from another Mac using screen sharing and will be using my iPad to control music streaming from iTunes (with PureMusic or Amarra) wirelessly through a secure wifi connection. 

I will further enhance the unit by installing a Solid State Drive in it to make it completely silence of noise and radio frequency inferences.  Music will be store in an Oyen digital  separate firewire-connected drive.   Users report that this Mac Mini as transport, coupled with state of the art USB DACs are sublime.  Will see when I finish upgrading the hardware, configure the OS, and get my hands on the Tranquility SE USB DAC.

Now, if I am less of a Mac/Apple fan, I would consider as well a specialized headless UNIX machine design to just playing music.   So in addition to whatever the Mac Mini can do, the Auraliti MPD machine can output high quality analog audio, plus a proper coaxial SPDIF digital output.  


No moving parts and super green (like my mod Mac Mini) and design to do nothing but output music.  Driver-free USB for most USB DACs as well.  At $799 - I may try it out if I have another house or something.