Aurender ACS10 - User Manual

for
W20/N10/A10/N100/
N100C/X100
/
ACS10
Quick Start Guide
V 2.2.1

Summary

What Is Required

Aurender Music Server Requirements

Lists the specific Aurender music server models required for operation.

Control Device and Network Requirements

Specifies required iPad models, wireless router, and network configurations.

STEP 1: Download the Aurender App

STEP 2: Connect the Aurender to your local network and USB external drive

ACS10 Model Connection Diagram

Illustrates the network and USB drive connection setup for the ACS10 model.

Other Aurender Models Connection Diagram

Shows the network and USB drive connection setup for other Aurender models.

STEP 3: Update the Aurenders System Software to the latest version

STEP 4: Preparing Internal Music Content

Select Source Folders and Target Directory

Choose music folders from a USB drive and select a destination directory on the Aurender.

Initiate and Monitor Music Copying

Confirm the music transfer process and track its progress.

STEP 5: Preparing Streaming Music Content

STEP 6: Playing Music

Important Notice Regarding Power Off Procedure

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Aurender device is a high-fidelity music server designed for audiophiles, offering advanced features for managing, storing, and playing digital music. It integrates seamlessly into a home network and can be controlled via a dedicated iPad application, providing a sophisticated user experience for accessing both internal and streaming music content.

Function Description:

The Aurender music server acts as a central hub for your digital music collection. Its primary function is to store music files internally on its hard drives and serve them to a connected Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) or DAC/Amplifier for playback. This setup ensures optimal sound quality by minimizing noise and interference often associated with general-purpose computers. The device supports various high-resolution audio formats, allowing users to enjoy their music with exceptional clarity and detail.

Beyond local storage, the Aurender also supports streaming music services like Tidal and Qobuz. This capability expands the user's music library significantly, providing access to vast catalogs of high-quality streaming content directly through the Aurender ecosystem. The integration of streaming services is designed to be as seamless as playing locally stored music, with all content managed through the same intuitive control application.

The device is designed to be a "headless" server, meaning it does not have a built-in screen for direct interaction. Instead, all control and management functions are handled through the Aurender Conductor App on an Apple iPad. This design choice contributes to a cleaner aesthetic and allows for a more flexible and feature-rich control interface.

Usage Features:

1. iPad Control with Aurender Conductor App: The core of the Aurender experience is its iPad application. Users download the free Aurender Conductor App from the Apple App Store. This app provides a comprehensive interface for browsing music, creating playlists, managing settings, and controlling playback. The app is designed for ease of use, with intuitive navigation and clear visual feedback.

2. Network Connectivity: The Aurender connects to your home network via an Ethernet cable. A gigabit Ethernet router is recommended for faster music file transfers and smoother streaming, especially for high-resolution content. The device is designed to work within a typical home network configuration, often involving a modem and a wireless router. For optimal performance and to avoid network conflicts, it's suggested to configure the wireless router in "bridge mode" or "access point" mode.

3. Music Content Transfer (Smart Copy): For initial population of the internal storage, the Aurender supports a "Smart Copy" feature. This allows users to connect an external USB drive containing music files directly to the Aurender's rear panel USB data ports. Through the Conductor App, users can browse the contents of the external drive, select specific folders or files, and initiate the copy process to the Aurender's internal storage. This method is recommended for efficient and reliable transfer of large music libraries. The app provides visual feedback on the copy status, including progress and remaining time.

4. Streaming Service Integration: To use streaming services, users must first subscribe to the desired service (e.g., Tidal, Qobuz) and obtain a username and password. Within the Conductor App's settings, users can configure their streaming accounts by entering credentials and selecting preferred streaming quality levels (e.g., HiFi for Tidal). Once configured, streaming content becomes accessible directly through the app, allowing users to search, browse, and play music from these services alongside their local library.

5. Music Playback and Library Management: After music is transferred and scanned, the Aurender automatically organizes the library, displaying album covers, artist names, and metadata. The Conductor App offers various filtering options (Song, Artist, Album, Genre, Composer, Conductor, Folder) to help users navigate their collection. A search bar allows for quick retrieval of specific content. Users can create and manage playlists, control playback (play, pause, skip), and view track information.

6. System Software Updates: The Aurender's system software can be updated directly through the Conductor App. The app checks for the latest software version, and if an update is available, users can initiate the download and installation process. The front panel of the Aurender displays the update progress. It's crucial to allow the update to complete fully, including any reboots, before resuming normal operation.

Maintenance Features:

1. System Software Updates: Regular software updates are essential for maintaining optimal performance, adding new features, and addressing any potential issues. The Conductor App simplifies this process by providing an easy-to-use interface for checking and installing updates.

2. Disk Information and Scanning Status: The "Settings" menu in the Conductor App provides access to "Disk Information," allowing users to monitor the status of their internal storage. The "Scanner" option provides feedback on the progress of metadata scanning after new music files are added. This helps users understand when their library is fully indexed and ready for browsing.

3. RAID Configuration (for ACS10): For ACS10 models, the device is factory-configured with RAID 1 (Mirror) for data redundancy. Users who wish to maximize storage capacity can download the ACSManager App and reconfigure the disk setup to delete the RAID, which will result in automatic formatting and the availability of two separate HDDs. This is a more advanced maintenance feature for managing storage.

4. Proper Power Off Procedure: A critical maintenance aspect is the correct power-off procedure. The Aurender should only be disconnected from AC power after it has been completely shut down using either the front panel power button or the "Turn Off" option in the iPad App. Failure to follow this procedure can lead to data corruption on the internal SSD drive, potentially rendering the unit inoperative. The device's front panel button backlight will stop flashing and dim when the shutdown process is complete.

5. CD Ripping (for ACS10): For ACS10 owners, unique features like CD ripping are available. This functionality allows users to directly rip CDs to the internal storage, simplifying the process of digitizing physical music collections. Details for this feature are typically found in the web manual.

Aurender ACS10 Specifications