You can back up files to an external drive over network or by connecting directly to ACS100 Data USB ports, the app is very intuitive.
1X USB 3.0 (Rear), 1X USB 3.0 (Front), 1X USB 2.0 (Rear)
Aurender ACS100 as streamer/player
After fiddling around with sending digital files from MacBook to DAC via JRiver, I'm researching dedicated server/streamers in the ~$3K range. I've read many posts here, as well as external reviews, and the Aurender ACS100 seems appealing as a potential one-box solution. Close to it is the Auralic Aries G1.1, since one can use an external drive to rip CDs with error correction. I've heard about Innuos Zenith Mk3 (with CD ripper), but I prefer the remote apps offered by Aurender or Auralic.
Anyway, my main question is the value of using ACS100 as a single source (streaming and playing stored music). Aurender has the following disclaimer/warning:
"ACS100 is a NOT a high performance digital audio transport. It is intended as a companion piece to another Aurender. The ACS100 USB 2.0 port is NOT the same as Aurender's hallmark dedicated filtered and isolated USB 2.0 AUDIO port" (e.g., as found on NT150).
Of course they want you to buy a NT150 as well. Yet after all that, they go on to say:
"However, ACS100 does have a USB 2.0 output. So, one may pair this model up with a high performance DAC for a complete digital front end solution if desired."
The implication is that you may get garbage out from the ACS100 USB 2.0 port, but go ahead if you are so desperate. What have ACS100 owners actually found when using the unit as their primary digital source, connected directly to a DAC?
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I use dBPoweramp, a $35 USB CD drive and a MacBook Pro to rip CDs. dBPoweramp makes sure that the rip is bit perfect. My ripped FLAC file automatically is uploaded to my Synology server, but it can be uploaded wherever you want. I keep the NAS as a backup to the files stored on my Aurender. Very easy..no need to have a built in CD drive. I should say that since the Aurenders play from internal storage, the music is up to the standards or close to very high Rez. Qobuz streaming. |
OP, I guess there could be a philosophical point… but maybe I should explain more… oh, yes, BTW I am 70. Using the best streaming service costs $14.99 / month and gives you access to millions of albums… over one half million are high resolution. In my system my streamer sounds as good as my vinyl setup. You do not download files. You just locate an album on the Aurender app (for instance) and push play. So, for the price of on CD per month you get access to a nearly infinite library of Red Book quality or higher music. The service used to be $19.99 / month… it has actually dropped. In addition you have access to thousands of internet radio stations… same incredible quality sound from all over the world… you like Moroccan SCA bands… there is probably one there. More music than you can listen to in your lifetime. The same streamers usually have internal storage, just in case you want to put your ripped files on there. |
I agree that once you stream, you'll forget CDs. I use roon so I had to cross aurender off my list but otherwise there were high on my list. I use Innuos which is probably very equivalent. Both Aurender and Innuos have good control programs but that is probably the biggest difference you will notice so look into the programs to choose an interface that you like. I can't stress this enough. It's like Iphone vs Samsung in some ways. Some like one, some line another.
Jerry |
And @ghdprentice if you pay for the yearly subscription, it's even less. |
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