Aurender was founded in Seoul, South Korea in 2011 by a team of engineers who had grown frustrated with the compromises inherent in using a general-purpose computer as a music source. A laptop or desktop computer is designed to do many things simultaneously — manage network traffic, handle background processes, and respond to user input — all of which introduce electrical noise and timing inconsistencies that affect the quality of digital audio output. Aurender's founding insight was straightforward: build a device that does one thing, does it with complete precision, and does nothing else. The result was a range of music servers and streamers that redefined what high-quality digital audio playback could sound like.

ENGINEERING PHILOSOPHY

Aurender music servers load the audio file being played into a dedicated RAM buffer before playback begins, completely isolating the playback process from the mechanical and electrical noise of the storage drive. The custom Linux operating system runs only the processes required for audio playback — no background tasks, no operating system overhead, no network activity during the playback moment itself. The clock circuits used in Aurender's reference models achieve jitter levels measured in femtoseconds, an order of magnitude better than the clocks used in computer-based playback systems. The chassis are machined from solid aluminium and internally shielded to prevent the digital circuits from radiating noise into the audio signal path. Every design decision is made in service of a single goal: to deliver the digital audio signal to your DAC with the lowest possible noise floor and the most accurate timing achievable.

WHY THE AUDIO TAILOR CARRIES AURENDER

We recommend Aurender as the digital source in any serious system because the source is where the signal chain begins — and the limitations introduced at the source cannot be corrected downstream. If you are streaming music through a laptop or phone into an expensive DAC, you are not hearing what your DAC is capable of.

Precision Time-Keeping, Without Complication

With MC10, Aurender is proud to introduce a master clock solution that retains the primary performance benefit of MC20, and brings exceptional value to the market. In fact, MC10 delivers exactly the same essential performance and benefits as its predecessor but at a much more accessible price point. Aurender has achieved this by removing the dual OCXO word clock modules and associated interface technology, which only work effectively with an extremely limited number of DACs (dCS). In retaining the rubidium-module-based 10MHz master clock generator, power supply structure, and vibration mitigation, MC10 retains 100% of the applicable performance benefits of MC20 in the vast majority of product-pairing scenarios.

MC10 features 4 x 10 MHz master clock outputs, including 2 x 75Ω and 2 x 50Ω. This configuration of outputs pairs well with select DACs, word clocks, and Aurender models with a clock input (N20, N30SA, W20/SE, and AP20). Connecting a clock signal output from MC10 to your Aurender alone can significantly improve the performance of the already ultra-low-jitter digital audio output. Experience the soundstage snap into focus, creating a clear and distinct image of a piano-shaped object, instead of hearing stray notes leaping out from discrete speaker drivers.

Elevate your digital audio experience to the pinnacle of performance by simultaneously connecting one of MC10’s outputs to a compatible DAC (Esoteric, CH Precision), or word clock (dCS Vivaldi) that accepts 10MHz master clock input.

Rubidium 10 MHz Clock Module

The rubidium clock module employed in the MC10 is an exceptionally stable and accurate design that establishes a new low level of phase noise and jitter. Its flawless performance delivers a new level of vivid clarity with a three-dimensional width, depth, and height to the sound field it creates. The reduction of jitter and phase noise removes any trace of “digital glare,” and instead provides an analog-style warmth and naturalism to any digital audio source.

Connectivity & Compatibility

MC10 is compatible with any Aurender digital source component with a CLOCK INPUT. This includes models N20, W20, W20SE, N30SA, and AP20. Connect MC10 to an Aurender source + a DAC with 10MHz clock input for maximum benefit. However, even if your DAC does not have a clock input, synchronising your Aurender transport with MC20 is still a revelation in timbral and spatial accuracy.

Specifications:

• 10MHz Master Clock Output: Rubidium Master Clock: 10MHz 2ea. (75Ω), 2ea. (50Ω), 0.7Vrms (±10%)
• Phase Noise (Rubidium): < -130dBc / Hz (10 Hz), < -140dBc / Hz (100 Hz)
• Freq. Short-term Stability (Rubidium): <2×10⁻¹¹ (1 s), <1×10⁻¹¹ (10 s), <2×10⁻¹² (100 s)
• Phase Noise: < -130dB/Hz (10Hz), < -140dB/Hz (100Hz)
• Size (WxHxD): 430 x 87 x 370 mm / 16.9 x 3.4 x 14.6 inch
• Weight: 12.9kg, 28.4lbs
• Input Voltage: 110V / 220V
• Power Consumption: Standby: 5.7W / Power On: Start Warm-up (95W Max), State Lock (30W Max)