Step 5: Connect To Dac - Aurender W20 Quick Start Manual

STEP 5: Connect to DAC

Before connecting your Aurender to a DAC, integrated amp, or preamp, please make sure that the
device you are connecting to is powered OFF before you make the connection. This will ensure a solid
"handshake" between the Aurender and DAC, and it will prevent accidental damage to your system by
"hot-swapping" cables.
USB
All Aurender music servers feature dedicated USB audio outputs. These USB audio outputs are
filtered and isolated for the purest possible transmission of digital signal via USB. The dedicated USB
audio port is clearly marked on the back of your Aurender (location varies by model). For best USB
audio performance, please be sure to use the dedicated USB audio port (not to be confused with
the USB data ports) for audio!
A note on USB Compatibility - As a general rule, if the DAC does NOT require drivers to work with an
Apple computer, then it will work with Aurender's USB output. Please check with Aurender support
or the DAC manufacturer to confirm compatibility.
SPDIF (includes AES/EBU, Coax RCA/BNC, Optical)
N10 and W20 benefit from a suite of SPDIF outputs in addition to USB. The SPDIF output section on
N10 and W20 is controlled by the extremely precise OCXO clock. Therefore, in many cases, your DAC
may sound better when connected to one of these outputs as opposed to USB.
To use these outputs, connect the corresponding cable from the desired output on the Aurender to
the input of the same type on your DAC.
The N100C features a coax output which is a converted signal from the USB output. It does not
feature the precision of the OCXO clock.
For more information on advanced hookups especially regarding W20, please see the Web Manual at
www.aurender.com/user-guides
Analog Outputs - (RCA/XLR) - A10 Only / (RCA) - A100 Only
A10 and A100 feature RCA/XLR or RCA only analog outputs. Since the A10 and A100 has
high-quality digital volume control, you can run these analog outputs into your preamp, or straight
into your power amplifier if you like. If connecting straight to your power amplifier, it is essential that
you make sure the volume on your A10 and A100 is turned down before playing music! Failure to do
so may cause damage to your system.
For best performance, we recommend setting the volume output to "direct" mode if being used with
a preamp.
All outputs are active at all times. Which output sounds best will depend on your DAC.
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