Aurender ACS100 Music Server

The Box That Turns a Shelf of CDs Into a Library

Ripping a CD collection on a computer is a chore nobody finishes. The ACS100 exists to end that. Put a disc in, press once, and a TEAC optical drive and Aurender's own ripping engine do the rest.

Rips are lossless and error-corrected, with metadata and cover art fetched as they go. If the collection runs to hundreds of discs, the ACS100 works with the Acronova Nimbie autoloader for unattended batch ripping.

Once ripped, the library lives here and every other Aurender on your network can play from it. Aurender calls that a central server, and it lets your playback machines run light.

Your Drives, Your Capacity

Storage is not fitted at the factory. Two 2.5-inch bays take drives you supply, up to a pair of 8TB SSDs, so you buy the capacity you actually need and add more when the library outgrows it.

Running it is an Intel low-power quad-core processor with 8GB of memory and a separate 240GB NVMe drive for the system and cache. Low-power parts were chosen to keep current draw, and therefore noise, down.

The case is machined aluminum, 8.5 inches wide by 10.1 deep by 4.4 tall, and weighs 11 pounds. A 4-inch color LCD on the front shows album art as discs are ripped.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Carlin "Rick" Smith of sound-lab.com described the ACS100 as "a more cost-effective version of the ACS10 offering many of the same functions," with "clutter-free direct access to your music" and "app-embedded Tidal and Qobuz subscription streaming services."

Maxim Naumov of soundex.ru found that it "offers convenient tools for music playback and media library management," and could "well claim a place in the main system."

Who Is This Server Best For?

• You already own an Aurender — the ACS100 adds ripping, library management and central storage to an A200, A15, A20, N20, W20SE or N30SA without replacing what you have.
• Your CDs are still in boxes — one-touch ripping with AccurateRip and automatic metadata means the collection gets digitized in evenings rather than never.
• You want to choose your own storage — two user-installable 2.5-inch bays take up to 16TB in total, so the capacity is your decision and not a fixed price on a sticker.
• You run more than one system — other Aurenders on the network stream from this one, which keeps a single library rather than several that drift apart.
• You want a second source too — the USB audio output feeds a converter for a second system while it serves the first. See our digital-to-analog converters.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run Ethernet from the double-isolated gigabit port to your router. Other Aurenders on the same network then see the library, and the Conductor app on an iPad drives everything.

To use it as a source in its own right, take the USB audio output to a converter. The three data USB ports handle external drives and the Nimbie autoloader.

Pairs Well With

Building around the ACS100? Here are some great companions:

• Music Streamer: The Aurender it was made to feed — see our Music Streamers.
• DAC: For the USB audio output — see our Digital to Analog Converters.
• Preamplifier: The next box in the chain — see our Preamplifiers.
• Equipment Rack: Somewhere cool and steady — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it come with storage?

You fit your own. Two 2.5-inch bays accept drives up to 7mm tall, taking a pair of 8TB SSDs for 16TB in total.

Which formats does it rip to and play?

DSD in DSF and DFF, plus WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A and APE among others.

Is it Roon Ready?

Yes. With a Roon Server running on the same network and current firmware, the ACS100 works as a Roon endpoint.

What does the USB audio output support?

Up to 32-bit and 384kHz, DSD128 over DoP, and DSD512 natively, into a converter of your choice.

How is it powered?

An external 19V switch-mode adapter, which is part of how the ACS100 reaches its price. Playback draws 16.5 watts.

What is the warranty?

Two years on parts and labor from the date of purchase, with a dated receipt from an authorized Aurender dealer. No registration is needed.

See It in Action

The Absolute Sound reviews the ACS100:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about ripping a CD collection, music servers, or building a networked system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.