Aurender ACS100 Essential Content Server / Ripper

Aurender ACS100 Essential Content Server / Ripper

The Aurender ACS100 is a compact content server, automatic CD ripper and advanced music library management system designed as a practical companion for an existing Aurender player. It adds local music storage, metadata editing, file management and centralised library sharing without requiring a conventional computer.

Two user-installable storage bays allow the ACS100 to become the main home for a large digital music collection. Other Aurender players connected to the same local network can access the library directly, making the ACS100 particularly useful for multi-room systems or installations with more than one Aurender source.

Automatic Lossless CD Ripping

The integrated slot-loading optical drive converts CDs directly into file-based music. Aurender’s customised ripping system uses error detection and correction to create accurate lossless copies while automatically retrieving available album information and cover artwork.

Ripping preferences and destination folders can be configured through the dedicated ACS Manager application. For larger CD collections, the ACS100 is also compatible with the optional Acronova Nimbie AutoLoader, allowing multiple discs to be processed automatically.

Advanced Library and Metadata Management

The ACS Manager application provides comprehensive tools for organising and maintaining a digital music collection from a compatible iOS or Android device. Users can edit metadata, replace album artwork, locate duplicate files and copy, move, rename or delete music without connecting a separate computer.

This makes the ACS100 especially useful for libraries assembled from CD rips, downloads and files collected from different sources, where consistent metadata and folder organisation are essential for convenient browsing.

Central Server for Multiple Aurender Players

The ACS100 can act as the central library hub for other Aurender players connected to the same network. Music stored in the ACS100 can be streamed by compatible Aurender components in different systems or rooms without maintaining a separate copy of the complete library on every player.

Moving storage and library-management processes to the ACS100 also reduces the number of background tasks performed by the main Aurender player in a critical listening system.

Flexible User-Installable Storage

Two accessible 2.5-inch storage compartments accept compatible HDD or SSD drives. The ACS100 is supplied without music-library storage, allowing the owner to select the required capacity instead of paying for pre-installed drives that may not suit the intended collection.

Up to two 8TB SSDs can be installed for a maximum internal storage capacity of 16TB. A dedicated 240GB NVMe solid-state drive is used for the operating system and caching playback.

Solid-State Caching Playback

Music selected for playback is transferred from the library drives to the dedicated NVMe cache. Playback then takes place from solid-state storage rather than directly from the installed HDD or SSD library drives, reducing storage activity and system-resource requirements.

USB Digital Output for a Second Audio System

Although primarily designed as a content server and library-management companion, the ACS100 can also be connected to a compatible external DAC through its basic USB 2.0 digital output. This allows it to operate simultaneously as a digital source for a second audio system.

This connection is not Aurender’s dedicated filtered and electrically isolated USB Audio output, and the ACS100 is not intended to replace one of Aurender’s specialist high-end digital transports in a reference system.

USB and NAS Library Connectivity

Front and rear USB 3.0 data ports allow music to be imported from external hard drives, USB memory devices and other compatible storage. Music held on a network-attached storage device can also be accessed or copied through the Gigabit Ethernet connection.

The front or rear USB data ports can additionally be used with the optional Nimbie automatic CD-loading system for large archival projects.

Double-Isolated Gigabit Ethernet

The network connection uses two stages of transformer-based isolation to help reduce electrical noise arriving through the Ethernet cable. The ACS100 must be connected to the same local network as the Aurender players that will access its central music library.

Aurender Conductor and ACS Manager

The Aurender Conductor application provides music browsing and playback control, while ACS Manager handles CD ripping, metadata editing and detailed file-management functions. Together, the two applications provide a complete environment for creating, organising and playing a large digital music collection.

Integrated access includes TIDAL, Qobuz and Internet Radio, together with Spotify Connect and AirPlay support. The ACS100 is also Roon Ready through its digital output and can operate as a certified endpoint in a compatible Roon system.

Compact Machined Aluminium Chassis

The ACS100 is housed in a compact machined aluminium enclosure with a 4-inch colour display, front-panel playback controls and an integrated slot-loading CD drive. Its half-width design makes it easy to place away from the main audio system or install in another room as a dedicated central library server.

For Aurender owners who need automatic CD ripping, expandable local storage and advanced library management but do not require the linear power supply and dedicated isolated USB Audio output of the ACS10, the ACS100 provides a compact and practical solution.