Aurender NH10 Audiophile-grade Network Switch

Aurender NH10 Audiophile-grade Network Switch

The Aurender NH10 is an audiophile-grade network switch designed specifically for high-performance digital audio systems. It combines precision clocking, extensive network-noise filtering, galvanic isolation and a fully linear power supply in a substantial machined aluminium chassis.

Unlike a conventional network switch designed primarily for general data distribution, the NH10 focuses on providing a stable and electrically quiet network connection for music servers, streamers, NAS devices and other networked audio components.

OCXO Precision Clocking

At the centre of the NH10 is an ultra-stable oven-controlled crystal oscillator with frequency stability specified at less than 0.005ppm. FPGA-based synchronisation aligns the internal network circuitry to a common clock reference, helping minimise timing inconsistencies within the switch.

This precision clocking architecture is designed to create a more stable operating environment for network audio transmission, particularly in systems where electrical noise and timing performance are carefully controlled throughout the digital signal path.

10MHz External Master Clock Input

A 50-ohm BNC input allows the NH10 to be synchronised to a compatible external 10MHz master clock. It can therefore be integrated with reference clock generators such as the Aurender MC10 or MC20.

The master clock input accepts a 10MHz, 0.7Vrms signal. When an external clock is connected and recognised, the front-panel status illumination indicates that the NH10 is operating from the external reference.

Fully Linear Power Supply

Every circuit inside the NH10 is powered through linear regulation. Aurender deliberately avoids internal DC-to-DC switching converters, which can introduce additional high-frequency electrical noise into sensitive network and clocking circuits.

A high-performance AC input filter and the fully linear power architecture provide clean, stable power for the network controller, OCXO clock and filtering stages. The NH10 may become warm during normal operation as a result of this linear power-supply design.

Multi-Stage Network Noise Filtering

The RJ45 network connections incorporate extensive filtering intended to suppress electrical noise entering from routers, computers, NAS devices and other connected equipment. The rear panel provides two RJ45 ports intended for selected audio components and seven additional RJ45 ports for general network equipment.

Aurender recommends choosing the port group according to the isolation and filtering already incorporated into the connected device. Components with extensive built-in network filtering, such as the Aurender N50, can be connected to the designated two-port section, while routers, computers, NAS devices and other Aurender models can use the seven-port section.

Optically Isolated SFP Connectivity

Two SFP ports provide 100Mbps or Gigabit network connectivity using compatible SFP modules. Optical transmission creates complete galvanic isolation between connected devices because there is no direct electrical connection through the fibre link.

The SFP ports can also be used to connect two NH10 switches, providing an optically isolated link between different parts of a network or between network infrastructure and the main audio system.

Gigabit Network Compatibility

The NH10 complies with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards and supports both 100Mbps and 1000Mbps operation through its RJ45 and SFP connections. This makes it suitable for high-resolution streaming, access to locally stored music and communication between network audio components.

As with any network switch, the NH10 transports digital network data without functioning as a music player or server itself. Its role is to provide carefully controlled network infrastructure for the audio components connected to it.

Switchable Port and Status LEDs

A rear-panel LED switch allows the front power illumination and the network-port activity indicators to be disabled. Turning off unnecessary LEDs reduces visual distraction in a dark listening room and eliminates the associated indicator circuitry from normal operation.

Grounding and System Integration

A rear-panel ground terminal can be connected to compatible audio equipment when a common grounding arrangement is required. Use of the terminal is optional and depends on the grounding design of the complete system.

The NH10 automatically becomes operational shortly after power is applied and can resume operation following restoration of mains power. A front-panel power button and rear AC switch provide direct control over normal operation and standby.

Precision-Machined Aluminium Chassis

The network, clocking and power-supply circuits are enclosed in a rigid precision-machined aluminium chassis. The enclosure provides mechanical stability and shielding from external electrical interference while matching the full-width format of Aurender’s reference digital components.

With OCXO clocking, an external 10MHz master clock input, fully linear power, filtered RJ45 connections and galvanically isolated SFP ports, the Aurender NH10 is designed as a dedicated network foundation for advanced streaming and digital music systems.