AURENDER, best known for its high-resolution music servers, has launched a portable DAC/headphone amp for audiophiles – it’s called FLOW and it’s pretty versatile.
Apart from being a top-notch DAC and headamp, FLOW also has a slot into which the user can install a 1TB mSATA solid-state drive (SSD) to store music, and use it as a digital player as well. A multiple-status display with a menu is provided, around which is a velocity-sensitive volume control. Transport buttons are located at the side. FLOW has software developed extensively in-house.
“We’ve perfected the art and the ease of delivering high-resolution audio in the home with our award-winning Music Servers,” said Aurender director Harry Lee.
“With FLOW, it’s possible to bring the high-resolution listening experience wherever you go, all at an unmatched price. FLOW quite simply is the future of quality personal audio, being much more affordable for consumers – and it’s here today.”
Price at US$1,295, FLOW is about half the price of competing systems, the company said.
The on board Sabre ESS9018K2M DAC is a 32-bit/384kHz unit with DSD64/128 capability; it will also handle lower resolution formats. For connectivity, there are USB 3.0 and optical inputs, and a quarter-inch/6.35mm headphone jack.
FLOW will handle hard-to-drive headphones with ease, we’re assured. Play time is more than seven hours on a full charge. The unit weighs a mere 450g and measures 80 x 137 x 28mm.
A luxurious leather case is included with FLOW.
