The Aune S10N is gaining popularity as a network music player, thanks to its MediaTek Streaming Core chip. It ensures the Aune S10N provides master tape-level audio quality over streams and plays local files. Below, we will explain the MediaTek Streaming Core’s features and its importance for audiophiles.
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1. What Is the MediaTek Streaming Core?
The MediaTek Streaming Core is an additional Aune S10N chip whose purpose is to manage audio streaming and connect to networks. Unlike other chips that multitask, this core focuses entirely on high-resolution audio streaming to ensure excellent playback over Tidal, Qobuz, QQ Music, DLNA/NAS, and AirPlay.
Key Responsibilities:
- Integration Of The Network: Managing Wi-Fi/Ethernet connections for optimal audio streaming. Compatibility With Services: Provides support to MQA Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple AirPlay.
- Application Control: Works with Aune’s app, enabling control with simple commands.
2. Performance Improvements of Aune S10n
Efficiency with Multi-Core Systems
The S10N employs a distributed 5-core design strategy. The MediaTek core offloads streaming duties from other cores, like the signal processing FPGA. Sound quality and latency both benefit as a result.
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Technical Excellence in the S10N Core
This core guarantees that S10N High-Resolution Audio decoders can decode High-Resolution PCM and Hyper DSD files without downsampling.
Low Latency Bluetooth
With Qualcomm QCC5125 paired, LDAC and aptX HD streams via Bluetooth and a MediaTek core ensures no less than wired audio output.
3. Appealing Features of Aune S10N for Listeners
- Reliability: Moderate-priced streamers cannot compete with S10N for avoiding dropouts with high-res files.
- Convenience: Effortless blurring of services offers streaming, local file playback, and Bluetooth without music quality degradation.
- Vulnerability: Other than through firmware updates, the scope for the addition of new services keeps S10N relevant.
4. Limitations to Consider
The MediaTek core is very powerful, but has one limitation with external DACs – SPDIF output is locked to 44.1 kHz during streaming. Aune claims this will be fixed in the “Pro version though.”
What Makes It Unique
- As opposed to the Wii Pro and other competitors, S10N’s MediaTek Streaming core boasts of:
- -Delicate processing with no resource sharing.
- Aune’s FPGA and clock systems’ tighter integration leads to lower jitter.
Final Thoughts
With the Aune S10N, I believe that the MediaTek streaming core does not get the credit it deserves for the balance it creates between the two worlds of convenience and sound quality. With those attributes in mind, if your need emphasizes on the ease and convenience of streaming, elastic core powered players like the S10N, warrant a place in your audio setup.
For live demonstrations, visit their authorized dealers like HiFiGo or The HiFi Cat.
