Aura Neo DAC/CD Player

About the Aura Neo DAC/CD Player

The April Music Aura Neo is a top-loading CD player combined with a high-end digital-to-analog converter (DAC). It features a robust Sanyo CD mechanism with a Toshiba laser and a metal frame mounted on elastomers to minimize vibration. The unit supports CD-DA, CD-R, and CD-RW formats. It includes three digital inputs: USB (PC link), coaxial, and optical, and two digital outputs (coaxial and optical). The DAC section uses a Cirrus Logic CS4398 chip with 24-bit/192kHz capability and offers selectable upsampling to 96kHz or 192kHz. Analog outputs include balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors, with independent output circuits for each. The Aura Neo also features ground isolation on inputs to reduce noise, a custom power supply with separate regulated circuits for different functional blocks, and a high-quality build with gold-plated connectors and precision resistors. The design includes a beveled glass lid with a dust barrier and a large red display that can be dimmed or turned off. It comes with a full-function remote control. Dimensions are approximately 286 x 78 x 278 mm, and it weighs about 4.1 kg. The Aura Neo is praised for its warm, full sound with good detail and transparency, suitable for use as a standalone CD player/DAC or as a digital transport feeding an external DAC.