Reflecting on my journey with hi-fi audio, it feels exciting to introduce the new system that has taken my listening experience to a new level. The core of this setup is the Aurender A15 streamer/DAC, the Belles Aria integrated amplifier, and my much-loved Goldnote Evo A3 speakers. Each component has been carefully chosen to complement the others, creating a system that brings out the best in my music collection. After months of experimentation and adjustments, I'm thrilled with the way this system has come together.

The Components

1. Aurender A15 – Digital Precision Meets Flexibility

The Aurender A15 combines the precision of a high-end DAC with the flexibility of a modern music streamer. It has brought remarkable detail to my system, allowing me to stream high-resolution audio with confidence. The dual-mono AK4490 DAC chips deliver a rich, detailed sound that gives each track a lifelike presence, regardless of genre. With built-in storage and streaming support for Tidal and Qobuz, the A15 has simplified my digital setup without compromising on quality.

In particular, I appreciate the Aurender's focus on user experience. The dedicated app is intuitive, making browsing my music library or discovering new tracks enjoyable and straightforward. Beyond that, the A15's construction quality is evident—its build feels solid and durable, mirroring the attention to detail in its sound output. I love how I can load up files and Qobuz tracks on the same playlist and even do this on the fly. It's a great feature and follow my muse wherever it takes me.


2. Belles Aria – Warmth and Authority in a Compact Package

The Belles Aria integrated amplifier has proven to be a perfect match for the Goldnote Evo A3s. Known for its clean, transparent sound, the Aria delivers warmth and power that pairs well with the Goldnotes’ natural character. At 75 watts per channel, it provides ample drive, allowing the system to capture every nuance and layer in the music. What I admire most about the Aria is how it balances warmth with precision, giving a sense of immediacy without harshness.

David Belles’ design philosophy of putting sound quality over extra features really shines here. It’s an amplifier that lets the music speak for itself, bringing the right amount of energy and clarity. Whether I'm listening to complex progressive metal or something more delicate, like world fusion, the Aria offers both dynamic control and tonal depth.


3. Goldnote Evo A3 – My Long-Standing Favourite

The Goldnote Evo A3 speakers have been with me through previous setups, and they continue to impress. Goldnote's focus on naturalness and tonal accuracy makes the Evo A3 is a solid choice for a wide range of music. Their slim design belies their ability to fill the room with an expansive, open sound that remains cohesive and engaging. From their transparent midrange to the well-controlled bass, they handle everything from intricate guitar passages to deep bass lines with ease.

Reintroducing the Goldnotes into my setup has felt like coming home. They handle the intricate textures and shifting dynamics of my music effortlessly. While they won’t transform a poorly recorded track, they still render it listenable without polishing it artificially, which I appreciate as a purist.


The Listening Experience

So, how does it all come together? The system sounds engaging, natural, and full of body. The Aurender A15, paired with the Belles Aria, reveals a level of detail and depth that makes each listening session feel immersive. Even during extended three-hour sessions, there’s no sign of fatigue—just an inviting, effortless sound. The Goldnote Evo A3s round off the experience with a natural timbre and openness that make every genre feel authentic, whether it’s heavy, complex prog-metal or intricate classical music.

Positioning the system has taken some trial and error, especially since I can’t sit dead centre between the speakers due to the room layout. However, after moving the router away from other electrical equipment and making a few other adjustments, the streaming quality improved noticeably. I feel that I’ve managed to get the best out of the system, even with the room’s limitations.

Final Thoughts

This new setup has brought me a renewed appreciation for music and the depth that high-quality equipment can bring to each listening session. It feels like I’m no longer simply listening to music but rather experiencing it in its full complexity and emotion. While my journey with hi-fi may not be fully over, for now, this system feels close to perfect. It’s not only a system that performs with great authority and subtlety but one that truly makes the music come alive.

Lovely write-up John.

Sounds like you’ve built a great system that will give you many years of enjoyment John.

Great stuff John

Thanks for the insight

What type John, are they resistor type? Didn't Russ Andrews used to do some

I also just added another ferrite ring to ethernet cable. A small step up in depth and richness It's not the right diameter for 8 twists. But on this evidence worth a try

There's a few cheap hacks you can do for those reflections your probably aware already... A photo or a image you like on a printed towel,make a light wooden frame, underneath the printed towel, add some foam or Rockwool, or a printed throw or tapestry... Your probably aware anyway John

Personal take aways from all of this.
Speakers and room play a bit part in overall sound quality, perhaps the most. Take time to get this right.
Getting your digital set up sounding natural is a process.
1) A clean signal to your streamer. A few different ways to do this I ground my router and keep away from other equipment.
2) Whilst I don't think my method (Eric method) of addressing noise is the best, it works in the context of my system and aims.
3) I got the best DAC/streamer I could get and the streamer air gaps within the streamer. Yet again managing to keep the box count down.
Clean mains and high quality cables
Good isolation support.
Most of all being patient.

I think something that is addressing noise and using a external clock at the same time (like Martin and Daimen) is potentially the best method. But a big difference in price. Eric method works really well and I am not fully able to implement.
The only harshness I can now hear is on the rain shakers to the Dead Can Dance Song of the Stars. Its only a track I use to Test and do not hear this in anything else I listen too.