A20 Network Player
Reference Analogue Output Network Player with Aurender’s best built-in DAC, dedicated Headphone Section, User-Installable Storage Options, XLR and RCA Analogue Outputs
Description
- Reference Analogue Output Network Player
- MQA Full-Decoder DAC / Headphone Amplifier
- 2 x Slot for 2.5″ HDD or SSD Drive (user-installable)
- Variable-Output Balanced XLR and Single-Ended RCA Analogue Outputs
- USB Digital Output / Coaxial and Optical Digital Inputs
Redefining the relationship between Digital Audio and Music
A20 is derived from A30 and delivers the very same reference-level audio performance, but without the CD ripping and library management functionality. A20 also replaces A30’s factory-fitted 10TB HDD with two user accessible bays to install one or two 2.5” HDDs or SSDs for the music storage capacity needed or desired.
Employing the same renowned dual-mono AKM 4497 chipset as that found in model A30, you can expect nothing but the best in sound quality. A20 is ideal for the user seeking exceptional audio performance from files and streams without the fuss or complexity of separate components.
A20’s scaled back design makes no compromise where audio performance is concerned. Music lovers who have no need for CD ripping functionality and want a high-end DAC without adding more boxes will find A20 to be a stellar foundation to any system.
Aurender’s Best DAC
Aurender designed the A20 for those seeking the simplicity of an all-in-one unit without sacrificing a high level of resolution, transparency, and the reproduction of inner detail. Built around an integrated dual-mono AKM4497 DAC module, A20 delivers MQA full-decoding to get the best performance out of MQA content, as well as every other major digital audio format.
Linear Power Supply with Integrated UPS
A fully-linear power supply architecture with extensive shielding prevents noise from being delivered to sensitive DACs. Four discrete toroidal transformers power the server system, digital outputs and dual-mono DAC respectively. A “super capacitor” based UPS system stabilizes A20 in the event of an abrupt loss of power.
FPGA-Based Precision Clock
A20’s precision clock generation system incorporates a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with sub 100fs jitter-reducing clock generator to precisely time digital audio data transmissions and minimize jitter to below negligible levels.
Variable Output XLR & RCA Outputs
A20’s high quality Balanced (XLR) and Unbalanced (RCA) outputs guarantee compatibility with any preamp, integrated amp, or even power amps! A20’s DAC-level lossless volume control enables it to function as a preamp when connected directly to a power amplifier.
Dedicated Headphone Section
In addition to being a stellar Analog Output Network Player for loudspeaker systems, A20 also features a 1/4″ headphone output for quiet times.
Upsampling DAC Option
A20 is capable of upsampling non-DSD files up to 705.6/768kHz to the analogue outputs. Or leave upsampling off (default setting) for an untouched bitstream.
Digital Connectivity
Four digital inputs are provided: one RCA Coax, one BNC Coax and two Optical. These inputs allow connection of additional digital sources such as a CD transport, TV, etc. Any device connected this way will take full advantage of the superior sound quality of the DAC within the A20.
User-Installable Storage Options
A20 is built with two trays for user-installable storage. Need a lot of capacity? Load up to 2 8TB SSDs! Not into storing files and prefer to stream? Leave them empty, and don’t pay for storage capacity you won’t use.
Product Specifications
Physical Specifications
Dimensions 16.9″W x 14″D x 4.4″H (3.9 w/o feet)
Weight 31.3 lb
Material Machined Aluminium Chassis
Front Panel Display 8.8″ 1920 x 480 Wide IPS Color LCD
Technical Specifications
Power Supply
Full Linear, 1x50W (CPU), 2x25W (DAC L&R), 1x35W (FPGA & Headphone)
CPU
Intel Low Power Quad Core
RAM
8GB
Library Storage Capacity
2X 2.5″ Compartments (User-Installable Storage)
SSD for System & Cache
480GB NVME
Data USB Ports
2X USB 3.0 (Rear)
Software Suite
Aurender Conductor
Ethernet Port
Double-Isolated Gigabit LAN
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Yes (Super Capacitors)
Power Consumption Play
Play (47W), Peak (80W), Standby (6W)
CD Ripping Capability
N/A
Audio Specifications
Analog Outputs
RCA (Unbalanced), XLR (Balanced)
DAC Chipset
AKM 4490 – Dual-Mono
Audio Word Clock
OCXO
Analog Outputs Supported Format
PCM: Up to 32-bit / 768 kHz; DSD: Up to DSD512
Digital Outputs
USB Audio (Dedicated)
USB Output Supported Format
PCM up to 768kHz, DoP up to DSD256, up to DSD 512 Native for USB output
SPDIF & AES/EBU Output Supported Format
N/A
Digital Inputs
1X Coax RCA, 1X Coax BNC, 2X Optical/Toslink
Headphone Section
1 x 1/4″ (6.5mm) Unbalanced
Master Clock Input
N/A
MQA Support
MQA Full-Decoder On Board
Compatible Formats
DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE and others
DSD-to-PCM Conversion
N/A