Aurender
A20 Music Server
$15,000.00 USDFeatures
FPGA-Based Precision Clock
Linear Power Supply with Integrated UPS
Variable Output XLR & RCA Outputs
Dedicated Headphone Section
User-Installable Storage Options
Upsampling DAC Option
Digital Connectivity
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Derived from the Aurender A30, the A20 Music Server delivers the very same reference-level audio performance, but without the CD ripping and library management functionality. The Aurender A20 features a MQA full-decoder DAC and integrated headphone amplifier for the ultimate high-quality playback system. The A20 also replaces the A30's factory-fitted 10TB HDD storage with two user-installable storage bays that support a 2.5" HDD or SSD. Employing the same renowned dual-mono AKM4497 DAC chipset found in the A30 model, you can expect nothing but the best in sound quality. The Aurender A20 represents a sophisticated blend of cutting-edge digital audio technology, audiophile-grade performance, and user-friendly features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end music server solution.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Aurender A20 Music Server/Streamer with our Silver Dragon Network Cable, Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable (XLR and RCA), and Silver Dragon USB Cable (USB A to B). The Silver Dragon Network Cable will provide a stable ethernet connection to the Aurender A20 for music streaming and data transmission. The solid-core silver conductors in the cable provide high speed, low latency, and low jitter-perfect bit rate communication between audio components. The Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable with XLR and RCA connectors will allow the A20 to be connected to other audio components in your setup. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. Our Silver Dragon USB Cable will provide the most stable connection for digital transmission between your source device and A20. Our USB cables have been optimized for audio transmission of large high-resolution audio files, so you can enjoy your music with the utmost fidelity.
Music, From Memory
As an analog output music player, the Aurender A20 appeals to the digital music lover whose library is already digitized and who wants a full-fledged, high-performance server, streamer, preamplifier, DAC, and headphone amplifier in one unit. What distinguishes the A20 from other analog output models is its pure audio performance. The combination of the AKM4497 DAC chipset and dual linear power supplies delivers a transparent, resolute sound capable of reproducing every detail. Four discrete toroidal transformers independently power the server system, digital outputs, and dual-mono DAC respectively, and a super capacitor-based uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system stabilizes the A20 in the event of an abrupt loss of power. The 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. The A20's internal DAC is capable of supporting the following sample rates: PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to Native DSD512, and MQA up to 32-bit/384kHz.
The A20 can be customized to your needs in terms of storage capacity and type. Two trays located on the rear panel each can accommodate a hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). SSD. For users with large music libraries, each tray could be fitted with an 8TB SSD providing a massive 16TB of digital file storage. Consequently, if the user is 100% streaming, no drives are required to be installed, but can be added later should you change your mind. User-adjustable analog and digital filters are included that precisely fine tune the sound to best complement the audio system the A20 is used in. There is a factory default filter setting that can be selected, and for the best audio performance, circuitry related to panel illumination and other background functions can be deactivated conserving the unit's resources for sound quality. The A20 has support for all high-resolution compatible formats with support for all major codecs. The A20 is capable of upsampling non-DSD files up to 705.6/768kHz to the analog outputs. Via the USB audio output, the A20 is capable of upsampling PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD (DoP) up to DSD218, and DSD Native up to DSD512. Although the Aurender A20 is not a Roon Ready or Roon Tested device, it has support for Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify Connect.
Signature Aurender Design
The Aurender A20 sports Aurender's signature design—modular, clean, and minimalist. The front panel is adorned with an 8.8" wide IPS color LCD display that can be adjusted in the Aurender Conductor App, available on iOS (iPhones, iPads, tablets) and Android devices. A display menu button on the right side of the panel cycles through various display options including song information, ripping menu, and playlist menu. Playlists may be selected and played using the four buttons on the right side. You'll also find a volume control knob, 4.4mm balanced headphone output, output selection, and input selection. The A20 comes with a handheld remote control so you can manage the unit's functions without leaving the couch. Mute, power on/off, play/pause, track skip, select the inputs and outputs, toggle the display menu, and control the volume level all from the remote.
On the back panel of the A20 you'll find the host of analog audio outputs and digital audio inputs. Analog outputs include a left/right balanced XLR and left/right unbalanced RCA, while digital audio inputs include two TOSLINK optical, a coaxial RCA SPDIF, and a coaxial BNC SPDIF. You'll also find a data USB 3.0 port, double isolated gigabit ethernet port, a dedicated proprietary USB Audio Class 2.0 output, two user-installable storage trays, an AC power switch, and an AC power socket. The USB 3.0 port can be used to copy files from USB memory drives and connect a NAS. The A20 can function as a preamplifier allowing for direct connection to a stereo power amplifier or active speaker system. The preamp section has both SPDIF and optical inputs that allow other digital source components like a CD transport, Blu-Ray player, or cable box to feed its audio through the A20's DAC improving fidelity. When the A20 is connected directly to a power amplifier, the analog output is adjustable to best match the sensitivity of the amp used. When the A20 is used as a preamp, the volume can be adjusted from three locations; the front panel rotary control, the phone or tablet app, and the supplied IR remote control. As a bonus, users can choose from two finishes, black or silver, to best complement your existing hi-fi audio system setup.
FAQ
Can the A20 stream from Tidal and Qobuz?
Yes, the Aurender A20 has music streaming service support form Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify Connect.
Is the A20 Roon Ready?
No, the Aurender A20 is not Roon Ready or a Roon Tested device, so it cannot be used in the Roon ecosystem as a Roon endpoint.
Features:
- Reference analog output network player
- MQA full-decoder DAC/ Headphone Amplifier
- 2x User-installable storage drive trays
- Variable-output balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog outputs
- USB Output / Coaxial and optical digital inputs
What's In the Box?
- Aurender A20
- Handheld Remote Control
- AC Power Cord
- Quick Start Guide
| Compatible Formats | DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE and others |
|---|---|
| Bit and Sample Rates | PCM up to 768kHz/32bit. DSD up to 256 DoP. Native DSD up to 512(Internal play only) |
| HDD for Music Library Storage | Tray for User Installation 2 x SSD or 2.5 inch HDD |
| SSD for System and Cache | 480GB M.2 NVMe |
| DAC Chipset | AKM AK4497 Dual-Mono Design with Dual-Mono Linear Power Supplies |
| Power Supply | Full-Linear |
| Display | 8.8″ 1920 x 480 WIDE IPS COLOR LCD |
| Digital Audio Inputs | 1 x RCA SPDIF / 1 x BNC SPDIF / 2 x TOSLINK up to 24-bit / 192 kHz / DOP up to DSD64 |
| Data USB | 2 x USB 3.0 (Rear) |
| Dedicated Audio USB Port | 1 x USB AUDIO Class 2.0 |
| Ethernet | 1 x Double-Isolated Gigabit Ethernet |
| Volume Control | -90 dB – 0dB, 0.5 dB step, Velocity Sensitive Operation Variable output control from front panel rotary knob, Conductor App and supplied IR remote control when used as preamplifier |
| Clock Structure | Revised Full Differential System |
| Headphone Output | 6.5mm Unbalanced |
| Main Clock Accuracy | OCXO Based Precision Jitter Reducing Clock Generator |
| CPU | Intel N4200 Quad Core |
| Internal UPS | Super Capacitor Based UPS (uninterrupted power supply) |
| USB Audio Output | PCM: Up to 32bit / 768kHz – DSD: DoP Up to 128- Native DSD Up to 256 |
| Analog Audio Outputs | Unbalanced (RCA): 2.0 or 2.7 Vrms / Balanced (XLR): 4.0 or 5.4 Vrms selectable |
| User Software | Aurender Conductor iPad App, iPhone App (Lite Version), Android App (Lite Version), Tablet App |
| Dimensions | Unit with foot : 430 x 111 x 355 mm / 16.9 x 4.4 x 14.0 inch |
| Unit only : 430 x 98 x 355 mm / 16.9 x 3.9 x 14.0 inch | |
| Weight | 37.5 lbs / 17.0 kg |