Redefining the Relationship between Digital Audio and Music
A20 is the latest addition to Aurender’s range of analog output music players. The A20, shares the same basic circuitry topologies, DAC chipset and form factor as the flagship A30. However, it dispenses with the CD ripping functionality, metadata editing software and the headphone connection provided is a single standard ¼” jack. By being scaled back, the A20 will appeal to the digital music lover whose library is already digitized and wants a full-fledged, high-performance server, streamer, preamplifier, DAC and headphone amplifier.
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 SSD. For users with large music collections, 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.
What distinguishes A20 from other analog output models is its pure audio performance. Employing the world-renown AKM 4497 chipset in a dual-mono with dual linear power supplies, you can expect nothing but the best in sound quality. Also included is full MQA Decoder technology which enables you to play back full-resolution MQA audio files and streams, delivering the highest possible sound quality of the original master recording.
Since many audiophiles will use the A20 as their “digital hub”, the ability to reduce system complexity is easily achieved. For example, the A20 can function as 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 source components like a CD transport, Blu-Ray player or cable box to feed its audio through the A20’s DAC improving fidelity. Lastly, the system volume can be controlled three ways; the front panel rotary control, the Aurender Conductor app or using the supplied IR remote control.
Searching for a high-performance one-box source component? Look no further than the extraordinary A20 from Aurender.
FEATURES
Integrated Dual-Mono Full Decoder MQA DAC with Fully Discrete Linear Power Supplies
Aurender engineered 768KHz/32bit dual-mono DAC designed around next generation flagship AKM 4497 DAC chipset with dual-mono linear power supplies delivers reference-class fidelity. Aurender designed the A20 for those seeking the simplicity of an all-in-one but unwilling to sacrifice a high level of resolution, transparency and the reproduction of inner detail. The Aurender A20 includes full MQA Decoder technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the highest possible sound quality of the original master recording.
Balanced (XLR) / Unbalanced (RCA) Audio Outputs
Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are provided for interface to a preamplifier or power amplifier. When A20 is connected directly to a power amplifier the analog output is adjustable to best match the sensitivity of the amplifier used. The two settings for balanced are 4.0Vrms and 5.4Vrms. Unbalanced outputs are selectable 2.0Vrms or 2.7Vrms.
Flexible Volume Adjustment
When A20 is used as a preamplifier, volume can be adjusted from three locations; the front panel rotary control, phone or tablet app and supplied IR remote control. When used with a preamplifier the variable output can be set to fixed direct output in settings.
High-Performance Headphone Amplifier
Incorporated within the topology of the A20 is a high-quality headphone amplifier suitable for use with the finest headphones. A single ¼” jack is provided on the front panel for easy access.
FPGA-Based Precision Clock with World-Class Jitter Reduction
Precision clock generation system incorporates Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) with sub 100fs jitter-reducing clock generator precisely times digital audio data transmissions and minimizes jitter to below negligible levels.
Linear Power Supply for Ultra-Low Noise Floor with Integrated UPS
A full-linear power supply and extensive shielding prevent noise from being delivered to sensitive DACs for the best sound reproduction. Four discrete toroidal transformers power the server system, digital output and dual DACs respectively. This power supply comes with a “super capacitor-based” uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for stabilizing the A20 under an abrupt power outage condition.
The Aurender Conductor App Packed with Convenient Features for Full-Function Control.
The App turns the iPad, iPhone, Android phone or tablet into a versatile user interface for all Aurender Music Server/Players. All settings and functions of the Aurender can be easily accessed through the Settings menu, and Aurender Conductor comes with extensive features to make managing, viewing and playing high resolution music collections a breeze. The subscription streaming services TIDAL and Qobuz are imbedded within Aurender Conductor and Spotify Connect and internet radio service as well creating a seamless user experience. Merging streaming service content to your main file library provides easy access to all your favorite music and the ability to blend content when creating playlists.
Adaptive Storage
Two trays accept the hard drives (user installed) of your choice HDD or SSD and of the capacity you wish.
SSD Caching
When A20 is fitted with a storage hard drive or hard drives of the user’s choice, playback is handled via the unique to Aurender, caching system. While music files are stored on the user installed drives, playback always occurs from a solid-state drive (SSD). This method allows for the storage drives to only be concerned with loading content onto the SSD for playback. The result is that these drives experience a short duty cycle of operation before going idle contributing to their long- term reliability.
Support for All High-Resolution Formats
All major codecs supported. PCM up to 786kHz/32-bit. DSD up to 256 DoP. Native DSD up to 512.
Upsampling
The A20 is capable of upsampling non-DSD files to 705.6/768kHz to the analog outputs. You can also choose PCM audio to reach the DAC without alteration and allow the DAC to perform its own upsampling.
User Adjustable Analog and Digital Filters
The parameters of the digital and analog filters are able to be adjusted by the user for precisely fine tuning the sound to best compliment the audio system the A20 is used in. There is a factory default filter setting which can be selected. MQA content requires a filter setting that cannot be changed as it is a fixed for the MQA decoding process.
Critical Listening Mode
For best audio performance, circuitry related to panel illumination and other background function can be defeated. This mode conserves system resources for the best possible sound quality.
2X Isolated LAN Port
A20 features a 2X isolated LAN port in which to connect directly to your router. This LAN port will isolate the A20 from any noise introduced by the LAN/Router connection.
Digital Connectivity
Four digital inputs are provided: one RCA Coax, one BNC Coax and two Optical. These inputs allow for the interface of additional digital sources such as a CD transport, DVD player, television etc. Any device connected this way will now be able to take full advantage of the superior sound quality of the DAC within the A20.
USB Connectivity
A20 features two USB 3.0 ports either for super-fast copying from a USB storage device.
Remote Internet Technical Support
A Remote Support request can be sent through the Aurender App which allows engineers to quickly diagnose and correct issues over the internet.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)
MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the studio. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream, while also being backward compatible, so you can play MQA music on any device. MQA technology is licensed by labels, music services, and hardware manufacturers worldwide. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.
The Aurender A20 includes full MQA Decoder technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the highest possible sound quality of the original master recording. The Aurender Conductor App will indicate that ‘MQA‘ or ‘MQA Studio‘ content is being played back. A green or blue dot next to the MQA logo indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. The blue dot indicates it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner.
The A20’s front panel also uses text indicators to display MQA playback and the respective sampling rate of the file or stream being played. ‘MQA’ or ‘MQA Studio’ indicates that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. ‘MQA Studio’ indicates it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner. MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trade marks of MQA Limited.
