Aurender AP20 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Aurender AP20 - All-in-one Server / Streamer MQA DAC & Integrated Amplifier 

Elegance. Finesse. Resolution. Grace. 

If ever Aristotle’s adage: “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” is applicable in audio, it applies to AP20. And, given the quality and quantity of parts in this equation, that’s saying a lot.

AP20 delivers unprecedented audio performance from an integrated amplifier. It includes the world’s best Class D amp modules in a dual-mono configuration, an analogue R2R relay-based volume control and preamp section, Aurender’s best DAC, a master clock input, a headphone output, a suite of digital and analogue inputs and outputs, and the most sophisticated linear power supply block Aurender has ever deployed.

The result? An audio component that paints every musical timbre with full-bodied realism. With a delicate touch that's backed up by enormous headroom for transients and dynamic swings, AP20 drives even the most demanding speaker loads and casts a soundstage that is both expansive and laser-focused.

All of this performance, with the heart of an Aurender.

Other integrated amplifier solutions on the market may offer support for app-controlled streaming, but in nearly every case, the user experience, library management, and software playback engine are an afterthought requiring third-party software and hardware to get the job done. In AP20’s case, more than 10 years of industry-leading experience has made Aurender the digital source component of choice in the world’s finest audio systems. Now, that same holistic digital playback engine and user experience is available from an integrated amplifier that completely removes the need for more components and cables.

Just add speakers, and enjoy a premium HiFi experience, without all the HiFi boxes. 

Key Features:

Ultra High-Performance Class D Amplifiers

There's Class D, and then there's ridiculously good Class D. AP20 utilizes the finest amplifier modules available. Designed by renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys, the Purifi Eigentakt 1ET400A amplifier is free of digital harshness, edginess, and grain. Featuring impressive specifications that are reflected in its extraordinary audio performance, AP20's dual-mono amplifier section represents the state-of-the-art of Class D amp technology.

Dead-Quiet Linear Power Supply

Most Class D amplifier implementations utilize switch mode power supplies because they are efficient, cool-running, and inexpensive. However, this can introduce noise and distortion to the signal path, resulting in an audio presentation that lacks a sense of natural analogue grace. So, in typical Aurender fashion, AP20 uses SIX discrete toroidal transformers to power the CPU, left & right DAC boards, FPGA processor, and power output stages, respectively.

Aurender's Best DAC

Aurender designed the AP20 for those seeking the simplicity of an all-in-one unit without sacrificing a high level of resolution, transparency, and inner detail. Built around an integrated dual-mono AKM4497 DAC module, AP20's best-in-class DAC section delivers high-resolution PCM, DSD, and MQA full-decoding at the highest level.

Analog Volume Control

In any system, the quality of the audio presentation is significantly impacted by the volume control mechanism of the preamplifier. Remarkably, AP20 employs an analog-domain volume control based on an R2R stepped-attenuator system. Volume control of this quality is utterly uncommon in digitally-equipped integrated amps, and it is a major reason why AP20 provides such a natural, open sound.

OCXO Precision Clock

AP20's OCXO based 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.

Analog Pass-Through Inputs

The AP20 provides a suite of analog inputs including 1X balanced XLR and 2X single-ended RCA, offering an ideal solution for integrating external analog sources into your audio system. Vinyl enthusiasts can connect their phono stage to an available analog input and enjoy pure analog pass-through without any A/D conversion in the signal path.

Digital Connectivity

With a variety of digital inputs including 1X RCA SPDIF, 1X BNC SPDIF, and 2X TOSLINK optical interfaces, AP20 is well-equipped to render external digital sources such as a CD transport, media player, or TV via its superior internal DAC.

Variable Output XLR Output

AP20's high-quality balanced XLR output allows the user to feed a second system such as a distributed whole-home audio installation, or subwoofer(s) with line-level input (XLR-to-RCA adapters may be required in some cases).

Master Clock Input

Although AP20 is equipped with an extremely precise OCXO clock system, jitter can be minimized further by connecting a 10MHz Master Clock signal generator such as Aurender's MC10.

Dedicated Headphone Section

In addition to being a stellar amplifier for loudspeaker systems, AP20 also features a 1/4" headphone output for quiet moments.

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.

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 analog outputs. Or leave upsampling off (default setting) for an untouched bitstream.

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.

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.

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.