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Aurender A20
Signature Analog Music Server
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 Analog Outputs
USB Digital Output / Coaxial and Optical Digital Inputs
Flagship sound with Aurender's best DAC built-in.
Reference Analog Output Network Player with Aurender's best built-in DAC, dedicated Headphone Section, User-Installable Storage Options, XLR and RCA Analog Outputs
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.
Key Features
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 analog outputs. Or leave upsampling off (default setting) for an untouched bitstream.
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.
Hallmarks of Aurender
Hardware <> Software Integration
A closed system. Aurender playback and control software is developed in the same building as its hardware. Superior integration means that Aurender's software engineers are able to specifically optimize playback performance of the extremely robust hardware at their disposal.
Caching Playback Engine
Other systems buffer. Aurenders cache. Every Aurender model features a massive solid state memory from which all playback occurs. This important feature helps to minimize system resource requirements for enhanced audio performance and stability.
Dedicated USB Audio Output
USB is prone to transferring noise between devices. Aurender's dedicated USB Audio output is physically and electrically isolated from the noise-generating CPU board to minimize noise in the sensitive audio interconnect.
Low-Power High-Efficiency CPU
A powerful CPU is essential to making any computer run smoothly and quickly. However, with more power comes more noise. Aurender's low-power high-efficiency Intel CPUs have enough headroom to run the machine while minimizing the amount of current drawn in order to keep the noise floor as low as possible.
Elegant Front Panel Display
Easy to read high resolution LCD display. Dynamic, elegant, understated.
Double Isolated LAN Port
Two layers of transformer based isolation to filter noise out of Ethernet connection.
Local Library Storage Capacity
Every Aurender contains either massive built-in internal storage capacity, or at least one slot for super easy user-installable storage options. Enjoy localized media storage, and ditch the cumbersome NAS or HDD.
Integrated Streaming Services
The entire world of streaming music content is available to you within one great app. Enjoy integrated access to TIDAL, Qobuz, and Internet Radio. Plus Spotify Connect and AirPlay.
Critical Listening Mode
Enable Critical Listening Mode to defeat the front panel screen, buttons, and all background computing activity that is not essential for playing music. CLM offers an even quieter, more transparent audio presentation.
USB HDD and NAS Connectivity
The best user experience occurs when your music content is stored on Aurender's internal storage. However, USB 3.0 data ports and NAS share connectivity are included in order to play or import content stored on a NAS, external USB hard drive, or thumb drive.
Support for All Major Audio Codecs & Formats
Remote Internet Technical Support
In case you should encounter any difficulty or problems, Aurender's dedicated support team may log into your system remotely to diagnose and fix any issues. We take support extremely seriously, and we're here to help!
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Aurender A20 — Reference-class integrated streamer, DAC and preamp
The Aurender A20 is a reference-class integrated streamer, server, DAC and preamplifier that pairs transparent, richly detailed sound with rock‑solid engineering. Reviewers including Doug Schroeder and Audiophilepure praised its vocal warmth, improved resolution on high‑res tracks and an ultra‑quiet background that lets microdetail breathe. At the heart is a dual‑mono AKM4497 DAC, OCXO master clock and dedicated linear power rails, plus MQA full decoding and native DSD512/768kHz support, delivering precise timing, deep dynamics and effortless control. Its gorgeously machined aluminum chassis, large IPS display and tactile volume wheel match the sonic ambition. Ideal for audiophiles seeking a single‑box reference source, the A20 replaces multiple components and streamlines setup. Consider its premium price and single unbalanced headphone output if you require extensive headphone flexibility.
Pros
- Reference-level sonic performance: exceptional resolution, vocal warmth and a very low noise floor for revealing playback.
- Comprehensive, high-end feature set — dual-mono AKM4497 DAC, OCXO clocking, MQA full-decoder, native DSD up to DSD512/768kHz and dedicated NVMe/UPS architecture.
- Premium build and quiet operation: gorgeously machined aluminum chassis, robust connectors, large IPS display and an ultra‑quiet presentation suited for critical listening.
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Cons
- High price relative to multi-box DIY or alternative streamer/server plus DAC/preamp combinations, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
- Limited headphone flexibility: only a single unbalanced 1/4" headphone output and no balanced headphone provision reduces appeal for headphone-focused systems.
Sound Quality
91/100
Reviewers reported lively, engaging presentation with strong transient control: Dagogo noted the A20 "can handle any genre with equal precision and approachability," implying robust rhythmic drive and headroom. The unit's substantial linear power supplies and dedicated DAC rails also support excellent dynamic contrasts across program material.
Noise Floor
90/100
Dagogo explicitly described the unit as "ultra-quiet," and Audiophilepure comments on the design being quiet and non-intrusive, suggesting a very low noise floor suitable for sensitive listening. The dedicated power rails, OCXO clock and focus on isolation further back the reviewer impressions of a near-black background.
Headphone Compatibility
78/100
Physically the A20 only exposes a single 1/4" unbalanced headphone output; reviewers and specs emphasize its role as a reference digital source/preamplifier rather than a purpose-built headphone amp. While the unit has robust linear power supplies (including a headphone-dedicated rail) that should drive many desktop headphones, the lack of balanced headphone outputs, no specified low output impedance and no documented multiple gain settings limit its flexibility with very sensitive multi-driver IEMs or extreme planar designs.
Build Quality
92/100
Both reviews praise the machining and fit-and-finish: Dagogo calls the chassis "gorgeously machined" with robust jacks and logical rear layout, while Audiophilepure highlights the solid construction. The heavy 31.3 lb machined-aluminum chassis, high-quality controls and thoughtful thermal/power design underline premium build and long-term reliability.
Features Connectivity
92/100
The A20 bundles streamer, server, DAC and preamp in one: dual-mono AKM4497 DAC, MQA full decoder, OCXO clock, double-isolated Gigabit LAN, multiple digital inputs (coax BNC/RCA, 2x optical), dedicated USB audio, balanced XLR and RCA analog outputs, NVMe system SSD and UPS super-capacitors. That broad, high-end feature set goes well beyond a minimal amp and justifies a very strong features score, though headphone-specific ports are limited (single unbalanced output).
Value for Money
79/100
At ~$15k reviewers acknowledged the A20 replaces multiple components as an all-in-one reference source, but Dagogo directly compares it to a significantly less expensive multi-box equivalent (~$6.9k), raising questions about cost-effectiveness for some buyers. Audiophilepure frames the device as nearly an entire system sans amp/speakers, which supports value for buyers wanting a single high-end source, but the price remains a steep premium compared with DIY/multi-box alternatives.
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