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Aurender A20
Signature Analog Music Server
MQA Full-Decoder DAC / Headphone Amplifier
Signature sound with Aurender's best DAC built-in.
Signature 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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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
93/100
Features Usability
90/100
Value for Money
81/100
The streaming performance is the headline here: Dagogo says it outclassed previous digital front ends, with richer vocals, stronger resolution, and an engaging, natural balance. Housed in a machined aluminum chassis, the one-box streamer, server, DAC, and preamp feels quietly luxurious—and for listeners chasing reference-level digital convenience, it lands with real authority.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally refined streaming and digital playback, with higher resolution, fuller vocals, and a natural, engaging tonal balance.
True one-box versatility: streamer, server, DAC, and preamplifier in a single chassis.
Premium build and layout, including a gorgeously machined cabinet and robust, well-organized rear connections.
Handles a wide range of music confidently, from instrumental demos to harder-edged rock and techno.
&
Cons
Very expensive compared with competing streamer/DAC stacks, so value depends on how much the all-in-one convenience matters.
No CD ripping function on the A20 itself, which may matter for listeners with large disc libraries.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
Reviewers praise the A20 as an unusually accomplished digital source, with a presentation that is both highly resolving and easy to live with. Doug Schroeder calls its streaming the best digital source he has used, and notes more fullness, warmth, and resolution on high-resolution Qobuz material. The sound is described as precise and approachable rather than restrained or fussy, with strong results across genres.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
The A20 is repeatedly described in musical, listener-friendly terms rather than clinical ones. Schroeder highlights more fullness, warmth, and ease on HR Qobuz tracks, and says the unit is not captive to polite audiophile music but handles any genre with equal precision and approachability.
Resolution Detail
96/100
Review language points to excellent retrieval of fine information, especially on high-resolution material. Schroeder says vocals gained more resolution on HR playback and that the A20 provided digital sound quality he had not achieved before with Redbook setups, suggesting very strong low-level clarity and separation.
Digital Performance
95/100
The digital side is praised as exceptional, with the reviewer calling the A20 the best digital source he has used. Comments about improved Redbook playback with upsampling, the strong handling of HR tracks, and the absence of criticism about glare, noise, or digital roughness all support a very accomplished digital engine.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
This is a very full-featured network source: streamer, server, DAC, and preamp in one chassis, with balanced and unbalanced analog outputs, multiple digital inputs, dedicated USB audio output, internal storage bays, and Aurender Conductor software. The reviews focus more on capability than on day-to-day app polish, but the overall package is clearly flexible and well thought out.
Streaming Software
89/100
The reviews are strongly positive about the streaming experience itself, with Schroeder calling the A20's streaming the best digital source he has used. There is little detailed commentary on app design or long-term software smoothness, but the available evidence points to a highly effective and satisfying streaming setup.
Features Connectivity
94/100
The A20 offers broad practical flexibility, including streamer, server, DAC, preamp, balanced and RCA outputs, multiple digital inputs, dedicated USB audio output, and user-installable storage. Reviewers also point to the unit's ability to work as nearly an entire system by itself, which makes the connectivity and feature set especially compelling.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
Reviewers describe a gorgeously machined cabinet, robust jacks and posts, and a rear panel that is busy but well laid out. The unit is also described as ultra-quiet, which reinforces the sense of careful execution, though the reviews do not go into long-term reliability or serviceability.
Value for Money
81/100
The reviews make clear that this is a very expensive component, and one explicitly compares it with a much cheaper alternative chain: the sonicTransporter i5 Gen3 with CD Ripper at $1,925 plus a Signature Rendu SE at $4,950, totaling $6,875, versus the A20 at $15,000. The implication is that the A20 sounds superb but sits in a very costly part of the market, where value depends heavily on whether the all-in-one convenience and top-tier performance justify the premium.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Aurender A20
- The ASOC Gallery of Fine Audio — in-store — Stratford, Ontario, Canada (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- A 10 Audio Room 4 Music — in-store — Amsterdam Nieuw-West, Noord-Holland, Netherlands (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- All That Audio — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 140 more verified dealers