Aurender AP20 Streaming Integrated Amplifier – First Look

All Image Credit: Aurender

The new AP20 from Aurender is a high-performance stereo streaming integrated amplifier with optional server functionality.

This high-end streaming amplifier’s digital to analog conversion is provided by a pair of the original flagship Velvet Sound AKM 4479 DAC’s that are controlled by a temperature-stabilized, crystal oscillator (OCXO). According to Aurender;” 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.” If required, additional stability may be achieved by the addition of their external MC10 clock generator.

Rear panel analog and digital connectivity includes; XLR, RCA, 2 x TOSLINK, coaxial, BNC, Ethernet, BNC clock, and 2 x USB 3.0 for data. Also accessible via the rear panel are two empty HDD/SSD drive bays which turn the AP20 into a music server. Drive content may be navigated either using the front panel LCD color display or via the associated smartphone/tablet app. The AP20 also supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, with its app integrating with both Tidal and Qobuz. Audio file format support includes; DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE, full MQA and others, with data rates up to 32-bit / 768 KHz for PCM and DSD support up to DSD512

A pair of high performing Class D amplifier modules from Purifi Eigentakt, the 1ET400A, support this streamers electronics providing up to 350wpc into 4 ohms. Powering this high performance hardware are two 400 VA toroidal transformers that drive no less than six individual power supplies feeding the CPU, left & right DAC boards, FPGA processor and each power output stage.

With no ADC impacting the incoming analog signals, analog purists and vinyl enthusiasts should find the pure analog pathways (balanced and unbalanced) and relay-based R2R stepped-attenuator volume system to their liking. With both analog and DAC processed signals taking parallel analog pathways to the dual Class D power amplifiers.

Rounding out the feature set is a front panel quarter-inch headphone socket and rear panel pre-amplifier balanced XLR outputs, with control available using either the front panel or the Aurender Conductor app and Media Manager.

Features At A Glance:

• Ultra High-Performance Class D Amplifiers – AP20’s dual-mono amplifier section represents the state-of-the-art of Class D amp technology using Purifi Eigentakt 1ET400A amplifiers (200Wpc into 8 ohms and 350Wpc into 4 ohms.)
• Aurender’s Best DAC- Built around dual mono AKM4497 DAC modules, delivering high-resolution PCM, DSD and MQA full-decoding
• OCXO Precision Clock – Incorporates a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with sub 100fs jitter-reducing clock generator
• Digital Connectivity – Includes 1X RCA SPDIF, 1X BNC SPDIF and 2X TOSLINK optical interfaces
• Master Clock Input – Jitter can be minimized further by connecting a 10MHz Master Clock signal generator such as Aurender’s MC10.
• Dead-Quiet Linear Power Supply – The AP20 uses two 400VA toroidal transformers, one for each channel that provide SIX discrete supplies to power the CPU, left & right DAC boards, FPGA processor, and power output stages.
• Analog Volume Control – The AP20 employs an analog-domain volume control based on an R2R stepped-attenuator system
• Analog Pass-Through Inputs – The AP20 provides a suite of analog inputs including 1X balanced XLR and 2X single-ended RCA. 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
• Variable Output XLR Output – To feed a second system such as a distributed whole-home audio installation or subwoofer(s) with line-level input
• Dedicated Headphone Section – The AP20 features a 1/4″ headphone output for late night listening
• Storage: 2 x user-installable HDD/SSD drive bays.

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