Aurender AP20 (Pre-order)
AP20
All-In-One Digital Source and Integrated Amp /
200 WPC into 8Ω, 350 WPC into 4Ω / Fully Linear PSU /
Analog R2R Volume Control / Reference Grade DAC /
Analog & Digital Inputs & Outputs / Headphone Output /
Master Clock Input / 2x User-Installable Storage Slots
AP20
A premium Integrated Amplifier with the heart of an Aurender
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 analog R2R relay-based volume control and preamp section, Aurender’s best DAC, a master clock input, a headphone output, a suite of digital and analog 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 analog 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.
Physical Specifications
| Dimensions | 16.93"W x 14.2"D x 5.9"H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 57.3 lb |
| Material | Machined Aluminum Chassis |
| Front Panel Display | 8.8" 1920 x 480 Wide IPS Color LCD |
Technical Specifications
| Power Supply | Full Linear, 2x 400VA Toroidy Transformers (L&R Power Amp), 2x 50W (L&R Audio Boards), 1x50W (CPU), 1x25W (FPGA) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Low Power Quad Core |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Library Storage Capacity | 2X 2.5" Compartments (User-Installable Storage) |
| SSD for System & Cache | 480GB NVME |
| Data USB Ports | 2X USB 3.0 (Rear) |
| Software Suite | Aurender Conductor, A30 Manager |
|
Ethernet Port |
Double-Isolated Gigabit LAN |
| Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) | Yes (Super Capacitors) |
| Power Consumption | Play (47W), Peak (80W), Standby (6W) |
| CD Ripping Capability | N/A |
Audio Specifications
| Volume Control | Relay-Based R2R Stereo Attenuator -64dB ~ 0dB., Velocity Sensitive Operation |
|---|---|
| Analog Outputs | XLR (Balanced) |
| DAC Chipset | AKM 4497 - Dual-Mono |
| Audio Word Clock | OCXO |
| Analog Outputs Supported Format | PCM: Up to 32-bit / 768 kHz; DSD: Up to DSD512 |
| Digital Outputs | N/A |
| SPDIF & AES/EBU Output Supported Format | N/A |
| Digital Inputs | 1X Coax RCA, 1X Coax BNC, 2X Optical/Toslink |
| Headphone Section | 1 x 1/4" (6.5mm) Unbalanced |
| Master Clock Input | Coaxial BNC 75Ω - 10MHz |
| MQA Support | MQA Full-Decoder On Board |
| Compatible Formats | DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE and others |
|
DSD-to-PCM Conversion |
N/A |
Amplifier Specifications
| Amplifier Module | 2x Purifi 1ET400A Class D Amplifier Module in Dual-Mono Configuration |
|---|---|
| Rated Power Output | 200 W into 8 ohms / 350 W into 4 ohms |
| THD (20Hz-20kHz) | 0.003 % (1W to 200 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms) |
| Damping Factor | 800 (ref. 8Ω 20 Hz to 6.5 kHz) |
| Output Impedance | <65μΩ @ 1kHz |
| Power Configuration | Full linear & Dual-Mono - 2 x 400VA Audio grade Toroidy toroidal transformers |
| Power Supply Filter Capacitors | Total 80,000uF ( 40,000 uF / channel) |
| Binding Posts | WBT nextgen™ pole terminal - Signal conductor made of pure copper |