Aurender A20 Music Server/Streamer/DAC Review: Digital Excellence Redefined
In this Aurender A20 Music Server/Streamer/DAC review, we'll explore why this remarkable piece of engineering has become a benchmark for digital audio excellence. As your trusted audiophile advisors at The Audio Tailor, we're excited to delve deep into what makes this all-in-one digital hub a game-changer for serious music enthusiasts.
Striking Design and Build Quality
The A20's elegant aluminium chassis speaks volumes about Aurender's commitment to excellence. The striking 8.8" Wide IPS colour LCD display not only looks sophisticated but provides crystal-clear information about your music playback.
Outstanding Technical Prowess
At the heart of the A20 lies the prestigious AKM 4497 chipset, implemented in a dual-mono configuration. This setup, combined with the full MQA decoder capability, delivers extraordinarily detailed and spacious sound reproduction. The FPGA-based precision clock with jitter reduction ensures timing accuracy that would satisfy even the most discerning audiophile.
Storage and Connectivity
The A20's storage capabilities are truly impressive, offering up to 16TB of space across two drive bays. The 480GB M.2 NVMe cache ensures seamless playback, eliminating any potential stuttering or buffering issues.
Versatile Functionality
Whether you're streaming from Tidal, Qobuz, or playing your local library, the A20 handles everything with remarkable finesse. The high-performance headphone amplifier is a welcome addition, making this unit a complete digital hub for both speaker and headphone enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional dual-mono AKM 4497 DAC implementation
- Massive storage capability up to 16TB
- Sophisticated linear power supply with UPS protection
- Full MQA decoder certification
- Versatile connectivity options
- High-quality headphone amplifier
- Intuitive Conductor app control
- Impressive build quality
- Comprehensive file format support
- Professional-grade clock implementation
Cons:
- Premium price point (but justified by features)
- Substantial weight at 14.2kg
- Learning curve for maximum functionality
Performance Insights
The A20's performance is nothing short of remarkable. The combination of the AKM 4497 DAC, linear power supply, and precision clock creates a soundstage that's both expansive and precise. Bass notes are tight and controlled, while the upper frequencies sparkle with natural clarity.
Who Is This For?
The Aurender A20 is perfect for:
- Serious audiophiles seeking a high-end digital solution
- Music collectors requiring substantial storage
- Streaming enthusiasts demanding the highest quality playback
- Headphone aficionados needing a premium source
Setting New Standards in Digital Audio
The Aurender A20 represents the pinnacle of digital audio engineering. For those ready to take their digital music experience to the next level, we'd love to have a chat about how this remarkable device could transform your listening experience. Give our team a call on 1300 308 711 - we're always excited to talk audio!
Check out the Aurender A20 on our website for detailed specifications and more information.
For personalised advice about integrating the Aurender A20 into your system, reach out to our team at sales@theaudiotailor.com.au. We're here to help you achieve your perfect sound.