The Aurender A20 combines Aurender’s caching music-server platform with a high-quality dual-mono DAC, variable analog outputs and a dedicated headphone amplifier. It uses dual AKM4497 conversion, balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs, and includes USB digital output plus coaxial and optical digital inputs. Two user-accessible 2.5-inch drive bays allow local music storage to be sized to the owner’s library.
The A20 is closely related to the A30, but omits CD ripping and factory-installed internal storage. That makes it a strong choice for a system that needs a serious one-box digital source without the library-management features of the A30. It can operate directly into a power amplifier or integrated amplifier, and its combination of streaming, local-file playback, DAC and volume control keeps the signal path unusually simple.