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.
With its industry-leading experience in audio interface design, the Aurender amp offers the same intuitive streaming experience as its streamers and DACs.
The Aurender AP20 uses the finest amplifier modules available. Designed by renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys, the Purifi Eigentakt 1ET400A amplifier is free of digital harshness, edginess, and grain.
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 separate toroidal transformers to power the CPU, left and right DAC boards, FPGA processor, and power output stages, respectively.
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.
The AP20 uses 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.
AP20’s OCXO-based precision clock generation system incorporates a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with <100 fs jitter-reducing clock generator to precisely time digital audio data transmissions and minimize jitter to below negligible levels.
The AP20 provides a suite of analog inputs including balanced XLR and single-ended RCA, offering an ideal solution for integrating external analog sources into your audio system. Vinyl enthusiasts can connect their phonostage to an available analog input and enjoy pure analog pass-through without any A/D conversion in the signal path.
With a variety of digital inputs, the AP20 is well-equipped to render external digital sources such as a CD transport, media player, or TV via its superior internal DAC.
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).
Although AP20 is equipped with an extremely precise OCXO clock system, jitter can be minimized further by connecting a 10 MHz Master Clock signal generator such as Aurender’s MC10.
In addition to being a stellar amplifier for loudspeaker systems, AP20 also features a 1/4″ headphone output for quiet moments.
DAC Chips: AKM 4497
Resolution (PCM, DSD): 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD512
Inputs
Digital : 1 x coax RCA, 1 x Coax BNC, 2 x Optical/Toslink
Analog: 1 x stereo XLR, 2 x stereo RCA
Data: 2 x 2.5" slots, 2 x USB 3.0
Analog Outputs: Stereo XLR, 1/4" headphone
Power Output (8 ohm, 4 ohm): 200 W, 350 W
Front Panel Display: 8.8″ 1920 x 480 Wide IPS Color LCD
Dimensions (WDH): 16.93″ x 14.2″ x 5.9″
Weight: 57.3 lb.