Aurender AP20

Aurender AP20 – all-in-one amplifier with streamer, DAC and Purifi output stages

The Aurender AP20 all-in-one amplifier puts Aurender's entire digital platform — streaming, caching, DAC, preamplifier — directly ahead of a pair of Purifi Eigentakt 1ET400A output stages. The result is a single box that replaces a server, DAC, preamp and power amplifier without asking you to compromise on any of them. Consequently, the Aurender AP20 all-in-one amplifier delivers 200 W per channel into 8 ohms, 350 W into 4 ohms, and connects directly to your speakers. That is the system.

Six Transformers. No Switch-Mode Supplies.

Aurender chose Purifi's 1ET400A modules for the AP20's output stages — Bruno Putzeys' design, and the one serious amplifier engineers reach for when they want Class D done without apology. Most Class D implementations run on switch-mode supplies; the AP20 does not. Instead, two 400 VA Toroidy toroidal transformers — one per channel — provide fully linear power to each output stage. Moreover, four further discrete toroidal transformers handle the CPU, DAC boards and FPGA independently. Six in total. It shows in the noise floor.

R2R Volume. AKM4497 DAC. OCXO Clock.

The Aurender AP20 all-in-one amplifier is the first Aurender product with an analogue R2R stepped attenuator — a relay-switched resistor network operating entirely in the analogue domain at every volume setting. As a result, no bits are removed at lower levels and full dynamic range is preserved throughout. The dual-mono AKM4497 DAC is the same unit found in the A20 and A30. An OCXO clock is fitted as standard; furthermore, a 10 MHz master clock input is provided for those who want to go further. Analogue inputs — one balanced XLR, two single-ended RCA — are never digitised.

Aurender's Platform, Intact

Beyond the amplification, the AP20 runs the same Conductor app, the same caching architecture and the same streaming stack as every other Aurender product. TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect and AirPlay are all native. Two storage bays accept 2.5-inch SSDs or HDDs if a local library matters to you. Additionally, a balanced XLR preamplifier output is provided for subwoofers or a second zone. The headphone output is there when you need it.

Key Specifications

• Type: all-in-one amplifier with streamer, DAC and preamplifier
• Output power: 200 W per channel into 8 ohms, 350 W into 4 ohms
• Amplifier modules: Purifi Eigentakt 1ET400A (dual-mono Class D)
• DAC: dual-mono AKM4497 with MQA full-decoder
• Volume control: analogue R2R stepped attenuator
• Power supply: 6 discrete toroidal transformers (2× 400 VA + 4× 25–50 W)
• Clock: OCXO + optional external 10 MHz master clock
• Analogue inputs: 1× XLR stereo, 2× RCA stereo
• Digital inputs: coaxial RCA, coaxial BNC, 2× optical Toslink
• Analogue output: XLR (preamplifier output)
• Headphone: 6.3 mm
• Storage: 2× 2.5-inch SSD/HDD (optional)
• Streaming: TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, AirPlay
• Decoding: PCM 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD512
• Display: 8.8-inch IPS LCD 1920 × 480
• Weight: 26 kg
• Origin: South Korea

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AP20 genuinely a one-box system?

Yes — streamer, server, DAC, preamplifier and power amplifier in one chassis. Simply add speakers and a source. The only limitation is the absence of a digital output, so the AP20 suits those who want to simplify rather than expand.

Why does the R2R volume control matter?

Digital attenuation removes bits at lower levels, which costs dynamic range and resolution. By contrast, the R2R stepped attenuator in the AP20 operates entirely in the analogue domain — full bit depth and full headroom at every volume setting.

Can analogue sources connect to the AP20?

Yes, via the balanced XLR or single-ended RCA analogue inputs. Crucially, analogue signals are never digitised — they pass through the R2R attenuator and directly to the Purifi output stages without digital processing of any kind.