Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Integrates the functions of a music server, a content streamer, and a LAN port, consolidating multiple devices into one for simpler setup
- Has two internal, hard-drive storage bays, which allow users to customize on-board music storage according to their needs (up to 16TB with SSDs)
- Employs an all-digital, phase-locked-loop subsystem (ADPLL) with an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) to reduce jitter, improving the musical presentation
- Supports various digital file codecs, including native DSD512, handled by a dedicated Intel Quad-Core CPU
- Exceptional build quality, with a minimalistic, stylish design and a large, high-resolution (1920 x 480 pixels) AMOLED display for album art and information
- Outstanding customer service is available
Product Considerations
- Does not have a built-in DAC, requiring an external DAC for audio output
- Roon is not fully supported as a RAAT device, only as an Airplay device
- The Android version of the control app may not be as user-friendly as the iOS version
- HDDs/SSDs not included, so the cost of storage is not part of the overall price
- The Aurender N20 does not offer a hardware remote, which might be a problem for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Aurender A20: The N20 is a superior streamer for upscale rigs due to its dedicated functionality and higher parts quality, whereas the A20 is an excellent choice as a streamlined hifi
- Vs Aurender W20SE: The reviewer believes the sweet spot in the Aurender lineup is the N20 unless dual AES output is needed, in which case—the W20SE would be better
- Vs Small Green Computer CAPS 20.1: The Aurender N20 is a state-of-the-art server with great sound quality for plug and play, while CAPS 20.1 needs maintenance
- Vs Linn Klimax DSM/3: Unlike the Linn Klimax DSM/3, the N20 comes with two internal hard-drive storage bays
Takeaway: The Aurender N20 is a well-designed music server/streamer with high-quality sound that offers a streamlined user experience and integration of various digital audio functions. It is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking simplicity, stability, and excellent sound quality in a digital source component.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Aurender Content Server (ACS)
- Positioning: Serves as a centralized content management solution with features like CD ripping and library management.
- Description: The ACS models, such as the ACS10, are designed for audiophiles who need robust library management and centralized storage, offering features like metadata editing and duplicate detection. Unlike the A1000, which focuses on playback, the ACS series excels in content management.
Digital Output Network Transports
- Positioning: These transports are designed to enhance the performance of any DAC with high-quality digital output.
- Description: Aurender's digital output transports, like the N20, provide a jitter-free signal rendering, enhancing the performance of connected DACs. While the A1000 integrates a DAC for direct playback, these transports focus on delivering the best digital signal to external DACs.
AP20
- Positioning: An all-in-one digital source and integrated amplifier, offering a complete audio solution.
- Description: Combines a high-performance Class D amplifier with Aurender's best DAC, providing a powerful and integrated audio solution. Unlike the A1000, which is a network player, the AP20 includes amplification, making it perfect for users who want a simplified setup without separate components.
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Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
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3/1/2022
N20
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Manufacturer's notes
The Aurender N20 hits the bullseye with simplicity, stability, speed, and sound quality. The product is as simple as possible, but no simpler. N20 sits in the enviable "sweet spot" of cost vs. performance in the middle of Aurender's range of digital source components. Equally at home in a cost-no-object system or as the cornerstone of a more modest system, N20 is designed to be connected to the world's best high-quality DACs.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions: 16.9"W x 14"W x 4.4"H (3.9"H)
- Weight: 29.8 lb
- Display: 8.8" 1920 x 480 Wide IPS Color LCD
- CPU: Intel Low Power Quad Core
- RAM: 8GB
- System SSD: 480GB NVME
- Power Consumption: Play (40W), Peak (70W), Standby (3.5W)
- Digital Outputs: USB Audio, AES/EBU, BNC Coax SPDIF, RCA Coax SPDIF, Optical/TosLink SPDIF
- USB Output Format: PCM up to 768kHz, DoP up to DSD256, up to DSD 512 Native
- SPDIF & AES/EBU Output Format: PCM up to 32-bit / 192 kHz; DSD up to DSD64 via DoP
- Master Clock Input: Coaxial BNC 75Ω – 10MHz, 12.8MHz, 44.1-48kHz
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Average Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used Products
40
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
117
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
13
Founded
2010
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Brand Page
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Aurender
What if you spend a bit more?
N30SA
25000
25000
/
1
Reviews
Aurender
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Aurender N30SA separates noise-generating components into a separate 'power' box to maximize physical and electrical isolation from the digital audio boards in the 'audio' enclosure
- Full-color album artwork is displayed
- An onboard 480GB caching drive temporarily stores music before playback
- Up to 16TB of storage is possible with a second internal 8TB drive
Product Considerations
- The N30SA uses an IPS LCD panel, while the Aurender W20SE uses an AMOLED display
- The N30SA has a single AES/EBU digital audio output, while the W20SE has a pair capable of delivering DSD128 over DoP
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Aurender W20SE: The N30SA is a two-box design that separates the noisy components, whereas the W20SE is a single-chassis player
- Vs Aurender W20SE: The W20SE has thicker alloy casework
- Vs Aurender W20SE: The W20SE has an AMOLED display, while the N30SA has an IPS LCD panel
- Vs Aurender W20SE: Full-color album artwork is displayed, while the W20SE does not
- Vs Aurender W20SE: The N30SA has a single AES/EBU digital audio output, while the W20SE has a pair capable of delivering DSD128 over DoP
Takeaway: The Aurender N30SA is a high-end music server offering ample storage for large music libraries, and it separates power and audio components for better sound. Its clear display and flexible storage options enhance an audiophile setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Visit our
N30SA
page
Product Page
Statement Next-Gen
25000
25000
/
9
Reviews
Innuos
Innuos is a Portuguese hifi brand that handcrafts digital audio components with advanced power supply designs and custom-built components, including their signature PhoenixUSB Reclocker for improved USB signal quality. Their proprietary InnuOS operating system and Sense 2.0 music app are praised for delivering more natural sound than Roon, while offering unique features like Assisted CD Ripping and rule-based music import engines.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Significant improvement over the standard Statement, with more dynamic range, quieter backgrounds, higher resolution, and more fine detail
- Enhanced bass performance, with more power, visceral impact, and improved control
- Larger spatial sizing and more vivid presentation of virtual sound sources
- Excellent musicality with a hash-free and low-noise sound
- The Innuos Sense app is stable, easy to navigate, and considered one of the best streamer software options available
- The Next-Gen only outputs via USB, not offering other digital outputs like SPDIF
Product Considerations
- A two-box system, which may require significant shelf space
- The upgrade to the Next-Gen version involves reworking both Statement enclosures and must be done by Innuos
- All changes from one model to another are internal, so diving inside their bonnets is mandatory to tell them apart
- The standard Statement is already excellent, so potential buyers need to evaluate if the upgrade to Next-Gen is worth it for them
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Next-Gen provides greater dynamics, a more 3D-like presentation, and improved realism in voices and instruments, compared to the standard Innuos Statement
- It pushes aside the Melco N10 with a combination of rhythmic intensity and staging elegance
- It surpasses the Fidata HFAS1-S10U on agility, openness, expansiveness, propulsion—and doesn't sound mechanical because of that
- The Statement has better adaptive skills than the ZENith Mk3, allowing it to portray artists' intentions more accurately
Takeaway: The Innuos Statement Next-Gen takes an already outstanding music server to the next level with significant improvements in sound quality and detail. It offers an exceptional listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Innuos is a Portuguese hifi brand that handcrafts digital audio components with advanced power supply designs and custom-built components, including their signature PhoenixUSB Reclocker for improved USB signal quality. Their proprietary InnuOS operating system and Sense 2.0 music app are praised for delivering more natural sound than Roon, while offering unique features like Assisted CD Ripping and rule-based music import engines.
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Statement Next-Gen
page
Product Page
Extreme Server
29385
29385
/
7
Reviews
Taiko Audio
Taiko Audio, considered the ultimate endgame music streamer in audiophile circles, produces ultra-expensive components. Their custom hardware and software stack, designed for maximal noise reduction, has become a staple in many of the world's most expensive hifi setups.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers music with a lack of digital artifacts, sounding closer to the original recording and venue than other digital sources
- Highly detailed construction with CNC machined chassis using a hybrid of copper, aluminum, and Panzerholz wood to mitigate RFI and vibration
- Dual Intel Xeon CPU design isolates Roon processes from audio processing tasks, improving performance
- Offers high-quality support, with Taiko providing remote assistance for setup and troubleshooting
- Optimizes both locally stored files and streamed music with equal performance
Product Considerations
- Custom USB board requires specific drivers to align with the DAC being used
- Native server software, TAS, offers better sound quality than Roon, but has a less user-friendly interface
- Windows servers might need constant support compared to LINUX servers
- High price point may be prohibitive for some buyers
- Massive size and weight (99 pounds) may pose logistical challenges
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Melco Zs or Innuos Statement, the Extreme represents a significant step up in performance
- Compared to Tidal Arkas, when playing files, the Taiko probably has the sonic edge, and ergonomically, is the more natural choice
Takeaway: The Taiko Audio SGM Extreme is a high-end music server that delivers exceptional sound quality and a more 'analog' listening experience. For those seeking the best sound from digital files and streaming services, this could be the right choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Taiko Audio, considered the ultimate endgame music streamer in audiophile circles, produces ultra-expensive components. Their custom hardware and software stack, designed for maximal noise reduction, has become a staple in many of the world's most expensive hifi setups.
Visit our
Extreme Server
page
Product Page
Oladra
29000
29000
/
5
Reviews
Antipodes
The Oladra is designed to be the world's best music server-streamer, in the way that music can move you. Precision-machined from a solid block of premium alloy, its physical beauty matches the beauty of its music.
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Deep tonal saturation, lushness, liquidity, and organic flow.
- More articulate, crisper, expressive, airier, and highly resolving than previous Antipodes models.
- Operates in an unforced manner that makes for immediate surrender on the listener's behalf.
- Incredibly refined and liquid, as well as lifelike in its expression and dynamics.
- Milled from a solid block of aluminum, with sleek and simple—yet subtly curved—lines
Product Considerations
- It is difficult for a reviewer to really tear into a music server the same way they would tear into a pair of speakers or a power amplifier
- Setting up the Antipodes Oladra music server isn't easy, and time will need to be spent getting used to it
- CD ripping is perhaps better described as painstaking rather than swift, the company opting for accuracy rather than speed
- Built like a very expensive amplifier
- Must be 'driven' via browser software running on a PC or, more ideally, a tablet
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Antipodes K50, the Oladra offers a more exciting, incisive, and expressive rendition
- Vs Antipodes K50, the Oladra had more detail and more distinct detail due to the overall very quiet background
- Vs Pink Faun, Pink Faun is tighter, more precise and analytical, Antipodes more relaxed and organic
Takeaway: The Oladra offers exceptional sound quality, is a versatile music server, and will sound much better than just a laptop, creating a better music listening experience. The Oladra lets the music be its unadulterated self, is relaxed, and will never sound lean, gray, or analytical.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
Visit our
Oladra
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
A20
15000
/
Released
Aurender
A20 is derived from A30 and delivers the very same reference-level audio performance, but without the CD ripping and library management functionality. A20 also replaces A30's factory-fitted 10TB HDD with two user accessible bays to install one or two 2.5" HDDs or SSDs for the music storage capacity needed or desired. Employing the same renowned dual-mono AKM 4497 chipset as that found in model A30, you can expect nothing but the best in sound quality.
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The A20 is a full-fledged, high-performance server, streamer, preamplifier, DAC, and headphone amplifier
- Excellent DAC with a natural, detailed, clean, and neutral sound
- Impressive storage capabilities with slots for user-installable SSD or HDD drives and limitless storage options by integrating content from a NAS or external USB drive
- The Aurender Conductor App is highly user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and is easy to navigate
Product Considerations
- The A20 is not compatible with Roon
- The A20 does not have built-in CD ripping functionality
- The A20's sound signature might not immediately impress
- There is a learning curve for maximum functionality
Takeaway: The Aurender A20 is a great option for audiophiles seeking a digital hub that covers both headphone and loudspeaker listening and whose music collection is already digitized. It has excellent sound quality, hardware, software, and customer service.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Visit
A20
Page
Product Page
KALA 50
19000
/
Released
Antipodes
The KALA 50 is the flagship of the KALA range, with an electronic design that is derived from the OLADRA, delivering compelling musical performance at a more affordable level. Every panel in the KALA 50 is precision machined from a thick solid plate of premium alloy for a perfect fit and finish, and outstanding vibration control.
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Robust and solid build quality
- Excellent sound quality, reproducing music with high fidelity
- Gives music life, verve, vigor, and emotional involvement
- Antipodes optimizes the power supplies to increase speed and lower noise
- Offers a platform for the best available applications
Product Considerations
- The burn-in process can take a long time
- Worldwide chip shortages forced a few changes to the design, and the beta software would not be bug-free
- The USB output is considered the worst in terms of sound quality and receives the least amount of isolation and reclocking
- Removing Roon local option can be a problem for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Aurender N20: The K50 replaced an Aurender N20
- Vs. Innuos Statement: The Innuos Statement has a warm and smooth signature
- Vs. HiFi ROSE RS150b: The K50 provides interconnectedness between sounds that the HiFi ROSE does not
- Vs. Antipodes K41 and K22: Combining an Antipodes K41 and K22 will make for a two-box K50 if one is so inclined
Takeaway: The Antipodes K50 is a well-built music server that brings soul back into a digital system. It creates a natural and inviting sound that can help you rediscover your favorite music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
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KALA 50
Page
Product Page
Edelweiss MPS-X
11290
/
Released
2022
Playback Designs
Digital Frontend, Music Server, Music Streamer
Playback Designs, founded by DSD pioneer Andreas Koch, stands out for using custom-programmable FPGA chips instead of standard DAC chips, and for converting all digital inputs to DSD format to reduce distortion. The brand's 1-bit DACs feature their proprietary PLINK optical connection system to isolate from electrical noise, along with separate power supplies for each channel, helping make even lower-resolution files sound exceptionally good.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Achieves ideal isolation for best performance using PLINK, PDFAS clocking technology, and separate chassis with high-quality linear power supply
- Offers superb sound quality whether streaming from UPnP or using local or streaming Roon RAAT sources
- Delivers a neutral, fast, lively, and expressive sound that is also finely nuanced, fluid, spacious, and gently svelte
- Has a direct, rhythmic, fast, pure, and impactful sound, combined with deep tonal saturation and an enveloping soundstage
- The MPS-X is designed to allow multiple clock signals for the streamer, network bridge, etc, but it then re-clocks all digital signals through the proprietary high-precision clock generator before sending the signal out to the DAC via its fiber optical interface (PLINK)
Product Considerations
- PLINK is not 100% compatible with Nagra Link, there is skipping/glitching on certain sample rates
- Aftermarket feet could alter pacing and drive, so it is best to start with the MPS-X's own feet
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Aqua LinQ, the MPS-X excels in being liquid, free-flowing, and spacious, particularly possessing more distinct layering in the depth plane, while the Aqua LinQ is more immediate and direct
Takeaway: The MPS-X offers excellent streaming audio performance with great sound quality and isolation, improving the sound of music servers and offering further potential within a Playback Designs system. It is an expertly crafted device that should make listening to music even more enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Playback Designs, founded by DSD pioneer Andreas Koch, stands out for using custom-programmable FPGA chips instead of standard DAC chips, and for converting all digital inputs to DSD format to reduce distortion. The brand's 1-bit DACs feature their proprietary PLINK optical connection system to isolate from electrical noise, along with separate power supplies for each channel, helping make even lower-resolution files sound exceptionally good.
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Edelweiss MPS-X
Page
Product Page
Wavedream NET
10300
/
Released
2022
Rockna
The Wavedream NET is a unique product which adds together a high performance audio server and a latest generation, memory-based cd transport. You can enjoy your cd collection, internal storage playback or latest streaming experience from only one machine. The NET is naturally the best complementary source for the Wavedream DAC over the HDlink(I2S) connection.
Rockna Audio is distinguished by its proprietary DAC chips and hybrid ladder topology, which work together with advanced clock systems to reduce jitter and deliver natural sound reproduction. The brand's flagship Wavelight DAC features an analog volume control and chameleon-like sound signature that adapts its tonality to each recording.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality build and stellar construction with meticulous attention to detail
- Acts as a music server, CD transport/ripper, and digital source/streamer, consolidating multiple components
- Exceptional performance as a digital source, with very low jitter
- Offers a large selection of features suitable for many use cases
- Can be used with external drives and has both USB and network connections
Product Considerations
- The unit is large and may not fit on a desk or in many racks
- The Roon core may not be as snappy as some dedicated PCs, though newer units have a faster CPU
- Ripping uses a separate computer disc transport and connect to one of the rear USB ports, not the NETs own transport mechanism
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Singxer SU-6: The Wavedream NET has lower jitter, being the highest performing digital source tested
- Vs Wavedream DAC via USB: I2S output from the Wavedream NET to the Wavedream Signature DAC resulted in a slight increase in quality, particularly in precision of imaging
- Vs CAD CAT transport into the Wavedream DAC: The Wavedream NET produced amongst the most transparent sound
Takeaway: The Wavedream NET is a versatile and high-performing digital source that combines multiple functions into one well-built unit, capable of delivering exceptional sound quality and features, making it a great addition to a high-end audio setup. It offers a comprehensive solution for digital audio playback.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rockna Audio is distinguished by its proprietary DAC chips and hybrid ladder topology, which work together with advanced clock systems to reduce jitter and deliver natural sound reproduction. The brand's flagship Wavelight DAC features an analog volume control and chameleon-like sound signature that adapts its tonality to each recording.
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Wavedream NET
Page
Product Page
N1
11999
/
Released
2023
Melco
The flagship Melco N1 has been researched and developed from the ground up, incorporating a brand new aluminium chassis up to 5mm thick, a new mainboard, high grade low noise internal linear power supply and extensive pro-grade connectivity. These aspects add up to increased performance whilst retaining the most important goal: unrivalled sound quality. The N1 improves on the fantastic N1ZS and N10 Melco music library products, incorporating the technologies learnt and developed to the next level.
Melco Audio specializes in digital music servers and network switches designed specifically for audiophile applications, featuring unique elements like a 1.5MB buffer for stable data transmission and industrial-grade USB ports. Their products are designed to be user-friendly for audiophiles without computer expertise, while offering technical advantages like optimized Ethernet output and exceptionally quiet operation for enhanced music clarity.
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Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Melco Audio specializes in digital music servers and network switches designed specifically for audiophile applications, featuring unique elements like a 1.5MB buffer for stable data transmission and industrial-grade USB ports. Their products are designed to be user-friendly for audiophiles without computer expertise, while offering technical advantages like optimized Ethernet output and exceptionally quiet operation for enhanced music clarity.
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N1
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Integrates the functions of a music server, a content streamer, and a LAN port, consolidating multiple devices into one for simpler setup
- Has two internal, hard-drive storage bays, which allow users to customize on-board music storage according to their needs (up to 16TB with SSDs)
- Employs an all-digital, phase-locked-loop subsystem (ADPLL) with an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) to reduce jitter, improving the musical presentation
- Supports various digital file codecs, including native DSD512, handled by a dedicated Intel Quad-Core CPU
- Exceptional build quality, with a minimalistic, stylish design and a large, high-resolution (1920 x 480 pixels) AMOLED display for album art and information
- Outstanding customer service is available
Product Considerations
- Does not have a built-in DAC, requiring an external DAC for audio output
- Roon is not fully supported as a RAAT device, only as an Airplay device
- The Android version of the control app may not be as user-friendly as the iOS version
- HDDs/SSDs not included, so the cost of storage is not part of the overall price
- The Aurender N20 does not offer a hardware remote, which might be a problem for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Aurender A20: The N20 is a superior streamer for upscale rigs due to its dedicated functionality and higher parts quality, whereas the A20 is an excellent choice as a streamlined hifi
- Vs Aurender W20SE: The reviewer believes the sweet spot in the Aurender lineup is the N20 unless dual AES output is needed, in which case—the W20SE would be better
- Vs Small Green Computer CAPS 20.1: The Aurender N20 is a state-of-the-art server with great sound quality for plug and play, while CAPS 20.1 needs maintenance
- Vs Linn Klimax DSM/3: Unlike the Linn Klimax DSM/3, the N20 comes with two internal hard-drive storage bays
Takeaway: The Aurender N20 is a well-designed music server/streamer with high-quality sound that offers a streamlined user experience and integration of various digital audio functions. It is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking simplicity, stability, and excellent sound quality in a digital source component.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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