N20

The N20 is a caching music server and streamer, with the fidelity, features and flexibility required by digital audio systems. It has 2 empty storage bays, allowing storage capacity to be configured according to budget and intended use. Those who mainly stream can leave the bays empty and add storage later if required. A 2TB HDD can accommodate a modest music collection, while 2 SSDs or HDDs can be installed for larger libraries. With both bays populated, the N20 supports up to 16TB of solid-state storage.

An Intel Quad Core CPU supports demanding digital file codecs, including Native DSD512 transmission. The processor handles all file types and formats. The SPDIF digital output suite uses transformer-isolated grounding to reduce the noise floor, while the USB Audio Class 2.0 output incorporates jitter and noise reduction designs. A word clock input allows an external word clock to be connected, further improving the SPDIF digital output performance. The double-isolated Ethernet LAN port reduces network and router noise, helping to lower the overall system noise floor.

The N20 also has an 8.8” full-colour front-panel display, showing album artwork, album name and artist information. An internal uninterrupted power supply, or UPS, can perform a safe shutdown during an abrupt power outage, helping to prevent system or disc corruption.

Ultra-High-Quality SPDIF and AES/EBU Digital Audio Outputs

The N20’s AES/EBU, BNC, coaxial and optical outputs can provide a different musical presentation with some DACs, using the dedicated clock and oscillator. With an asynchronous USB connection, the DAC pulls information packets from the player. The N20’s SPDIF outputs instead send the signal to the DAC at intervals defined by its precision OCXO clock.

Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator, OCXO, for Long-Term Jitter Reduction

OCXOs are highly accurate and stable clocks, with greater accuracy and stability than the ordinary crystal oscillators commonly used in computers. Temperature changes can cause crystal oscillations to fluctuate, which may introduce jitter into the digital audio signal. Ordinary crystals can also lose accuracy over time. In an OCXO, a high-grade crystal oscillator is enclosed in a compartment maintained at a constant temperature, helping to keep the flow of information stable.

Precision DSD-to-PCM Conversion by FPGA

Many DACs support DSD decoding through their USB inputs but not through SPDIF. Some DACs are not DSD compliant. The Aurender N20, W20SE and N10 therefore provide on-the-fly DSD-to-PCM conversion using an FPGA. The output sampling frequency is selectable between 88.2kHz and 176.4kHz. Gain is adjustable from 1-6dB, and the low-pass filter offers 24Hz, 30Hz, 40Hz and 50Hz settings.

*For a full, detailed description of this product, please follow this link: https://aurender.com/n20/