New Model Alert = Aurender AP20 Integrated amplifier.

The AP20 sounded amazing with Wilson Sabrina’s X. Who knew, class D can sound so musical and detailed. More details to follow on what they have done to make this AP20 sing so beautifully. The AP20 is essentially derived from A30 with added power module minus the ripping capability. The volume control section is further improved with analog R2R. The AP20 is expected to be out by 3rd quarter of 2023 for about $22K. The system was wired with top of the line Shunyata power and Ethernet cables plus Everest power conditioner.

Specs: AP20 delivers 200 wpc into 8Ω (350 into 4Ω), with Aurender's best DAC built-in, analog R2R volume control, analog input passthrough, clock input. 

Also new, is the MC10 master clock at much lower price point. Thankfully, MC10 features the same Rubidium Module as in MC30. IMHO, the MC10 makes a compelling bid to pair it with N20. I have heard N20 with an external clock and difference is pretty obvious and profound. Once you hear N20 with an external clock, it is very unlikely you would go back.

I agree, the Aurender AP20 sounded really good. It’s not going to be endgame reference for diehard audiophiles that are accustomed to reference separates, but it will be endgame for most. I would love to hearing streaming on this against, say, the Boulder 866. I’m not aware of any other fully integrated amplifier with streamer and DAC that even comes close to the AP20.

Here are a few photos I took:

As I looked at the back of the unit, I saw both a pair of XLRs and outs as well as a pair of RCA ins and outs. This leads me to think that the AP20 could be used as a preamp only as well (pre outs) or to power subwoofers. If I recall correctly, there were also USB ins and outs, as well as inputs for Coax / SPDIF and Toslink. I unfortunately didn’t get a picture of the back.

What class D module is the Aurender AP20 amp using?   Does this mean this class D implementation is ready for prime time meaning its sound quality is superb?   What DAC method are they using (delta sigma, R2R, custom)?  

@hgeifman

I believe Aurender is using integrated dual-mono AKM4497 DAC module in AP20 (same as in A30). Is Class D implementation in AP20 ready for prime time, the only way to know is by auditioning AP20 in your system.

@hgeifman “Superb” is subjective based on sonic preferences and personal standards. I found that while the unit sounded very clean, it did not have the richer harmonics that I appreciate in some upper-echelon solid state amplifiers from T+A, Audionet, Luxman, etc. That said the AP did not sound overly bright, brittle or cold. It was fairly linear and neutral in tone and very detailed without being fatiguing. I personally prefer a little more tonal density but haven’t come across another one box solution like this that comes close.