Aurender N20 User Manual

N20 Hardware Guide
The following guide is intended as an overview of your Aurender’s hardware interface. Detailed installation
information is found in the included (https://aurender.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360052012074) and a
comprehensive Conductor App Overview and How-To guides are found here: (https://aurender.zendesk.com/
hc/en-us/categories/360001878173).
Box Contents
• Aurender N20
• AC Power Cord
• Quick Start Guide
Not included: An iOS (iPad or iPhone) or Android device is required to interface with and control your Auren-
der. The Aurender must be connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) via Ethernet (CAT5 or higher) in order to
facilitate communication between your remote device and the Aurender. Please review the “Connect to Local
Area Network (LAN)” section of the included (https://drive.google.com/le/d/1SK-anXfEE6sx2JyJ9eU59F6N-
220NaQeh/view?usp=sharing) for more information on network connectivity.
Digital Transport
This model is a high performance digital audio transport. It features digital outputs only - there are no analog
outputs on board this model. Pair this model up with a high performance Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) for
a complete digital front end solution.
DAC Compatibility
AES/EBU and SPDIF outputs & inputs are universally compatible. However, with USB, compatibility between
any two devices is not always guaranteed! Sometimes, special drivers or software provisions must be made
to establish compatibility over USB. DACs that fully adhere to the USB Audio Class 2 (UAC2) protocol will be
supported without issue.
For DSD playback, if the DAC supports the industry standard DoP protocol, then it will be compatible with
Aurender’s DSD output. DoP is a lossless, unadulterated transmission of DSD from source to DAC. It is NOT
to be confused with DSD-to-PCM transcoding, which is usually less desirable from an audio performance per-
spective.
On some Aurender models (see “File Type & Resolution Support” comparison table below), “Native” DSD out-
put is available via USB. However, only a very small handful of select DACs support “Native” DSD input FROM
A LINUX BASED SOURCE. Most DACs that report Native DSD input only work with ASIO drivers for Windows
computers. Native DSD compatibility must be detected and enabled on a case-by-case basis.
In general, if a DAC works with a Mac computer without the need for any custom drivers, it will work beautiful-
ly with Aurender servers as well. Consult your DAC manufacturer for conrmation of USB compatibility with a
Linux based sourced component like Aurender.

Aurender N20 Specifications

General

Category	Music Server/Streamer
Ethernet	1 x Gigabit Ethernet
SSD Cache	240GB
Digital Audio Inputs	Coaxial, Optical, AES/EBU
Digital Audio Outputs	Coaxial, Optical, AES/EBU
Storage	2.5" HDD or SSD
Word Clock Input	Yes
Supported Formats	DSD, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, APE, AIFF, M4A
Inputs	Ethernet, USB, Coaxial, Optical, AES/EBU
Remote Control	Yes (Aurender Conductor app)
Dimensions	430 mm x 355 mm
USB Ports	2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0
Power Supply	Internal linear power supply

Summary

N20 Hardware Guide

Box Contents

Lists included items and setup requirements for the Aurender N20.

Digital Transport Overview

Describes the N20 as a high-performance digital audio transport with digital outputs only.

DAC Compatibility Details

Details compatibility with various DACs, focusing on USB Audio Class 2 and DoP protocols.

Front Panel Controls and Display

On/Off Button Functionality

Explains how to turn the Aurender N20 on and off using the front panel button.

Front LCD Display Features

Details the front panel LCD display and its adjustability via the Conductor app.

Display Menu Navigation

Explains how to cycle through display options and select playlists using front panel buttons.

Play/Pause Functionality

Details the function of the Play/Pause button for playback control and remote support.

Track Navigation Buttons

Explains how to use the previous and next track buttons for playback control.

Rear Panel Connections and Features

User-installable SSD/HDD Slots

Describes the N20's bays for user-installable storage and the need for drives.

AC Power Socket and Switch

Explains connecting the IEC AC power cord and using the rear panel power switch.

Digital Audio Outputs

Details the USB Audio Class 2.0, AES/EBU XLR, and TOSLINK Optical (SPDIF) outputs.

Digital Audio Inputs and Clock Sync

Details Coaxial RCA (SPDIF), Coaxial BNC (SPDIF) outputs, and Word Clock Input.

Data Ports and Network Connection

Describes USB 3.0 data ports, Ethernet port, and Earth/Ground terminal.

File Support and Placement Guidance

File Type & Resolution Support

Provides a link to a comparison table for supported file types and sample rates.

Optimal Device Positioning

Offers guidance on optimal placement and environmental considerations for the device.

Precautions and Safeguards

Power Management and Shutdown Safety

Advises on safe power down procedures and the function of the super-capacitor power cache.

Connection and Handling Precautions

Details precautions for connecting power and other cables, and handling the device.

Device Care and Maintenance

Outlines warnings against disassembly, advises on keeping away from magnets, dust, and liquids.

Data Backup and Drive Failure Policy

Emphasizes backing up music libraries and Aurender's limited responsibility for data loss.