USB digital is around only because computers were the first streamers. USB is noisy and jitter-prone, it takes a lot of work to get it to an acceptable quality for high-end audio. The N20 focuses on a superior method of digital transfer, S/PDIF and AES/EBU (which is a balanced S/PDIF), and makes it even better with clock control from ultra-accurate oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OXCO). Jitter is a significant and audible distortion of a digital signal, and streamers that reduce jitter sound vastly more spacious, open, transparent, and dynamic.
Features
- Ultra high-quality SPDIF and AES/EBU digital audio outputs
- Oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) for long-term jitter reduction
- Precision DSD-to-PCM conversion by FPGA
- Two HDD bays with 500 GB SSD cache
- USB HDD and NAS support
- Critical listening mode disables all unnecessary functions
- Dedicated ultra-low-noise USB Audio Class 2.0 output
- Optional MQA core decoder in-app purchase
- Remote tech support via the Aurender app
Specifications
Supported formats: DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE
S/PDIF sampling rate (PCM): Up to 192 kHz, 24 bit
USB sampling rate (PCM/DoP/DSD): Up to 384 kHz, 32 bit/DSD256/DSD512
Digital connections
Output: 1 x coax, 1 x BNC, 1 x AES/EBU (75 ohm), 1 x TOSLINK, 1 x USB Audio Class 2.0
Other: Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x USB A (data)
Storage: 2 x trays for 2.5" HDD or SSD (drives not included)
Dimensions (WHD): 16.93" x 3.9" x 14"
Weight: 29.8 lb
