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