Aurender MC20

The Aurender MC20 is a reference-grade master clock and word clock generator built around a rubidium oscillator module, the most precise and stable clock technology available for audio use, combined with two discrete OCXO word clock generators for universal digital audio system synchronization. The MC20 simultaneously supplies four 10MHz master clock outputs and four word clock outputs to connect a music server, DAC, and any other digital devices in the signal chain to a single, atomic-grade reference. A revelation for owners of N20, N30SA, and W20SE who want to explore what external clocking does to their system.

Type and Technology

Reference master clock and word clock generator. Rubidium 10MHz master clock module at the core, rubidium atomic oscillators offer superior accuracy and stability in both short and long term compared to OCXO, TCXO, or crystal clock sources, with phase noise below -130dBc/Hz at 10Hz and frequency short-term stability below 2x10-11 at 1 second. Four 10MHz outputs: 2x at 75 ohms (BNC), 2x at 50 ohms (BNC). Two independent channels of discrete OCXO-driven word clock generators: Channel A provides word clock in the 44.1kHz family (44.1/88.2/176.4kHz); Channel B provides word clock in the 48kHz family (48/96/192kHz). Four word clock outputs total: 2x per channel, all at 75 ohms. SPDIF sync input (BNC, 75 ohm) for automatic word clock output synchronization with the content being played, when content switches between 44.1kHz and 48kHz families, the word clock output switches automatically. Connects to Aurender N20, N30SA, or W20SE via the 10MHz BNC master clock input, and to any DAC with word clock or 10MHz clock input. Compatible with non-Aurender sources and DACs.

Sound Character

The improvement from adding a rubidium master clock to an already high-quality transport and DAC system is consistently described by reviewers and users as transformative, a removal of the last layer of digital edge and timing uncertainty that remains even in the best OCXO-clocked transports. The result is an analog-style warmth and naturalism, a three-dimensional solidity of instruments in space, and a removal of what Aurender describes as "digital glare" that proves how much timing precision still matters even in systems that already prioritize it.

Build and Finish

430 x 106 x 370mm (127mm height with feet), 20.3kg. Full-width precision machined aluminum chassis. 110V/220V input, 160W startup, 58W steady-state operation.

Best For

Owners of Aurender N20, N30SA, or W20SE who want to explore the ceiling of what their digital system can do with atomic-grade master clocking, and those with high-end DACs that accept external clock input who want to synchronize the entire digital chain to a single rubidium reference.

What's in the Box

• Aurender MC20 master clock generator
• Power cable
• Documentation

Specifications