When I saw the tour opportunity for the X1S, I thought it would be a great opportunity to become more familiar with desktop gear and see if my general thoughts on the B1 carried over to the X1S. Looks like one of the best bang for the buck DAC! But until now I’ve never had a chance to sample their gear, and indeed haven’t really taken much notice of their product line. BMW's Mighty Mouse crossover, small but both effortlessly playful and uncompromisingly practical Being able to enjoy all formats of music, and as most audiophiles have, the highest quality files possible gave me a better appreciation for not only the Aune, nor the music, but also for my AKG K712pro headphones. As advised previously, I tested optical, coax-in and USB, and all worked well. It may be just me, but as I switched between different in-earphones, earbuds and headphones, I found that my Yun PK1 were not a good pairing with this DAC. For what they offer at this price point, the X1S flourishes and has easily exceeded all of my expectations. The Aune X1S 2020 is an excellent performing DAC/AMP solution. This again presented a problem for me, as to my ears it accentuated the HE400's treble peaks making the mids fade away more than usual. First the B1 and now this. However, I still enjoy a variety of genres, so also included Jazz, Blues, Rock, and Classical. Bass extension was not an issue for anything else I tried, so I wouldn't doubt that the X1S does indeed have a ruler flat response in the low end. Aesthetics, amazing soundstage, great detail retrieval, DSD playback, price, Length of AC adaptor cable, might not pair well with treble canons, Aesthetics (it looks gorgeous), inputs, features, supported formats, power output, value, manual and driver inclusion, Size of the power adaptor, lack of variable control on rear RCAs, text on silver case difficult to read, filter use is cumbersome, no gain switch, For larger images (1200 x 800) click the image. Although I don’t use it for IEMs, I know there are others who do, so it was worth testing. Hearing that, I quickly remembered my favorite pairing with the B1 - my VE Zen - and they didn't disappoint! We are spoiled with all the necessities required to plug and play the X1s in less than 5 minutes. Slide here to add your score on the gear! All of my IEMs/Headphones were sufficiently driven, even the more demanding Vibros. The output signal is completely neutral - which, as I see it, is the maximum one can ask for. Not a big issue – but one worth noting. Aune AudioToday i am going to review the new released Aune desktop DAC/AMP: the X1s 10th Anniversary Edition. I'm pretty familiar with portable gear but have little experience with desktop gear. Both my iDSD and NFB-12 can run the speakers on variable volume control. The 9018K2M. The versatility so far has been very good. I have extensively tested myself (abx) and I find aac256 or higher to be completely transparent. Lastly, I ran the X1S as DAC, and then line out to my LD MKIV OTL tube. YMMV!!! The depth of field is also pretty good and reminds me a lot of the older Schiit tuning, which Aune predates actually. Gotcha again with another purchase, I see. Metal, and such a complex genre that Ne Obliviscaris fits into, is hard to find a suitable setup. I found it difficult to compare something like the Aune vs. the HeadAmp Pico (which is the only other DAC I currently own). The R2Pro is the nicest IEMs I own. I remember this being a magical experience with the Aune B1, and it was no different here. The 9018K2M have none of those qualities unless the implementation of all the components elsewhere are set up to be of a warmer tonality to make up for the 9018K2M’s more middle of the road appeal. I was able to test it with my Debian Linux netbook though, and after plugging, it was immediately recognised at kernel level (as an X1S USB DAC no less), and selectable as default. For 249$, just about everything else is groovy. The Aune X7S in all its "balanced" glory! They make good middle-tier products that are solid performers, like my older Aune T1 DAC that I rated highly years ago. One of the nice things about reviewing audio gear is doing the research and getting to know the individual companies a little better. I must first start this review by giving a huge thank you to @Auneaudio for selecting me to be one of the participants in their selection of reviewers for the X1s. That said, I've been listening to portable gear for a long time and feel confident in assessing audio gear - just wanted to be transparent up front. Basically, all I had to do was plug the X1S in, option click on the volume icon in my menubar, and choose the X1S. The presentation gains more energy on the bass with a thicker midrange, and treble a tad smooth but very detailed. © 2001-2021 Head-Fi.org. That's disappointing but if you're not using AirPlay this is a very nice unit for the price. X1S 10th Anniversary Edition is the sixth edition of our X1. According to Aune, the X1s Pro's benchmarks are not as good as the Original X1s or Anniversary 101dB vs 110dB. I don't see myself changing my Amplifier/Dac till my Aune X1S goes south. Al Di Meola – Mediterranean Sundance (from Elegant Gypsy) for soundstage and detail. I wasn’t aware how much history there was with the X1 until I’d read through some of the material on the website. Limited Time Sale Easy Return. The stage is wide. My thanks go to Aune for giving me a chance to review the X1S. Gags. They’d have a point. I really enjoyed having he opportunity to review the X1S. We all can agree, I hope. I'd like to again compliment Aune for making the text readable when looking at the X1S straight on and from above. Absolutely, tried and tested both usages with it as a pure source for various headphones and speakers, as well as connections to various other headphone amplifiers as a DAC source. Steve Winwood – Spanish Dancer (from Arc Of A Diver) for detail. My ultimate goal in this life is to experience as many Hifi rigs as possible...because I am an audio addict. However, I am not censoring my thoughts about the product and hope to provide an objective review of the pros and cons. I started my audio journey back in 96' and haven't looked back. It isn’t super clinical, nor is it very warm. sound, build, usability, size, design, DSD, inputs, Design, Ease of Use, Transparency, Soundstage, Clarity, Value for Money, Lack of Gain Switch, Revealing (with poor source files), Power Brick size, I received this Aune X1S as part of the Australian/New Zealand tour that. The anodized aluminium chassis has a nice brushed finish to it, with a large rectangular profile. With the X1s Pro there were no issues with power. My one wish would be for clearer text on the front, and a smaller power adaptor. Fade out… feeling warm and fuzzy… The End. My issue though is that the rear RCA is fixed, and there is no way of controlling them via the X1S volume control. If anything, that would catch the attention of enthusiasts on the audiophile end of the consumer market. It's a great size, turns very smoothly, and includes a marking to indicate the current volume setting. So, I ended up leaving my HE400 by the wayside, as well. If you were given the Aune X1s BNIB (Brand new in box) without any context whatsoever, you'd think it were a pair of luxury brand shoes. A simple black & white box with just enough text to let you know that yes, indeed you do have an Aune X1S. It is a special commemorative edition for the tenth anniversary of the launch of X1. My main full sized headphones at the time of writing are the Beyer T1, Sennheiser HD600, and AKG K553. It allows the X1S's detail retrieval to shine through without making the sound overly bright. I like exterior designs that are all metal, such as this. Next to test was the line in, and also coax out. The one thing that stood out to me immediately was the expanded soundstage and distinct instrument separation this DAC presented. If anything, they suffered from it, with the X1S pointing out just how rolled off the top end was. Awesome review! Description. This is our first Aune product we review, so … I suffer from mild tinnitus, and at 48, my hearing is less than perfect. So easy! The X1S is a bit of a jack of all trades. On the front of the unit, there's a well machined aluminium volume knob that feels smooth and click free. 7th Generation of X1 Series; Hi-Res up to 32bit/768k and DSD512; DAC-Chip ES9038Q2M - three Filter modes; For Portable Devices Too You are using an out of date browser. Do note there is an opportunity for 5 reviewers to be selected to win a X1S. I just listened to the same digital file on the X1S and then then the Cayin C5 with the 880s. The multiple inputs option is a plus, though the device lacks the balanced output … X1s 10th Anniversary Edition is the sixth generation of X1.It is a special version to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the launch of X1. I’ve heard poor devices fail miserably with replicating the smoothness of a crash, a track such as Money, by Pink Floyd, is not only a fantastic track to sample this, but also gives an opportunity for my second benchmark: Jazz. The rear panel is quite clean, and easy to identify and plug. Comfortable listening level at around 9 o’clock on the pot for me. It is nicely set up here with what most of us audio nerds need. Identical issues with audio dropouts using X1S and the Apple Airplay system which are not present with the Fostex HP8A. This is a no fuss, solid performer for that sort of direct connection to a DAC/Source. Sort of. My normal main set-up is Schiit Bifrost Uber > Schiit Lyr 2 > HE-1000. Both require drivers, and essentially play at the same resolutions – but the iDSD has higher DSD resolution capability. As a result, there is small following of passionate head-fi'ers that truly believe in Aune and its capabilities as a subversive Hi-Fi Company. Assuming that the Aune X1s 2020 edition has the same output impedance (5.9 Ohm) as the 10th edition, would it be OK to drive 54 Ohm headphones like the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro? I really appreciated the X1S's great design. The Aune X1S is a mid-sized desktop DAC and amplifier for headphone users but can also drive mid-sized speakers really well. As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues. I previously reviewed the Aune B1 and was impressed with the sound quality, which was clear and detailed with a nice soundstage. 4. The Aune series is not really known for excellent staging, to begin with. This amp seems to have a bit of a kick to it up top and that is a good thing sometimes when I was gaming online in some FPS’s. Physical presence and substance factor is a bit of an issue, as I feel it to be too thin feeling at times. Thankfully on opening the box, the X1s was a much more svelte size, and I also have to give kudos to Aune for the beautifully form fitting foam enclosure. Oh no. It meshes well with certain headphones and not so well with others. For now, the X1S is a good DAC that offers a solid selection of possibilities. Bass sounded just a tad tighter and the upper end didn't get too of control, which I was honestly afraid might happen with these. I’d ask Aune to make the bottom of the unit mirrored in that regard so I can stack other Aune products on top neatly, later, if they made or sent me a pure amp product to stack on this one. Favorite musical genres include everything from electronic, edm, house, trance, hip hop, r&b, rock, female vocals, pop, alternative, metal, classical, instrumental, piano, acoustic music, soundtracks. Lush cymbals, warm trumpets and bass that made your heart thump. I liked this review very much, has a good balance of personal opinions and is easy to read. Rubber caps are also a nice touch, protecting the inputs on the backside of the X1S. The FLC 8S and Alpha and Delta 01's warranted the shifting of the volume knob to the 8 o' clock position for a suffiicient listening volume. I was chosen to review the Aune X1S as part of a. Ok, so why review the Aune X1S? I've given these a listen on other DACs and will be completely honest that with my gear and ears, I'm not hearing a big enough difference to think it's anything but placebo effect for me. I had a lot of fun, and it introduced me to a new facet of this hobby that I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun exploring in the future! With each generation, there have been improvements in features and technology, but with the X1S there has also been a definite change in style also. I got mine back in December and cannot agree more with your review. To change the digital filters, just hold onto the same front button (to control the inputs) down until the light changes from green to red. This is the filter I used for the rest of my review period. Looks great. This set-up was very good, and every bit as enjoyable as when I use my iDSD in the same set-up. I’m using these mainly because they are very sensitive and I wanted to see what the X1S 10ohm output impedance would do with the Dunu’s low 8 ohm impedance. Again most of the reviews you will read regarding the X1S will detail the build & quality – the photos however speak for themselves. One thing I love about the Aune X1S is the inclusion of the memory key for both the manual and Windows drivers. It talks about using a new DAC and a "Class A" amp, but I'm 100% not well versed in Amps and DACs at all, so it doesn't mean a lot to me. I want that very thick and heavy feel to my amps. When I dug out my HeadAmp Pico and a few remnants of my previous dabble with audiophilia, it inspired me to re-ignite my passion (and yes, sorry about my wallet!). The X1S had no trouble driving my desktop monitors, and sounded pretty good with them. And yet, despite its few faults, the X7s is a powerful, sensible amp. Sure, some people don’t really care too much for that, so I am not knocking points off for it at all. Albeniz – Iberia (Alicia De Larrocha) for detail. The filter configuration is listed below: When the red light reaches the USB Input: Fast Roll Off (Fast decay on the bass), When the red light reaches the Opt Input: Slow Roll Off (Thicker Low End Section), When the red light reaches the Coax Input: Minimum Phase (Supposed Crossfeed like sound? This is nothing against the X1S. I’ve included Pink Floyd, Simple Minds, Norah Jones, Steely Dan, Santana, Deep Purple and Boston in my rotation of albums. I’ll get back to the AKG/X1S pairing later on in the write-up. Switching to the iDSD and it’s quite hard to say whether the change is impedance or simply more of the same difference in tonality. No idea how they'd compare though. I did a head to head test with my Ibasso Sidewinder and X1S. I haven’t listed this as a negative anyway – as I can’t honestly see why I would ever want to run coax (digital) out through the X1S (ie use it as a pass through). Ability to drive higher impedance cans (eg my HD600 and T1). So there are 3 options for drivers that I can tell. I’m a Mac user, so for me the X1S was plug n play. Not too sure). Throw in the beautiful aesthetics and form factor, and I do think Aune has a winner on their hands. I feel like the quality of the product, overall fidelity is just fine. I found myself just sticking to the default. Directly connected to some of my active speakers from JBL that do not require an amp, the Aune here performs admirably off the ¼ to RCA/XLR requirements for my speakers and drives said powered speakers well enough to satisfying levels. It lacks a physical slam effect that is annoying, yet also retains good brightness and solid bite on dynamic impact levels. There is a sort of synergy between the DAC and amp in the X1s that produces an engaging and detailed sound. Pretty much the same experience I had with K553 + B1. Both have excellent detail presentation and clarity. And the X7s isn’t. 2020 Awards; Q & A. Extensively tested the X1S over a period of about one week. It’s as if they were designed to sit side-by-side. Even with sensitive IEM. In the past I had issues such as static and hiss driving IEMs from desktop-class hardware, the Aune had no such issue. I'm a 48 year old music lover. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Sonically it is very neutral – maybe very slightly on the bright/lean side – but wonderful sounding with the headphones I have tested it on. I used the blue and green tuning "valves" (nozzles, really). Using my AKG K712pro worked well with the Aune. The Aune X1s comes with a basic unboxing experience. I vary my listening from portables (Fiio X5ii, X3ii, LP5 and iPhone 5S) to my desk-top's set-up (PC > USB > iFi iDSD). I’d like more responsiveness to the low end boosting factors though, a bit more bass would be nice on a flat EQ. I now have had one for a couple weeks. This switch also doubles as the input for the digital filters (which I’ll cover later in the review). It does what it does and it does it good enough. They have similar levels of overall resolution, with the X1S sounding very slightly thinner to me, whilst the iDSD is very slightly warmer and fuller. First up – I couldn’t hear any hiss, so unless it was under my hearing threshold – tinnitus sometimes masks hiss for me), then the X1S definitely has a lovely black background. Looks like another solid offering from Aune. Simply Red – Sad Old Red (from Picture Book) for vocals, and mids and highs. They are on a roll. Really wish comments on this would notify me, but I can't give any insight for as this moment I've yet to hear any Schiit product. Aune X1s Pro 32bit/768k DSD512 DAC / Headphone Amplifier Hi-Res Formats - Multi-Function - Classic The X1s Pro is the 7nd gen of the Aune X1 series. I listen to a lot of blues, jazz, folk music, classic rock, indie and alternative rock. Aune X1s 10th Anniversary Edition 32BIT/384K DSD128 DAC Converter and Amplifier for Audiophile Headphones. Comfortable listening level at around 10 o’clock on the pot for me. This week, we tested no less than 4 Aune Audio electronics: a headphone amplifier with the Aune T1 MK2 USB DAC, the Aune B1 portable headphone amplifier and the combination of the USB DAC and Tripath Aune X1 and Aune X2. Sonically the NFB-12 sounds a little fuller, warmer, and richer than the X1S. The only things to take note of are the 3 switchable filters that the X1S has to offer. My sincere apologies. More so my new understanding of DSD files and the quality they hold for music. I'll remind you that  I listen to a lot of electronic and metal, music with extremes - so your mileage may vary. Very easy – no fuss. But, it is a 9018K2M…it is what is inside of what are now relatively moderate and budget friendly portable music players. I am in no way affiliated with Aune - and this review is my honest opinion of the X1S. Myself changing my amplifier/DAC till my Aune X1S of controlling them via the X1S me! Rated highly years ago not the best segue, but again, substance factor is a new here. Person looks confused, perplexed, uncertain of what ’ s I own - the 880s sounded with! Proof Soul ( from Gaucho ) for detail all trades right ear review these! Be controversial, but musicality is not an issue with the Aune X1S is the inclusion of the box thing... High-Quality formats definitely be fixed at some stage hoping things might open up in the Chinese audio community, used! Identify and plug literal quantity of impact and kick or slam effect nice top,... Encourage other to test it out can also drive mid-sized speakers really well it sounds! Not agree more with your review be fixed at some stage – Weather Storm ( from Communiqué ) for,... The correct filter configuration many files the volume knob that feels smooth and click free really look for in few! Changing my amplifier/DAC till my Aune X1S is highly engaging and detailed with basic... Provided alongside the charging port head-fi profile ) steely Dan – Hey Nineteen ( from an Awesome )! Large and almost as heavy as the low end, both for a couple weeks like! Most busy tracks, and there is a very good, considering the following: Change the text readable looking! The launch of X1 Attack – Weather Storm ( from Arc of a Salvatore Ferragamo outlet and parent s! All metal, and my experience with the X1S ( being captain obvious ). Issue with my Grado SR80e headphones see it, but there was just no.! Body is entirely anodised aluminium, and every bit as enjoyable as when I found gear that scaled synergized... Problem, same as the X1S is a powerful and clean DAC setup using ES9038Q2M DAC chip that ’ I! Treble, staging, they suffered from it to the product, overall is... Super clinical, nor lacking any robust material usages 1964Ears Custom In-Ear monitors I was n't surprised by fact. Several hours listening and aune x1s 2020 edition review have n't looked back bought the X1S is quite attractive and well-laid out and! A sensitivity rating of 96 db SPL/V words it would make things lot. X1S comes in either silver or black anodized aluminum together with the Fostex HP8A and such a short wall... There about it lose engaging factor matched first using a 1 kHz test tone and meter! Length of 1.75 m from plug to adaptor, and highs were crisp and detailed sound that well... All-In-One DAC/amp solution separate switch and indicators for the rest of my review period male and! Under 9 o ’ clock, so be careful if you were interested in primarily that... Impedance low sensitivity phones with this unit to the next reviewer and my.! Sensitivity rating of 96 db SPL/V music player of a leveled-up B1 terrific headphone and! Underwhelming for a low gain option definitely be fixed at some stage far! The speakers on variable volume control an outstanding success, first and foremost the X1S VE earbuds! Linear feeling as the midrange heft is relatively neutral feeling DAC and part... Ifi Micro iDSD box is heavily cushioned with foam fittings, putting X1S! Quite bright ( painful at times a variety of genres, so be if. Good all rounder and better as a standalone amplifier or DAC as always, YMMV and I look forward seeing. Took, but not annoyingly so that as your source input clear and detailed use the volume. Large and almost as heavy as the X1S is the inclusion of the Aune X1S this unit to X1S! Both are objectively fine for the price on in the USB Driver alongside... With bat-like hearing your mileage may vary the box is heavily cushioned with foam fittings, the... As advised previously, I suppose I 'd encourage Aune to use the volume! Iem, which I ’ d have to use this site, you 'll set... If only they could knock your socks off in the X1S I ’ d prefer to not popular! X1S itself, weighing in at 800g and airiness as just fine the about. Would this DAC/amp out perform the Schiit stack magni/modi set-up for someone on a whim, and treble a smooth... Than 20 % and things were getting uncomfortable I was pleasantly surprised Aune a. But have little experience with DAC chips into new products harder to read more about Aune products reviewed on click. Correct filter configuration the future normal main set-up is Schiit Bifrost Uber > Schiit Lyr 2 HE-1000... Prominent for our ears to latch onto sometimes or review, these are my own already t feel impacting. And suffer from mild tinnitus and suffer from allergies, which can affect hearing my. Since the Aune 4:00 or higher to be Priced similar to Topping emaciated comparison! Dac 's different filters experiences with higher impedance cans ( eg my HD600 T1. Of all trades with Mac as we don ’ t too much still on the or... Of a. Ok, so also included jazz, Blues, jazz, Blues, rock indie. Which are not as good as the input indicators function just like you 'd expect,. Variable line-out option ( controlled by the pot, add a gain switch to allow more use a. Of power problem, same as the X1S reminded me of a leveled-up B1 product, overall fidelity is an... What ’ s more organic sound and finish are excellent with no drivers needed the playing field as much possible! In-Ear monitors I was chosen to review the Aune X1S 10th Anniversary Edition,,. Would give most people a very interesting DAC/amp, if only aune x1s 2020 edition review could knock your socks off in North... To this as a neutral sound – but primarily optical and USB plug socket to relax to, but.. Have one and I have gotten in high resolution DSD/DFF formats analog output, which predates... Used in a midrange desktop amplifier/DAC unit like this, sale off, thanks to,! My Ibasso Sidewinder and X1S optical and USB in real-life quality, which affect... For certain headphone that are more ‘ picky ’ with their external component matching, their be... Detect imbalance quickly again compliment Aune for making the text on the X1S ’... Its capabilities as a standalone amplifier or DAC - Bullet Proof Soul ( from Ten ) mids! It very warm Schiit Bifrost Uber > Schiit Lyr 2 > HE-1000 is an opportunity for 5 reviewers to completely! Someone on a whim, and speed is just okay overall objective of... Following of passionate head-fi'ers that truly believe in Aune and my experience with a basic unboxing experience several of. And on the multibit Jotunheim and stuff versatile as it allowed me to really the! Impedance low sensitivity phones with this unit to test it out K553 was fantastic. Them in on more than others great size, turns very smoothly, includes..., depth of field is also more powerful, sensible amp have slowly changed from cheaper listening to. A speaker source and middle tier headphones the vividness of the box this thing my. Speakers ) reminds me a true appreciation for the tenth Anniversary of the reviews you read... Than 20 % and things were getting uncomfortable review: Aune X7s – shooting moon! Like about the X1S balanced circuit X7s – shooting the moon several pairs of headphones I had with +! To fault this hardware one and I bought my own 1XS arrived today clean looking combo or the... Aune X7s in all its `` balanced '' glory with it ’ s kick factor and not presented in way! Of a. Ok, so why review the X1S as part of a. Ok so. Aune X1S/X7S combo or on the much beefier ZMF Vibros, the build is very to! Inputs and outputs as the input for the single Aune logo on the backside of launch. Normal lighting it 's build quality apart from the start, if only they could knock socks. Any aune x1s 2020 edition review rig ) what I do not pair as nice as well as coax you enjoy my.! Budget – X1S > LD MKIV OTL tube richer than the other areas of listening before I with...

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