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codster303
38
Jul 29, 2014
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I got my Aune X1 Pro the first time mass drop had this back in April. I will say that I am not the most qualified to review a amp or DAC but I will give you all my impressions. I upgraded from standard computer headphone jack, although the integrated DAC would support 24/192k output, the amp was under-powered and not up too par with my expectations. It was easy to set up plugged in and it worked. the USB DOES support 24bit/96k, for 24/192k you need to use the optical or coaxial input. I found that the Aune X1 Pro was simply better in every way. it was a indescribable difference. The headphones I use with it are the ATH-M50 and the HE- 400. Personally I find 96k to have no perceptible difference from 44.1k and on almost all ablums. I used the foobar ABX test (a double blind test) and found out I can only tell the difference with Chesky Records demonstration discs (amazing albums). I encoded a 44.1k from the 96k original and can still tell them apart 10/10 times. I think this is because they are on a level above in terms of recording quality compared to nearly all other audio. I find this to be comforting because IF the extra quality is there then this DAC will show it. As for the amp, the first thing I noticed was the channel imbalance that occurs until the volume knob is lower than the first two dots, this is due to the potentiometer, and occurs in most low and mid tier amps. the only problem is if you like to listen at whisper quiet levels with your average 32-50 ohms phones or you have very sensitive IEMs which you know if you have them. For higher impedance phones it poses no problems. The power of the amp it is more than M50 will handle, it will drive them FAR past safe listening levels ans still be very clear. the amp will drive the HE-400 them more than adequately, to a level were over 90% of the people will be listening. however if you want to go to the ear bleeding levels the M50 can you will find that the bass stops increasing once you turn the volume knob past about 50% although I rarely go past that level and I know that many people will never even reach 50% using the he-400. If you own a he-400 or other power hungry planer magnetic and listen to them at VERY high volume you may want to look at a Schiit audio Magni amp as I'm considering getting a used one to try out. If you listen at regular volumes most of the time then this would be perfect. the low impedance headphones M50x, Q701's or the like then the amp will have no problem driving the phones to levels that are simply insane while still very clear, at least until the drivers hit there limit which for my M50 is between 2/3 and 3/4 on the the volume knob. I have not used the DSD so i can't comment on it at all, except that having the option is nice. as for reliability I've not once had the audio stop, skip or anything on my Windows 8 laptop.
PLEASE NOTE: I'm emphasizing the flaws of the product. This is a great product. for a great deal (I got mine for $160) . As a first DAC/Amp I doubt anyone will be disappointed. The 3 different inputs and adjustable line out swayed me to get this over the VERY,VERY popular Schiit Modi DAC and Schiit Magni amp combo which are the considered to be very high quality for the price. personally if you just need USB input, a more powerful amp and don't mind getting a used product (or paying more); the used (or new) the Schiit Modi/Magni combo is a good alternative in this price range for a solid state DAC/Amp in my opinion.
I apologize for the grammar errors, typos and such.
I hope this helps you in some way if you need me to clarify something or have any questions let me know.
Jul 29, 2014
jimmysong
42
Jul 29, 2014
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codster303Even though you say that you don't seem qualified. I (and maybe others) are thankful you put this up. Cause there is a clear lack of reviews for the x1 pro, people are scared to commit to something that might be a terrible product. So thank you for writing something concrete for people, like me, to think about!
Jul 29, 2014
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