Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Aune X1S Anniversary Edition DAC/Amp & X7S Amp
01 / 17
Aune X1S Anniversary Edition DAC/Amp & X7S Amp
bookmark_border
Where's the price?
To negotiate the best possible price for our customers, we agree to hide prices prior to logging in.
4.7K requests
·
1.4k Sold
Product Description
The X1S Anniversary Edition commemorates 10 years of the X1 series. Now in its sixth generation, this DAC/amp takes all of the company’s knowledge from over the years and packs it into a great unit for desktop and full-size setups Read More
You Might Also Like
search
close
Sort by: Top Conversations
keyboard_arrow_downmrbinary
344
Jan 19, 2018
For anyone outside U.S that using 220-240V outlet
You buy this from Taobao. Much cheaper and it's ready stock. Yes it's the 10th Anniversary Edition (X1S).
They can do global direct shipping too.
EDIT : PLEASE CONTACT THE SELLER FIRST IF YOUR COUNTRY DOESN'T SUPPORT THE "TAOBAO DIRECT SHIPPING SERVICE" BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT.
EDIT 2 : Official Aune Taobao Store (thanks @L047) https://auneyy.tmall.com
You buy this from Taobao. Much cheaper and it's ready stock. Yes it's the 10th Anniversary Edition (X1S).
They can do global direct shipping too.
EDIT : PLEASE CONTACT THE SELLER FIRST IF YOUR COUNTRY DOESN'T SUPPORT THE "TAOBAO DIRECT SHIPPING SERVICE" BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT.
EDIT 2 : Official Aune Taobao Store (thanks @L047) https://auneyy.tmall.com
FireCoga
7
Feb 1, 2018
I have the smsl 793ii, after listening to both, the smsl sounded harsh, the aune is more relaxed. The aune opened up the k7xx.(more sound stage, better dynamic range, smoother bass) Overall, happy to get the aune.
dropstep54
16
Mar 5, 2016
It would be very helpful if someone from Massdrop would comment on the posts made by "Candy".
My interpretation of her posts (assuming that she indeed represents Aune Audio) are that: 1. The X1s units sold by Massdrop DO still have a warranty. 2. Massdrop is not an authorized reseller. 3. Therefore, Aune will not address warranty issues directly with end users. 4. Warranty issues will have to handled directly by Massdrop, or 5. Massdrop will act as a proxy for end users in dealing with Aune (or whoever MD obtained the units from).
Personally, I can live with this scenario, but until Massdrop states definitively how warranty claims will be handled, I'm reluctant to join this drop. Hopefully Massdrop will chime in soon.
My interpretation of her posts (assuming that she indeed represents Aune Audio) are that: 1. The X1s units sold by Massdrop DO still have a warranty. 2. Massdrop is not an authorized reseller. 3. Therefore, Aune will not address warranty issues directly with end users. 4. Warranty issues will have to handled directly by Massdrop, or 5. Massdrop will act as a proxy for end users in dealing with Aune (or whoever MD obtained the units from).
Personally, I can live with this scenario, but until Massdrop states definitively how warranty claims will be handled, I'm reluctant to join this drop. Hopefully Massdrop will chime in soon.
jeffhmason
21
Jul 7, 2016
Yes it did. I've been very happy with this unit. It took me a while to get DSD bitstreaming properly configured within JRiver Media Center but since then it's been wonderful. I'm very pleased with the unit, especially at the price that I got it for. I think the only thing it's "missing" is balanced output, but thay may be asking too much at $199. It feels solid and sounds great (I mainly listen through some desktop Audioengine A2 speakers or my PSB M4U1s/Dunu 2000Js). Admittedly I only had a small Fiio E10 to compare to before this, however. From a design standpoint, the "power brick" isn't ideal but I have room for it on my desk. It would've been smarter to put this either closer to the DAC itself or to the plug end instead of in the center of the power cable. I don't know if this will every come back to Massdrop given the comments from the Aune sales rep. The best "non-Massdrop" price I've seen from an authorized seller is $249 in the U.S.
nomaroma
4
Jul 7, 2016
jeffhmasonThanks! Glad to hear you're enjoying it. I picked up the last one during the Bazar sale today. Very excited and glad to know it comes with the USB cable. Thanks again!
liteon163
Feb 23, 2018
April 2nd? No, thanks.
WilliamB
5
Feb 26, 2018
Using a super basic and cheap EU to AU Adapter for the last 4 hours and no issues yet on AU Power, going to buy an EU Power board off ebay and better adapter to make it better I think.
Tazor
80
Feb 26, 2018
WilliamB The Australian standards state that a variation of up to 12% of supply voltage from the energy supplier is acceptable (dunno if that's changed now though). The 'official' voltage for Australia is now 230V AC (from 240V a number of years ago). So the 220v should be fine, bar maybe some slight additional heat.
PedroMagrico
38
Jan 15, 2018
I would love to get on this Drop, but the experience i had with my Sennheiser HD6xx was not that good.
I had to pay more than $100 to get my HD6xx out of Customs, Import Taxes and Customs Fee to Portugal are insane... More than 40% of the total cost.
What shipping method will you use this time?
Can you declare this for $25 only?
I need to find a way to trick Customs or I risk paying more for Massdrop items than they are sold for in Stores in EU...
Sorry for the ramble and thank you for your time.
Sorry for the ramble and thank you for your time.
Tomomo
84
Jan 16, 2018
Portugal uses a progressive income tax rate. You don't pay 45% of your salary. Its only 45% for the tax bracket of €40,522 to €80,640 ... Unless you mean your average tax rate is 45%, then you would be earning around €280,000 per year. That being said, 45% is still pretty steep for that tax bracket. There is pretty much nothing you can do about it other than move somewhere else i guess...
PedroMagrico
38
Jan 16, 2018
Tomomo45% is the overall, I pay 25% tax for salary + 11% for social security + 9% for company insurance.
So in the end its 45% of my paycheck gets retained at the end of the month.
Don't get me wrong I just wished there was a Massdrop in Europe, so we could all have amazing stuff like you have.
For me its just a bit harder.
I work at IBM and am very well paid, but my co-worker in Canada makes 7 times more money than me.
And I have to be responsible for all Banking security issues in Portugal, Spain, Israel and Greece...
Richy_Dingo
37
Oct 14, 2015
So straight away, I really want the Aune to be what I suspect it is: great value, great performing, solid quality and very capable. And I appreciate it that they're keeping up with a rapidly evolving market, rather than just flogging old models. So I'm not a hater here, just someone without the budget to make mistakes or get buyer's remorse. Suspect I'm not alone.
I've been watching previous Aune X1 drops that were for the previous "X1 Pro" (ie Gen 4?) version that IIC brought in the DSD functionality I wanted to explore.
Price First thing for MassDrop - you've stated that the MSRP is $299.99, but the Aune website states, "Now , the X1S was sold now at Ebay , Amazon and all the shops ,the retial price is $249USD ,please contact our distributor in your Country for buying , thanks !" - Any comments?
Reviews Second thing - for both Aune and MassDrop - every time this X1 comes up, you see people quite rightly scratching their heads thinking, "OK so this isn't an insignificant sum, but it seems to tick all the boxes, but can anyone tell me if this is any good? and How does it compare to xxxxxx?" - someone's posted a head -fi review from an early adopter audiophile and it's pretty good, but IMHO, the market is swamped with DACs in the sub 200 buck range so you need more than one person's / one website's review to get people to commit. Maybe that's me superimposing my financial perspective on everyone else, but the dearth of reviews makes for a riskier purchase. How about listing all the reviews up front? All I could find were the Head-fi ones like the one below, but the stem url should suffice.... head-fis are better than nothing but I do wish there were reviews from other sources. Also I suspect that head-fi reviews might be somewhat subjective or maybe prone to group think.
http://www.head-fi.org/products/aune-x1s-32bit-384khz-dsd-dac-headphone-amplifier/reviews/ http://www.head-fi.org/products/aune-x1s-32bit-384khz-dsd-dac-headphone-amplifier/reviews/14195
Compared to the previous model So am sure it's great and all that, but the higher price than it's predecessor ($159 was mentioned with a commenter saying that he found his online direct from China for $110) needs in my book a solid explanation. So the Aune website has some very high level technical specification comparisons between the previous and this model of the X1, but really it needs a reviewer to compare. Couldn't hurt for MD to republish the aune website info.
The DAC change from PCM1793 (X1 Pro) to ESS (X1s) doesn't really scream at me as being much better - I know there's a rave about the ESS right now but am really confused after reading this {http://www.headfonia.com/burson-conductor-ess9018-vs-pcm1793/) - so I'm not convinced.
I also noticed the 32bit / 384 (X1s) vs 24/96 (X1 Pro) for USB sourced signals. Sure it sounds better, but does it >>> SOUND<<< BETTER?
Summary So with the much higher price, together with a lack of reviews and justification for the price hike means that sadly I'm going to either wait till the price becomes more attractive or just pick up the Mk4. It's a DAC and headphone amp: Models are coming out all the time and competition is fierce - lucky Mr Consumer. I highly suspect if I listened to both the X1s and the X1Pro in real world, the only thing I'd notice every day is the extra cash in my pocket. Again, no budget to make mistakes.
Expand the review base, drop the price, give more real world information on your website on what it will and won't do and then we'll talk.....
PS: Where's the sexy white version that was shown at the Munich Audio Fair?
I've been watching previous Aune X1 drops that were for the previous "X1 Pro" (ie Gen 4?) version that IIC brought in the DSD functionality I wanted to explore.
Price First thing for MassDrop - you've stated that the MSRP is $299.99, but the Aune website states, "Now , the X1S was sold now at Ebay , Amazon and all the shops ,the retial price is $249USD ,please contact our distributor in your Country for buying , thanks !" - Any comments?
Reviews Second thing - for both Aune and MassDrop - every time this X1 comes up, you see people quite rightly scratching their heads thinking, "OK so this isn't an insignificant sum, but it seems to tick all the boxes, but can anyone tell me if this is any good? and How does it compare to xxxxxx?" - someone's posted a head -fi review from an early adopter audiophile and it's pretty good, but IMHO, the market is swamped with DACs in the sub 200 buck range so you need more than one person's / one website's review to get people to commit. Maybe that's me superimposing my financial perspective on everyone else, but the dearth of reviews makes for a riskier purchase. How about listing all the reviews up front? All I could find were the Head-fi ones like the one below, but the stem url should suffice.... head-fis are better than nothing but I do wish there were reviews from other sources. Also I suspect that head-fi reviews might be somewhat subjective or maybe prone to group think.
http://www.head-fi.org/products/aune-x1s-32bit-384khz-dsd-dac-headphone-amplifier/reviews/ http://www.head-fi.org/products/aune-x1s-32bit-384khz-dsd-dac-headphone-amplifier/reviews/14195
Compared to the previous model So am sure it's great and all that, but the higher price than it's predecessor ($159 was mentioned with a commenter saying that he found his online direct from China for $110) needs in my book a solid explanation. So the Aune website has some very high level technical specification comparisons between the previous and this model of the X1, but really it needs a reviewer to compare. Couldn't hurt for MD to republish the aune website info.
The DAC change from PCM1793 (X1 Pro) to ESS (X1s) doesn't really scream at me as being much better - I know there's a rave about the ESS right now but am really confused after reading this {http://www.headfonia.com/burson-conductor-ess9018-vs-pcm1793/) - so I'm not convinced.
I also noticed the 32bit / 384 (X1s) vs 24/96 (X1 Pro) for USB sourced signals. Sure it sounds better, but does it >>> SOUND<<< BETTER?
Summary So with the much higher price, together with a lack of reviews and justification for the price hike means that sadly I'm going to either wait till the price becomes more attractive or just pick up the Mk4. It's a DAC and headphone amp: Models are coming out all the time and competition is fierce - lucky Mr Consumer. I highly suspect if I listened to both the X1s and the X1Pro in real world, the only thing I'd notice every day is the extra cash in my pocket. Again, no budget to make mistakes.
Expand the review base, drop the price, give more real world information on your website on what it will and won't do and then we'll talk.....
PS: Where's the sexy white version that was shown at the Munich Audio Fair?
insomnyteq
15
Oct 15, 2015
Richy_Dingowow that's pretty in depth, id like to see the $110 version of this =) i looked as hard as could google but no luck. every review ive read has this as avery good DAC /amp combo, which is why im the 1 dolt who who purchsed it. I found some onlione for $219+ shipping, but tbh i dont trust those vendors, the devil you know right?
Idk i have a few sub $300 DACs and tbh i noticed a difference with the 1x pro, over my modi and modi 2 uber, and also my freind Bifrost so for $240 shipped ( unless you people join in...lol) its worth it to me to find out if the 32bit resolution is worth it or not. i mean its $200... in the audio world, that's hardly a placebo silver cable =P
Idk i have a few sub $300 DACs and tbh i noticed a difference with the 1x pro, over my modi and modi 2 uber, and also my freind Bifrost so for $240 shipped ( unless you people join in...lol) its worth it to me to find out if the 32bit resolution is worth it or not. i mean its $200... in the audio world, that's hardly a placebo silver cable =P
Improbability
11
Feb 22, 2018
My X1s arrived yesterday and it sounds amazing! However, I am having a driver issue on Windows 10. When I install the driver on the USB stick or even when I go to the Aune website and get the updated driver I can only select up to 32bit/192khz. Does anyone know how to get Windows to display the option for 32bit/384khz?
Gigaify
6
Jan 18, 2019
I uninstalled the xmos app, then uninstalled the drive from Device Manage. Turned it on and off, Windows installed drivers on its own.
Improbability
11
Jan 18, 2019
I would recommend against setting the bit rate that high in windows. Games do not seem to run at all with that setting. Set it to something low like 32b/44k and then configure foobar2000 for Wasapi and it will run the dac at the exact bit rate of your music so it will still run at 32b/384k if you have a song with that bitrate.
GUTTRA
2
Jan 17, 2018
So total noob about audio stuff but i just got the HD6XX (like everyone else) and looking for amp+dac now. Now for the HD6XX should I get only the X1S or the X1S+X7S ? Do I need both ?
Tomomo
84
Jan 17, 2018
SigmaXZOk, so i have both the X1s and X7s. To me they sound identical. It is only a little bit louder on the X7s in terms of volume knob position if i have X7s at max gain setting. That being said, I am going to buy a 4pin XLR cable eventually so I should be seeing more power (Hopefully). But if you don't have a 4pin XLR cable, save yourself some money and stick to just the X1s as I personally could not tell much of a difference between these 2.
Jeff-D
205
Jan 2, 2019
Since the x7s is not truly balanced will I get the same effect as a real balanced cable if I get a 3.5mm adapter to the balanced output?
mgoppert
1
Jan 13, 2019
More power doesn't hurt; however, when I adjust the volumes between the x1 and x7 to the same volume, the x7 seems to be a little more detailed and crisp to me, though it's something you have to be listening for. There also is the difference in cables. That might have something to do with it as well. If I were to buy a new amp today, I would seriously look at the THX AAA 789. I hear that amp is to die for. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-thx-aaa-789-linear-amplifier?irgwc=1&clickid=xuDyWo1IaQ4B3Kg34LTgzVZfUkgQyW2sERNeWk0&utm_term=252901&utm_content=Steven%20Ciofalo&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=impactradius&mode=shop_open
(Edited)
dwang040
212
Jan 14, 2019
Again, don't expect any sound difference between balance and unbalanced. There's no sound signature difference when it comes to the two types of outputs. It's possible it sounds better as it does put out more power, which could allow a headphone to sound a bit "better" or it could be a placebo thing. Who knows. Overall, use what you feel sounds best. If you think the xlr output sounds better, or the jack output just isn't "loud enough" for you, then go with xlr. And if you think the jack outputs sound better, go for those.
Jail4banksters
86
Sep 22, 2018
Weird, I can't add this to the review section, or find a way to give star ratings, so I'll put this in discussion...
This is a review of the X7s with the HD6xx's. I'm lucky, I have a big boy hi-fi. It is a Linn MDSM/2, and I also have an Oppo 105D. In other words I have a couple of world-class DAC units. I have single strands of cable that cost more than this amp. I know that sounds dickish, but all I'm really trying to say that hey, I have a good system, and good ears.
I bought the X7s because I wondered if I could improve on what I was getting out of the HDxx's from the 6.5 mm jacks of my two incredible DACs. To make a long story short, when I connect the amp via RCA cables (Linn blacks) to either one of the two DACs, it does make the headphones sound better. More grunt, more slam in the low end, a little bit smoother, just generally more of everything, in a good way. These observations come from using a stock Senn 6.5 mm headphone jack on all three units, the two DACs alone, and then the amp connected to each of the DACs and to my LG v30 via a 3.5mm to RCA adapter, so five different conditions. Presently, my favorite condition is the Oppo into the Aune. It surprises me, the Linn does deliver a little bit more detail, but the Oppo just does a better job at putting out a little bit more sparkle, which I think the 650s need because they're so ....650. Maybe that'll change later as I swap back over to Linn, but I'm really enjoying the Oppo to Aune right now.
Linn's concept of how to build a hi-fi is, "source first". So for those of you thinking about whether to buy the combo or the amp alone, if you don't have a good source, think about getting the combo first. It seems many commenters here are saying the amp in the X7s is better. But consensus holds the DAC in the combo is pretty good. Use the combo as a stepping stone, sell it when you get a little bit more money and buy a stand alone DAC, and the X7s. And then keep going in a never-ending upgrade cycle.
I'm now almost exclusively using the XLR output on the Aune amp. I got a $45 XLR cable off eBay, it's decent enough with the overall setup value, and I will comment that the XLR cable has increased the output, and the general goodness, of the system.
I'm burying the lead here, because my main purpose for writing this review was to speak to the issues several people here are commenting on.
I also am having hum/buzz issues with the amp. I bought the above XLR cables for the 650s, and now when I use them this hum is even louder. I get no hum when listening directly via 6.5 mm from either of the excellent DACs. The hum is also much less when listening to the 6.5 mm jack on the Aune. Because of this I'm guessing Aune has some issues either with its board or its power supply.
I did an interesting test where I went around my house, turned off everything in the panel except for my hi-fi circuit (and all the hifi equipment), and then listened to see if I could decrease the hum. No improvement. I then turned off everything at the breaker except one of my (ungrounded) kitchen splits, plugged in the amp and still had the same amount of hum using both jacks on the amp. Clearly I have some garbage power in my apartment building, which I guess is par for the course given the circuitry in an apartment building. But then I walked 2 m outside my apartment door, and plugged the amp into a dedicated circuit for the fire department. This immaculately grounded, never used circuit, had completely no hum, and was inky black on both the Aune amps 6.5 mm and XLR outputs into the 650s.
Another poster here has linked to an improved power supply that Aune is now offering. Given that the rest of my hyper expensive system doesn't exhibit this problem, I'm gonna guess that Aune has made a nice $200 amp, but has some serious compromises in its power supply or other parts of its topology that make this unit susceptible to dirty power. Maybe that's why this different power supply is now on offer on their website. So if you got hum issues with the amp, you're not alone, you're not crazy, it's clearly a shortcoming in this device.
I've been kicking around the idea of getting a proper power conditioner for my big boy system, and I've decided that I'm going to take a little plunge and start with something called the PS Audio Dectet. On the rare occasions I use the headphone set up I would like to have this hum issue eliminated, and it probably wouldn't hurt the rest of my system. If nothing else it would provide a decent amount of protection from this noise, and more importantly power surge issues. I'm also going to drop some money on some nice Hubble plugs for my whole hi-fi circuit (sadly not a dedicated line), which people say is also helpful in the never ending search for perfection. I'll try to report back here on if it helps the amp hum in any way.
So if you've read this far, yes, buy the amp. I find it amazing that, to my ears, it can improve on the sound from my two spectacular DACs. Both units have dedicated headphone circuitry, and do a great job on their own, but the Aune X7s amp adds just that little bit more. Is it 200 bucks more? Yes.
Edit: I now have the Dectet, and the hum wasn't reduced at all. I'm now finally going to organize a proper ground from panel to equipment, and all the other outlets on the circuit. Maybe this sensitivity of the Aune to crappy power can be viewed as a feature...a power analyser?
(Edited)
andrewdoan
27
Jan 13, 2019
"But for two hundred bucks, stfu and buy it, as it does what it promises." - Jail4bankers. Allow me to rebutt, Not with the buzz and the hum ! Caveat Emptor. Where do you get the X7s for $200.00 new ? stfu , That 's pretty strong language from a person I do not know from Adam. Shunyata does not impress me. I have my Bryston 4bsst the Pre PB26 connected to the Shunyata PS8 but frankly It's pure snake oil. The only reason I bought the Shunyata was the owner of a hi-end audio shop went out of business. Your hostile comment cannot stop me from telling the potential buyers what is wrong with the X7s . You must have some association with Penion Audio or Aune. The last time I've checked, this is America and my freedom of speech is in tact. Especially, my testimony of the buzz and hum of the X7s could save some potential end users a lot of headache. Please do not reply since I do not want to associate with a stranger who loves to use profan language. Good day.
(Edited)
Jail4banksters
86
Jan 21, 2019
andrewdoanProfane, intact, First Amendment<< (capitalised).
My apologies, social media has tended to exacerbate everyone's narcissism, especially the yoots, making innocuous posts like this seem like grounds for a duel to some. It was more of an exhortation on a quasi-public, globally available website to all who read this post, to not hesitate too much if thinking of buying one. I'm hoping the Aune people are also seeing this, as I too am irritated by the hum.
I was trying to highlight the fairly costly steps I've taken, which had only a middling impact, to minimise hum (Aune: showing up on mid gain using XLR) caused by my apartment's wiring, but wanted everyone reading this to know the X7s does run absolutely quietly every time I plug into the fireman's circuit one meter (that's approximately three feet four inches for those who are lucky enough to have a First Amendment, but arrive 27th in OECD educational system rankings last I checked) as the crow flies from my apartment's electrical panel.
Should a well designed audio power supply reject this hash? Yes! Did any other of my hifi components have this problem? No. Have my other components benefited from these tweaks? Golly gosh willikers yes! The X7s still exhibits noticeable hum on my, now significantly optimised, hifi circuit. Is this acceptable for a $200 amp? I'll agree, probably not. Does this mean it will hum on any typical residential electrical system? This, ladies and gentlemen, is the key question you're probably asking yourself if you're reading this. Does anyone else use a comparably priced, Class A, half XLR amp that hums, or doesn't? It's not mission critical for me, so I'm not going to change, but suggestions will certainly be valuable to others reading this. And you too Aune!
I'm now in touch with somebody to try to source an Environmental Potentials Digiplug ($175) to see if that will harvest the noise on my circuit. There are several manufacturers who make devices like this starting from $100ish to sky's the limit. I'll continue to report if the Digiplug clears things up. If you're counting, it seems I'll have spent nearly a thousand dollars (new retail pricing plus shipping) to eliminate the hum in this amp. I'm really doing it to provide the best possible environment for the main hifi. The Aune is doing a fantastic job being the canary in the coal mine, while helping my mid-fi 650's sound better when used.
In my home, using my equipment, to my ears, electrical tweaks (contiguous ground is a must) have made an audible, very profound, impact on my system. To my ears, and I never thought I'd say this out loud: power cords and plugs make a big difference once your system has reached a certain level.
I'm pretty certain I got my X7s for $199 plus shipping.
(Edited)
Showing 149 of 603
Recent Activity
Related Products
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop