The company Aune has long been no stranger in the field of solutions for connoisseurs of quality audio. Starting with very simple models, they quickly expanded their product line to the level of competition with top solutions. At the same time, they do not forget about budget models, offering high-quality sound for very reasonable money. One of their best offers on the price / quality ratio is the DAC with the function of the amplifier for headphones X1 Pro.
The current version of X1, released last year, is already the fourth revision of the popular model and is made on the principle of "most for the price lower." The first change - significantly improved the external power supply, now it gives less interference. Secondly, in the new revision, the USB interface uses the popular chip SA9027, which added support for the DSD format and fully asynchronous operation of USB. "Side-by-side" plus the use of SA9027 - trouble-free work with iOS via Camera Connection Kit and Android-devices that support USB Audio.
X1 Pro does not break high-resolution records, it is limited to 24 bit / 96 kHz via USB, and 24 bits / 192 kHz through the other inputs, but in real life it's unlikely to need large frequencies. For S / PDIF meets WM8805, the role of the DAC is the well-proven PCM1793. We also did not save on small details: the potentiometer from ALPS, capacitors WIMA - everything is as it should be.
Aune has equipped the X1 Pro with a maximum number of useful interfaces: it supports connecting numbers to USB, optical S / PDIF and coaxial, and there is also a line input allowing the X1 Pro to be used as an amplifier. There are two outputs: from the headphone amplifier and linear, allowing you to connect the device to a more serious amplifier.
Interestingly, X1 is somehow overlooked by a wide audience. While the "tube" T1 is discussed for a long time, being a favorite of the economical public, this model remains in the shadows. This is surprising, since X1 is a very interesting device, not "audiophile" in the typical sense of the term, but with its own, very pleasant sound.
Despite the wide functionality, in Russia you can at a very democratic price of 14,500 rubles (at the time of the review), which is noticeably lower than the prices for similar devices of competitors. Thus, X1 Pro - one of the first candidates for the role of a desktop device for music lovers with a limited budget.
Specifications
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 KHz ± 0.05 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: <0.00227% (-92.8 dB) @ 20 KHz
- The interpenetration of the channels: <-101 dB @ 1KHz, <-89 dB @ 20 Hz - 20 KHz
- Signal to noise ratio: -98 dB @ 20 KHz
- Linearity of the output: ± 3 dB @ -95 dBFS
- Headphone output level (P-Pmax): 10 V
- Output level of the line output: 2 Vrms
- Recommended headphone impedance: 32Ω - 600Ω
- Power supply: external, 100 V - 240 V
Packing and delivery kit
Above this point in the latest version of X1 Pro how to work. Packing at the "combine" two-layer, outer box - transport, from the usual cardboard. Its task is to protect the product from damage during transportation. Inside, the main box is hidden - from a black cardboard with white prints on it. The top cover contains a minimum of information, only the model name and the main "features", on the reverse side is a block diagram of the X1 Pro nodes, showing how everything is arranged.
Inside, neatly divided into compartments and packed in sachets, you are waiting for: the amplifier itself, the external power supply and the power cord for it, the adapter from 6.3 to 3.5 mm, a very good USB cable and detailed instruction in English and Chinese.
In general, many much more expensive devices are also packaged easier, and come with a smaller set of accessories.
Design and management
The appearance of the X1 Pro is standard for Aune products. Familiar for other solutions, the body with protrusions at the corners is made of thick black aluminum. Thanks to the form, the reviewer can be placed on the table either flat or vertically. The device is stationary, although quite compact.
In Aune tried to add a maximum of inputs and outputs, so the front and back panels are loaded with interfaces. Behind are coaxial, optical and USB-inputs, and also 2 RCA-sockets of the input of linear. There is also a line outlet, power socket and switch. On the front panel there is a solid volume control knob made of silver polished metal, a 6.3 mm headphone jack and two selection buttons: input and output. Each of them cycles through the possible options, the currently selected one is indicated by the LEDs. The marks on the panels are printed with laser engraving, so they are unlikely to erode over time.
Overall, the X1 Pro gives the impression of a very reliable device, the massive and heavy case adjusts to a serious harmony, and the high quality of the assembly immediately captivates.
The volume control is smooth, there is not the slightest noise when adjusting.
Sound
To listen to the Aune X1 Pro I used the following equipment:
- MacBook Pro Retina Late 2013 as a source
- Audirvana Plus as a player
- Entries in lossless format
To evaluate the sound, the following headphones were used:
- Fischer Audio FA-011 Limited Edition Japan
- Kennerton Algiz
- TDS-7 Snorry Mod
- AKG K702
- Philips Fidelio X1
During listening to the X1 Pro, I caught myself on two thoughts. First, Aune has its own "proprietary" sound, which is typical for most of their devices, including the X1. Secondly, this harvester, of course, is not designed for easy-to-drive headphones. Actually, if you have low-impedance IEM or sensitive overhead models - it's better to look at something else. X1 Pro is "sharpened" to work with models that have an impedance of above average or simply tight in buildup. And then he reveals himself from the best side.
The overall sound of the device - with a slight bias in the darkness, adding softness and musicality to the tracks. In its submission there is a slight shade of the same lamp heat, which is so popular with joking people, X1 Pro is definitely not a neutral solution with an amazing amount of detail, it compensates for the lack of a microcontrast with energy and drive. This approach is particularly well placed on some genres such as rock, not the most complex metal, jazz, etc.
The headphone amplifier in the X1 Pro is not just "added to change" to the DAC function, but it is quite capable of competing with many isolated solutions of the initial price range.
The bass is very deep and powerful, it is well controlled and authoritatively takes its place in the composition. It is slightly accented, especially against the background of softened high frequencies, which gives the sound a velvety dark shade. It's nice to see that Aune did not overdo it with an accent and did not step over the edge beyond which the darkness of the sound would become superfluous.
The average frequencies are generally quite good. A powerful headphone amplifier allows them to sound very dynamic, with good transmission of expression and emotion. This greatly benefits the vocalists with a characteristic voice and recordings with a small number of live instruments. The imaginary scene is medium in size, the detailing is slightly reduced, but this is expected for this price category.
The HF apparatus is slightly relaxed. Because of this, he sometimes lacks after-sound on delicate music, but this does not give a tiring sound without annoying sharpness. This is especially beneficial for not very high-quality records in compression formats. Of course, this deprives the listener of a part of the details, but it is worth remembering that this is a fairly budgetary device.
Compatibility
Despite the existence of certain "favorite" genres, in general X1 Pro wins all the directions of music, it does not have clearly "failed" options.
Separately, I want to note several models of headphones, with which this harvester showed itself particularly well.
Kennerton Algiz. Due to the high impedance of 100Ω, the top "plugs" of Kennerton are quite tight, so they are almost the ideal load for this device. A common coincidence in the nature of the sound emphasizes the dignity of both devices, offering a rich and lively sound.
AKG K702. I think these headphones are one of the main options for buying for any connoisseur of music, limited by the budget. The secondary market is full of offers of this model at a very humane price. Their unusual delivery, characterized by a very large volume for headphones and high detail, is complemented by a good supply of power X1 Pro, much needed K702. As a result, this gives a good effect of presence, especially on live recordings.
Fischer Audio FA-011 LE. I still believe that this is the best of the headphones made by Fischer Audio. The energy with which they play makes them an undoubted choice for rock fans and not only, but the X1 Pro surely helps them to reveal their best sides.
conclusions
If you want to spend quite a bit of money and get a driving and energetic sound, the X1 Pro is just a godsend for you. Complemented with suitable headphones (I gave some examples above), it will give you incredible synergy. Live and very musical presentation combined with an affordable price and a good reserve of power make it an excellent choice for music lovers who do not want to spend a lot of money on the constant search for a nonexistent ideal. If you decide to upgrade your system by replacing the DAC or amplifier with something else - the versatility of the X1 Pro will be also helpful.
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