I really did not think that in this field of electronics, like portable headphone amplifiers, I can be surprised by something. Nevertheless, Aune managed to do it: in their model B1 they managed to make almost everything unusual, from appearance to internal circuit. In addition, the developers added another very unusual possibility - the ability to select a current. The result turned out to be unlike other devices.
The vast majority of headphone amplifiers are built on several operational amplifiers. In Aune B1 went their own way and made a class-A output stage on transistors. Without dwelling on this, the company decided to add an amplifier current adjustment, a simple switching can choose between 20 and 40 mA. In theory, increased current should positively affect the control of tight headphones (and negatively on battery life). The amplifier is assembled on high-quality components, and to confirm this, two "viewing windows" were made in the device, through which two symmetrical circuits can be seen, one for each channel.
Of course, the Aune B1 price tag is slightly higher than the Cayin and Fiio amplifiers, You can buy an amplifier for 13,900 rubles (at the time of review). Is B1 worth it?
Specifications
- Frequency range: 10 Hz - 20 KHz ± 0.15 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: <0.0008% @ 1KHz, 600Ω
- Signal to noise ratio: > 124 dB @ 600Ω
- Channel separation: > 110 dB @ 1 KHz, 600Ω
- Output power: 25 mW @ 16Ω, 50 mW @ 32Ω, 100 mW @ 300Ω
- Recommended headphone impedance: 16Ω - 300Ω
- Battery: 4000 mAh
- Operating time from full charge: 10 hours in 20 mA mode, 5 hours in 40 mA mode
- Dimensions: 65 mm × 110 mm × 18 mm
- Weight: 230 g
Packing and delivery kit
For sale B1 in a very stylish box of solid cardboard in black with silver embossed. This packaging is standard for the company, their DAC / headphone amplifier X1 Pro is packed the same way. In the box, neatly separated by compartments, lie the amplifier itself, a short wire with 3.5 mm plugs and a MicroUSB charging cable.
The package is, of course, not the most luxurious, but all the basic things needed to use the amplifier, it is there.
Design and management
Appearance is one of the most powerful aspects of this amplifier. Apparently, the company decided that if they make an unusual circuit amplifier, then it should look like it is not ordinary. Turned out of a single piece of aluminum, the body is slightly thicker than the same E12 from Fiio, but at the same time it's shorter and narrower. This, of course, slightly worsens the ergonomics of the B1 in the "sandwich" with the player, but 4 millimeters very critical role will not play. On the back side, the Aune B1 pleases with leather inserts, it's a great idea, protecting both the amplifier and the device to which it will dock from scratches. Other amplifiers have to glue silicone feet, but the leather inserts look much better. The amplifier is in two colors - black with black inserts and silver with red leather for fans of bright colors, both options look very good.
The front side of the amplifier is also surprising, it has two transparent windows that open the view of the output stage of the amplifier. A very interesting move, which allows us to immediately evaluate that we did not economize on the elementary basis either. When switched on in these windows, two green LEDs are shining, they are unlikely to be justified there from the point of view of circuitry, but they look impressive.
On the left panel of the amplifier there are all the main switches: device switching, gain selection and amplifier current selection (the latter is signed "Class A"). The bottom panel contains only the MicroUSB-connector for charging, on the top are traditionally located the input and output jacks, as well as the volume control. On the right side there is a button and a battery charge indication LED. We press the button and count the number of flashes, 5 means a charge of 100%, one corresponds to 10%, intermediate numbers - values between these boundaries.
The charging time of the device is slightly more than two hours, the operating time from one charge depends on the selected current. In the 20 mA mode, it was 10 hours 20 minutes, in the 40 mA mode - 5 hours 5 minutes. Funny feature of the amplifier - in the mode of 40 mA it is slightly heated.
Sound
To listen to the amplifier I used the following equipment:
- MacBook Pro Retina Late 2013 as a source
- Yulong DA8 as USB DAC
- Audirvana Plus as a player
- QLS QA360 as a player
- Entries in lossless format
- Headphones HiFiMan Re600, Philips Fidelio X1, Dunu DN-2000, Lear LUF-4F, Rhapsodio RTi1
In general, the sound of the amplifier is very unusual. With all his might, he tries to emphasize details in music and does not add much from himself. This B1 advantageously differs from competitors, tuned to a more energetic supply of material.
Subjectively, the power of the B1 is quite enough for most headphones except for tight isodynamic models and headphones with an impedance above 300Ω. On hearing, the B1's power is slightly lower than that of its main competitors, but the study of details and nuances is noticeably better. Another "bonus" is not the highest power - a significant reduction in noise, the very "black background", which allows you to perfectly transmit the quietest sounds.
Low frequencies are dynamic and well controlled. B1 does not add them quantitatively, working more on quality. Therefore, in direct comparison with competitors, it seems that the bass of this amplifier is smaller, so if the number of low frequencies is important to you - this fact should be taken into account. If you are interested in their high-quality work - here B1 appreciably wins. The bass is good texture, has a nice relief and density.
Middle frequencies are the strong side of this amplifier, they are very detailed, which allows you to convey the emotions of the recording with pleasant authenticity. Thanks to this very reliability, the B1 perfectly copes with the construction of an imaginary scene. Not increasing it more than in the original material, it nevertheless improves the separation of tools and well emphasizes the positioning of sources in depth. In the case of quality records, this gives a very pleasant effect.
The upper frequencies are given exactly in the amount that they are in the record. If you are sensitive to the HF range, consider that it will not be smoothened or concealed B1. On the other hand, to strengthen and add - too. Transparent and detailed "top" complement the nature of the sound of the device, adding sound attenuation and reverberation.
Compatibility
As with any high-level amplifier, the selection of headphones for B1 is primarily due to the owner's preference. It should be taken into account the fact that the amplifier is detailed and does not mask the high-frequency range, so with a bright headset, prone to sibilants, there may be a "bust" of high frequencies. The reverse is also true, if the headphones have a weak bass - you should not wait for its quantitative addition from B1.
conclusions
Amplifier, unusual in everything. Starting with the appearance that is so beautiful that B1 wants to buy at least for the sake of aesthetic sensations, and ending with a very unusual sound caused by non-standard circuitry. Given enough adequate price and convenience in use, it can be advised to connoisseurs of detailed unadorned sound.
The article is based on materials .
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