Upgraded my topping to aune S9c, bought in the UK as the distributor is the dogs bollocks for looking after you, and I can tell you now this is a real steal, the real macoy. Great review.
1 - you didn't mention how you use it when you evaluate its sound !! .. do you connect it to your system or you were using your headphones ?! 2 - what about its pre amp section ?! .. can I connect it directly to my power amp without suffering ?! 3 - what about its sampling frequencies for DSD & PCM ?! Thanks
Great video, I bought mine just over a week ago and agree totally its fantastic value for the price and the sound is top quality , I just wondered would the Aune Clock would make a small or big difference to the sound quality thanks and all the best.
Hey man! Great for u sounds good, I was wondering about the midrange, would you describe it as forward? IAM asking cause I have a mid forward headphone. Thanks, have a good one !
Purchased this after you recommended it to me on your K9 Pro ESS video and WOW! Absolutely blown away with what this unit can do and your review is absolutely spot on. Thank you a million times for introducing me to this product, you're awesome!!
Maaan, oh, man! Nostalgia hits. I miss my old Aune S6 Pro. Still love this unique design language Aune is sticking with. The horizon design😊 Almost feel like getting this one, a beast with that much power under the hood for this amount. Didn't expected for a Aune combo to drive the Almighty!👍
Hi Sandu, how you doing? I gotta say I've becoming kinda a Aune fanboy, Aune X8 with Sparkos opamps is a beast for the price, any chance you try S17 pro class A amp? Given that singxer SA1 was the talk at that price couple years ago, S17 pro seems to bring a better package today I am very curious about it, the price gap between Class A amps is steep, few steps up and we're already in burson soloist x3p territory and $1200 price tag which is almost about double the price. Keep'em coming! Much appreciated!
I'll second that. I'm thinking of upgrading my amp in the coming months and, on paper at least, the S17 Pro looks like a possible steal at $700 USD--but there are no reviews of it anywhere yet. I'd love to see comparisons between it and my other much more expensive candidates, the Burson Soloist 3X (which is more than double the price if you get the arguably semi-necessary stand and supercharger) and Violectric V222.
S17 Pro is By Far the best headamp I tried below ~1K. My review will be dropping in several days, I had more than a month with it. It always impresses with a clean, distortionless sound, that hits and pounds like cornered pugilist. It has the right tonality, it's fun sounding...there is very little to complain about that one.
@@salehabdulla9177 That's a question I'd love to see addressed. The Burson starts at more than half again the price of the S17--and it's price goes up like a car with options. The vertical stand (which is close to a necessity to dissipate the considerable heat; I'd buy it if I were getting the Soloist) is an overpriced $100 and most say that the $300 supercharger power supply makes a noticeable improvement. These items make the Soloist well more than double the cost of the Aune. And I'm not even addressing the additional cost of playing around with op-amps if you're so inclined (honestly, I'm not). Is this premium (with or without the accessories) worth it? And while it's a minor issue and obviously subjective, the Aune looks much nicer than the Burson, which is ugly in my eyes and doesn't come in my preferred black.
@@Soundnews Have you heard RNHP amp because I read that this is best sounding amp under $1200 ? I have it and I just got Burson conductor 3R today and will compare them soon .
Just ordered this based on this review and several other recommendations. I just bought and listened to the Fiio K9 pro ESS and wasn't all that impressed with it vs. my 2 year old Schiit Modi/Magni stack, which I am looking to upgrade from. The Fiio just didn't do enough to justify its price tag so I returned it. I have higher hopes for this unit, can't wait to hear it!
Man, I'm really looking for your full opinion when you get it, since I was about to get either SMSL DO400 or Fiio K9 AKM and, instead, I'm now heavily persuaded to get the S9C Pro. I'm looking for a reference-tuned dac/amp and it's been months now that I've been researching them; it's such a difficult task choosing the right unit and sound.
@@MoonshineBeforeSunshine My opinion is that the Aune S9C is absolutely phenomenal, all around. I left a full review on Amazon, but the bottom line is I think the Aune blows the Fiio K9 away. The Aune doesn't have anywhere near the feature set that the Fiio has, but if you're like me and all you care about is sound quality, than its a no brainer imo. The Aune is $150 cheaper than the Fiio and I think it sounds far better. Can't speak on the SMSL, but I have a strong feeling that you can't get anything better than the Aune in terms of sound quality for under $1k.
@@gillmanjr87 Just saw your reply. I'd read all the Amazon reviews on the S9C Pro, so I have to have read your review on it, too. Haha! Yes, like yourself, I forewent the great features of the K9 (AKM) and, instead, opted for the S9C's sound quality. I've already ordered it. Now, just waiting for it to arrive. Hope the S9C stays with you and you keep enjoying it for a long time.
@@gillmanjr87 I haven't received it yet. But, when I do and listen to it a bit, I'll certainly come to this thread and give the impressions. However, my only pair of headphones for now are the Beyer dt 770 Pro X Limited Edition, so the listening impressions of the S9C will be acquired only through them. The partners in crime, the unarrived S9C and the dt 770 Pro X LE, have plundered my Hi-Fi Treasury, so it'll be a while before I can get a good pair of open-backs to give the S9C a new try. Haha! In fact, I had initially wanted to get a pair of open-backs, e.g. Senn HD490 Pro, but I needed a pair of closed-backs first, and the dt 770 Pro X LE caught my eyes. I've always wanted to experience the famous/infamous Beyer sound, too. (Found out that the Beyer trebels don't bother me. Sigh of relief! Haha!) And, the dt 770 Pro Xs were/are a limited edition and for this very reason I thought that I may not be able to procure them as easily in the future, so, instead of the open-backs that I'd initially wanted, I immediately went with the Pro X LE as my main set of closed-backs that were needed. Also, I'm far, far away from my desktop speakers. So, the listening impressions on the S9C are indeed only going to be acquired through the dt 770 Pro X LE for the time being. Considering the situation, I'm really counting on the dt 770 Pro X LEs to deliver in conjunction with the S9C, before getting a good pair of open-backs. Haha! Before the arrival of the S9C, my listening sessions are done on my Poco F5 phone (it has a 3.5mm jack), and the 770 Pro Xs. Poco F5 is the only good last mid-ranger smartphone that comes with a headphone jack. That headphone jack and the great, efficient Qualcomm chipset on board are the main reasons I got this phone. It was released a year ago. I got it a few months after it was released and I intend on keeping it as long as it lives for that headphone jack alone. Haha! Its battery life is great, too. Look it up if you're interested in the last good mid-ranger with a headphone jack. (If you come to get it, get it with 12GB of ram.) Regarding its colors: I got it in black which is a massive finger print magnet, but I don't use phones without a case, so it's not a problem for me. Nillkin cases are good if you can find them. But, If you can't find a case for it or tend to use your phone without one, get it in one of its other two colors (frozen white and blue). The other colors don't seem to have any issue regarding finger prints. Take care and see you later.
I was so curious about thos review. Intil now thete are few reviews about this gear but it is so carefuly made that it's not fair. Aune deserves more atention in my opinion.
I sold my Burson conductor 3r and will be getting another Burson or maybe will try something else . How would you compare it to Burson conductor 3r soundwise , I have 32 ohm lsa hp 2 headphines so all that extra power is not important to me rather then good dynamics and clean sound with strong bass ....
My S9C is weird with the remote. Sometimes it gets louder when i press - and vice versa. Also i have to point the remote directly to the sensor for it to work. Seems a bit strange for a 2023 remote. It should work better, every 1990s CD player has a better remote. I think ill return it cause of this. Its so annoying. Sounds great though.
After watching so much of your reviews and other youtuber videos I have narrow my search to the Aune soc and the XD05 Pro. But I'm having a hard time choosing between the two. In terms of sound quality which one is better in your opinion? Thanks.
Great video! So i'm looking for the perfect combo for gaming (FPS, really important) and of course, music ... and some movies. What advice do you give me to a great soundstage and image DAC and AMP ... or a 2in1? Wanted something mid-range to top-range but no halo products... something that yeah, don't make me cry when i see the price :D (so, sub 900/1000) Is this the one? Thank you!
At around ~$500 I would pick the SMSL DO400, but for $200 more, the S9C is really...unbeatable - Looks much nicer, wider, and overall, sounds like a proper all-in-one unit without the flaws of cheaper devices. Works great with gaming as well
@@Soundnews I already got it :D your video made me pull the plug! My DT 900 Pro X gained a new life :) Now i want to upgrade the headphones ... the never-ending rabbit hole! eheheh
@@PedroSombreireiroyou try the HD560s? I sold dt 900 pro x to retorno to the 560s.. also i think the top tier above 1000 are the hd800s and hifiman HE1000se.. below 1000 are much others
Sandu I hope you are right about the fact that after a few days it improves, because although it has a better tone and timbre than my small and cheap topping nx4, I find that it is less detailed and the sound is practically flat without a stage and with poor imaging I hope things change :(
Wow, tremendous review, I currently have an XA-10 in my PC equipment, do you think S9C is a step forward in my audio chain, I have tried other flatter and more expensive amps, but the xduo gave me the necessary musical joy, this one Is it as fun or is it colder?
I loved the XA-10! Such an amazing value back in the day, I'll sure it still kicks ass. S9C has a similar tone & timbre, but it's cleaner, faster and generally speaking...more technical sounding in every way. Seems like a step-up from the XA10, S9C is definitely as fun
@@Soundnews Hey wow thanks - looks slick - fairly inexpensive and a great sounding little thing - I think this is exactly what I am going to do - I do have to get some power amps as I have just inherited some absolutely gargantuan Monitor Audio Platinum PL500II's but I am told they are easy to drive - the amps they came with are very old McIntosh valve and needed work - so I have already shifted those - - thanks for info
How do you think this will compare the the ,Audalytic AH90 DAC? These two DACs seem to offer the best value in the market now. I want to pair this with KLH Mod 5 speakers.
hard to say...A70 PRO is more powerful and D70 Octo is a bit wider/deeper sounding. S9C looks and feels better in the hand, plus it just sounds great without adding anything. If you want more emotion from your music, get the S9C.
Been hoping you'd be reviewing this product Sandu!!! So now I am left with one question for you. I'm in need of a new dac and have narrowed my online search down to Aune S9c, the EverSolo DAC Z8, and the Hifiman eh600 dac/amp/headphone stand. I have bought and returned a few dac's in the past 2 years because I have never heard much, if any, of an improvement to consider keeping any of them. So I'm thinking maybe I need something different sounding. Which explains why the ef600 and the Z8 are the only two on my short list. Yet the S9c is on the back of my short list because Aune products have been a subject of interest, ever since getting tied up in this hobby! So what do you think Sandu. Does it sound like I'd be safer going with one of these 2 ladder dac's, or do you think the S9c offers enough of its own unique sound signature to remain on my list? FYI - of the 7 sets of headphones I rotate thru, 6 are planars, and the loner is an easy-to-power dynamic can. Plus I have a soft spot for Hifiman! Cheers from Canada Sandu!!! Ed
Hi Yiannis! The wording was wrong in my question. My bad! Long story short, my question got me thinking. It seems my issues boil down to the 'Delta Sigma Sound'. So logic tells me to focus my attention on the ef600 R2RH combo. And the ef600 does all that I would ever ask from it. Plus it will be a good fit with my can collection. Of the 7 headphones I rotate thru, 6 sets are planars. As far as the other 2 dacs go, one I returned was the Soncoz LA-QXD1 and the other was the Topping D30 Pro. Yes, I heard a subtle difference in the Soncoz, but both emitted that same centred sound I hear emanating from my other Delta Sigma dacs. But I heard nothing to justify the asking prices. And my interest in the S9c and the Z8 dacs? Reviewer rave reviews!! Toe tapping bass! Fun, energetic sound! etc!!! But I messed up by writing "these 2" ladder dac's. I knew the Z8 was a DS dac. And the setup I listen to most these days is the Xduo XA-10 driving Sendy Audio Aiva planars. Take care Yiannis. Cheers!!@@Yiannis2112
@@justed4131 OK I think I now get what the dilemma is. Since you're somewhat disappointed with sigma-delta dacs, I think you should definitely go for an R2R. Not just for the sake of it, but for finding out what the fuss is all about. With what you already had, I don't believe you'll get what you're after with the Z8 or the S9C. May be slightly better or different from what you have, but not what you're after. Now, the EF600 would be a very good choice for an all in one device, for the around $1k, price range. However, what I dont like, is the plastic sides, the cheap feel of the controls, no remote and that its standing vertical, but that's just me. If in your shoes, I'd go the way of separates. Not many R2R dacs around $1k, but the ones that are, are all exceptional, probably end game units, for many years. The Musician Draco, the Denafrips Ares II (if you can still find one), its replacement the new Ares II/Enyo and the Ares II 12th. If for example, you go for the Draco for $750, you're left with about $300 for a dedicated HP amp or you can simply keep the XA10 and be done with it. Many good amps at that price, like the SMSL SH-9 THXAAA-888 and the new H300, the Schiit Magnius, the Soncoz QXA1, the Musical Fidelity V90BHA. Also, the Monolith 887, the Schiit Valhalla, the SMSL L70 and the Gustard H16 (both with remote and internal power supply), but for $400 or so. Personally, I'd go for the Draco or the Enyo, stay with the X10, wait for a few months, save some extra money and get the SMSL A70. Hope this point of view helps you to decide what's best.
Thanks for your input Yiannis! And our thoughts on my dilemma are now pretty much aligned! As stated in my original posting, I'm somewhat of a Hifiman fan. That being said, I believe I'll take my chances on their EF600 all-in-one. Makes sense considering my next set of cans will be their Edition XS, as I 'assume' Hifiman designed and created the EF600 with their own headphone creations in mind. But then again, I do regularly get burnt using logic! 🔥🚒
Hi Ed, my main DAC is an R2R unit. If oversampling delta-sigma DACs are boring or lacking substance for you, sounding quite 2D, then your cure is a well-engineered R2R DAC and a fully discrete headphone amplifier. By chance, EF600 fits that description nicely and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Give it a try, it will sound very different from your past experiences. It won't be the most resolving, transparent and sharp-sounding unit, but you'll enjoy your tunes a lot more.
I wonder how an SMSL SU-10 plus Aune S17 Pro would compare to the Aune S9C Pro? I have the SU-10 so this is an important question for me. (The SU-10 is very nice by the way.)
Keep the SU-10 and get the S17 PRO. S17 PRO review will drop in a few days, but between you and me, S9C's headphone amp section won't compete with the S17 PRO.
No standby option or power on/off switch in the front, no auto on on signal detected ... This device would be real pain to use on daily basis. In order to make it user friendly, owner needs to drill hole in the front panel and put on/off switch and wire it to the power supply thus voiding warranty.... I will not by this one.
I'm wondering which of these chi-fi companies has the better qc! I want to get a dac/amp for around 500USD and my research for sound/price ratio has come down to the following: Topping DX5 Lite, SMSL DO400, and this Aune S9c Pro. But, I don't know which one of them I can trust for their qc.
Upgraded my topping to aune S9c, bought in the UK as the distributor is the dogs bollocks for looking after you, and I can tell you now this is a real steal, the real macoy. Great review.
which topping did you have?
1 - you didn't mention how you use it when you evaluate its sound !! .. do you connect it to your system or you were using your headphones ?!
2 - what about its pre amp section ?! .. can I connect it directly to my power amp without suffering ?!
3 - what about its sampling frequencies for DSD & PCM ?!
Thanks
Great video, I bought mine just over a week ago and agree totally its fantastic value for the price and the sound is top quality , I just wondered would the Aune Clock would make a small or big difference to the sound quality thanks and all the best.
Hey man! Great for u sounds good, I was wondering about the midrange, would you describe it as forward? IAM asking cause I have a mid forward headphone. Thanks, have a good one !
Purchased this after you recommended it to me on your K9 Pro ESS video and WOW! Absolutely blown away with what this unit can do and your review is absolutely spot on. Thank you a million times for introducing me to this product, you're awesome!!
Big difference between K9 pro ess and this aune s9c if you tried both ?
Add sc1external clock and you loose panties 😂
Maaan, oh, man! Nostalgia hits. I miss my old Aune S6 Pro. Still love this unique design language Aune is sticking with. The horizon design😊 Almost feel like getting this one, a beast with that much power under the hood for this amount. Didn't expected for a Aune combo to drive the Almighty!👍
Wait until my S17 PRO review drops, that is the unit to look forward to.
@@Soundnews As always...I can't wait🙂
Hi Sandu, how you doing? I gotta say I've becoming kinda a Aune fanboy, Aune X8 with Sparkos opamps is a beast for the price, any chance you try S17 pro class A amp? Given that singxer SA1 was the talk at that price couple years ago, S17 pro seems to bring a better package today I am very curious about it, the price gap between Class A amps is steep, few steps up and we're already in burson soloist x3p territory and $1200 price tag which is almost about double the price. Keep'em coming! Much appreciated!
I'll second that. I'm thinking of upgrading my amp in the coming months and, on paper at least, the S17 Pro looks like a possible steal at $700 USD--but there are no reviews of it anywhere yet. I'd love to see comparisons between it and my other much more expensive candidates, the Burson Soloist 3X (which is more than double the price if you get the arguably semi-necessary stand and supercharger) and Violectric V222.
S17 Pro is By Far the best headamp I tried below ~1K. My review will be dropping in several days, I had more than a month with it. It always impresses with a clean, distortionless sound, that hits and pounds like cornered pugilist. It has the right tonality, it's fun sounding...there is very little to complain about that one.
soloist 3xp or this aune? @@Soundnews
@@salehabdulla9177 That's a question I'd love to see addressed. The Burson starts at more than half again the price of the S17--and it's price goes up like a car with options. The vertical stand (which is close to a necessity to dissipate the considerable heat; I'd buy it if I were getting the Soloist) is an overpriced $100 and most say that the $300 supercharger power supply makes a noticeable improvement. These items make the Soloist well more than double the cost of the Aune. And I'm not even addressing the additional cost of playing around with op-amps if you're so inclined (honestly, I'm not). Is this premium (with or without the accessories) worth it? And while it's a minor issue and obviously subjective, the Aune looks much nicer than the Burson, which is ugly in my eyes and doesn't come in my preferred black.
@@Soundnews Have you heard RNHP amp because I read that this is best sounding amp under $1200 ? I have it and I just got Burson conductor 3R today and will compare them soon .
Great review, I'm curious if i should leave the Aune s9c Pro switched ON all the time or just for the first 4 days to get the best sound?
Thank you for the review! Quite a promising unit and happy for the encouraging feedback from Sandu.
AUNE S9C PRO the DAC system often reboots, how to overcome this problem?
Great review Sandu, you like EF500 or this one better overall?
Hi Sandu, great video as always. If you had to pick just one, would you go Aune S9c or Fiio K9 pro (AKM)? Thanks
Can I use it as a preamp as well with a poweramp? I mean does the volume atteunation analog? How does it sound compared to Topping D70 Pro Octo?
Just ordered this based on this review and several other recommendations. I just bought and listened to the Fiio K9 pro ESS and wasn't all that impressed with it vs. my 2 year old Schiit Modi/Magni stack, which I am looking to upgrade from. The Fiio just didn't do enough to justify its price tag so I returned it. I have higher hopes for this unit, can't wait to hear it!
Man, I'm really looking for your full opinion when you get it, since I was about to get either SMSL DO400 or Fiio K9 AKM and, instead, I'm now heavily persuaded to get the S9C Pro.
I'm looking for a reference-tuned dac/amp and it's been months now that I've been researching them; it's such a difficult task choosing the right unit and sound.
@@MoonshineBeforeSunshine My opinion is that the Aune S9C is absolutely phenomenal, all around. I left a full review on Amazon, but the bottom line is I think the Aune blows the Fiio K9 away. The Aune doesn't have anywhere near the feature set that the Fiio has, but if you're like me and all you care about is sound quality, than its a no brainer imo. The Aune is $150 cheaper than the Fiio and I think it sounds far better. Can't speak on the SMSL, but I have a strong feeling that you can't get anything better than the Aune in terms of sound quality for under $1k.
@@gillmanjr87 Just saw your reply. I'd read all the Amazon reviews on the S9C Pro, so I have to have read your review on it, too. Haha! Yes, like yourself, I forewent the great features of the K9 (AKM) and, instead, opted for the S9C's sound quality. I've already ordered it. Now, just waiting for it to arrive. Hope the S9C stays with you and you keep enjoying it for a long time.
@@MoonshineBeforeSunshine Did you receive the S9C yet? If so how do you like it?
@@gillmanjr87 I haven't received it yet. But, when I do and listen to it a bit, I'll certainly come to this thread and give the impressions.
However, my only pair of headphones for now are the Beyer dt 770 Pro X Limited Edition, so the listening impressions of the S9C will be acquired only through them. The partners in crime, the unarrived S9C and the dt 770 Pro X LE, have plundered my Hi-Fi Treasury, so it'll be a while before I can get a good pair of open-backs to give the S9C a new try. Haha!
In fact, I had initially wanted to get a pair of open-backs, e.g. Senn HD490 Pro, but I needed a pair of closed-backs first, and the dt 770 Pro X LE caught my eyes. I've always wanted to experience the famous/infamous Beyer sound, too. (Found out that the Beyer trebels don't bother me. Sigh of relief! Haha!) And, the dt 770 Pro Xs were/are a limited edition and for this very reason I thought that I may not be able to procure them as easily in the future, so, instead of the open-backs that I'd initially wanted, I immediately went with the Pro X LE as my main set of closed-backs that were needed.
Also, I'm far, far away from my desktop speakers. So, the listening impressions on the S9C are indeed only going to be acquired through the dt 770 Pro X LE for the time being. Considering the situation, I'm really counting on the dt 770 Pro X LEs to deliver in conjunction with the S9C, before getting a good pair of open-backs. Haha!
Before the arrival of the S9C, my listening sessions are done on my Poco F5 phone (it has a 3.5mm jack), and the 770 Pro Xs. Poco F5 is the only good last mid-ranger smartphone that comes with a headphone jack. That headphone jack and the great, efficient Qualcomm chipset on board are the main reasons I got this phone. It was released a year ago. I got it a few months after it was released and I intend on keeping it as long as it lives for that headphone jack alone. Haha! Its battery life is great, too. Look it up if you're interested in the last good mid-ranger with a headphone jack. (If you come to get it, get it with 12GB of ram.) Regarding its colors: I got it in black which is a massive finger print magnet, but I don't use phones without a case, so it's not a problem for me. Nillkin cases are good if you can find them. But, If you can't find a case for it or tend to use your phone without one, get it in one of its other two colors (frozen white and blue). The other colors don't seem to have any issue regarding finger prints.
Take care and see you later.
Via usb on the pc I get a ton of signal noise in mode 1 and 2. Did you have that issue with pc?
obviously bad unit or cable
Sandu,Thanks Much !.......
Correct! I agreed. Quality not quantity that reviewers need. But in this case ESS which is my 2nd choices.. Peace!
You prefer this one over the Topping D70 pro?
Yes
Great review Sandu. waiting for your review for Aune S17pro !
I was so curious about thos review.
Intil now thete are few reviews about this gear but it is so carefuly made that it's not fair.
Aune deserves more atention in my opinion.
Totally agree, Aune deserves more attention. All Aune units were fun sounding to their core
I sold my Burson conductor 3r and will be getting another Burson or maybe will try something else . How would you compare it to Burson conductor 3r soundwise , I have 32 ohm lsa hp 2 headphines so all that extra power is not important to me rather then good dynamics and clean sound with strong bass ....
My S9C is weird with the remote. Sometimes it gets louder when i press - and vice versa. Also i have to point the remote directly to the sensor for it to work. Seems a bit strange for a 2023 remote. It should work better, every 1990s CD player has a better remote. I think ill return it cause of this. Its so annoying. Sounds great though.
After watching so much of your reviews and other youtuber videos I have narrow my search to the Aune soc and the XD05 Pro. But I'm having a hard time choosing between the two. In terms of sound quality which one is better in your opinion? Thanks.
If you compare the Aune S9C PRO with the Burson Conductor 3R for the same money.. What do you say? Which of the two would you take? :-)
Soundstagewise which gives a deeper image and better layering? This one or the SMSL DO400?
this
thank you for feedback! did you hear both side by side? @@cosmoshfa88savant66
Great video! So i'm looking for the perfect combo for gaming (FPS, really important) and of course, music ... and some movies.
What advice do you give me to a great soundstage and image DAC and AMP ... or a 2in1? Wanted something mid-range to top-range but no halo products... something that yeah, don't make me cry when i see the price :D (so, sub 900/1000)
Is this the one?
Thank you!
At around ~$500 I would pick the SMSL DO400, but for $200 more, the S9C is really...unbeatable - Looks much nicer, wider, and overall, sounds like a proper all-in-one unit without the flaws of cheaper devices. Works great with gaming as well
@@Soundnews I already got it :D your video made me pull the plug! My DT 900 Pro X gained a new life :) Now i want to upgrade the headphones ... the never-ending rabbit hole! eheheh
@@PedroSombreireiroyou try the HD560s? I sold dt 900 pro x to retorno to the 560s.. also i think the top tier above 1000 are the hd800s and hifiman HE1000se.. below 1000 are much others
Sandu I hope you are right about the fact that after a few days it improves, because although it has a better tone and timbre than my small and cheap topping nx4, I find that it is less detailed and the sound is practically flat without a stage and with poor imaging I hope things change :(
Wow, tremendous review, I currently have an XA-10 in my PC equipment, do you think S9C is a step forward in my audio chain, I have tried other flatter and more expensive amps, but the xduo gave me the necessary musical joy, this one Is it as fun or is it colder?
I loved the XA-10! Such an amazing value back in the day, I'll sure it still kicks ass. S9C has a similar tone & timbre, but it's cleaner, faster and generally speaking...more technical sounding in every way. Seems like a step-up from the XA10, S9C is definitely as fun
@@Soundnews thank you your the best 🙏🫶🏻🤘🏻
Will you review the VMV D2R?
Not sure at this point. Too many SMSL units
Gustard R26 Or this guy?
R26 is still better.
Since it has Bluetooth option on checkout does anyone know if I can use this as a streamer into power amp through XLR outs?
Hey mate, of course, you can do that.
@@Soundnews Hey wow thanks - looks slick - fairly inexpensive and a great sounding little thing - I think this is exactly what I am going to do - I do have to get some power amps as I have just inherited some absolutely gargantuan Monitor Audio Platinum PL500II's but I am told they are easy to drive - the amps they came with are very old McIntosh valve and needed work - so I have already shifted those - - thanks for info
How do you think this will compare the the ,Audalytic AH90 DAC? These two DACs seem to offer the best value in the market now. I want to pair this with KLH Mod 5 speakers.
Premium build for the price
My next toy on wish list !!! ❤
Would I be able to connect a streamer to the AUME ?
Can I connect 2 different receivers using the XLR connections
This or the A70 pro D70 octo stack?!?
hard to say...A70 PRO is more powerful and D70 Octo is a bit wider/deeper sounding. S9C looks and feels better in the hand, plus it just sounds great without adding anything. If you want more emotion from your music, get the S9C.
How does the dac section compare to other dacs like SU 10 and d1se ?
SU-10 is still a little better, especially when it comes to dynamics. D1Se is in the same league with S9C, it just doesn't have as many features.
It seems like great unit for the money Sandu, but unfortunatelly no analog input..
How do you put the volume in fixed so you can pair a separate preamp?
Been hoping you'd be reviewing this product Sandu!!! So now I am left with one question for you. I'm in need of a new dac and have narrowed my online search down to Aune S9c, the EverSolo DAC Z8, and the Hifiman eh600 dac/amp/headphone stand. I have bought and returned a few dac's in the past 2 years because I have never heard much, if any, of an improvement to consider keeping any of them. So I'm thinking maybe I need something different sounding. Which explains why the ef600 and the Z8 are the only two on my short list. Yet the S9c is on the back of my short list because Aune products have been a subject of interest, ever since getting tied up in this hobby!
So what do you think Sandu. Does it sound like I'd be safer going with one of these 2 ladder dac's, or do you think the S9c offers enough of its own unique sound signature to remain on my list? FYI - of the 7 sets of headphones I rotate thru, 6 are planars, and the loner is an easy-to-power dynamic can. Plus I have a soft spot for Hifiman! Cheers from Canada Sandu!!! Ed
First of all, what other two, ladder dacs? Only the EH600 is a ladder one. The S9C and Z8 have ESS chips.
Hi Yiannis! The wording was wrong in my question. My bad! Long story short, my question got me thinking. It seems my issues boil down to the 'Delta Sigma Sound'. So logic tells me to focus my attention on the ef600 R2RH combo. And the ef600 does all that I would ever ask from it. Plus it will be a good fit with my can collection. Of the 7 headphones I rotate thru, 6 sets are planars. As far as the other 2 dacs go, one I returned was the Soncoz LA-QXD1 and the other was the Topping D30 Pro. Yes, I heard a subtle difference in the Soncoz, but both emitted that same centred sound I hear emanating from my other Delta Sigma dacs. But I heard nothing to justify the asking prices.
And my interest in the S9c and the Z8 dacs? Reviewer rave reviews!! Toe tapping bass! Fun, energetic sound! etc!!! But I messed up by writing "these 2" ladder dac's. I knew the Z8 was a DS dac. And the setup I listen to most these days is the Xduo XA-10 driving Sendy Audio Aiva planars. Take care Yiannis. Cheers!!@@Yiannis2112
@@justed4131 OK I think I now get what the dilemma is. Since you're somewhat disappointed with sigma-delta dacs, I think you should definitely go for an R2R. Not just for the sake of it, but for finding out what the fuss is all about. With what you already had, I don't believe you'll get what you're after with the Z8 or the S9C. May be slightly better or different from what you have, but not what you're after.
Now, the EF600 would be a very good choice for an all in one device, for the around $1k, price range. However, what I dont like, is the plastic sides, the cheap feel of the controls, no remote and that its standing vertical, but that's just me.
If in your shoes, I'd go the way of separates. Not many R2R dacs around $1k, but the ones that are, are all exceptional, probably end game units, for many years. The Musician Draco, the Denafrips Ares II (if you can still find one), its replacement the new Ares II/Enyo and the Ares II 12th. If for example, you go for the Draco for $750, you're left with about $300 for a dedicated HP amp or you can simply keep the XA10 and be done with it. Many good amps at that price, like the SMSL SH-9 THXAAA-888 and the new H300, the Schiit Magnius, the Soncoz QXA1, the Musical Fidelity V90BHA. Also, the Monolith 887, the Schiit Valhalla, the SMSL L70 and the Gustard H16 (both with remote and internal power supply), but for $400 or so.
Personally, I'd go for the Draco or the Enyo, stay with the X10, wait for a few months, save some extra money and get the SMSL A70. Hope this point of view helps you to decide what's best.
Thanks for your input Yiannis! And our thoughts on my dilemma are now pretty much aligned! As stated in my original posting, I'm somewhat of a Hifiman fan. That being said, I believe I'll take my chances on their EF600 all-in-one. Makes sense considering my next set of cans will be their Edition XS, as I 'assume' Hifiman designed and created the EF600 with their own headphone creations in mind. But then again, I do regularly get burnt using logic! 🔥🚒
Hi Ed, my main DAC is an R2R unit. If oversampling delta-sigma DACs are boring or lacking substance for you, sounding quite 2D, then your cure is a well-engineered R2R DAC and a fully discrete headphone amplifier. By chance, EF600 fits that description nicely and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Give it a try, it will sound very different from your past experiences. It won't be the most resolving, transparent and sharp-sounding unit, but you'll enjoy your tunes a lot more.
how is the volume pot implemented ?
Это лучше, чем Ifi IDSD neo 2 ?
Is it recommended to pair a separate preamp or is this good as a dac/preamp
Is it better than Ifi IDSD neo 2 ?
I wonder how an SMSL SU-10 plus Aune S17 Pro would compare to the Aune S9C Pro? I have the SU-10 so this is an important question for me. (The SU-10 is very nice by the way.)
You're better off with seperates. Keep the SU10, add a good headamp and don't look back for years.
I've heard both, S17 better but the S9c suited my needs as I didn't fancy another box.
Keep the SU-10 and get the S17 PRO. S17 PRO review will drop in a few days, but between you and me, S9C's headphone amp section won't compete with the S17 PRO.
@@Soundnews Fantastic, thank you so much.
No standby option or power on/off switch in the front, no auto on on signal detected ... This device would be real pain to use on daily basis. In order to make it user friendly, owner needs to drill hole in the front panel and put on/off switch and wire it to the power supply thus voiding warranty.... I will not by this one.
Can you please compare to the twice as expensive Gustard A26?
Their qc is one of the worst
I'm wondering which of these chi-fi companies has the better qc! I want to get a dac/amp for around 500USD and my research for sound/price ratio has come down to the following: Topping DX5 Lite, SMSL DO400, and this Aune S9c Pro. But, I don't know which one of them I can trust for their qc.
Geez where us this guy from? What did he say
planet earth