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- Dec 27, 2022
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First, I will start with the conclusions, and if anyone is interested in their cause, then you can read below.
Conclusions
Good packaging, nice build quality, a lot of sophistication (gears, lights that don't light up the whole room, subtle inscriptions). Metal body, everything is rough, but maybe I like it better. White dirt sticks to the black, also dust, but all the white ones are already sold out. But I suppose my black Wiim will look good on him.
Overall, the first impression is good.
PSU (+)
Although it is a relatively cheap, compact and light PSU, it looks nice. According to my measurements, the device consumes around 3-4w, but the PSU is marked at 2A at 9V. I think that the device itself also has voltage correction, so everything should be fine here. At least I'm not going to buy a big toria transformer for it (probably not that level and the rest of the system). Plus given without measurements.
Optical port (-)
The plug of the optical cable cannot be firmly fixed with a click, although it is not loose initially.
Why does a large part of China's DAC have this disease? For the same cheap SMLS and Loxjie, there are also complaints that the Optics do not fasten normally (that's why I didn't pay attention to these devices, because what does the sound give me if I have to worry about the cable). I have experienced that Denon and Marantz sockets have a very strong click, like a tank.
Input selector (-)
Aune X8 remembers the last position of the input selector when the device is turned off/on (including BT connection). This was also confirmed to me by the nice Aune support before the purchase (I corresponded with Florian Mich).
Aune cannot determine the presence or absence of an input signal to de-activate the current circuit (it's like not knowing you are).
Thus, the Op-Amp SS3602, as class A, works independently and heats up even if there is no input signal. *Even though one of the ASR reviews showed excessive temperatures in the Sparkos, this sparkos and this unit is only warm, not hot to the touch and thus not exceeding the temperature allowed in its technical documentation.
POPs sounds (-)
When the device is turned on, a Pop sound is heard at both, the Line and PreOut outputs, which corresponds exactly to the volume at which the amplifier handle is turned.
And again here we see some kind of economy. There have been no such problems with lot of Amplifiers, apparently the timing relays are working (*Naim Amp, however, excuses that they do not put relays because they affect the sound. Well, I don't know and I don't know anyone who likes Pop sounds.). I solve the Aunes Pop problem by putting on one relay with an amplifier that has a time relay delay to protect from Pop.
There is no POP sound when switching between input sources. God bless Aune!
Pre-Amp (-)
Already at the very beginning of the volume, the separation of channels with the potentiometer is chaotic, either the right or left channel sounds and normalizes only when turning it louder, however, the sound at low-medium levels is more like cotton wool, without depth when compared to the line output. I do not understand the point at all, why it was necessary to integrate it here and in such a quality.
Bluetooth and USB (-)
The SSIDs “aune X8” and “aune X1S-LE” showed up for me from this device.
I also get both names on the USB PC. You know, it's a bit confusing.
PC Win10 Pro announces a problem with the driver, I had to search, install, restart the computer and install again, because the W10 driver offered by Aune does not work for my Win10, but it did for Windows11. I don't understand what is happening to them there... Usually you don't need drivers for USB, everything happens automatically.
After restarting the Aune X8, the previous BT volume level is not preserved, it is not even preserved when changing the input source (if anyone knows, please write what could be related to it).
Although all tests use a Hi-Res file, I can't hear a noticeable difference in sound between Bluetooth SBS, LDAC and PC-USB, so I conclude that file resolution is less important compared to Op-Amp. Even though I don't have golden ears, if I had a tractor driving around my room, I would definitely hear it. Lol.
Op-Amp kits and confusion (-)
There is quite a lot of confusion on the Internet regarding the Op-Amp package and it is assumed that 6 Op-Amps come as standard (1 built-in and 5 spare) as in the old X8 version, however the new 18th doesn't really have that, at least in the BT version and my seller didn't know that either audiophonics.fr which I specifically asked before the purchase, but who told me that the kit includes all those mentioned in the picture (and attached the picture in an email to me).
The Aune X8 XVIII BT (Bluetooth) includes only the pre-mounted op-amp 5532 and the optional OPA2134, but the additional kit with three additional op-amps MUSE01, LME49720 and OPA2604 is a separate purchase, for around €55.
Apparently, Aune has decided to make a lot of money on Op-Amps, because the Op-Amps they offer in a kit cost them $5, but charge $50, and all these Op-Amps in the kit are not worth a cent (see below about sound).
Instead of letting the new XII| version introduced a larger Op-Amp compatible design, they decided to cash in on worthless kits. This means that there is no competition, but when it does appear, they may not have time to react.
Op-Amp tests (+)
Between the Op-amps included in the kit and the Wiim and the $20 mblu DAC, I don't hear a significant difference in the sound, they are all the same (just like I don't hear a difference with built-in ES chip frequency response filters).
Accordingly, I conclude, the Aune X8 is not worth a cent for its money when used with the included OP-amp.
The situation changes when you insert the $6 BURR BROWN OPA627 Dual OPA. You can already hear the difference in sound, and in this sense, the sound changes from compressed to airy (what audiophiles call Airy). Now this unit is already worth some money, except for the bad design because even this low-profile Op-Amp cover can't be closed anymore. I think that even with this Op-Amp, the device still does not pay its price and the same result could be achieved with an inexpensive popular DAC for the same money + smart functions. Possibly. Either way, if you have an entry level Amp and Speakers, then anything better than the OPA627 will be a waste of money. However, you can start with OPA627 and upgrade to Sparkos later!
With the Sparkos SS3602, the sound is even better. It's not like night and day, the improvement is there (conditionally greater spaciousness, airy), but in Hi-Fi you pay half more for each improvement, here it is x10 more.
However, as a side note, as The AudioFool used to say, a change in sound doesn't mean it's correct, and not every Op-Amp design with a compatible Pin will work for your devices. In any case, I'm not going to experiment with a hundred more Op-Amp Chinese inventions that have sprung up like mushrooms after the rain and the size of a house, about the feedback connection with the existing operational amplifier I have no idea. And why break something that sounds good.
I like the sound with Sparkos and I'm not going to think about how correct it is. It is really more airy and spacious and for me it is more than acceptable to leave the device.
Also, my original goal was a dumb DAC with good sound (which is why I was also looking at the schiit). My amp is just as stupid for me too, but with its own Op-Amp in the preamplifier. It turns out that my whole system is stupid - but that's exactly what I like. Lol
Conclusions
- Good sound is determined not by DAC/chips but by integration and Op-Amps much more than Hi-Res file format.
- The standard Aune X8 is not worth its price in terms of sound, and there are no smart functions for the price.
- Thanks to the Aune X8 FPGA, it is possible with more expensive Op-Amps to get a good desired result at an affordable price.
Good packaging, nice build quality, a lot of sophistication (gears, lights that don't light up the whole room, subtle inscriptions). Metal body, everything is rough, but maybe I like it better. White dirt sticks to the black, also dust, but all the white ones are already sold out. But I suppose my black Wiim will look good on him.
Overall, the first impression is good.
PSU (+)
Although it is a relatively cheap, compact and light PSU, it looks nice. According to my measurements, the device consumes around 3-4w, but the PSU is marked at 2A at 9V. I think that the device itself also has voltage correction, so everything should be fine here. At least I'm not going to buy a big toria transformer for it (probably not that level and the rest of the system). Plus given without measurements.
Optical port (-)
The plug of the optical cable cannot be firmly fixed with a click, although it is not loose initially.
Why does a large part of China's DAC have this disease? For the same cheap SMLS and Loxjie, there are also complaints that the Optics do not fasten normally (that's why I didn't pay attention to these devices, because what does the sound give me if I have to worry about the cable). I have experienced that Denon and Marantz sockets have a very strong click, like a tank.
Input selector (-)
Aune X8 remembers the last position of the input selector when the device is turned off/on (including BT connection). This was also confirmed to me by the nice Aune support before the purchase (I corresponded with Florian Mich).
Aune cannot determine the presence or absence of an input signal to de-activate the current circuit (it's like not knowing you are).
Thus, the Op-Amp SS3602, as class A, works independently and heats up even if there is no input signal. *Even though one of the ASR reviews showed excessive temperatures in the Sparkos, this sparkos and this unit is only warm, not hot to the touch and thus not exceeding the temperature allowed in its technical documentation.
POPs sounds (-)
When the device is turned on, a Pop sound is heard at both, the Line and PreOut outputs, which corresponds exactly to the volume at which the amplifier handle is turned.
And again here we see some kind of economy. There have been no such problems with lot of Amplifiers, apparently the timing relays are working (*Naim Amp, however, excuses that they do not put relays because they affect the sound. Well, I don't know and I don't know anyone who likes Pop sounds.). I solve the Aunes Pop problem by putting on one relay with an amplifier that has a time relay delay to protect from Pop.
There is no POP sound when switching between input sources. God bless Aune!
Pre-Amp (-)
Already at the very beginning of the volume, the separation of channels with the potentiometer is chaotic, either the right or left channel sounds and normalizes only when turning it louder, however, the sound at low-medium levels is more like cotton wool, without depth when compared to the line output. I do not understand the point at all, why it was necessary to integrate it here and in such a quality.
Bluetooth and USB (-)
The SSIDs “aune X8” and “aune X1S-LE” showed up for me from this device.
I also get both names on the USB PC. You know, it's a bit confusing.
PC Win10 Pro announces a problem with the driver, I had to search, install, restart the computer and install again, because the W10 driver offered by Aune does not work for my Win10, but it did for Windows11. I don't understand what is happening to them there... Usually you don't need drivers for USB, everything happens automatically.
After restarting the Aune X8, the previous BT volume level is not preserved, it is not even preserved when changing the input source (if anyone knows, please write what could be related to it).
Although all tests use a Hi-Res file, I can't hear a noticeable difference in sound between Bluetooth SBS, LDAC and PC-USB, so I conclude that file resolution is less important compared to Op-Amp. Even though I don't have golden ears, if I had a tractor driving around my room, I would definitely hear it. Lol.
Op-Amp kits and confusion (-)
There is quite a lot of confusion on the Internet regarding the Op-Amp package and it is assumed that 6 Op-Amps come as standard (1 built-in and 5 spare) as in the old X8 version, however the new 18th doesn't really have that, at least in the BT version and my seller didn't know that either audiophonics.fr which I specifically asked before the purchase, but who told me that the kit includes all those mentioned in the picture (and attached the picture in an email to me).
The Aune X8 XVIII BT (Bluetooth) includes only the pre-mounted op-amp 5532 and the optional OPA2134, but the additional kit with three additional op-amps MUSE01, LME49720 and OPA2604 is a separate purchase, for around €55.
Apparently, Aune has decided to make a lot of money on Op-Amps, because the Op-Amps they offer in a kit cost them $5, but charge $50, and all these Op-Amps in the kit are not worth a cent (see below about sound).
Instead of letting the new XII| version introduced a larger Op-Amp compatible design, they decided to cash in on worthless kits. This means that there is no competition, but when it does appear, they may not have time to react.
Op-Amp tests (+)
Between the Op-amps included in the kit and the Wiim and the $20 mblu DAC, I don't hear a significant difference in the sound, they are all the same (just like I don't hear a difference with built-in ES chip frequency response filters).
Accordingly, I conclude, the Aune X8 is not worth a cent for its money when used with the included OP-amp.
The situation changes when you insert the $6 BURR BROWN OPA627 Dual OPA. You can already hear the difference in sound, and in this sense, the sound changes from compressed to airy (what audiophiles call Airy). Now this unit is already worth some money, except for the bad design because even this low-profile Op-Amp cover can't be closed anymore. I think that even with this Op-Amp, the device still does not pay its price and the same result could be achieved with an inexpensive popular DAC for the same money + smart functions. Possibly. Either way, if you have an entry level Amp and Speakers, then anything better than the OPA627 will be a waste of money. However, you can start with OPA627 and upgrade to Sparkos later!
With the Sparkos SS3602, the sound is even better. It's not like night and day, the improvement is there (conditionally greater spaciousness, airy), but in Hi-Fi you pay half more for each improvement, here it is x10 more.
However, as a side note, as The AudioFool used to say, a change in sound doesn't mean it's correct, and not every Op-Amp design with a compatible Pin will work for your devices. In any case, I'm not going to experiment with a hundred more Op-Amp Chinese inventions that have sprung up like mushrooms after the rain and the size of a house, about the feedback connection with the existing operational amplifier I have no idea. And why break something that sounds good.
I like the sound with Sparkos and I'm not going to think about how correct it is. It is really more airy and spacious and for me it is more than acceptable to leave the device.
Also, my original goal was a dumb DAC with good sound (which is why I was also looking at the schiit). My amp is just as stupid for me too, but with its own Op-Amp in the preamplifier. It turns out that my whole system is stupid - but that's exactly what I like. Lol
