I spent alittle over a week comparing the AUNE S6 to my Chord Mojo portable dac/amp, and to my Benchmark Dac2 HGC desktop amp. I was first to recieve the tour unit, so I gave the S6 and supplied VE Zen 2.0 earbuds about 200 hours before critical listening. My source was a Melco N1A streamer/ server. I used the supplied Venture Electronics Zen2.0 in balanced XLR termination, my personal VE Zen2.0 standard 3.5mm termination, and my trusty Senn HD600 for comparing all 3 units. Cables used were Curious USB between Melco streamer and AUNE S6 dac. First...

The benchmark dac2 HGC surprised me in many ways. The studio like sound and honest nature paired very well with the HD600. Its performance rests between my Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated amp ($4399), used with a Chord 2Qute DAC ($1799), and my Chord mojo dac ($600) used with the Venture Electronics Runabout 2.0 amp ($358).j The unit and remote areboth very well built, and even for their size, have a high end appearance. The Benchmarks quad chipset Dac has a very nice analog sound, giving me the bass detail and soundstage one would expect at...

Chord Mojo is hands down, the most fun portable dac to listen to under $1000.  It plays all genres equally well, and turns all my music from my phone into a sound I can feel engaged to hours on end. I cannot recommend this product enough! it pairs very well with my Venture Electronics Zen2.0 earbuds and Runabout 2.0 amp. This combo is a game ender for me for quite some time! 

The Monk Plus is opening eyes to this industry. I listen to these almost every day for their plain fun sound, and honest nature. Driven by my iphone 6s plus they are true to the recording, and addictive in so many ways. The Monk plus will scale very well with better gear. The chord Mojo, VE runabout plus and runabout 2.0, Benchmark Dac2 HGC, and Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated, took the Monks to limits thought unimaginable. Resulting in better dynamics, soundstage depth, and definition. The Monks key feature is the very organic vocals and...