The old Creative X-Fi in my computer was starting to fail so I used it as an excuse to get a stand alone DAC that can double as a headphone amp.
So I ordered the Aune X1.
It arrived in one week from China to Florida. Packed well. First thing I noticed was the cheezy power adapter and step up transformer. A trip to the local thrift and $1.99 later I had a real 7A 15V power supply.
All I have to say is WOW. I have direct compared it to 2 of my main system DACs, a Bel Canto 2.5 and a Keces 151v2. It holds its own against these heavy hitters. No detail is lost with this Aune. And it supports USB, optical, and coax. What I did notice is the Aune sounds a bit warmer. But.....that is OK with me. I tend to like warm sounding amps ETC.
For the $200 price tag shipped, I will have to highly reccomend the Aune X1. I am sure there are others here that would mirror my findings.
BTW I use it with a Mini Yayi EL84 amp for my desktop speakers. Perfect match. For headphones I have tried some Grado 325i's, Senn HD650's, Grado RS1's Koss KSC-75's, and some Pioneer Monitor 10's. The Aune seems to drive any impedence without breaking a sweat.
The setup...
