>>I am brazilian and I speak portuguese, so forgive my english, I’ll use translator tools to help<<
INTRO:
My friends, today I have here a very special product for evaluation, the AUNE FLAMINGO, which is a desktop DAC/AMP with a vacuum tube system. The product is available in two versions, with Bluetooth or without Bluetooth. The Flamingo also has the option of using a remote control, but only the bluetooth version comes with the remote control included. It’s possible to purchase the remote control additionally. The unit I have here is the full version (with bluetooth and remote control).
PS: There’s also another model very similar to the Flamingo, which is the Flamingo-BD (this is just a DAC/Bluetooth, that is, it doesn’t have the amplifier part).
Previous reviews: Jasper
Official price: $219 USD
Official price: $289 USD (bluetooth edition)
Remote control price: $30 USD (separately)
Colors: Black
AUNE store:
http://en.auneaudio.com/
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBSN1yB
SPECIFICATIONS:
– DAC Chip: ESS ES9038Q2M
– Vacuum tube: PSVANE ECC82
– OP-AMP
– Bluetooth version: 5.1
– BT Codecs: AAC/aptX HD/LDAC
– Screen (display): OLED
– 7 filters modes
– Inputs: USB type B and Coaxial
– Outputs: 6.35mm SE and RCA
– Frequency response: (20Hz~20kHz) OPA: ±0.02dB; Tube: ±0.6dB
– Power output in the 6.35mm: 45mW@300Ω; 300mW@32Ω (1kHz 0dB @0.001%)
– THD+N@1kHz OPA: 0.0005%; Tube: 0.035%
– RCA output: OPA: 2Vrms MAX; Tube: 1.9Vrms MAX
– THD+N@1kHz: OPA: 0.0003%@0dBFS Typ; Tube: 0.02%@-17dBFS Typ
– Noise floor: OPA: 4μV; Tube: 20μV@AES17(20kHz)
– Suports: USB: PCM 32-Bit/768kHz, DSD512 – Coaxial: 24-Bit/384kHz, DoP128 – Bluetooth: 24-Bit/96kHz
– Body material: Metal
– Cables included: USB-A>USB-B (150cm)
– Adapters included: 3.5mm>6.35mm, USB-C>USB-B
– Power suply: input 100-240V~50/60Hz 0.6A; output 12.0V – 2000mA (150cm)
– Size: 10.3cm[H] x 13.5cm[W] x 3cm[D]
– Weight: 1Kg
DEVICES USED:
– AUNE Jasper
– Tin HiFi P1
– Questyle M15
– MotoZ3Play
– Dell Inspiron (W10)
PHYSICAL ASPECTS:
PS: There’s also another model very similar to the Flamingo, which is the Flamingo-BD (this is just a DAC/Bluetooth, that is, it doesn’t have the amplifier part).
Previous reviews: Jasper
Official price: $219 USD
Official price: $289 USD (bluetooth edition)
Remote control price: $30 USD (separately)
Colors: Black
AUNE store:
http://en.auneaudio.com/
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBSN1yB
SPECIFICATIONS:
– DAC Chip: ESS ES9038Q2M
– Vacuum tube: PSVANE ECC82
– OP-AMP
– Bluetooth version: 5.1
– BT Codecs: AAC/aptX HD/LDAC
– Screen (display): OLED
– 7 filters modes
– Inputs: USB type B and Coaxial
– Outputs: 6.35mm SE and RCA
– Frequency response: (20Hz~20kHz) OPA: ±0.02dB; Tube: ±0.6dB
– Power output in the 6.35mm: 45mW@300Ω; 300mW@32Ω (1kHz 0dB @0.001%)
– THD+N@1kHz OPA: 0.0005%; Tube: 0.035%
– RCA output: OPA: 2Vrms MAX; Tube: 1.9Vrms MAX
– THD+N@1kHz: OPA: 0.0003%@0dBFS Typ; Tube: 0.02%@-17dBFS Typ
– Noise floor: OPA: 4μV; Tube: 20μV@AES17(20kHz)
– Suports: USB: PCM 32-Bit/768kHz, DSD512 – Coaxial: 24-Bit/384kHz, DoP128 – Bluetooth: 24-Bit/96kHz
– Body material: Metal
– Cables included: USB-A>USB-B (150cm)
– Adapters included: 3.5mm>6.35mm, USB-C>USB-B
– Power suply: input 100-240V~50/60Hz 0.6A; output 12.0V – 2000mA (150cm)
– Size: 10.3cm[H] x 13.5cm[W] x 3cm[D]
– Weight: 1Kg
DEVICES USED:
– AUNE Jasper
– Tin HiFi P1
– Questyle M15
– MotoZ3Play
– Dell Inspiron (W10)
PHYSICAL ASPECTS:
A product with many details and features, the review will be a little big, there’s no way. Let’s start by talking about design and construction. Aesthetically the equipment is very beautiful, perhaps one of the most beautiful DAC/AMPs available on the market nowadays. This for me is also the most beautiful product that the company has made (so far). I like minimalism and products with more sober colors, like black, dark gray, etc., so my expectations for this product are very high.
It is undeniable that the great attraction of the Flamingo is the vacuum tube in a horizontal position, it brings that feeling between the modern and the retro, between the digital and the analogue… even because the product isn’t just a tube amplifier, it also has an internal operational amplifier system (OP-AMP) in solid state. According to the company, the tube cannot be replaced. The product has a display (screen) on the front that also generates this contrast between the digital and the analog. The screen shows the volume level in a very visible way, as well as other information such as which filter, which input, and which mode (tube or OP-AMP) is being used. I thought the display lacked more detail information like sampling rate, file type, that sort of thing.
The product is all made of metal – I didn’t get the information on which metal alloy was used. Although small in size, in terms of weight, it was not so “discreet”, according to the company, it weighs approximately 1Kg. I think this isn’t a problem for a product intended for use on desks, in fact this is even good because it generates more stability for the equipment on the desk. Unfortunately, the weight it has still doesn’t make it stand still when removing or inserting the earphone plug, it’s necessary to hold it with one hand so that the product doesn’t slide across the desk.
A curiosity. After you turn on the product, it takes about 4-5 seconds until be able to work completely. It’s easy to know when it’s ready because it makes a “click” sound. Taking advantage of this question of turning on the product, the Flamingo has an on/off button on the back of the equipment. This for me was great in the product, something I missed on the iFi ZEN Air DAC, I already miss an on/off button on dongles, imagine on desktop equipment, it’s essential.
Potentiometer (or volume knob). The volume knob is infinity style, it means you can rotate it either way and it will keep going. The Flamingo has a scale of 00 to 99 steps of volume, with a progression of 1 in 1 step. With each step you take, the knob generates a “click”, that is, you can hear the command being executed very audibly, but not loudly. In my opinion, this sound didn’t bother me, but anyone who has a problem with this, here’s my warn.
In addition to having the function of controlling the volume, the volume knob makes the change from the OP-AMP mode to the Tube mode if you double press it. It’s also through it that you do the menu operations, such as changing the signal input (USB, Coaxial, Bluetooth), changing the filters.
Flamingo supports PCM files up to 32bit/768kHz, and DSD files up to DSD512. It isn’t able to run MQA files. For me, this question of MQA and other Hi-Res files made no difference, since I only use 16bit/44.1/48kHz FLAC files and some more common streaming services, such as Spotify and Deezer in my daily life. However, I find it interesting that the product offers the greatest possible file support.
Bluetooth. The Flamingo bluetooth edition has the feature of connecting an antenna and the equipment becoming a bluetooth receiver, that is, it receives the signal from some device and you listen to your music with the earphones plugged into it. For those who don’t want the product to use an USB cable connection, bluetooth is a good alternative (one less cable on the desk). From what I saw in the specs, the bit depth and sampling rate for the bluetooth signal is restricted to 24bit/96kHz. I used my smartphone as a signal transmitter and the Flamingo paired up easily on the LDAC. Here’s a picture of the Android: click here!
To do the sound evaluation I used the USB-A to USB-B connection. The product was immediately recognized as soon as I connected it to my computer, I didn’t need to install any drivers for it to work in Windows10 (Plug & Play). It has already been in 100% on Windows, so you need to be a little careful when playing the song. The product has an analog RCA output on the back that can be used as a DAC/Pre-AMP for an amplifier or for active speakers. It also has an audio input via coaxial cable.
Something I missed about this DAC/AMP was the lack of the 3.5mm output and/or even the balanced 4.4mm output. It only has a 6.35mm output, which is easier to find on headphones. I only use exclusively IEMs, so I need to keep an adapter always plugged into the output of the product. The lack of the Pentaconn output affected me too, I have IEM with a 4.4mm cable, so I need to use 2 adapters to connect the earphone. For me, the less adapter the better, there are people who don’t care about that.
Heating. Here we have perhaps the point that made me most apprehensive of this product. The product heats up a lot the surface, I thought its temperature was quite high, regardless of whether it was running by the tube system or by the OP-AMP. And so, you don’t even need to spend a long time using, shortly after turn on it starts to heat up, about 15 minutes. Okay, this product isn’t a dongle, I won’t keep it in my hands or in a shorts pocket, for example, but I’m a little worried about the product getting so hot in such a short time. It really got really hot, I’ve never seen anything like that.
I don’t have much experience with desktop DAC/AMPs, this is the second one I’ve tested, and the first one – iFi ZEN Air DAC – didn’t have this overheating problem. Here, obviously, this issue is related to the vacuum tube system, heating is part of the process of using the valve, but I didn’t imagine it would be like this, to this degree. Another thing, the Flamingo only turns on if it is connected to the power source, that is, it doesn’t work only with the USB-B connection, something that in the iFi ZEN Air DAC it only needed the USB cable to pass data and energy.
Remote Control. The Flamingo bluetooth edition has a remote control included. The control is very simple, I found the design even a bit “no salt”, but I understand that it matches with the format of the product. You can find a guide to the functions here in the user manual. It comes with a Torx T1 key to remove the battery (I didn’t open the product though). I even tried opening the control, but it looks like the screw would be better to remove with a Torx T2 key (I think).
Accessories. The product has a very interesting kit (speaking of the version I’m reviewing), honestly I have nothing to complain about what came included. Comes with the bluetooth antenna, a USB-A to USB-B cable, a USB-C to USB-B adapter, a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, a remote control, a key to open the remote control, three plastic caps to close it the RCA and Coaxial connections, and also came a radio antenna (I believe it is, but I didn’t even test this function). Speaking specifically of the included cable, I thought it was great, it is 150cm long, which allows me to place the DAC/AMP on any side of the computer I need. I only don’t prefer this USB type B input, I think USB type A is more safe.
PS: regarding the power supply, you must be aware that the sockets fit can vary from region to region of the world, so you need to establish some contact with the seller beforehand so that you don’t acquire a different socket pattern. Here in Brazil, the European standard (EU) was compatible (two round pin plug).
SOUND ASPECTS:
It is undeniable that the great attraction of the Flamingo is the vacuum tube in a horizontal position, it brings that feeling between the modern and the retro, between the digital and the analogue… even because the product isn’t just a tube amplifier, it also has an internal operational amplifier system (OP-AMP) in solid state. According to the company, the tube cannot be replaced. The product has a display (screen) on the front that also generates this contrast between the digital and the analog. The screen shows the volume level in a very visible way, as well as other information such as which filter, which input, and which mode (tube or OP-AMP) is being used. I thought the display lacked more detail information like sampling rate, file type, that sort of thing.
The product is all made of metal – I didn’t get the information on which metal alloy was used. Although small in size, in terms of weight, it was not so “discreet”, according to the company, it weighs approximately 1Kg. I think this isn’t a problem for a product intended for use on desks, in fact this is even good because it generates more stability for the equipment on the desk. Unfortunately, the weight it has still doesn’t make it stand still when removing or inserting the earphone plug, it’s necessary to hold it with one hand so that the product doesn’t slide across the desk.
A curiosity. After you turn on the product, it takes about 4-5 seconds until be able to work completely. It’s easy to know when it’s ready because it makes a “click” sound. Taking advantage of this question of turning on the product, the Flamingo has an on/off button on the back of the equipment. This for me was great in the product, something I missed on the iFi ZEN Air DAC, I already miss an on/off button on dongles, imagine on desktop equipment, it’s essential.
Potentiometer (or volume knob). The volume knob is infinity style, it means you can rotate it either way and it will keep going. The Flamingo has a scale of 00 to 99 steps of volume, with a progression of 1 in 1 step. With each step you take, the knob generates a “click”, that is, you can hear the command being executed very audibly, but not loudly. In my opinion, this sound didn’t bother me, but anyone who has a problem with this, here’s my warn.
In addition to having the function of controlling the volume, the volume knob makes the change from the OP-AMP mode to the Tube mode if you double press it. It’s also through it that you do the menu operations, such as changing the signal input (USB, Coaxial, Bluetooth), changing the filters.
Flamingo supports PCM files up to 32bit/768kHz, and DSD files up to DSD512. It isn’t able to run MQA files. For me, this question of MQA and other Hi-Res files made no difference, since I only use 16bit/44.1/48kHz FLAC files and some more common streaming services, such as Spotify and Deezer in my daily life. However, I find it interesting that the product offers the greatest possible file support.
Bluetooth. The Flamingo bluetooth edition has the feature of connecting an antenna and the equipment becoming a bluetooth receiver, that is, it receives the signal from some device and you listen to your music with the earphones plugged into it. For those who don’t want the product to use an USB cable connection, bluetooth is a good alternative (one less cable on the desk). From what I saw in the specs, the bit depth and sampling rate for the bluetooth signal is restricted to 24bit/96kHz. I used my smartphone as a signal transmitter and the Flamingo paired up easily on the LDAC. Here’s a picture of the Android: click here!
To do the sound evaluation I used the USB-A to USB-B connection. The product was immediately recognized as soon as I connected it to my computer, I didn’t need to install any drivers for it to work in Windows10 (Plug & Play). It has already been in 100% on Windows, so you need to be a little careful when playing the song. The product has an analog RCA output on the back that can be used as a DAC/Pre-AMP for an amplifier or for active speakers. It also has an audio input via coaxial cable.
Something I missed about this DAC/AMP was the lack of the 3.5mm output and/or even the balanced 4.4mm output. It only has a 6.35mm output, which is easier to find on headphones. I only use exclusively IEMs, so I need to keep an adapter always plugged into the output of the product. The lack of the Pentaconn output affected me too, I have IEM with a 4.4mm cable, so I need to use 2 adapters to connect the earphone. For me, the less adapter the better, there are people who don’t care about that.
Heating. Here we have perhaps the point that made me most apprehensive of this product. The product heats up a lot the surface, I thought its temperature was quite high, regardless of whether it was running by the tube system or by the OP-AMP. And so, you don’t even need to spend a long time using, shortly after turn on it starts to heat up, about 15 minutes. Okay, this product isn’t a dongle, I won’t keep it in my hands or in a shorts pocket, for example, but I’m a little worried about the product getting so hot in such a short time. It really got really hot, I’ve never seen anything like that.
I don’t have much experience with desktop DAC/AMPs, this is the second one I’ve tested, and the first one – iFi ZEN Air DAC – didn’t have this overheating problem. Here, obviously, this issue is related to the vacuum tube system, heating is part of the process of using the valve, but I didn’t imagine it would be like this, to this degree. Another thing, the Flamingo only turns on if it is connected to the power source, that is, it doesn’t work only with the USB-B connection, something that in the iFi ZEN Air DAC it only needed the USB cable to pass data and energy.
Remote Control. The Flamingo bluetooth edition has a remote control included. The control is very simple, I found the design even a bit “no salt”, but I understand that it matches with the format of the product. You can find a guide to the functions here in the user manual. It comes with a Torx T1 key to remove the battery (I didn’t open the product though). I even tried opening the control, but it looks like the screw would be better to remove with a Torx T2 key (I think).
Accessories. The product has a very interesting kit (speaking of the version I’m reviewing), honestly I have nothing to complain about what came included. Comes with the bluetooth antenna, a USB-A to USB-B cable, a USB-C to USB-B adapter, a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, a remote control, a key to open the remote control, three plastic caps to close it the RCA and Coaxial connections, and also came a radio antenna (I believe it is, but I didn’t even test this function). Speaking specifically of the included cable, I thought it was great, it is 150cm long, which allows me to place the DAC/AMP on any side of the computer I need. I only don’t prefer this USB type B input, I think USB type A is more safe.
PS: regarding the power supply, you must be aware that the sockets fit can vary from region to region of the world, so you need to establish some contact with the seller beforehand so that you don’t acquire a different socket pattern. Here in Brazil, the European standard (EU) was compatible (two round pin plug).
SOUND ASPECTS:
It must be remembered that this analysis is subjective, based on my experience with the product and also on the synergy with the other equipment I used here. I also already inform you that the more objectivist part of the hobby is not really my beach, so it may be that some information can be limited, I don’t have much knowledge about the technical side of this type of product.
Here again in my audio hobby journey I come across something different. Dongle goes in and dongle goes out and sometimes I heard very similar or equal sounds, however with the AUNE Flamingo the situation was different. Here, as at the beginning of my journey, I realized once again that the power of amplification can change the sound of some earphones. In fact, the Flamingo isn’t a DAC/AMP that powerful, according to the company it delivers 300mW at 32 Ohms, there are equipment on the market that deliver well over 1W, but what I heard here with it was different from anything I’ve heard before listened with the dongles I was able to test. I explain more in the next paragraph.
So, what happened here at Flamingo together with the company’s own IEM – the AUNE Jasper – was that the sound of the IEM opened up in a very expressive way, the bass, the spatiality, everything became wide. I had never heard this IEM the way I heard it here now. The sound became fuller, with more texture in the bass, even more physically, and with a greater spatial filling. It was certainly a very interesting experience, listening to the same IEM that I already knew, but in a different way. I could say that, from the sound I had heard before to now, the sound became warmer.
During my tests here, the audio quality of the AUNE Flamingo was excellent, for me, the equipment delivers a lot of transparency, definition and no coloration. According to the company, the product is implemented with the DAC chip from ESS, model ES9038Q2M, in addition to other high quality components. I didn’t notice any noise, distortion or strange sound during the time that I was testing the product. The Flamingo follows the quality of the other DAC/AMPs that I have currently tested.
OP-AMP and tube mode. Look, honestly, I didn’t feel any difference between the OP-AMP mode and Tube mode, I made the changes from one mode to the other several times looking for the changes but in fact I particularly couldn’t notice. And so, I don’t think the Flamingo’s sound is more warmer than the other DAC/AMPs I’ve tested just because of the tube, no, for me that sound comes from the power of amplification that the equipment offers (in my opinion).
About the bluetooth, my position is that I didn’t get any sound detriment in relation to the wired connection (USB-B), for me, the sound was presented in the very same way as if I were listening through the cable. I used the LDAC codec, it already handles what I have here from my music library.
Filters. Another resource that Flamingo brings are these sound filters, which are 7 types in all: Apodizing fast, Fast linear, Slow linear, Fast minimum, Slow minimum, Corrected minimum, and Brick wall. Here again I can honestly say that I couldn’t hear any difference between the 7 filters… nothing different for me from one to the other.
Amplification. Here yes I felt a very interesting difference. I did a test with the Tin HiFi P1 and I thought that the Flamingo was able to push this IEM correctly. The interesting thing here is that we don’t have a gain knob, the sound expands as you increase the volume on the potentiometer, so you need to reach volume 80 for the sound to start to stand out. In Tin P1 for example, it only starts to get interesting from 85 to above. There’s a big difference when the volume is below 75, it gets really low. Maybe with a more sensitive IEM this number could be lower, however, with Jasper, it was 70-75-80 volume for it to be ideal (and I listen to music at a medium to low volume). I put the P1 on vol. max. and the sound was really loud, just to test if it would distort the sound, and luckily it didn’t distort, but it’s kind of unthinkable to hear any IEM at that volume.
Comparative. Nowadays I’ve been using the Questyle M15 DAC/AMP Dongle to review the products, it’s a portable device, so this comparison might not be very fair. My thoughts on the “warmer” sound of the Flamingo is precisely in comparison with the sound I hear today with the M15, from what I could see, the Flamingo manages to deliver more full bass than the M15. In terms of spatiality (or soundstage), the Flamingo also manages to deliver a much wide feel to the songs than the M15. With this extra presence in the lower regions, the upper mids of the Jasper ended up being more “balanced”, that is, they had a feeling of being lower, so in contrast to the M15, the Questyle dongle ended up with a “bright/cold” sound compared to the Flamingo.
Thank you so much for being here!
Consider follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get all the news!
Here again in my audio hobby journey I come across something different. Dongle goes in and dongle goes out and sometimes I heard very similar or equal sounds, however with the AUNE Flamingo the situation was different. Here, as at the beginning of my journey, I realized once again that the power of amplification can change the sound of some earphones. In fact, the Flamingo isn’t a DAC/AMP that powerful, according to the company it delivers 300mW at 32 Ohms, there are equipment on the market that deliver well over 1W, but what I heard here with it was different from anything I’ve heard before listened with the dongles I was able to test. I explain more in the next paragraph.
So, what happened here at Flamingo together with the company’s own IEM – the AUNE Jasper – was that the sound of the IEM opened up in a very expressive way, the bass, the spatiality, everything became wide. I had never heard this IEM the way I heard it here now. The sound became fuller, with more texture in the bass, even more physically, and with a greater spatial filling. It was certainly a very interesting experience, listening to the same IEM that I already knew, but in a different way. I could say that, from the sound I had heard before to now, the sound became warmer.
During my tests here, the audio quality of the AUNE Flamingo was excellent, for me, the equipment delivers a lot of transparency, definition and no coloration. According to the company, the product is implemented with the DAC chip from ESS, model ES9038Q2M, in addition to other high quality components. I didn’t notice any noise, distortion or strange sound during the time that I was testing the product. The Flamingo follows the quality of the other DAC/AMPs that I have currently tested.
OP-AMP and tube mode. Look, honestly, I didn’t feel any difference between the OP-AMP mode and Tube mode, I made the changes from one mode to the other several times looking for the changes but in fact I particularly couldn’t notice. And so, I don’t think the Flamingo’s sound is more warmer than the other DAC/AMPs I’ve tested just because of the tube, no, for me that sound comes from the power of amplification that the equipment offers (in my opinion).
About the bluetooth, my position is that I didn’t get any sound detriment in relation to the wired connection (USB-B), for me, the sound was presented in the very same way as if I were listening through the cable. I used the LDAC codec, it already handles what I have here from my music library.
Filters. Another resource that Flamingo brings are these sound filters, which are 7 types in all: Apodizing fast, Fast linear, Slow linear, Fast minimum, Slow minimum, Corrected minimum, and Brick wall. Here again I can honestly say that I couldn’t hear any difference between the 7 filters… nothing different for me from one to the other.
Amplification. Here yes I felt a very interesting difference. I did a test with the Tin HiFi P1 and I thought that the Flamingo was able to push this IEM correctly. The interesting thing here is that we don’t have a gain knob, the sound expands as you increase the volume on the potentiometer, so you need to reach volume 80 for the sound to start to stand out. In Tin P1 for example, it only starts to get interesting from 85 to above. There’s a big difference when the volume is below 75, it gets really low. Maybe with a more sensitive IEM this number could be lower, however, with Jasper, it was 70-75-80 volume for it to be ideal (and I listen to music at a medium to low volume). I put the P1 on vol. max. and the sound was really loud, just to test if it would distort the sound, and luckily it didn’t distort, but it’s kind of unthinkable to hear any IEM at that volume.
Comparative. Nowadays I’ve been using the Questyle M15 DAC/AMP Dongle to review the products, it’s a portable device, so this comparison might not be very fair. My thoughts on the “warmer” sound of the Flamingo is precisely in comparison with the sound I hear today with the M15, from what I could see, the Flamingo manages to deliver more full bass than the M15. In terms of spatiality (or soundstage), the Flamingo also manages to deliver a much wide feel to the songs than the M15. With this extra presence in the lower regions, the upper mids of the Jasper ended up being more “balanced”, that is, they had a feeling of being lower, so in contrast to the M15, the Questyle dongle ended up with a “bright/cold” sound compared to the Flamingo.
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Last edited:
TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - Aune Flamingo
The Aune Flamingo has been sent to me directly by Aune in exchange for the publication of this review. They have not made any specific requests and in fact have been quite patient as I received the unit before the end of 2022 and have not had a chance to actually review it until now.
As always, I will do my best to be as sincere and unbiased as humanly possible but it is always good to consider the fact that it has not cost me anything to try this unit.
The official page for the Aune Flamingo can be found here: https://www.aune-store.com/en/aune-flamingo-tube-dac-headphone-amp_110301_1177/
For those located outside Europe, the Flamingo is available on Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCWZR6YN/ref=twister_B0BKQLLQCR
(Non-affiliate link, as always).
Intro…
The first time I saw (and tried) the Flamingo was back in May 2022 at High End Munich. At the time it wasn’t even called the Flamingo and it wasn’t until Aune offered to send me the device that I realized that I had actually seen it before.
The Flamingo is a DAC/Amp combo that offers two different preamplification modes to select between tube and op-amp. While this is not the first time something like this has been done, it is not very common and it is a nice feature to see on a product that is at a very reasonable price point.
The Flamingo is available with or without Bluetooth connectivity and can also be operated via a remote control which is sold separately. The version I have been testing has both BT and the remote control, so I will be mentioning those along the way.
Presentation…
The box that the unit arrives in is a nice bright red with FLAMINGO in large white letters and a simple outline drawing of the device on the top. It is a very simple presentation but is enough to draw attention to itself.
Inside the box we find the Flamingo with the tube already installed, a quick start guide, a USB-A to USB-B cable, a USB-C to USB-B adapter, a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter and the power supply. In my case I also received two Bluetooth antennas and the remote control.
This is plenty to get the Flamingo up and running. While it may sound like something trivial, I appreciate the USB-C to USB-B adapter as it allows me to use some of the cables that I already have in place in certain locations, allowing me to test the Flamingo in multiple locations without much hassle.
Build and aesthetics…
The Flaming is a rather compact device with rounded edges and a nice large and simple to read screen on the front. The tube is recessed into the unit which will save it from the risk of getting knocked and broken (unless something is dropped directly on it from above) and while I wouldn’t recommend stacking things on top of it (tubes get hot), it does mean that it will fit almost anywhere.
The device is well assembled and I like the aesthetics as they are a little different to many other devices, giving it a bit of a unique look.
The screen features white numbers and text, displaying the volume level in a large digits with the input, filter and tube/op amp being displayed to the left. All of this information is easily readable both from a distance and from any angle (within reason of course).
The remote control is also something I am quite fond of. It is completely made of aluminum and is not just another typical remote. It is long and thin, with a single line of buttons down the center, 5 in total, that feel sturdy and respond well. It is a shame that it is not included with every unit but I do understand that not everyone needs/wants a remote.
In general, I am very happy with the build and aesthetics of the Aune Flamingo.
Functionality…
Let’s start off with a look at the layout of connections and controls (well, control really, as there is only one).
On the front there is a 6.35mm unbalanced headphone output to the left of the screen and a large rotary knob on the right. Moving around to the back of the device, we have the RCA analog outputs on the left, followed by a coaxial input (RCA), then the USB-B connector, the connection point for the Bluetooth antenna (in the case of a Bluetooth device), a DC 12V input and a mains on off switch.
The back is self explanatory, connect the analog outputs to an external amplifier or powered speakers if desired, connect the Coax input or the USB input (or both), screw in the antenna (packed separately) and plug in the power supply. Switch the power on and away we go.
The front is even simpler. Connect your headphones to the headphone output and then use the rotary dial for everything else.
Turn the dial to raise or lower volume, press the dial to cycle between USB or Coax input, double press to change between Tube to OpAmp, or hold to enter the filter menu. Once in the filter menu, turn to cycle through the 7 filter options and then press to select.
That is it as far as functionality from the device itself, very simple but even simpler if using the remote control. In this case, the remote has a dedicated button for each function (input, filter, tube/OpAmp) and pressing the corresponding button will cycle through the options. There are then 2 additional buttons, one for vol+ and the other for vol-.
Sound…
Now, let’s get to the part that I find most difficult in the DAC/Amp reviews, explaining the sound while trying to judge if it’s really there or if I am just imagining it
First off, I have to say that the Flamingo sounds good in both modes. I have no complaint as far as sound or performance. It is not overly harsh, it does not seem to bring out any negatives in the overall performance of any of my IEMs or headphones and in general, it is a pleasant sound signature to listen to.
I also need to say that if you are expecting a night and day difference between the Tube and OpAmp mode, you are not going to find it. There are some subtle differences but this is not like switching from a THX amp to a full blown tube amp. In fact, neither mode is going to reach the end of the spectrum that I would place those two different amplifier technologies in. The OpAmp is not overly sterile or clinical and the Tube mode is not overly warm and lush.
What I am trying to convey by this is that, while I may mention differences between the two modes, they are in fact quite similar and some exaggeration may be introduced by my sighted tests (in other words, the screen telling me it is in Tube mode may actually make me hear it more “tubey” than it actually is).
The Tube mode does seem to add a little more warmth in the low end to the ear, yet it doesn’t really. What is happening is that there is a little bit of a roll off into the subbass regions, moving the focus just a little towards the midbass, added to the slight increase of the tube harmonics, this can make things sound just a little warmer and “rounder” in these lower ranges. Again, the fact that it says “Tube” on the screen automatically equals added warmth but in this case there is just a touch of that smoothness in the lower end.
There is also a little more “sparkle” in the higher end when using the OpAmp mode, with Tube mode things are a little more subdued. I noticed this a bit more with planar headphones although that slight hint is still there with dynamics and also IEMs. It is not that Tube mode seems less detailed or rounded off in the treble, there is just a hint more of brilliance.
As far as power, the Flamingo has a fair amount yet I find that it is all located at the top end of the volume control. My listening levels are not really high (as I have mentioned plenty of times in the past) and I found that I was hitting 78 to 80 out of 99 when listening to the Arya v3, yet over 82 started getting too loud very quickly. Even with IEMs I found that I would be turning up way past the point I expected but then it would become too loud if I went just a couple of steps higher. This does limit the volume control range and while it is by no means short on power, I find that there isn’t a huge amount of fine adjustment due to this.
Conclusion…
I think that the Flamingo is a great little piece of equipment at a very reasonable price. It has a good sound, good amount of power and it lets you switch between pure OpAmp and a bit of that tube flavour just with a touch of a button (or two presses without the remote).
The Tube mode is not really that tubey, it is only really a hint and reminds me of something like the P20, where it is still a very clean sound even with tubes in the circuit. However, clean is not to be confused with cold, Find the FLamingo to have a very enjoyable sound for listening to music and I am more than happy to just plug into it an press play.
I do wish that the volume control was better distributed, rather than having most of the power at the top 20% but I think that is really my only complaint. I could say that it would be great to have balanced but I understand it not being balanced as an all in one at this price. Personally I would also like an optical input but the presence of Coaxial is enough, at least we are not only dependent on USB, so I am not going to complain there either.
I guess all I can say is that the Flamingo a good little all in one that will provide a lot of enjoyment on a desk for not a lot of money. What more can I really ask for?
________
As always, this review is also available in Spanish both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) an on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)
The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don't use affiliate links.
The price of the Aune Flamingo is $219 and you can buy it from here.
A Bluetooth version is available for $289 here.
The remote control is sold separately here.
Aune Audio
Aune audio is by now a well established brand that has been devoted to developing desktop and portable audio products such as DACs, digital transports, music players, headphone amplifiers and earphones.
They are committed to the pursuit of superb sound and great user experience while at the same time keeping their prices as friendly as possible.
Aune have lately been releasing new and updated editions of their classic products, like the X1s GT DAC/amp and the X8 18th Anniversary edition DAC which I have already reviewed both and remained impressed by the audio performance and the overall value, especially of the X8.
You can read the related reviews here and here.
Aune Flamingo Tube DAC
The Aune Flamingo is a compact sized DAC/amp with user selectable dual output modes between a tube and an op-amp input stage.
The tube used is a PSVANE ECC82 and is not user replaceable so tube rolling is limited for the adventurous user who has the skills to open up the chassis in order to reach for the tube.
The Flamingo is the 5th generation of the Aune classic tube DAC series that was introduced back in 2014.
At the core of the Flamingo lies the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip that supports decoding up to 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 while an independent crystal oscillator is used for lowering the input jitter.
The use of a tube at the input stage required a complex power supply that should be able to provide 5V/6.3V/3.3V/±9V/±24V rails from an external 12V power adapter while being as compact sized as possible so it took a whole year to research and develop.
High quality components are used throughout the whole circuitry such as WIMA capacitor, Panasonic FK capacitor, COG capacitor, low-ripple LDO and FR PCB material.
Input/outputs and layout
The Flamingo supports coaxial and USB (and OTG) inputs while a Bluetooth version with LDAC and aptX HD support is also available.
The outputs include a 6.35mm headphone jack at the front face and stereo RCA line with variable level at the back where there are also located the DC power input and the on/off switch.
So you can use the Flamingo to listen to your headphones or connect it to an external amplifier or active monitors.
User interface
The Flamingo is very easy to operate through the multifunction rotary knob which is located at the right side of the front face or with the optional remote control.
The menu is pretty simple, the user can only select the digital input, choose one of the seven available low pass filters and switch between the tube or op-amp modes.
A small but clearly visible OLED screen will display the selected digital input, low pass filter, sound mode and the output volume but no incoming sampling rate while there is a sub-menu with the detailed description of the seven low pass filters.
Appearance and build quality
The Flamingo is very compact in size, measuring only 135x101.1x27.1mm it can virtually fit everywhere, you can even carry it with you at vacation or a business trip.
The Flamingo is arc shaped and very well made, it has an aluminum chassis with a plastic insert at the front face that houses the LCD screen and the headphone output so you should be careful not to accidentally scratch it.
The tube is mounted inside the right side of the chassis and is clearly visible from the top, the bottom and the front, glowing beautifully in the dark and being well ventilated.
The unit itself doesn't get very hot but you should avoid touching the tube during operation.
Accessories
The Flamingo comes with a high quality USB cable, a high quality USB type-C to USB adapter, a 3.5 to 6.35mm adapter and a generic switching power supply.
A low noise power supply by Mean Well, like the one included both in the X1s GT and the X8 18th anniversary edition, is really missing.
The slim sized, aluminum remote control is sold separately.
Associated gear
The Flamingo was left playing music for more than 150 hours to make sure that the tube had properly settled down.
Most of the listening was done with the Sennheiser HD660S, Focal Clear Mg and HiFiMan Sundara with pure silver cables made by Lavricables.
The iFi NEO Stream and Silent Angel Munich M1T were used as the digital sources.
Power output and noise
The Flamingo can do 300mW/32Ω so it is powerful enough for driving most of the medium to high sensitivity headphones like the ones mentioned above.
With the Focal Clear Mg I never needed to get past the 75-80/100 of the available volume range.
Both the tube and op-amp modes are noise free at least when it comes to full sized headphones because the tube mode can induce a low level noise to very sensitive earphones but switching to the op-amp mode fixes the issue.
Listening impressions
Op-amp mode
The Flamingo is a very musical and addictive sounding DAC with a mostly organic and natural timbre while it has a flat frequency response and good levels of transparency and insight.
After reviewing both the X1s GT and X8 VIII, and now the Flamingo, it is pretty obvious that there is a consistent "Aune house" sound which aims for more musicality and engagement than raw technicalities and measurements.
These guys know very well what they are doing and it is pretty obvious that they are painstakingly tuning with love and devotion by actually listening rather than measuring.
The sound is full bodied and lush with an analogue-like texture that is full of harmonic wealth and colorful overtones making for a realistic listening experience that is especially enjoyable with genres like classical and jazz.
Still the Flamingo feels at home with everything else you throw at it from EDM to modern pop and rock.
It can do deep bass which is tight and controlled with great layering for the category, mid range is always spacious and well articulated while treble is extended enough with good clarity and a welcomed smoothness.
Surely, the Flamingo is not the last word in transparency and resolution, not the most detailed and refined sounding DAC while it could be more impactful and slamming but honestly most of the time you will find yourself lost in the music rather than seeking for anything else.
Listening to some well recorded symphonic music is the ideal example for showcasing the holographic and well extended soundstage of the Flamingo which might be slightly lacking in positioning accuracy but is very good at communicating the ambience of the recording.
This time I listened to the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert.
Tube mode
Switching to the tube mode I was quite hard pressed to notice any sound differences.
The tube is very conservatively implemented so it will not drastically alter the sound signature of the DAC as it is expressed in the op-amp mode and not imbue it with excessive tube warmness and harmonic saturation nor add extra layers of analogue texture.
The sound perceived differences between the two modes are too subtle and almost exclusively reserved for the upper-mids and treble registers where the tube helps by taking away some digital glare and smoothing out the texture while it adds for a little more relaxed time decay.
Switch back to the op-amp mode and you will find out that the sound is just a bit more clearer and firmer than the tube where it is hazier and looser.
And that's it, some people (including me) might wish for a more drastically intrusive tube implementation but I am sure that the great majority will value this exact discretion which adds a tiny bit of a tube goodness while keeping technicalities and overall sound signature completely intact.
In the end
Albeit the tube implementation being very discreet the Flamingo is still a good entry level and cost effective step into the magic world of the tubes.
Whether you choose the tube or the op-amp mode, the Flamingo is a very addictive sounding DAC with a voicing that primarily aims for timbre realism, enjoyment and sheer musicality.
The Flamingo might not set you under fire but it will certainly keep your nights full with warm music.
Test playlist
Copyright - Petros Laskis 2023.
I didn't receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don't use affiliate links.
The price of the Aune Flamingo is $219 and you can buy it from here.
A Bluetooth version is available for $289 here.
The remote control is sold separately here.
Aune Audio
Aune audio is by now a well established brand that has been devoted to developing desktop and portable audio products such as DACs, digital transports, music players, headphone amplifiers and earphones.
They are committed to the pursuit of superb sound and great user experience while at the same time keeping their prices as friendly as possible.
Aune have lately been releasing new and updated editions of their classic products, like the X1s GT DAC/amp and the X8 18th Anniversary edition DAC which I have already reviewed both and remained impressed by the audio performance and the overall value, especially of the X8.
You can read the related reviews here and here.
Aune Flamingo Tube DAC
The Aune Flamingo is a compact sized DAC/amp with user selectable dual output modes between a tube and an op-amp input stage.
The tube used is a PSVANE ECC82 and is not user replaceable so tube rolling is limited for the adventurous user who has the skills to open up the chassis in order to reach for the tube.
The Flamingo is the 5th generation of the Aune classic tube DAC series that was introduced back in 2014.
At the core of the Flamingo lies the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip that supports decoding up to 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 while an independent crystal oscillator is used for lowering the input jitter.
The use of a tube at the input stage required a complex power supply that should be able to provide 5V/6.3V/3.3V/±9V/±24V rails from an external 12V power adapter while being as compact sized as possible so it took a whole year to research and develop.
High quality components are used throughout the whole circuitry such as WIMA capacitor, Panasonic FK capacitor, COG capacitor, low-ripple LDO and FR PCB material.
Input/outputs and layout
The Flamingo supports coaxial and USB (and OTG) inputs while a Bluetooth version with LDAC and aptX HD support is also available.
The outputs include a 6.35mm headphone jack at the front face and stereo RCA line with variable level at the back where there are also located the DC power input and the on/off switch.
So you can use the Flamingo to listen to your headphones or connect it to an external amplifier or active monitors.
User interface
The Flamingo is very easy to operate through the multifunction rotary knob which is located at the right side of the front face or with the optional remote control.
The menu is pretty simple, the user can only select the digital input, choose one of the seven available low pass filters and switch between the tube or op-amp modes.
A small but clearly visible OLED screen will display the selected digital input, low pass filter, sound mode and the output volume but no incoming sampling rate while there is a sub-menu with the detailed description of the seven low pass filters.
Appearance and build quality
The Flamingo is very compact in size, measuring only 135x101.1x27.1mm it can virtually fit everywhere, you can even carry it with you at vacation or a business trip.
The Flamingo is arc shaped and very well made, it has an aluminum chassis with a plastic insert at the front face that houses the LCD screen and the headphone output so you should be careful not to accidentally scratch it.
The tube is mounted inside the right side of the chassis and is clearly visible from the top, the bottom and the front, glowing beautifully in the dark and being well ventilated.
The unit itself doesn't get very hot but you should avoid touching the tube during operation.
Accessories
The Flamingo comes with a high quality USB cable, a high quality USB type-C to USB adapter, a 3.5 to 6.35mm adapter and a generic switching power supply.
A low noise power supply by Mean Well, like the one included both in the X1s GT and the X8 18th anniversary edition, is really missing.
The slim sized, aluminum remote control is sold separately.
Associated gear
The Flamingo was left playing music for more than 150 hours to make sure that the tube had properly settled down.
Most of the listening was done with the Sennheiser HD660S, Focal Clear Mg and HiFiMan Sundara with pure silver cables made by Lavricables.
The iFi NEO Stream and Silent Angel Munich M1T were used as the digital sources.
Power output and noise
The Flamingo can do 300mW/32Ω so it is powerful enough for driving most of the medium to high sensitivity headphones like the ones mentioned above.
With the Focal Clear Mg I never needed to get past the 75-80/100 of the available volume range.
Both the tube and op-amp modes are noise free at least when it comes to full sized headphones because the tube mode can induce a low level noise to very sensitive earphones but switching to the op-amp mode fixes the issue.
Listening impressions
Op-amp mode
The Flamingo is a very musical and addictive sounding DAC with a mostly organic and natural timbre while it has a flat frequency response and good levels of transparency and insight.
After reviewing both the X1s GT and X8 VIII, and now the Flamingo, it is pretty obvious that there is a consistent "Aune house" sound which aims for more musicality and engagement than raw technicalities and measurements.
These guys know very well what they are doing and it is pretty obvious that they are painstakingly tuning with love and devotion by actually listening rather than measuring.
The sound is full bodied and lush with an analogue-like texture that is full of harmonic wealth and colorful overtones making for a realistic listening experience that is especially enjoyable with genres like classical and jazz.
Still the Flamingo feels at home with everything else you throw at it from EDM to modern pop and rock.
It can do deep bass which is tight and controlled with great layering for the category, mid range is always spacious and well articulated while treble is extended enough with good clarity and a welcomed smoothness.
Surely, the Flamingo is not the last word in transparency and resolution, not the most detailed and refined sounding DAC while it could be more impactful and slamming but honestly most of the time you will find yourself lost in the music rather than seeking for anything else.
Listening to some well recorded symphonic music is the ideal example for showcasing the holographic and well extended soundstage of the Flamingo which might be slightly lacking in positioning accuracy but is very good at communicating the ambience of the recording.
This time I listened to the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert.
Tube mode
Switching to the tube mode I was quite hard pressed to notice any sound differences.
The tube is very conservatively implemented so it will not drastically alter the sound signature of the DAC as it is expressed in the op-amp mode and not imbue it with excessive tube warmness and harmonic saturation nor add extra layers of analogue texture.
The sound perceived differences between the two modes are too subtle and almost exclusively reserved for the upper-mids and treble registers where the tube helps by taking away some digital glare and smoothing out the texture while it adds for a little more relaxed time decay.
Switch back to the op-amp mode and you will find out that the sound is just a bit more clearer and firmer than the tube where it is hazier and looser.
And that's it, some people (including me) might wish for a more drastically intrusive tube implementation but I am sure that the great majority will value this exact discretion which adds a tiny bit of a tube goodness while keeping technicalities and overall sound signature completely intact.
In the end
Albeit the tube implementation being very discreet the Flamingo is still a good entry level and cost effective step into the magic world of the tubes.
Whether you choose the tube or the op-amp mode, the Flamingo is a very addictive sounding DAC with a voicing that primarily aims for timbre realism, enjoyment and sheer musicality.
The Flamingo might not set you under fire but it will certainly keep your nights full with warm music.
Test playlist
Copyright - Petros Laskis 2023.
Introduction
Aune Audio (Wuhan Ao Lai Er Technology Co., Ltd.) is a brand that was founded in 2004 by 6 co-founders, experts in various audio-related fields, such as hardware design, electro-acoustic design, programming, speaker design and tuning.
The first time I tried an Aune product was not so long ago. I borrowed the BU2 portable DAC/Amp, as well as the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon. Of the two models, without comparing them, I was most surprised by the BU2. I liked the sound. Soon after, Aune released this beautiful stationary tube DAC/AMP. It was then that I thought it was the perfect opportunity to own a tube device. In fact, I was very fortunate to be able to receive it for review. The Aune Flamingo has quickly become my primary source connected to my PC. I spend many hours typing at my desk and I like to use stationary sources. Also, connected to my PC via USB, the Flamingo is capable of decoding DSD512 natively, as well as files up to 768kHz/32Bits in PCM. It has a coaxial input and an RCA output. There is a model with a Bluetooth receiver, but I'm not a big fan of this type of audio transmission channel, due to its clear limitations. And yes, the Flamingo is a DAC/Amp with a valve, but it is so versatile that it also has amplification via OpAmps and 7 different filters. It has a 6.35mm SE output, a beautiful front end with an oval OLED screen that displays all information clearly and concisely, in white, and an infinite potentiometer. Its chassis is made of aluminium and has a matching remote control with a spectacular minimalist and very attractive presentation. Let's see what more surprises this great audio device has in store.
As mentioned in the introduction, a Bluetooth model is available. The remote control can be purchased separately. In the links to Amazon, there is an option that includes the Bluetooth model and the remote control.
Specifications
Packaging
The Aune Flamingo comes in an eye-catching square, red box, with a minimalist design of the device on its main side, in white, under the model name. Nothing else. The back of the box is black and its lettering is also white. Only the slogan, the brand name and little else is written on the back. The dimensions of the box are 178x158x95mm. Inside is a card with instructions, following the simplistic line of the product. The Flamigo comes in a whitish protective pouch, protected by a thick black foam rubber mould. Underneath is a black cardboard separating the rest of the accessories at the bottom. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:
The accessory set is sufficient, the remote control is great and so is the gold-plated USB cable. Of particular note is the small USB C to USB B 2.0 adapter. I love the minimalist design of the Flamingo.
Construction and Design
This DAC/AMP has the beauty of simplicity. With a full black aluminium body, fully rounded sides, the window design for viewing the valve and its interior colour, as well as the front, with its OLED display, 6.35mm SE headphone output and matching infinite potentiometer, the Aune Flamingo exudes elegance from all four sides. I don't think there's a more attractive device on my desk, and it's not exactly alone. The OLED display is simple, white-lit, with large text, inside a round-sided rectangle on the left side. At the far end of this side is the headphone output. I miss a balanced output, it would have been the crowning glory of a great device. On the right side there is a circular hole that allows you to see the valve tip, next to the infinite potentiometer on the far right. At the top there is a window that allows you to see the valve from the top. The same window is underneath. The product name is at the top of the display oval, above the headphone output, in subtle white ink. Above it is the Hi-Res Audio logo sticker. On the back are, from left to right, the gold-plated RCA output, the coaxial input, likewise, the USB B input connector, the Bluetooth antenna (in case the device is one), the 12V power input and a convenient on/off switch. This side is assembled by means of two Torx screws.
On the underside, in addition to the valve window, there are 4 rubber feet and a sticker with a linear barcode. And nothing else.
The construction is robust, in black aluminium, as is the remote control.
The internal design is hybrid, valve or OPAmp operated. It is not specified which DAC it uses, but it does highlight that it uses WIMA capacitors, Panasonic FK, C0G and high quality components.
I don't really care about the DAC on this occasion, but I do care about the great sound that the fifth generation of this series of Aune tube devices delivers.
Connectivity
Via USB, the Aune Flamingo is compatible with a PC, a PAD, a smartphone or a DAP via OTG. Via coaxial, it is compatible with a CD transport, streamer, DAP or other devices with this type of output.
As output, the Flamingo can be connected to headphones via its 6.35mm SE output, to active speakers or to devices with RCA audio input.
The Bluetooth edition allows the Flamingo to be used as a receiver, supporting aptX HD or LDAC.
Operativity
Operation is extremely simple. The multi-function potentiometer allows you to increase/decrease the volume. One press selects the input, two presses to change the output from OPA to TUBE, one long press to enter the menu to choose from up to 7 filters. Everything is easier with the remote control, although it doesn't have a long range, just enough for the desktop.
You can switch from tube output to OpAmp output without having to stop the music and without cuts. It's great to be able to see the differences in sound.
It is clear that at high volumes the device gets quite hot, the vacuum valve can burn.
Measures
No load
One aspect that has struck me about the Flamingo is the low voltage at relatively high volume. From 80 to 99 there is a 2.6V difference. That is a lot. The voltage increases in the last few volume steps are very high, almost 2V in the last 9 steps. There is a lot of sensitivity below 60, although there is hardly any voltage. From then on the jumps are big, especially from 80 onwards.
The output at maximum volume using operational amplifier is a little higher:
OPA VOL 99: 3.12V.
15 Ω
Using the TUBE output, maximum volume can be reached without visible distortion. The result of 2.74V and 180mA is a power of 0.5W. Exceptional. The OPA output "only" reaches VOL 98, without visible distortion, giving 2.63V 1kHz.
33 Ω
Using the TUBE output the maximum volume can be reached without visible distortion. 2.85V and 250mW. Very good.
By OPA at VOL 99, the result is 3.15V 1kHz.
100 Ω
Using the TUBE output the maximum volume can be reached without visible distortion. 2.87V and 82mW. Not bad at all
By OPA at VOL 99, the result is 3.13V 1kHz.
Frequency Response
The frequency response in TUBE mode is 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.6dB), which is true in the low range, being, according to my measurements, higher in the high range, being a little more than 1dB at 20kHz. But, of course, my measuring instruments are quite rudimentary.
From the OPA output you can see that there is no drop in the low area, but there is in the high area. To be exact, the same.
The difference between channels is minimal.
You can see that the system is Hi-Res because its bandwidth is from 5Hz to 40kHz.
Output impedance
The output impedance for TUBE is 1.15Ω, while for OPA it is clearly less than 1. Quite good.
Sound
Honestly, I have never tried a tube headphone amplifier before. Everyone will have read about, even tasted for themselves, the distinctive flavour that such amplification offers. But I had actually expected that taste to be more intense, even more recognisable. My surprise was also that the difference between selecting the TUBE output and the OPA output is not that different either. The first thing you can distinguish is that the OPA output is slightly louder and that at the sub-bass end there is no such loss. We are talking about -0.6dB at 20Hz and -0.3dB at 30Hz, which is not much, really. If you think that switching from one mode to the other will result in a considerable bass boost, you can forget about it. The jump in volume can almost be more important than that difference, when switching from TUBE to OPA, while playing a bass-heavy track.
There are also differences in the treble between the two outputs, although the FR is the same between the two, only with this increase in volume. The extra sweetness and smoothness in the reproduction of the TUBE output is clearly perceived in the high notes, which are more rounded and less sharp. From the OPA output there is a superior sparkle, a finer and crisper treble, which reaches a higher point. There is a slightly superior analytical and descriptive ability with OPA, a sharper definition and resolution. But I don't miss anything on TUBE either. In fact, 90% of my use of the Flamingo has been on TUBE, so why have a tube DAC/AMP and not use it?
The low end of the Aune Flamingo only loses a slight rumble in the sub-bass compared to OPA. With TUBE, the bass response is softer and more cushioned, replacing the roughness of OPA with a softer, more elastic surface. This reinforcement of rubberiness by TUBE is appreciated in headphones that are fast and more analytical, achieving a more pleasant and musical response. Although, it is true that the OPA output seems more dynamic, agile and fresh, as well as with more resolution and faster transitions. Bass lines are denser per TUBE and the layering is not as noticeable.
The TUBE media offer a more harmonious and musical presentation. Actually, the Flamingo's ability to sound very appealing, almost charming, very addictive, lies in the execution of the midrange. First, no one should associate the sound of this valve with a sound that is completely warm, dark or lacking in detail. In no way is that the case. It is analogue, yes, but as is my Burson Audio Playmate with OpAmps V6. Even when doing A/B tests between the two, matching volumes and using a quick switch, it's surprising to see how the audio quality is almost the same, and they even have almost the same profile. It is clear that the resemblance between the two is superior for OPA. And although this tube is capable of delivering a good amount of current, the Burson Audio Playmate with OpAmps V6, at high gain, has a higher power reserve. It is not for nothing that this is a more powerful amplifier. And that's when my surprise is even greater, we are talking about a price that is more than double between the two devices and the difference is only in the power.
On the other hand, if you want to gain a little more dynamics, a little more clarity and speed, just switch to OPA, to gain agility in transitions, a little more separation and a more explicit definition. This is noticeable in all ranges, especially in the midrange and treble.
The denser sound in the mids through TUBE and also more cushioned, offers a more homogeneous atmosphere, while the OPA scene is more excited and expansive. The notes tend to rise and escape more through that outlet, while on TUBE everything remains more harmonious and liquid. There is more separation, neatness, definition and resolution through OPA. The slight sensation of a more extended bass towards the LFOs gives you a subtle point of depth that is more elevated than on TUBE, where everything sounds more inoffensive, smooth and rounded.
Conclusion
The Aune Flamingo refers to its sound from both outputs as pure (OPA) and warm (TUBE). I would add that both outputs are very analogue. The op-amps offer a defined sound, with a good level of resolution, cleaner, separate and vivid. While the tube stage adds a component of smoothness, musicality and superior harmonics, which makes this attractive device a very good value for those who want to get into the tube sound, without having to spend a lot of money or even give up the best of a DAC/AMP with operational amplifiers. The ability to instantly switch between TUBE and OPA, while playing music, is totally enviable. As well as being able to enjoy 300mW at 33Ω and 0.5W at 15Ω, which is a power that destroys any dongle, even many portable DAC/AMP for low impedances. Add to this the fact that it is a small powered device, intended for stationary use, but compact and light enough to be transportable, and the result couldn't be better. But, in my opinion, it is the most attractive device I have on my desk, as well as being minimalist and practical. It is definitely my first choice when it comes to listening to music. Possibly because of the enormous appeal of the soft, warm light of its visible valve, the great, simple and elegant design with its rounded sides and the very effective OLED display. Not forgetting, of course, the remote control and the possibility of being used as a Bluetooth receiver. Without a doubt, this is the most distinctive DAC/AMP with the most personality and the best sound you can buy for just over $200.
Earphones Used During Analysis
Ratings
You can read the full review in Spanish here
Aune Audio (Wuhan Ao Lai Er Technology Co., Ltd.) is a brand that was founded in 2004 by 6 co-founders, experts in various audio-related fields, such as hardware design, electro-acoustic design, programming, speaker design and tuning.
The first time I tried an Aune product was not so long ago. I borrowed the BU2 portable DAC/Amp, as well as the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon. Of the two models, without comparing them, I was most surprised by the BU2. I liked the sound. Soon after, Aune released this beautiful stationary tube DAC/AMP. It was then that I thought it was the perfect opportunity to own a tube device. In fact, I was very fortunate to be able to receive it for review. The Aune Flamingo has quickly become my primary source connected to my PC. I spend many hours typing at my desk and I like to use stationary sources. Also, connected to my PC via USB, the Flamingo is capable of decoding DSD512 natively, as well as files up to 768kHz/32Bits in PCM. It has a coaxial input and an RCA output. There is a model with a Bluetooth receiver, but I'm not a big fan of this type of audio transmission channel, due to its clear limitations. And yes, the Flamingo is a DAC/Amp with a valve, but it is so versatile that it also has amplification via OpAmps and 7 different filters. It has a 6.35mm SE output, a beautiful front end with an oval OLED screen that displays all information clearly and concisely, in white, and an infinite potentiometer. Its chassis is made of aluminium and has a matching remote control with a spectacular minimalist and very attractive presentation. Let's see what more surprises this great audio device has in store.
As mentioned in the introduction, a Bluetooth model is available. The remote control can be purchased separately. In the links to Amazon, there is an option that includes the Bluetooth model and the remote control.
Specifications
- USB input: PCM 768kHz/32Bits, DSD512.
- Coaxial Input: PCM 384kHz/24Bits, DoP128.
- Line Output, RCA OPA 2V RMS (max).
- Line Output, RCA TUBE 1.9V RMS (max).
- Line Output, OPA Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.02dB).
- Line Output, TUBE Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.6dB).
- Line Output, THD+N 1kHz OPA: 0.0003% @0dBFS Typ.
- Line Output, THD+N 1kHz TUBE: 0.02% -17dBFS Typ.
- Line Output, Noise Floor OPA: 4µV.
- Line Output, Noise Floor TUBE: 20µV@AES17(20kHz).
- Headphone Output, Maximum Undistorted Output: 45mW@300Ω 0.05%.
- Headphone Output, THD+N 1kHz OPA: 0.0005%.
- Headphone Output, THD+N 1kHz TUBE: 0.035%.
Packaging
The Aune Flamingo comes in an eye-catching square, red box, with a minimalist design of the device on its main side, in white, under the model name. Nothing else. The back of the box is black and its lettering is also white. Only the slogan, the brand name and little else is written on the back. The dimensions of the box are 178x158x95mm. Inside is a card with instructions, following the simplistic line of the product. The Flamigo comes in a whitish protective pouch, protected by a thick black foam rubber mould. Underneath is a black cardboard separating the rest of the accessories at the bottom. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:
- The Aune Flamingo.
- A 12V power supply with European plug.
- One 3.5mm to 6.35mm gold plated adapter.
- A remote control.
- A Torx screwdriver to open the remote control.
- One USB A 2.0 to USB B 2.0 cable, with gold-plated connectors.
- One USB C to USB B 2.0 adapter.
- A branded card.
- Protectors for the RCA outputs.
The accessory set is sufficient, the remote control is great and so is the gold-plated USB cable. Of particular note is the small USB C to USB B 2.0 adapter. I love the minimalist design of the Flamingo.
Construction and Design
This DAC/AMP has the beauty of simplicity. With a full black aluminium body, fully rounded sides, the window design for viewing the valve and its interior colour, as well as the front, with its OLED display, 6.35mm SE headphone output and matching infinite potentiometer, the Aune Flamingo exudes elegance from all four sides. I don't think there's a more attractive device on my desk, and it's not exactly alone. The OLED display is simple, white-lit, with large text, inside a round-sided rectangle on the left side. At the far end of this side is the headphone output. I miss a balanced output, it would have been the crowning glory of a great device. On the right side there is a circular hole that allows you to see the valve tip, next to the infinite potentiometer on the far right. At the top there is a window that allows you to see the valve from the top. The same window is underneath. The product name is at the top of the display oval, above the headphone output, in subtle white ink. Above it is the Hi-Res Audio logo sticker. On the back are, from left to right, the gold-plated RCA output, the coaxial input, likewise, the USB B input connector, the Bluetooth antenna (in case the device is one), the 12V power input and a convenient on/off switch. This side is assembled by means of two Torx screws.
On the underside, in addition to the valve window, there are 4 rubber feet and a sticker with a linear barcode. And nothing else.
The construction is robust, in black aluminium, as is the remote control.
The internal design is hybrid, valve or OPAmp operated. It is not specified which DAC it uses, but it does highlight that it uses WIMA capacitors, Panasonic FK, C0G and high quality components.
I don't really care about the DAC on this occasion, but I do care about the great sound that the fifth generation of this series of Aune tube devices delivers.
Connectivity
Via USB, the Aune Flamingo is compatible with a PC, a PAD, a smartphone or a DAP via OTG. Via coaxial, it is compatible with a CD transport, streamer, DAP or other devices with this type of output.
As output, the Flamingo can be connected to headphones via its 6.35mm SE output, to active speakers or to devices with RCA audio input.
The Bluetooth edition allows the Flamingo to be used as a receiver, supporting aptX HD or LDAC.
Operativity
Operation is extremely simple. The multi-function potentiometer allows you to increase/decrease the volume. One press selects the input, two presses to change the output from OPA to TUBE, one long press to enter the menu to choose from up to 7 filters. Everything is easier with the remote control, although it doesn't have a long range, just enough for the desktop.
You can switch from tube output to OpAmp output without having to stop the music and without cuts. It's great to be able to see the differences in sound.
It is clear that at high volumes the device gets quite hot, the vacuum valve can burn.
Measures
No load
One aspect that has struck me about the Flamingo is the low voltage at relatively high volume. From 80 to 99 there is a 2.6V difference. That is a lot. The voltage increases in the last few volume steps are very high, almost 2V in the last 9 steps. There is a lot of sensitivity below 60, although there is hardly any voltage. From then on the jumps are big, especially from 80 onwards.
PURE TONE TUBE OUTPUT 1kHz
VOL 65: 70mV | VOL 70: 116mV | VOL 75: 200mV | VOL 80: 340mV | VOL 82: 428mV | VOL 84: 537mV | VOL 86: 685mV |
VOL 87: 751mV | VOL 88: 836mV | VOL 90: 1.05V | VOL 91: 1.17V | VOL 92: 1.31V | VOL 93: 1.47V | VOL 94: 1.68V |
VOL 95: 1.85V | VOL 96: 2.06V | VOL 97: 2.31V | VOL 98: 2.63V | VOL 99: 2.95V |
The output at maximum volume using operational amplifier is a little higher:
OPA VOL 99: 3.12V.
15 Ω
Using the TUBE output, maximum volume can be reached without visible distortion. The result of 2.74V and 180mA is a power of 0.5W. Exceptional. The OPA output "only" reaches VOL 98, without visible distortion, giving 2.63V 1kHz.
33 Ω
Using the TUBE output the maximum volume can be reached without visible distortion. 2.85V and 250mW. Very good.
By OPA at VOL 99, the result is 3.15V 1kHz.
100 Ω
Using the TUBE output the maximum volume can be reached without visible distortion. 2.87V and 82mW. Not bad at all
By OPA at VOL 99, the result is 3.13V 1kHz.
Frequency Response
The frequency response in TUBE mode is 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.6dB), which is true in the low range, being, according to my measurements, higher in the high range, being a little more than 1dB at 20kHz. But, of course, my measuring instruments are quite rudimentary.
From the OPA output you can see that there is no drop in the low area, but there is in the high area. To be exact, the same.
The difference between channels is minimal.
You can see that the system is Hi-Res because its bandwidth is from 5Hz to 40kHz.
Output impedance
The output impedance for TUBE is 1.15Ω, while for OPA it is clearly less than 1. Quite good.
Sound
Honestly, I have never tried a tube headphone amplifier before. Everyone will have read about, even tasted for themselves, the distinctive flavour that such amplification offers. But I had actually expected that taste to be more intense, even more recognisable. My surprise was also that the difference between selecting the TUBE output and the OPA output is not that different either. The first thing you can distinguish is that the OPA output is slightly louder and that at the sub-bass end there is no such loss. We are talking about -0.6dB at 20Hz and -0.3dB at 30Hz, which is not much, really. If you think that switching from one mode to the other will result in a considerable bass boost, you can forget about it. The jump in volume can almost be more important than that difference, when switching from TUBE to OPA, while playing a bass-heavy track.
There are also differences in the treble between the two outputs, although the FR is the same between the two, only with this increase in volume. The extra sweetness and smoothness in the reproduction of the TUBE output is clearly perceived in the high notes, which are more rounded and less sharp. From the OPA output there is a superior sparkle, a finer and crisper treble, which reaches a higher point. There is a slightly superior analytical and descriptive ability with OPA, a sharper definition and resolution. But I don't miss anything on TUBE either. In fact, 90% of my use of the Flamingo has been on TUBE, so why have a tube DAC/AMP and not use it?
The low end of the Aune Flamingo only loses a slight rumble in the sub-bass compared to OPA. With TUBE, the bass response is softer and more cushioned, replacing the roughness of OPA with a softer, more elastic surface. This reinforcement of rubberiness by TUBE is appreciated in headphones that are fast and more analytical, achieving a more pleasant and musical response. Although, it is true that the OPA output seems more dynamic, agile and fresh, as well as with more resolution and faster transitions. Bass lines are denser per TUBE and the layering is not as noticeable.
The TUBE media offer a more harmonious and musical presentation. Actually, the Flamingo's ability to sound very appealing, almost charming, very addictive, lies in the execution of the midrange. First, no one should associate the sound of this valve with a sound that is completely warm, dark or lacking in detail. In no way is that the case. It is analogue, yes, but as is my Burson Audio Playmate with OpAmps V6. Even when doing A/B tests between the two, matching volumes and using a quick switch, it's surprising to see how the audio quality is almost the same, and they even have almost the same profile. It is clear that the resemblance between the two is superior for OPA. And although this tube is capable of delivering a good amount of current, the Burson Audio Playmate with OpAmps V6, at high gain, has a higher power reserve. It is not for nothing that this is a more powerful amplifier. And that's when my surprise is even greater, we are talking about a price that is more than double between the two devices and the difference is only in the power.
On the other hand, if you want to gain a little more dynamics, a little more clarity and speed, just switch to OPA, to gain agility in transitions, a little more separation and a more explicit definition. This is noticeable in all ranges, especially in the midrange and treble.
The denser sound in the mids through TUBE and also more cushioned, offers a more homogeneous atmosphere, while the OPA scene is more excited and expansive. The notes tend to rise and escape more through that outlet, while on TUBE everything remains more harmonious and liquid. There is more separation, neatness, definition and resolution through OPA. The slight sensation of a more extended bass towards the LFOs gives you a subtle point of depth that is more elevated than on TUBE, where everything sounds more inoffensive, smooth and rounded.
Conclusion
The Aune Flamingo refers to its sound from both outputs as pure (OPA) and warm (TUBE). I would add that both outputs are very analogue. The op-amps offer a defined sound, with a good level of resolution, cleaner, separate and vivid. While the tube stage adds a component of smoothness, musicality and superior harmonics, which makes this attractive device a very good value for those who want to get into the tube sound, without having to spend a lot of money or even give up the best of a DAC/AMP with operational amplifiers. The ability to instantly switch between TUBE and OPA, while playing music, is totally enviable. As well as being able to enjoy 300mW at 33Ω and 0.5W at 15Ω, which is a power that destroys any dongle, even many portable DAC/AMP for low impedances. Add to this the fact that it is a small powered device, intended for stationary use, but compact and light enough to be transportable, and the result couldn't be better. But, in my opinion, it is the most attractive device I have on my desk, as well as being minimalist and practical. It is definitely my first choice when it comes to listening to music. Possibly because of the enormous appeal of the soft, warm light of its visible valve, the great, simple and elegant design with its rounded sides and the very effective OLED display. Not forgetting, of course, the remote control and the possibility of being used as a Bluetooth receiver. Without a doubt, this is the most distinctive DAC/AMP with the most personality and the best sound you can buy for just over $200.
Earphones Used During Analysis
- NiceHCK F1.
- BQEYZ Winter.
- Dunu Kima.
- KiiBOOM Allure.
- Letshuoer S12 Pro.
- TinHiFi P1 MAX Giant Panda.
- Rose QT9 MK2s.
- Yanyin Aladdin.
- ISN H40.
- TinHiFi T4 Plus
Ratings
- Construction and Design: 91
- Packaging and Accessories: 80
- Connectivity: 70
- Operability: 75
- Sound: 92
- Quality/Price: 90
Aune Audio offered me this model, in exchange for writing an honest review. I want to make it clear that all my opinions written in this review have not been conditioned by this fact, nor will I ever write anything that I do not really think or feel here. I will only write about my personal opinion in relation to the revised product.
You can read the full review in Spanish here
