Aune X8 18th Anniversary Edition
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Introduction
Aune, the brand from China, whose logo reads the same if you turn it 180°, presents its special 18th Anniversary Edition of the X8 DAC Magic. It retains its classic OpAmps interchangeability feature and the 7 filters. In addition, a balanced TRS preamp output has been added. A Bluetooth version is available that supports AAC, LDAC and aptX HD. The X8 XVIII supports high resolution decoding up to 32bit/768k and DSD512. Using FPGA technology researched and developed by Aune engineers, the X8 has purer digital signals, so you get the cleanest sound. It has USB, coaxial and optical inputs. As outputs it offers RCA line or preamplified outputs, as well as a balanced TRS preamp output. As DAC it uses the classic ESS ES9038Q2M from Sabre. Let's see what this versatile desktop DAC is capable of.
Specifications
Packaging
The Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC comes in a relatively large white box, whose dimensions are 248x184x115mm. On the front side is a real picture of the DAC, in its white version. At the top left is the brand logo. At the top right is the Hi-Res Audio logo. A little further down is the model name. At the bottom are all the features of the device, under their corresponding icons/logos. On the back are the modes of use, the brand slogan and a QR code at the bottom. After sliding off the outer cardboard, a black box with silver brand lettering in the centre opens up. Once the lid is lifted, the entire contents are revealed. In the first layer is the DAC, inside a white bag and an instruction card. The second layer contains the rest of the accessories. The complete contents are:
This time, it is not the Bluetooth version and has no antenna. OpAmps can be purchased separately, but this version comes with 4 additional OpAmps.
The packaging is quite complete, well protected. It comes with everything you need to get it working. Tools for OpAmps replacement are appreciated.
Construction and Design
The X8 XVIII Magic DAC is a bit of a departure from the flat-sided rectangular device design. The top face is curved and the sides have a rather large notch in the centre. The surface is rough and matt, the black colour is prone to fingerprints and dust. Overall, though, the appearance is quite sober. On its main face, there is only one multifunction button, for selecting the input source and filters. The brand name and model is in the upper left corner. All text is in white ink. On the right is the potentiometer, which is quite large. Next to it is a plaque identifying the special 18th anniversary edition, with the Roman numerals XVIII in gold. The rear face has, from left to right, the preamp TRS balanced outputs, gold-plated. Preamp RCA outputs, RCA line outputs, all gold-plated. Gold-plated coaxial input, optical input, USB Type-B input, Bluetooth antenna hole, switch and power input. On the bottom is the serial number label, 4 rounded rubber feet and a removable plate, under which the OpAmp is located. There is also a warning sticker to indicate the steps before exchanging the chips.
On the one hand, the system adopted by Aune for the exchange of the OpAmps is faster than many other models, whose outer casing has to be completely removed for this function. Here, the swapping is much quicker and it's a great success in that respect. For my taste, though, there are a couple of drawbacks. One, the lower position. Two, the size of the hole is not big enough to mount the chips in a socket so that the pins do not suffer or so that other types of larger OpAmps can be used, such as the V5i from Burson or those that are mounted on small printed boards, such as the OPA1612 Dual or the OPA1622 Dual. Well, actually, these do fit, if you don't close the board. But it is true that to use larger OpAmps like the Burson V6 or Sparkos, you will have to turn the DAC around, although I don't think that's the best idea.
Internally it uses an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC and FPGA technology developed by Aune, capable of supporting high resolution decoding up to 32bit/768k and DSD512.
Connectivity
The X8 XVIII Magic DAC has USB inputs for connection to a smartphone, PC or other USB-compatible source. It also has coaxial and optical inputs, fully compatible with the Aune X5s. As outputs, it has RCA line outputs and TRS and RCA balanced preamp outputs.
There is a Bluetooth receiver compatible version and it is compatible with AAC, LDAC and aptX HD protocols.
This is more than enough, considering the very low THD+N (1kHz) of 0.00027%. Although I would have liked a 4.4mm balanced fixed line output, which seems to me to be the most standard connection at the moment.
It has ASIO drivers for Windows 7 onwards.
Operativity
The use of this DAC is quite simple. It has a rear switch, a multi-function knob on the front and a large potentiometer on the right, to adjust the volume of the variable output. The potentiometer is quite smooth and provides low resistance, but just enough. The multi-function button allows selection of the input (USB, OPT or COAX), each with an indicator light. A quick press switches between the different inputs. To select a filter from the 7 available, it is necessary to press the button for 2 seconds. The LEDs A, B, C, D, AB, BC or CD will light up to indicate which filter is selected.
If the button is pressed for 4 seconds, each LED will light up consecutively. Release the button to select the current filter.
Frequency Response
Sound
The Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC is a fairly neutral and natural audio device. I feel that it does not expose any artifice to the music and that its sound signature is organic, analogue, descriptive and colourless. Switching OpAmps allows it to slightly spice up the sound, but always within the parameters of neutral musicality. The X8 XVIII Magic DAC allows you to select up to 7 different filters, although their impact on the sound can go almost unnoticed. The change between different OpAmps is more evident than the modifications generated by the filters, but as the change is not completely immediate, we have to rely on our recent auditory memory and first impressions. Still, it is probably the stationary audio device with the fastest OpAmps switching system I have tested.
The X8 XVIII does not have an analytical sound. Sometimes I tend to look for that kind of cooler sensation and I have played with a multitude of OpAmps to find that sound. But I haven't found it. The coolest OpAmp I've used was the LME49720NA. It is a great OpAmp, but here I found it to be very colourless and clean, but without achieving the analytical level I was looking for. The level of detail obtained with this chip is quite high, but its vitality was not very high. So I decided to use all the chips I could get my hands on. In my opinion, the 5532 is too basic for the category of this DAC, so it is best to replace it with superior chips. In that respect, the package that Aune offers for sale, consisting of the OPA2604, MUSES01, LME49720, offers three original OpAmps at a great price. The MUSES01 added a smoother, warmer, more musical, analogue sound. The MUSES02, which I have in my collection, increased this feeling. The bass became very rough, reaching a higher level of texture, as well as a bit more punch in that range. The mids became too silky and I missed a higher level of detail. In a neutral set like this, I was looking for superior descriptiveness and a little more eye-catching detail. I tried Burson Audio V5i and OPA1612 Dual, each with a different flavour, but without finding the blend of descriptive and analytical capability I was looking for. However, when I installed the BB OPA2134PA I found it to be the one that most closely matched the sound I was looking for. This OpAmp blends the cleanliness of the LME49720NA, but without reaching its level of nondescript transparency, with a textural, rough and full-bodied low end capability that offered me an extra measure of enjoyment. After many tests, this BB OPA2134PA has been the OpAmp that has remained, although I do not rule out buying others to continue looking for a higher sound.
Mostly, I have connected the X8 XVIII Magic DAC to my PC, to get the best performance using higher resolution files. As amplifiers I used the ifi Zen CAN and the EarMen ST-Amp. The ifi boosted the softer and warmer sound of the set. I missed some more resolution and definition. This is an extremely musical set, but my preference is for something cooler and more descriptive. The connection to the EarMen ST-Amp is more to my liking, but I must comment that it is not an analytical union either. Both devices are characterised by a high degree of purity and their connection amplifies the neutrality of both. While the connection with the ifi was more organic, with the ST-Amp it is completely colourless and clean. Although the ifi is more powerful overall, its sound is more compressed than with the ST-Amp. It is clear that the ifi limits the potential of the Aune, which is undoubtedly a device that should be exploited with more capable amplifiers, in terms of resolution and definition.
Technical level is one of the features I most appreciate in audio devices. Not that I'm obsessive about it, but I know a lot of the songs in my library very well and when I listen to them I look for those fine details to be there. That's why I've been looking for the OpAmp that would maximise the Aune's resolving power. During that search I realised that this is not an overly technical DAC, but one that exposes detail in a neutral way. It doesn't try to sharpen or thin notes to make them feel more enhanced. It is simply dedicated to exposing reality in a neutral way, even if it is complex. That is how I have come to realise the technical skill that this DAC possesses. It is not based on high analytical skills, but on a rather descriptive interpretation of the musical nature. Instead of exposing micro detail, it relies on highlighting a greater number of them, but without presenting them in a very exposed or overloaded way. In this way, the sound has a tendency to be magnified.
Compared to a more basic DAC in my collection, such as the S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MKII, the footprint of the X8 XVIII is superior, generating a more remarkable physical and corporeal feel. On the other hand, the Sanskrit feels comparatively more congested and intimate, without offering much more detail or resolution. In this respect, the X8 XVIII's scene clearly benefits, reaching a larger and more immersive level, but without getting over the head and maintaining naturalness as the main normal.
In terms of frequency range, as can be seen in the graph, the X8 XVIII is a completely flat output Hi-Res DAC, which shows that it is a neutral device, which does not alter the original sound. It only offers a little flavour depending on the OpAmp installed. Thus, the description of each range is a bit superfluous, as there is no enhancement in any band. The differences are to be found in the expressiveness, descriptiveness, texture, scene size and timbral fidelity of the DAC. It is in this last aspect that the neutral and natural profile of the X8 is exemplified. Try as I might to look for the three feet of the cat, the correctness in this section is remarkable, highlighting, once again, the revealing purity of the device.
Conclusion
To speak of a reference level can be presumptuous, even daring and exaggerated. Because a reference tends to be absolute, the point of comparison with the rest. However, I believe that the hardest task in the audio world is undoubtedly to become a reference at a price level. I'm inclined to think that every brand tries to do this with every device they create. Unless they are deliberately aiming for a different sound, to distance themselves from the competition. But when, from the description of a device's features, the same word is repeated several times, it is undoubtedly because they want to stand out. And in the presentation of the Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC, the term that is repeated most often is pure. Actually, once reviewed, I couldn't say anything different either. This new DAC is so pure, neutral and clean that it is a reference in its price range. Accompanying this sound, Aune has designed a slightly curved looking device, which subtly differentiates itself from its competition. It has included 7 sound filters, a simple, single button operation mode, plus the fastest system for switching OpAmps that I know of. Add to that USB, optical, coaxial inputs, support for Bluetooth AAC, LDAC and aptX HD, RCA line out and TRS balanced pre-out. Basically, what a reference desktop DAC should have.
Earphones and Sources Used During Analysis
Ratings
Purchase Link Europe
Purchase Link US AMAZON Standard
Purchase Link US AMAZON Bluetooth
Purchase Link US AMAZON Op-Amp Set
You can read the full review in Spanish here
Aune, the brand from China, whose logo reads the same if you turn it 180°, presents its special 18th Anniversary Edition of the X8 DAC Magic. It retains its classic OpAmps interchangeability feature and the 7 filters. In addition, a balanced TRS preamp output has been added. A Bluetooth version is available that supports AAC, LDAC and aptX HD. The X8 XVIII supports high resolution decoding up to 32bit/768k and DSD512. Using FPGA technology researched and developed by Aune engineers, the X8 has purer digital signals, so you get the cleanest sound. It has USB, coaxial and optical inputs. As outputs it offers RCA line or preamplified outputs, as well as a balanced TRS preamp output. As DAC it uses the classic ESS ES9038Q2M from Sabre. Let's see what this versatile desktop DAC is capable of.
Specifications
- Product type: DAC.
- Inputs: 1x coaxial, 1x optical, 1x USB-B.
- Bluetooth Optional: AAC, LDAC and aptX HD.
- Outputs: 1x stereo RCA (pre-out), 1x 6.35 mm TRS dual jack (pre-out), 1x stereo RCA (line out).
- Supported sample rates:
USB : PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, DSD up to DSD512.
Coax : PCM up to 24bit 384kHz, DSD DoP up to DoP128
Optical : PCM up to 24bit 192kHz, DSD DoP up to DoP64
- Output level: 2 Vrms.
- Frequency response: 20Hz ~ 20kHz ±0.5dB.
- SNR: 121 dB.
- THD+N (1kHz): 0.00027%.
- Colour: Black, White.
- Dimensions: 145mmx171mmx45mm.
Packaging
The Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC comes in a relatively large white box, whose dimensions are 248x184x115mm. On the front side is a real picture of the DAC, in its white version. At the top left is the brand logo. At the top right is the Hi-Res Audio logo. A little further down is the model name. At the bottom are all the features of the device, under their corresponding icons/logos. On the back are the modes of use, the brand slogan and a QR code at the bottom. After sliding off the outer cardboard, a black box with silver brand lettering in the centre opens up. Once the lid is lifted, the entire contents are revealed. In the first layer is the DAC, inside a white bag and an instruction card. The second layer contains the rest of the accessories. The complete contents are:
- The Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC.
- Instruction card.
- Power supply.
- Power cable.
- USB Type-A to Type-B cable.
- Tweezers to remove the OpAmps.
- Allen key.
- Plastic caps for unused RCA outputs.
- Special edition with 4 OpAmps (LME49720NA, Muses 01, BB OPA2604AP, BB OPA2134PA).
This time, it is not the Bluetooth version and has no antenna. OpAmps can be purchased separately, but this version comes with 4 additional OpAmps.
The packaging is quite complete, well protected. It comes with everything you need to get it working. Tools for OpAmps replacement are appreciated.
Construction and Design
The X8 XVIII Magic DAC is a bit of a departure from the flat-sided rectangular device design. The top face is curved and the sides have a rather large notch in the centre. The surface is rough and matt, the black colour is prone to fingerprints and dust. Overall, though, the appearance is quite sober. On its main face, there is only one multifunction button, for selecting the input source and filters. The brand name and model is in the upper left corner. All text is in white ink. On the right is the potentiometer, which is quite large. Next to it is a plaque identifying the special 18th anniversary edition, with the Roman numerals XVIII in gold. The rear face has, from left to right, the preamp TRS balanced outputs, gold-plated. Preamp RCA outputs, RCA line outputs, all gold-plated. Gold-plated coaxial input, optical input, USB Type-B input, Bluetooth antenna hole, switch and power input. On the bottom is the serial number label, 4 rounded rubber feet and a removable plate, under which the OpAmp is located. There is also a warning sticker to indicate the steps before exchanging the chips.
On the one hand, the system adopted by Aune for the exchange of the OpAmps is faster than many other models, whose outer casing has to be completely removed for this function. Here, the swapping is much quicker and it's a great success in that respect. For my taste, though, there are a couple of drawbacks. One, the lower position. Two, the size of the hole is not big enough to mount the chips in a socket so that the pins do not suffer or so that other types of larger OpAmps can be used, such as the V5i from Burson or those that are mounted on small printed boards, such as the OPA1612 Dual or the OPA1622 Dual. Well, actually, these do fit, if you don't close the board. But it is true that to use larger OpAmps like the Burson V6 or Sparkos, you will have to turn the DAC around, although I don't think that's the best idea.
Internally it uses an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC and FPGA technology developed by Aune, capable of supporting high resolution decoding up to 32bit/768k and DSD512.
Connectivity
The X8 XVIII Magic DAC has USB inputs for connection to a smartphone, PC or other USB-compatible source. It also has coaxial and optical inputs, fully compatible with the Aune X5s. As outputs, it has RCA line outputs and TRS and RCA balanced preamp outputs.
There is a Bluetooth receiver compatible version and it is compatible with AAC, LDAC and aptX HD protocols.
This is more than enough, considering the very low THD+N (1kHz) of 0.00027%. Although I would have liked a 4.4mm balanced fixed line output, which seems to me to be the most standard connection at the moment.
It has ASIO drivers for Windows 7 onwards.
Operativity
The use of this DAC is quite simple. It has a rear switch, a multi-function knob on the front and a large potentiometer on the right, to adjust the volume of the variable output. The potentiometer is quite smooth and provides low resistance, but just enough. The multi-function button allows selection of the input (USB, OPT or COAX), each with an indicator light. A quick press switches between the different inputs. To select a filter from the 7 available, it is necessary to press the button for 2 seconds. The LEDs A, B, C, D, AB, BC or CD will light up to indicate which filter is selected.
If the button is pressed for 4 seconds, each LED will light up consecutively. Release the button to select the current filter.
Frequency Response
Sound
The Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC is a fairly neutral and natural audio device. I feel that it does not expose any artifice to the music and that its sound signature is organic, analogue, descriptive and colourless. Switching OpAmps allows it to slightly spice up the sound, but always within the parameters of neutral musicality. The X8 XVIII Magic DAC allows you to select up to 7 different filters, although their impact on the sound can go almost unnoticed. The change between different OpAmps is more evident than the modifications generated by the filters, but as the change is not completely immediate, we have to rely on our recent auditory memory and first impressions. Still, it is probably the stationary audio device with the fastest OpAmps switching system I have tested.
The X8 XVIII does not have an analytical sound. Sometimes I tend to look for that kind of cooler sensation and I have played with a multitude of OpAmps to find that sound. But I haven't found it. The coolest OpAmp I've used was the LME49720NA. It is a great OpAmp, but here I found it to be very colourless and clean, but without achieving the analytical level I was looking for. The level of detail obtained with this chip is quite high, but its vitality was not very high. So I decided to use all the chips I could get my hands on. In my opinion, the 5532 is too basic for the category of this DAC, so it is best to replace it with superior chips. In that respect, the package that Aune offers for sale, consisting of the OPA2604, MUSES01, LME49720, offers three original OpAmps at a great price. The MUSES01 added a smoother, warmer, more musical, analogue sound. The MUSES02, which I have in my collection, increased this feeling. The bass became very rough, reaching a higher level of texture, as well as a bit more punch in that range. The mids became too silky and I missed a higher level of detail. In a neutral set like this, I was looking for superior descriptiveness and a little more eye-catching detail. I tried Burson Audio V5i and OPA1612 Dual, each with a different flavour, but without finding the blend of descriptive and analytical capability I was looking for. However, when I installed the BB OPA2134PA I found it to be the one that most closely matched the sound I was looking for. This OpAmp blends the cleanliness of the LME49720NA, but without reaching its level of nondescript transparency, with a textural, rough and full-bodied low end capability that offered me an extra measure of enjoyment. After many tests, this BB OPA2134PA has been the OpAmp that has remained, although I do not rule out buying others to continue looking for a higher sound.
Mostly, I have connected the X8 XVIII Magic DAC to my PC, to get the best performance using higher resolution files. As amplifiers I used the ifi Zen CAN and the EarMen ST-Amp. The ifi boosted the softer and warmer sound of the set. I missed some more resolution and definition. This is an extremely musical set, but my preference is for something cooler and more descriptive. The connection to the EarMen ST-Amp is more to my liking, but I must comment that it is not an analytical union either. Both devices are characterised by a high degree of purity and their connection amplifies the neutrality of both. While the connection with the ifi was more organic, with the ST-Amp it is completely colourless and clean. Although the ifi is more powerful overall, its sound is more compressed than with the ST-Amp. It is clear that the ifi limits the potential of the Aune, which is undoubtedly a device that should be exploited with more capable amplifiers, in terms of resolution and definition.
Technical level is one of the features I most appreciate in audio devices. Not that I'm obsessive about it, but I know a lot of the songs in my library very well and when I listen to them I look for those fine details to be there. That's why I've been looking for the OpAmp that would maximise the Aune's resolving power. During that search I realised that this is not an overly technical DAC, but one that exposes detail in a neutral way. It doesn't try to sharpen or thin notes to make them feel more enhanced. It is simply dedicated to exposing reality in a neutral way, even if it is complex. That is how I have come to realise the technical skill that this DAC possesses. It is not based on high analytical skills, but on a rather descriptive interpretation of the musical nature. Instead of exposing micro detail, it relies on highlighting a greater number of them, but without presenting them in a very exposed or overloaded way. In this way, the sound has a tendency to be magnified.
Compared to a more basic DAC in my collection, such as the S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MKII, the footprint of the X8 XVIII is superior, generating a more remarkable physical and corporeal feel. On the other hand, the Sanskrit feels comparatively more congested and intimate, without offering much more detail or resolution. In this respect, the X8 XVIII's scene clearly benefits, reaching a larger and more immersive level, but without getting over the head and maintaining naturalness as the main normal.
In terms of frequency range, as can be seen in the graph, the X8 XVIII is a completely flat output Hi-Res DAC, which shows that it is a neutral device, which does not alter the original sound. It only offers a little flavour depending on the OpAmp installed. Thus, the description of each range is a bit superfluous, as there is no enhancement in any band. The differences are to be found in the expressiveness, descriptiveness, texture, scene size and timbral fidelity of the DAC. It is in this last aspect that the neutral and natural profile of the X8 is exemplified. Try as I might to look for the three feet of the cat, the correctness in this section is remarkable, highlighting, once again, the revealing purity of the device.
Conclusion
To speak of a reference level can be presumptuous, even daring and exaggerated. Because a reference tends to be absolute, the point of comparison with the rest. However, I believe that the hardest task in the audio world is undoubtedly to become a reference at a price level. I'm inclined to think that every brand tries to do this with every device they create. Unless they are deliberately aiming for a different sound, to distance themselves from the competition. But when, from the description of a device's features, the same word is repeated several times, it is undoubtedly because they want to stand out. And in the presentation of the Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC, the term that is repeated most often is pure. Actually, once reviewed, I couldn't say anything different either. This new DAC is so pure, neutral and clean that it is a reference in its price range. Accompanying this sound, Aune has designed a slightly curved looking device, which subtly differentiates itself from its competition. It has included 7 sound filters, a simple, single button operation mode, plus the fastest system for switching OpAmps that I know of. Add to that USB, optical, coaxial inputs, support for Bluetooth AAC, LDAC and aptX HD, RCA line out and TRS balanced pre-out. Basically, what a reference desktop DAC should have.
Earphones and Sources Used During Analysis
- ifi Zen Can.
- EarMen ST-Amp.
- Hidizs MS5.
- KiiBOOM Evoke.
- KiiBOOM Allure.
- TKZK Ouranos.
- Kinera Celest Pandamon.
- TinHiFi T4 Plus.
- Dunu Kima.
- Letshuoer S12 PRO.
- NiceHCK F1.
- BQEYZ Winter.
- Rose QT9 MK2s.
- ISN H40.
- Yanyin Aladdin.
- Penon Globe.
- Rose Martini.
Ratings
- Construction and Design: 85
- Packaging and Accessories: 90
- Connectivity: 88
- Operability: 80
- Sound: 93
- Quality/Price: 93
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.
Purchase Link Europe
Purchase Link US AMAZON Standard
Purchase Link US AMAZON Bluetooth
Purchase Link US AMAZON Op-Amp Set
You can read the full review in Spanish here
cqtek
I left it with the lid open.
The review sample was kindly provided by Aune Audio 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 X8 18th Anniversary edition is $299 (without Bluetooth) and you can buy it from Amazon.
The Bluetooth version is $329 and you can order it from Amazon.
The op-amp set is an extra $39 and you can also order it from Amazon.
Aune audio
Aune audio is by now a well known brand that has been devoted to developing desktop and portable audio products such as DACs, digital transports, music players, headphone amplifiers and related gear.
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 some of their classic products, like the X1s GT which is a superb sounding device as you can find out by reading the following review.
Aune Audio X8 18th Anniversary Edition
The X8 XVIII is the special edition of the well known X8 for the company's 18th anniversary.
It features an interchangeable op-amp design which allows the user to easily change the output op-amp and search for the sound of his liking.
The X8 XVIII is compatible with all kinds of dual op-amps but it will not fit discrete designs, like the Burson Audio op-amps, because the socket is located at the bottom of the chassis.
Of course this decision was cleverly made in order to allow for easy op-amp rolling without the need to open the chassis.
The DAC chip used is the ESS ES9038Q2M, the same as in the X1s GT.
For the X8 XVIII Aune opted for a FPGA core design that supports high-resolution decoding up to 32bit/768k and DSD512 but not MQA.
Using the FPGA technology researched and developed by the Aune engineers, the X8 has purer digital signals, and you get the purest possible sound.
The coaxial input supports up to PCM 384k and DSD128 so you can pair it with a digital transport/player without the need for a PC.
The X8 XVIII besides the RCA preamp and RCA line outputs also has a dual TRS balanced preamp out.
The X8 XVIII is also available with a Bluetooth receiver that supports the aptX HD and LDAC codecs.
Design and build quality
The X8 VIII inherits the signature "Arc shaped" design of the "X" series in a full aluminium CNC machined chassis.
The unit is compact and it will fit into the most cramped desktops while it can be stacked together with other "X" series products like the X7s class-A balanced headphone amplifier.
Build quality is just excellent, the chassis is sturdy and well made with a black matte finish that looks very beautiful but it can be easily stained with greasy fingertips.
I/O and user interface
At the left side of the front face there is a function button followed by seven indicator LEDs in a row.
At the far right, an oversized aluminum knob is used for controlling the preamp output level.
Single pressing the function button will cycle through the digital inputs while a longer press is used to select the desired low-pass filter.
There are seven low-pass filters available: Linear phase fast roll-off, Linear phase slow roll-off, Minimum phase fast roll-off, Minimum phase slow roll-off, Apodizing fast roll-off, Hybrid fast roll-off and Brick wall.
The selected digital input is displayed by a corresponding LED but the low-pass filter is displayed by means of four LEDs marked A to D and their combinations so you have to memorize the correspondence.
As an example, when the Brick wall filter is selected then the C and D LEDs are simultaneously lit.
Input sampling rate and lock status are not displayed at all.
At the back of the chassis you will find the power switch, the DC power input, USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs, RCA and TRS preamp outputs, the RCA line output and the optional Bluetooth antenna.
The Aune X8 VIII is powered by an external DC power adapter which is a high quality, low-noise power adapter from Mean Well.
Accessories
Except for the power adapter you also get a USB cable, a quick start guide, a Bluetooth antenna for the wireless version and a set of op-amps together with tweezers if you have ordered the op-amp version.
Listening impressions
The X8 VIII was left playing music for about 150 hours with the stock op-amp installed.
Most of the listening was done with the stock op-amp and then I have tested all the others.
Two headphone amplifiers were mostly used, the SMSL HO100 and the Schiit Vali 2+ together with a great variety of headphones, including the Sennheiser HD660S/650, HiFiMan Sundara and Focal Clear Mg.
All headphone cables are from pure silver made by Lavricables.
The sound quality is unexpectedly impressive for the category, the X8 VIII is an excellent sounding DAC without even considering the low price tag.
I have tested numerous DACs that use the ES9038Q2M DAC chip and I wouldn't be exaggerating at all by saying that the only better I can think of is the six times more expensive Musical Fidelity M6x!
From the first listening sessions it became pretty apparent that the sound engineers must have spent a great deal of time fine tuning the X8 VIII.
This is by no means the usual "off the shelf" implementation where you just throw a couple of op-amps and get the job done.
The X8 VIII is musical, engaging, enjoyable and deeply expressive with an organic sound signature pretty much rarely found in similarly priced DACs.
The timbre is amazingly natural and realistic, all instruments sound with the correct tonality and plenty of harmonic wealth while overtones are reproduced very convincingly.
With all kinds of music that I have tested, the X8 VIII displayed an excellent level of sentimental involvement and the most addictive characteristics with a welcomed absence of digital artifacts.
As an example I very much enjoyed listening to the following recording of Mozart's piano concertos, played at a period instrument where the X8 VIII did an excellent job in correctly reproducing the diverse sonorities of this unique instrument.
At the same time the X8 VIII is crystal clean, transparent and completely silent, it resolves well and is not that lacking in detail retrieval and fidelity when compared with the more expensive competition.
The soundstage is expansive and grand sized, holographic and immersive, especially with certain of the extra op-amps, and it will not by any means bottleneck your amplifier and headphones.
There are no tonal shifts or any kind of frequency manipulation, the frequency response is absolutely linear and neutral.
No sharpness, no shouting mids, no bleeding mid-bass, no harsh and treble forward sound, no listener fatigue with this DAC.
The bass is tight, controlled and impactful, dynamic contrast is stellar, sound field is deep enough, imaging is precise and articulation is of the finest quality.
Something else that stands apart is that the overall texture is weighty and full bodied, this is not the usual lean sounding ESS DAC.
Now, I wouldn't like to sound like this is the end game DAC that surpasses all others in performance, there are certainly better sounding ones with superior technicalities, finer quality and much more realistic timbre but for the category, the X8 VIII is really a winner.
Op-amp galore
The op-amp rolling kit comes with five of the most famous op-amps, the "crème de la crème" of the market.
You get the Muses 01, OPA2134, JRC5532, OPA2604 and LME49720, together with all the necessary tools to start rolling for your favorite sound.
Rolling is pretty easy:
First of all you have to power off the X8 VIII and unplug it from the mains.
Then in order to access the op-amp socket you have to unscrew the small lid underneath the chassis with the aid of the supplied hex key and you are ready to start rolling.
Carefully unplug the installed op-amp with the included tweezers and then even more carefully plug the op-amp of your choice paying special attention not to bend the pins.
I have tested all the included op-amps, each one offered a slightly different sound shaping that it would take too long to describe in detail and would spoil the rolling surprise.
Don't expect night and day differences, we are talking about fine tuning the sound rather than altering the basic sound signature of the X8 VIII.
One op-amp sounded more detailed and clean, the other opened up and sharpened the treble while another one offered a more lush mid-range or better holography.
All of them sounded very interesting and were worthwhile exploring but my quest for the perfect sound ended after I installed the MUSES 01.
This is an old time favorite of mine and I have to admit that I am a little biased but I liked the sound so much that I completely forgot about the others.
This op-amp is the timbre master, more natural, realistic and organic, very musical sounding, slightly warm with a holographic soundstage, it is almost impossible not to like it.
The X8 VIII with the op-amp kit is slightly more expensive than the plain version but I would strongly suggest buying this one because it simply offers great fun.
The only negative I can think of, is that there is a great chance to become an op-amp junkie and spend most of your time rolling rather than actually listening to music!
Against the competition
I have tested the X8 VIII against a bunch of some really good sounding DAC/amps of the same category, like the FiiO K5 Pro, SMSL DO100 and DO200, Topping DX5, YULONG Aurora and Aune X1S GT.
Leaving aside some extra functions or the inclusion of a headphone amplifier or not and judging by sound performance alone, some of them offered a more technical performance, some others sounded really good and somewhat different than the X8 VIII but in the end of the day no one surpassed the X8 VIII in timbre realism and musicality, at least as far as I am concerned.
In the end
Plain and simple, the Aune X8 VIII is one of the best sounding DACs you can buy without spending a fortune.
It has excellent build quality and it is exceptionally well tuned with an utterly musical and natural sound signature that makes it stand apart in a market mostly crowded with "all sound the same" DACs.
Add the op-amp rolling friendly design which allows for further personalization of the sound and it is pretty obvious why the Aune X8 VIII is a clear winner and more than highly recommended.
After reading the review you will not be surprised to find out that the Aune Audio X8 VIII has became my new reference mid-range DAC.
Test playlist
Copyright - Petros Laskis 2022.
I didn't receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don't use affiliate links.
The price of the X8 18th Anniversary edition is $299 (without Bluetooth) and you can buy it from Amazon.
The Bluetooth version is $329 and you can order it from Amazon.
The op-amp set is an extra $39 and you can also order it from Amazon.
Aune audio
Aune audio is by now a well known brand that has been devoted to developing desktop and portable audio products such as DACs, digital transports, music players, headphone amplifiers and related gear.
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 some of their classic products, like the X1s GT which is a superb sounding device as you can find out by reading the following review.
Aune Audio X8 18th Anniversary Edition
The X8 XVIII is the special edition of the well known X8 for the company's 18th anniversary.
It features an interchangeable op-amp design which allows the user to easily change the output op-amp and search for the sound of his liking.
The X8 XVIII is compatible with all kinds of dual op-amps but it will not fit discrete designs, like the Burson Audio op-amps, because the socket is located at the bottom of the chassis.
Of course this decision was cleverly made in order to allow for easy op-amp rolling without the need to open the chassis.
The DAC chip used is the ESS ES9038Q2M, the same as in the X1s GT.
For the X8 XVIII Aune opted for a FPGA core design that supports high-resolution decoding up to 32bit/768k and DSD512 but not MQA.
Using the FPGA technology researched and developed by the Aune engineers, the X8 has purer digital signals, and you get the purest possible sound.
The coaxial input supports up to PCM 384k and DSD128 so you can pair it with a digital transport/player without the need for a PC.
The X8 XVIII besides the RCA preamp and RCA line outputs also has a dual TRS balanced preamp out.
The X8 XVIII is also available with a Bluetooth receiver that supports the aptX HD and LDAC codecs.
Design and build quality
The X8 VIII inherits the signature "Arc shaped" design of the "X" series in a full aluminium CNC machined chassis.
The unit is compact and it will fit into the most cramped desktops while it can be stacked together with other "X" series products like the X7s class-A balanced headphone amplifier.
Build quality is just excellent, the chassis is sturdy and well made with a black matte finish that looks very beautiful but it can be easily stained with greasy fingertips.
I/O and user interface
At the left side of the front face there is a function button followed by seven indicator LEDs in a row.
At the far right, an oversized aluminum knob is used for controlling the preamp output level.
Single pressing the function button will cycle through the digital inputs while a longer press is used to select the desired low-pass filter.
There are seven low-pass filters available: Linear phase fast roll-off, Linear phase slow roll-off, Minimum phase fast roll-off, Minimum phase slow roll-off, Apodizing fast roll-off, Hybrid fast roll-off and Brick wall.
The selected digital input is displayed by a corresponding LED but the low-pass filter is displayed by means of four LEDs marked A to D and their combinations so you have to memorize the correspondence.
As an example, when the Brick wall filter is selected then the C and D LEDs are simultaneously lit.
Input sampling rate and lock status are not displayed at all.
At the back of the chassis you will find the power switch, the DC power input, USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs, RCA and TRS preamp outputs, the RCA line output and the optional Bluetooth antenna.
The Aune X8 VIII is powered by an external DC power adapter which is a high quality, low-noise power adapter from Mean Well.
Accessories
Except for the power adapter you also get a USB cable, a quick start guide, a Bluetooth antenna for the wireless version and a set of op-amps together with tweezers if you have ordered the op-amp version.
Listening impressions
The X8 VIII was left playing music for about 150 hours with the stock op-amp installed.
Most of the listening was done with the stock op-amp and then I have tested all the others.
Two headphone amplifiers were mostly used, the SMSL HO100 and the Schiit Vali 2+ together with a great variety of headphones, including the Sennheiser HD660S/650, HiFiMan Sundara and Focal Clear Mg.
All headphone cables are from pure silver made by Lavricables.
The sound quality is unexpectedly impressive for the category, the X8 VIII is an excellent sounding DAC without even considering the low price tag.
I have tested numerous DACs that use the ES9038Q2M DAC chip and I wouldn't be exaggerating at all by saying that the only better I can think of is the six times more expensive Musical Fidelity M6x!
From the first listening sessions it became pretty apparent that the sound engineers must have spent a great deal of time fine tuning the X8 VIII.
This is by no means the usual "off the shelf" implementation where you just throw a couple of op-amps and get the job done.
The X8 VIII is musical, engaging, enjoyable and deeply expressive with an organic sound signature pretty much rarely found in similarly priced DACs.
The timbre is amazingly natural and realistic, all instruments sound with the correct tonality and plenty of harmonic wealth while overtones are reproduced very convincingly.
With all kinds of music that I have tested, the X8 VIII displayed an excellent level of sentimental involvement and the most addictive characteristics with a welcomed absence of digital artifacts.
As an example I very much enjoyed listening to the following recording of Mozart's piano concertos, played at a period instrument where the X8 VIII did an excellent job in correctly reproducing the diverse sonorities of this unique instrument.
At the same time the X8 VIII is crystal clean, transparent and completely silent, it resolves well and is not that lacking in detail retrieval and fidelity when compared with the more expensive competition.
The soundstage is expansive and grand sized, holographic and immersive, especially with certain of the extra op-amps, and it will not by any means bottleneck your amplifier and headphones.
There are no tonal shifts or any kind of frequency manipulation, the frequency response is absolutely linear and neutral.
No sharpness, no shouting mids, no bleeding mid-bass, no harsh and treble forward sound, no listener fatigue with this DAC.
The bass is tight, controlled and impactful, dynamic contrast is stellar, sound field is deep enough, imaging is precise and articulation is of the finest quality.
Something else that stands apart is that the overall texture is weighty and full bodied, this is not the usual lean sounding ESS DAC.
Now, I wouldn't like to sound like this is the end game DAC that surpasses all others in performance, there are certainly better sounding ones with superior technicalities, finer quality and much more realistic timbre but for the category, the X8 VIII is really a winner.
Op-amp galore
The op-amp rolling kit comes with five of the most famous op-amps, the "crème de la crème" of the market.
You get the Muses 01, OPA2134, JRC5532, OPA2604 and LME49720, together with all the necessary tools to start rolling for your favorite sound.
Rolling is pretty easy:
First of all you have to power off the X8 VIII and unplug it from the mains.
Then in order to access the op-amp socket you have to unscrew the small lid underneath the chassis with the aid of the supplied hex key and you are ready to start rolling.
Carefully unplug the installed op-amp with the included tweezers and then even more carefully plug the op-amp of your choice paying special attention not to bend the pins.
I have tested all the included op-amps, each one offered a slightly different sound shaping that it would take too long to describe in detail and would spoil the rolling surprise.
Don't expect night and day differences, we are talking about fine tuning the sound rather than altering the basic sound signature of the X8 VIII.
One op-amp sounded more detailed and clean, the other opened up and sharpened the treble while another one offered a more lush mid-range or better holography.
All of them sounded very interesting and were worthwhile exploring but my quest for the perfect sound ended after I installed the MUSES 01.
This is an old time favorite of mine and I have to admit that I am a little biased but I liked the sound so much that I completely forgot about the others.
This op-amp is the timbre master, more natural, realistic and organic, very musical sounding, slightly warm with a holographic soundstage, it is almost impossible not to like it.
The X8 VIII with the op-amp kit is slightly more expensive than the plain version but I would strongly suggest buying this one because it simply offers great fun.
The only negative I can think of, is that there is a great chance to become an op-amp junkie and spend most of your time rolling rather than actually listening to music!
Against the competition
I have tested the X8 VIII against a bunch of some really good sounding DAC/amps of the same category, like the FiiO K5 Pro, SMSL DO100 and DO200, Topping DX5, YULONG Aurora and Aune X1S GT.
Leaving aside some extra functions or the inclusion of a headphone amplifier or not and judging by sound performance alone, some of them offered a more technical performance, some others sounded really good and somewhat different than the X8 VIII but in the end of the day no one surpassed the X8 VIII in timbre realism and musicality, at least as far as I am concerned.
In the end
Plain and simple, the Aune X8 VIII is one of the best sounding DACs you can buy without spending a fortune.
It has excellent build quality and it is exceptionally well tuned with an utterly musical and natural sound signature that makes it stand apart in a market mostly crowded with "all sound the same" DACs.
Add the op-amp rolling friendly design which allows for further personalization of the sound and it is pretty obvious why the Aune X8 VIII is a clear winner and more than highly recommended.
After reading the review you will not be surprised to find out that the Aune Audio X8 VIII has became my new reference mid-range DAC.
Test playlist
Copyright - Petros Laskis 2022.
Scrufboy
The Sparkos SS2590 dual pro is a massive game changer! I moved from the SS3602 to the Burson V6 Vivid and now the SS2590 dual pro... Coupled with the XP2 and an inline 9V supercapacitor bank.... All I can say is Wow!
Ichos
I only wish that the op-amp socket was at the top!
Scrufboy
Yeah, I solved this though. Well, I have a workaround...
I'm using ASHATA 8 Pcs 30x20mm Rubber Feet Anti-Vibration Base Pad Stand for Speaker Guitar Amplifier (paste this into Amazon search) adhered with Gorilla double sided tape. I just removed the Aune's original feet.
As for mounting and protecting the massive SS2590 dual pro... I have another solution for that using. Zulkit 5Pcs Project Boxes ABS Plastic Electrical Project Case Power Junction Box Black 2.40 x 1.41 x 0.98 inch (61 x 36 x 25 mm)
Slight modifications allow for using this as the actual back right leg/foot on the Aune. I'll be posting soon on the other X8 XVIII thread.
I'm using ASHATA 8 Pcs 30x20mm Rubber Feet Anti-Vibration Base Pad Stand for Speaker Guitar Amplifier (paste this into Amazon search) adhered with Gorilla double sided tape. I just removed the Aune's original feet.
As for mounting and protecting the massive SS2590 dual pro... I have another solution for that using. Zulkit 5Pcs Project Boxes ABS Plastic Electrical Project Case Power Junction Box Black 2.40 x 1.41 x 0.98 inch (61 x 36 x 25 mm)
Slight modifications allow for using this as the actual back right leg/foot on the Aune. I'll be posting soon on the other X8 XVIII thread.
https://hiendportable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Aune-X8-XVIII-Magic-DAC-On-Off.mp4