Introduction
One of the very first headphone amps I ever owned was the Aune T1. The hybrid solid state/tube sound was my introduction into Tube amps and helped give me a better understanding of how DACs and Amps worked. I was able to experience the difference between a normal computer or phone output compared to what a DAC and amp could do. Switching between tubes changed the sound even further.
The build and sound quality of the T1 was very good and something I wasn’t expecting for such an affordable price. I became an Aune fan right after that.
I was lucky enough to participate in the S6 review tour, and here are my impressions.
NOTE* I spent a little less than a week with the unit due to shipping issues, so my experience and review will be a bit abbreviated.
REVIEW
SPECIFICATIONS:
White TFT display
DAC: AK4495S
Natively recognized on Mac OS and Linux without drivers
Bitperfect: Wasapi / Asio for Microsoft XP to Win10
Inputs: 1x Optical Toslink, 1x Coaxial, 1x USB B and 1x AES / EBU
Decoding up to 32bit / 384kHz (USB) via XMOS interface and 24bit / 192kHz for other digital inputs
DSD native support (DSD64 (DOP / native), DSD128 (DOP)
Support for DXD 32bit 384khz
Digital isolation of USB and Coaxial inputs
2x high precision clocks
Shielded transformer
Stereo analog outputs on RCA and XLR
Balanced 4-pin XLR headphone output
Headphone output asymmetrical 6.35mm jack
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Bandwidth: 20hz to 20khz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.0008% to 1khz
Dynamic capacity: 116dB
Crosstalk: -132dB
Output voltage (RCA): 2 Vrms
Output Voltage (XLR): 4.2Vrms
POWER OUTPUT:
Symmetric output port: 246mW @ 300ohm
Asymmetric Output Port: 72mW @ 300ohm
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Selecting sources by pushbutton
Volume control for helmet with notched potentiometer
Chassis Aluminum Black anti-oxidation treated
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS:
Housing dimensions: 288 x 211 x 63mm
Weight: 3kg
Design
Aune went with an interesting design choice on the S6. The top of the S6 is curved, which looks unique compared to many desktop DAC/Amps, but makes stacking of other audio equipment very difficult. I use an LH Labs LPS power supply to filter my USB connection, and it could not be safely stacked atop the S6. For those willing to spend $500+ on their desktop setup, you would expect them to have other audio devices. I can’t say I’m a fan of that design choice, as I can’t even put a headphone stand on top to save desk space.
The casing is made of a sturdy matte black Aluminum. Based on the material, the case doesn’t quite look or feel as premium as it could be. When I think of a good use of Aluminum, I think along the lines of the older iPhones. The way it is used on the S6 feels more utilitarian in design, lacking that sexy look and feel of a more premium device.
Another knock on the design is the volume knob. It feels a bit cheap in the way it clicks between volume notches. It does make things a bit more precise, but also more annoying. Pushing the button in for different modes seemed a bit imprecise, but it got the job done.
The LCD screen is a nice touch, showing exactly what info is needed on screen with no frills.
I do like the 4-pin XLR front jack and 6.35mm single ended input up front for ease of use.
The back includes dual XLR, RCA, AES, optical, coax, and a USB input. Just about any input and output type is available.
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
Aune S6
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity (Balanced)
Axon 7
Asrock Fatality amped onboard DAC/amp
Music used for testing
Metal, EDM, Classic Rock, Acoustic, Top 40, Rap, anything that shuffles up.
Sound Signature
AKM DACs tend to be on the warmer side, and the 4495 used in the S6 is no exception. Compared to the many ESS Sabre DACs I have owned, the 4495 trades a little less sparkle and treble for a satisfying warmth. Those that find Sabre DACs a bit too bright will enjoy the S6’s sound. Soundstage, resolution, imaging is all there depending on how good your headphone/IEM is. The S6 won’t hold it back.
Power
There is an abundance of power on hand running Balanced on the S6. You get an easy 1 Watt of power at 32 ohm with a THD of .001 at 1khz. That is a strong amount of clean, distortion free power. The S6 can handle nearly any headphone you throw at it, including 600 ohm sets and most Planar Magnetic headphones. Only the most difficult Planars and headphones will have some trouble (like the HE-6). If you truly need that extra bit of power, Aune offers the S7 balanced amp that can be added (at nearly the same price of the S6 itself)
Conclusion
DSD capable, powerful Balanced desktop DAC/Amp combos used to easily cost in the $1000+ range, but we have started to see units like the S6 and Schiit Jotunheim in the $500 range. This is a stellar achievement in Headphone audio, as running Balanced really does give that extra bit of clean sound anyone can appreciate.
So should you get the S6 or Jotunheim? I can say it is much easier to purchase the Jotunheim in the US. Aune seems to not have many distributors that I can find selling the S6 compared to its other products. You can buy the S6 from Aune directly at http://mall.auneaudio.com/ though.
I can’t say that the Jotunheim is truly better though based on specs. Schiit doesn’t show comparable THD numbers per mW, so it is tough to judge what seems to be power in favor of the Jotunheim. The Jot is also a little cheaper and made in the US.
The 4495 may outperform the dual 4490’s, but I cannot say for sure until I listen to the Jot. I don’t think you could go wrong with either setup
If I didn’t already own the Pulse X Infinity, I would have purchased the S6 myself. Well done Aune.
Score 4.5/5.0 (I can't seem to get this to show)
One of the very first headphone amps I ever owned was the Aune T1. The hybrid solid state/tube sound was my introduction into Tube amps and helped give me a better understanding of how DACs and Amps worked. I was able to experience the difference between a normal computer or phone output compared to what a DAC and amp could do. Switching between tubes changed the sound even further.
The build and sound quality of the T1 was very good and something I wasn’t expecting for such an affordable price. I became an Aune fan right after that.
I was lucky enough to participate in the S6 review tour, and here are my impressions.
NOTE* I spent a little less than a week with the unit due to shipping issues, so my experience and review will be a bit abbreviated.
REVIEW
SPECIFICATIONS:
White TFT display
DAC: AK4495S
Natively recognized on Mac OS and Linux without drivers
Bitperfect: Wasapi / Asio for Microsoft XP to Win10
Inputs: 1x Optical Toslink, 1x Coaxial, 1x USB B and 1x AES / EBU
Decoding up to 32bit / 384kHz (USB) via XMOS interface and 24bit / 192kHz for other digital inputs
DSD native support (DSD64 (DOP / native), DSD128 (DOP)
Support for DXD 32bit 384khz
Digital isolation of USB and Coaxial inputs
2x high precision clocks
Shielded transformer
Stereo analog outputs on RCA and XLR
Balanced 4-pin XLR headphone output
Headphone output asymmetrical 6.35mm jack
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Bandwidth: 20hz to 20khz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.0008% to 1khz
Dynamic capacity: 116dB
Crosstalk: -132dB
Output voltage (RCA): 2 Vrms
Output Voltage (XLR): 4.2Vrms
POWER OUTPUT:
Symmetric output port: 246mW @ 300ohm
Asymmetric Output Port: 72mW @ 300ohm
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Selecting sources by pushbutton
Volume control for helmet with notched potentiometer
Chassis Aluminum Black anti-oxidation treated
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS:
Housing dimensions: 288 x 211 x 63mm
Weight: 3kg
Design
Aune went with an interesting design choice on the S6. The top of the S6 is curved, which looks unique compared to many desktop DAC/Amps, but makes stacking of other audio equipment very difficult. I use an LH Labs LPS power supply to filter my USB connection, and it could not be safely stacked atop the S6. For those willing to spend $500+ on their desktop setup, you would expect them to have other audio devices. I can’t say I’m a fan of that design choice, as I can’t even put a headphone stand on top to save desk space.
The casing is made of a sturdy matte black Aluminum. Based on the material, the case doesn’t quite look or feel as premium as it could be. When I think of a good use of Aluminum, I think along the lines of the older iPhones. The way it is used on the S6 feels more utilitarian in design, lacking that sexy look and feel of a more premium device.
Another knock on the design is the volume knob. It feels a bit cheap in the way it clicks between volume notches. It does make things a bit more precise, but also more annoying. Pushing the button in for different modes seemed a bit imprecise, but it got the job done.
The LCD screen is a nice touch, showing exactly what info is needed on screen with no frills.
I do like the 4-pin XLR front jack and 6.35mm single ended input up front for ease of use.
The back includes dual XLR, RCA, AES, optical, coax, and a USB input. Just about any input and output type is available.
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
Aune S6
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity (Balanced)
Axon 7
Asrock Fatality amped onboard DAC/amp
Music used for testing
Metal, EDM, Classic Rock, Acoustic, Top 40, Rap, anything that shuffles up.
Sound Signature
AKM DACs tend to be on the warmer side, and the 4495 used in the S6 is no exception. Compared to the many ESS Sabre DACs I have owned, the 4495 trades a little less sparkle and treble for a satisfying warmth. Those that find Sabre DACs a bit too bright will enjoy the S6’s sound. Soundstage, resolution, imaging is all there depending on how good your headphone/IEM is. The S6 won’t hold it back.
Power
There is an abundance of power on hand running Balanced on the S6. You get an easy 1 Watt of power at 32 ohm with a THD of .001 at 1khz. That is a strong amount of clean, distortion free power. The S6 can handle nearly any headphone you throw at it, including 600 ohm sets and most Planar Magnetic headphones. Only the most difficult Planars and headphones will have some trouble (like the HE-6). If you truly need that extra bit of power, Aune offers the S7 balanced amp that can be added (at nearly the same price of the S6 itself)
Conclusion
DSD capable, powerful Balanced desktop DAC/Amp combos used to easily cost in the $1000+ range, but we have started to see units like the S6 and Schiit Jotunheim in the $500 range. This is a stellar achievement in Headphone audio, as running Balanced really does give that extra bit of clean sound anyone can appreciate.
So should you get the S6 or Jotunheim? I can say it is much easier to purchase the Jotunheim in the US. Aune seems to not have many distributors that I can find selling the S6 compared to its other products. You can buy the S6 from Aune directly at http://mall.auneaudio.com/ though.
I can’t say that the Jotunheim is truly better though based on specs. Schiit doesn’t show comparable THD numbers per mW, so it is tough to judge what seems to be power in favor of the Jotunheim. The Jot is also a little cheaper and made in the US.
The 4495 may outperform the dual 4490’s, but I cannot say for sure until I listen to the Jot. I don’t think you could go wrong with either setup
If I didn’t already own the Pulse X Infinity, I would have purchased the S6 myself. Well done Aune.
Score 4.5/5.0 (I can't seem to get this to show)