Aune S17 pro

[sendler2112]

Like everyone maybe knows, I´m a very big fan of the Aune S17 Pro, so i´ve bought a second one.
My first unit was ok, but with the second unit, i had exactly 1:1 the same problems like this buyer from amazon, incl. the vailed, muffled SQ on vol. settings < 56db.


Here the S17 Pro review from amazon.

That was of course written before the German distributor announced that they had a patch that would improve the volume control from making a 4db change every fourth click to at least making an increase of 2db every second click. I am still waiting to hear from anyone that sent their amp in to be "reprogrammed" as to whether they actually get the same unit back with the different volume characteristics, or if it is indeed just exchanged with a newer serial number version.

There is apparently no USA distributor (I called and emailed the info on the Aune site but both were dead links) other than the official Aune store at Amazon. A representative from Aune headquarters did finally get back to me stating that if I wanted to send my S17 back to China, she would replace it with a newer 2 click version. And that after acknowledging the issue, allowed their stock quantities in the USA to clear out to zero that was replenished by the new 2 step version as of Dec 1st. Since my presentation case arrived with a big puncture in the top with no damage to the outer shipping box that also had some other items with it, I had already initiated the possibility of a return for refund at Amazon before I even unpacked it. And then the discovery of the wonky volume control made the return the obvious decision..

I fully expect that there will be several "B Stock" reprogrammed (or repaired) 2 step S17s for sale in the near future and also that eventually there will be a V2 version that actually changes volume every time the numerical indicator is clicked up.

At which point, heating issues aside (I quite happily was listening on 50ma most of the time where the sound is slightly different but not necessarily better or worse than 100ma in my system), I will buy this amp again.

 

[labeelen]

… I am still waiting to hear from anyone that sent their amp in to be "reprogrammed" as to whether they actually get the same unit back with the different volume characteristics, …

I received mine back re-programmed a few days ago as I mentioned in the post below:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aune-s17-pro.970060/post-17874899

 

[sendler2112]

Hi All,

Just received my S17 back from the distributor with the re-programmed volume control and would like to share my findings.

1. I now have 32 concrete (linear) volume steps, 0, 1, 2 and every ‘even’ number uptil 63
2. The S17 sounds as exceptionally good as before.
3. Temperature is not (and never was) an issue for me.
4. The re-programming was painless and very fast, excellent service from the German/Austrian distributor (shipment from the Netherlands to Austria, re-programming and return shipment took just over 1 week); Unit was handled with care and factory-sealed again.

Can you verify the serial number that it is your same unit or could it be a factory fresh new exchange replacement?

 

[labeelen]

Can you verify the serial number that it is your same unit or could it be a factory fresh new exchange replacement?

I shipped my unit to the Distributor, he very carefully opened the case, re-programmed it, factory-sealed it and returned it to me again.
The s/n I received is the same as the unit I sent.

 

[Musiccc]

I'm encountering a constant noise issue (white noise) with my setup.
No input source (DAC) connected. Volume set to zero. Headphones connected via XLR connection.
There's constant white noise emitting from the headphones when in HG mode. In LG mode, dead silent. 50mA or 100mA does not matter.
SA 6.33mm connection has no noise issue.

 

[jonathan c]

I'm encountering a constant noise issue (white noise) with my setup.
No input source (DAC) connected. Volume set to zero. Headphones connected via XLR connection.
There's constant white noise emitting from the headphones when in HG mode. In LG mode, dead silent. 50mA or 100mA does not matter.
SA 6.33mm connection has no noise issue.

What happens when an input source is connected? In any event, would you listen with no input source connected?

 

[Musiccc]

What happens when an input source is connected? In any event, would you listen with no input source connected?

No input source for testing/troubleshooting purpose. With input source connected and music playing, HG mode, XLR connection = music + white noise.

 

[leoxdebois]

Maybe it s because of the high current. Same thing here with my Meze Elite. I ve contacted Aune, still waiting for their answer

 

[Giangi]

White noise?

 

[Giangi]

What happens when an input source is connected? In any event, would you listen with no input source connected?

Every headphone? Every cable

I'm encountering a constant noise issue (white noise) with my setup.
No input source (DAC) connected. Volume set to zero. Headphones connected via XLR connection.
There's constant white noise emitting from the headphones when in HG mode. In LG mode, dead silent. 50mA or 100mA does not matter.
SA 6.33mm connection has no noise issue.

Every headphone, every cable?

 

[Metalboyy]

Does anyone know if you get use the Aune X8 xviii Trs preout to S17 pro. Or if its better to use another dac.

 

[Ichos]

Does anyone know if you get use the Aune X8 xviii Trs preout to S17 pro. Or if its better to use another dac.

You can set the pre-amp output of the X8 to max and feed it to the S17 Pro. I think that is without extra amplification so you don't have double amping.

 

[sendler2112]

Does anyone know if you get use the Aune X8 xviii Trs preout to S17 pro. Or if its better to use another dac.

Just use the X8 line outputs which have the correct level and sound better than going through the volume control of the X8. This is the system I was using with a Sparkos Pro dual op amp riding belly gunner. Now listening to 4 Sparkos Pro in a Burson Conductor.

 

[Musiccc]

White noise?

Sounds like the same sound we use to burn-in headphones. Could hear it without putting the headphones on but not too loud.
Will be doing more troubleshooting when I have more time soon.

 

[dawidhifi]

Can anyone who has both the S17 and Mjölnir 3 give us some comparison?