Aune S17 pro

[MaxMini]

I received my S17 pro last week but haven’t had time to unpack und install it. Good that the weekend is here….
Today, I finally had the time to get a proper listening to my new S17 pro. Lets share my first impressions:

Build Quality:
I like the look and the haptic is also pleasing. All good and a positive first impression. Not to mention the small remote control, who need more than that

Sound Quality:
At the moment my chain looks like that: TITAL -> USB Cable -> RME ADI-2 DAC FS -> balanced Inakustik Excellence XLR -> S17 pro -> Headphones
For my first listening session, I used my 109 pro and my Arya Stealth. My HD 800S are still untouched so far.

I would describe the overall sound as full, dynamic and rather on the pleasing side. That is, in my opinion, a good thing especially for the Aryas, because it takes away the harshness of the tremble. So to my ears the Ayras work really well with this amp.

On the other hand, since the 109 pro is already a slightly V-shaped headphone with good body, the additional fullness is not really needed. I think, the 109pro combo still works, but not on the same level as the Ayra. To be honest, I most like the 109pro just out of the RME without any additional amplification. The RME Adi-2 DAC/Amp is neutral as hell and to my ears just perfect for a headphone like the 109 pro. Anyway back to the S17 pro….

I was surprised that it adds quite a bit of extra soundstage. That is again a good thing for those two headphones, but I still have to check if it also works for a headphone like the HD 800s.

I use it in the 100mA mode, because I believe that the amp was designed for that. I haven’t tested the lower one so far. Temperature wise it stays at 64 C, up until now no issues with that…

As you can see the first impression is quite good. It could be because I am leaning lately towards warmer sound signatures with more body. And yes, I’m still in love with my OTL tube amp

Single ended output can perfectly support melatonin secretion, especially in the evenings.
But the real impressions come primarily from Aune's balanced outputs.
The feeling of "being there", great dynamics, space, chiseling of each note, or even control and definition of the bass = balanced outputs.

 

[Temudschin]

Single ended output can perfectly support melatonin secretion, especially in the evenings.
But the real impressions come primarily from Aune's balanced outputs.
The feeling of "being there", great dynamics, space, chiseling of each note, or even control and definition of the bass = balanced outputs.

So true...

Wow, I really love what this amp does to my Arya Stealth! To further test the S17pro I just listened to:

goosebumps!

And the mids are also quite convincing. For example on this track with female voices only:

 

[gullivero]

Hi.. i know somewhere in forum is reply to my question but is it on Aune s17 a very big difference (if any) through single ended vs 4,4 and balanced output ? I dont know if a single ended worth upgrade to balanced cable....( two headphones that i have is Senn . 560 ovation -1990 - i think and Hifiman Sundara but i collect ching-chings for Arya stealth - but before Arya i will go for Aune and so far i have OTL that is single ended and works very nice espec. with Senn.

 

[Lexington99]

Love the Aune S17 Pro both as a headphone and as a preamp. I use it mainly as a preamp these days though.

Im thinking of upgrading to a preamp north of $2k so I'm selling my S17 Pro.

DM if interested.

 

[MaxMini]

Hi.. i know somewhere in forum is reply to my question but is it on Aune s17 a very big difference (if any) through single ended vs 4,4 and balanced output ? I dont know if a single ended worth upgrade to balanced cable....( two headphones that i have is Senn . 560 ovation -1990 - i think and Hifiman Sundara but i collect ching-chings for Arya stealth - but before Arya i will go for Aune and so far i have OTL that is single ended and works very nice espec. with Senn.

unbalanced:
- cream,
- homogeneous,
- synthetic (the opposite of analysis),
- liquid,
- more focused in the center,
- closer,
- intimate,
- realistic,
- woven with thicker thread,
- slower,
- forgives worse recordings.

balanced:
- fast,
- analytical,
- high resolution,
- from a longer perspective,
- accurate and precise,
- dynamics!,
- shiny and fancy,
- loose like quartz sand or liquid like water, depending on what is in the recording,
- with a larger stage,
- headphones disappear.

All this, of course, after equalizing the volume levels, because the balanced is much more efficient, it can drive heavy headphones better.

In my opinion, everyone can prefer both balanced and unbalanced, depending on the recording and headphones, as well as the listening scenario, night, day, etc.

 

[gullivero]

unbalanced:
- cream,
- homogeneous,
- synthetic (the opposite of analysis),
- liquid,
- more focused in the center,
- closer,
- intimate,
- realistic,
- woven with thicker thread,
- slower,
- forgives worse recordings.

balanced:
- fast,
- analytical,
- high resolution,
- from a longer perspective,
- accurate and precise,
- dynamics!,
- shiny and fancy,
- loose like quartz sand or liquid like water, depending on what is in the recording,
- with a larger stage,
- headphones disappear.

All this, of course, after equalizing the volume levels, because the balanced is much more efficient, it can drive heavy headphones better.

In my opinion, everyone can prefer both balanced and unbalanced, depending on the recording and headphones, as well as the listening scenario, night, day, etc.

Woha - this is a great description...but on the end i see that is worth to try both - thank you again for this ...

 

[SmartCheetah]

unbalanced:
- cream,
- homogeneous,
- synthetic (the opposite of analysis),
- liquid,
- more focused in the center,
- closer,
- intimate,
- realistic,
- woven with thicker thread,
- slower,
- forgives worse recordings.

balanced:
- fast,
- analytical,
- high resolution,
- from a longer perspective,
- accurate and precise,
- dynamics!,
- shiny and fancy,
- loose like quartz sand or liquid like water, depending on what is in the recording,
- with a larger stage,
- headphones disappear.

All this, of course, after equalizing the volume levels, because the balanced is much more efficient, it can drive heavy headphones better.

In my opinion, everyone can prefer both balanced and unbalanced, depending on the recording and headphones, as well as the listening scenario, night, day, etc.

It also differs from cable to cable, which was a shocker to me as I was always a cable skeptic. I always thought they didn't make a difference, maybe besides the cheapest, poorest quality ones.

I bought two balanced 4.4 cables from Aliexpress, both copper, one 8-core Openheart, the other from some other brand, 16 core. The 8 core I was using for a year in two pairs of headphones until I switched to the other one this weekend. I wasn't doing it for the SQ, I didn't expect any change in sound, but they DO sound different. The 16 core sounds a tad thicker, fuller, with elevated bass, this was really apparent when I first used it. I had to readjust my EQ to bring it down back to my liking.

It was an eye opener for me honestly. The sound varies between cables, even the relatively cheap copper ones. Not a day and night difference, but it's there.

 

[MaxMini]

It also differs from cable to cable, which was a shocker to me as I was always a cable skeptic. I always thought they didn't make a difference, maybe besides the cheapest, poorest quality ones.

I bought two balanced 4.4 cables from Aliexpress, both copper, one 8-core Openheart, the other from some other brand, 16 core. The 8 core I was using for a year in two pairs of headphones until I switched to the other one this weekend. I wasn't doing it for the SQ, I didn't expect any change in sound, but they DO sound different. The 16 core sounds a tad thicker, fuller, with elevated bass, this was really apparent when I first used it. I had to readjust my EQ to bring it down back to my liking.

It was an eye opener for me honestly. The sound varies between cables, even the relatively cheap copper ones. Not a day and night difference, but it's there.

Before the Aune S17, I had never heard the differences in connection and headphone cables so well and clearly. This amplifier fits into the "wire with gain" theory.
Therefore, for some weaker recordings, it's good that there are headphones like the Audioquest Nighthawk

 

[Erick Muller]

Bonjour
My Heart swing between the Aune and the new Cayin IHA-8...it's a little more expensive but perhaps it remove the faults of the S17 ? What do you think ?

My main problem with the Cayin IHA-8 is that it doesn't have any pre-outs, it's a dedicated HP amplifier, and for me that's an instant no-go, but from reports it seems to be an excellent amplifier, but it seems that this amp was made in mind with pairing with their new DAC and streamer, so you'll have to consider that or take it into account if you want or need pre-outs on your chain.

 

[Erick Muller]

Hi.. i know somewhere in forum is reply to my question but is it on Aune s17 a very big difference (if any) through single ended vs 4,4 and balanced output ? I dont know if a single ended worth upgrade to balanced cable....( two headphones that i have is Senn . 560 ovation -1990 - i think and Hifiman Sundara but i collect ching-chings for Arya stealth - but before Arya i will go for Aune and so far i have OTL that is single ended and works very nice espec. with Senn.

Hart audio cables sells a balanced cable specifically for the Senn 560S, don't know if that would work with your specific 560 tho. It is generally recommended that in balanced topologies you try to run your cans balanced all the way through.

 

[Erick Muller]

unbalanced:
- cream,
- homogeneous,
- synthetic (the opposite of analysis),
- liquid,
- more focused in the center,
- closer,
- intimate,
- realistic,
- woven with thicker thread,
- slower,
- forgives worse recordings.

balanced:
- fast,
- analytical,
- high resolution,
- from a longer perspective,
- accurate and precise,
- dynamics!,
- shiny and fancy,
- loose like quartz sand or liquid like water, depending on what is in the recording,
- with a larger stage,
- headphones disappear.

All this, of course, after equalizing the volume levels, because the balanced is much more efficient, it can drive heavy headphones better.

In my opinion, everyone can prefer both balanced and unbalanced, depending on the recording and headphones, as well as the listening scenario, night, day, etc.

My AT ATH-M40x have to run single ended and the bass slam I'm getting from them is out of this world, also significantly more soundstage, like it's stupid how good these headphones sound from the S17, of course you have to take into account I change to pads to ZMF cowhide oval pads.

 

[gullivero]

Hart audio cables sells a balanced cable specifically for the Senn 560S, don't know if that would work with your specific 560 tho. It is generally recommended that in balanced topologies you try to run your cans balanced all the way through.

Yes i was think about Hart cables because i still use original cable of Senn 560 ovation and somehow i give them whole "new life" with Eufonika OTL and i replace soft parts (cushions) because old material give up and is really warn....i don't know if somewhere in europe exists some similar option like with Hart cables...

 

[Erick Muller]

Yes i was think about Hart cables because i still use original cable of Senn 560 ovation and somehow i give them whole "new life" with Eufonika OTL and i replace soft parts (cushions) because old material give up and is really warn....i don't know if somewhere in europe exists some similar option like with Hart cables...

Custom Cans in the UK probably has a balance Senn 560 cable. Technically in europe, but not in the EU so customs and other taxes might apply.

 

[jazzzy]

Can you post an image of a bottom plate of S17 ?

 

[Temudschin]

Today I had my first hours with my HD 800s. The S17 is just amazing how it even enlarges the already good soundstage of the HD 800s. Just wow, I didn't expect that!