Aune T1 USB Tube DAC+ SS Amp Discussion Thread ***See first post for FAQ--Updated on 02/14/15***

[21quest]

Received it.. Valid? Massive improvement in clarity tho

Where did u get that? Im from Malaysia too

 

[HeavenNotes]

 
Really hard to say. Let me explain...
 
My rig has been geared toward vinyl. The phono stage and preamp are solid state and they exit via the Velleman tube amp. The Velleman is sweet and very much taliorable by the swapping of 12AX7 input tubes (Mullard, RCA, GE, Sylvania) all unique.
 
Previously, my digital input was via CD or from my Surface Tablet (3.5mm jack out to RCA's) into the preamp. The Surface has an onboard DAC but the sound was "ok".
 
Now with the AUNE, I use the USB out on the Surface to the AUNE and then RCA out to the pre-amp. Amazing difference. Soundstage, clarity, nice forward mids...
 
Then playing with the tubes (really the stock tube is better than one expects) you can hear the differences the types offer. So here was my review of the first ones. NOTE - this applies to my system. Of course every systems will be a bit different (links in the chain) but definitively , yes a clean tube sound...
 
The Stock tube - 6922EH - New tube by Electro Harmonix - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)
For a stock, new design tube, I have to say it has its merits. it has strong gain, very wide soundstage, brings the mid's into focus where they should be. The vocalist is present where they should be and clearly distinct in a 3D sort of way. The bottom is nice, not boomy but the top end, while detailed can be a bit fatiguing. I can say it is like an Audio Technica microline cart that hasn't broken in yet. Vaguely bordering on sibilant in that high upper range - not quite getting there but you almost expect it. For a stock new issue tube, not bad.
 
 
Vintage Amperex Tube 6GM8 / ECC86 - With Orange Globe and made in Herleen Holland - 1968 - 4 stars (or maybe 3.8 stars  This is one of the holy grail tubes, hard to find with the globe in this setup. More often it has a bugle boy on it (not BUGLE BOY tubes..long story). They can be expensive and I snagged this for $14.99 It is a fine sounding tube, very holographic with nice highs and mids. It takes the edginess off that was present in the 6922EH but without being rolled off. Bass is very deep...perhaps too deep. I could feel it which was nice but found myself wondering if it was a bit boomy. Certainly would not be describe as tight crisp bass. Sort of made me think my bottom end was replaced with some Cerwin Vega D9's. From what I have heard so far..I would almost (and did) give it 4 stars but more listening with other types move it down to 3. So much for one of the better recommended. This is where system variations truly dictate what is good for whom
 
Vintage Amperex PCC88 Tube (7DJ8) Holland - with Orange Globe Amperex Seam - 69-15 code - 5 Stars *****
Simply amazing at all levels - I don't have to say more. STRONG bass for you headphone listeners without being boomy. TOP RATING - Tied with the other 5 Star
 
6GM8 ECC86 Tube (GE Label marking) made in HOLLAND - Vintage 1963 - 4.25 Stars ****
This one made my eyes pop. It is not one that was advertised as remarkable, in fact, I don't see a lot of listing for it (Brent J doesn't) but I guess for me it is a best kept secret. From top to bottom, everything was detailed, in the right place with a wide holographic sound stage. The bass is where the Amperex SHOULD have been but was not, the vocals a pure joy as you could hear the vocalist at the mic. Vey nice, clear separation of instruments, nothing munged together. So far, my best tube. One note, it says MADE IN HOLLAND on it (factory lettering) but the CODES say it was made in Hamburg Germany. WWII was over in 1963, right ? LOL
 
Mullard 6GM8/ECC86 Coded- ~~D4A2 - 4.5 Stars **** *(revised)
I was excited to get my first Mullard in this series as I have come to expect good things. Now I have received TWO of these, same date code, same lot and never seen a socket. UPDATE - After over 40 hours break-in, I have completely revised my opinion. This is the tube Mullard is known for. Warm, velvet, detailed without being fatiguing. High's are sweet with no roll-off and bass is like comfy slippers. Soundstage is perfect and mids, nicely forward. It doesn't get the full 5 stars because I have heard a few tubes with just a tad more details but no one would ever be sorry buying this tube.
 
Sylvania . 6DJ8 ECC88 Halo Getter Yellow Lettering USA FB EFB - 4 Stars
Now this is more like it. Very nice tube. Beautiful soundstage, deep base but not boomy. Nice mid's. For under $10 shipped, this tube is beautiful. So why 4 stars ? Comparatively, the GE at 4.25 STARs still bests this one slightly with a bit more detail and a bit more forward in the mids, Still a beautiful tube and if I never heard the GE, this would be my #1. There is a smooth quality to it, velvety that I expected from the Mullard (but did not get). You would be crazy not to try one for a price in this range.
 
GE Labeled SIEMENS 6AQ8 ECC85 GERMANY - cant make out date code 5.0 Stars *****/
This bad boy is amazing, Soundstage impresses you immediately as does the detail. This and my other GE labeled tube will knock your socks off.  Would make anyone happy -this 6AQ8 which I think has a tad better soundstage (by a thumbnail) but also just a thumbnail less bass. . I listened to about 12 different type songs and could find no wrong EXCEPT some heavy metal tune by Nickelback and that may be the mastering, I need to check. But all other cuts, gorgeous. Vocals will make your head spin and take notice.
 
GE Labeled USA Made 6DJ8- Holy Cow  4.5 Stars ****/
who knew that a USA made GE from the 60's would be so good. Read everything about the Siemens above only subtract 1/2 star
 
Russian Voskhod 6N23P - 1986 vintage - Made for medical use (red tip) - 1 star
Unlike some very good SOVTEK, SVETLANA and others that are sturdy and have a decent sound quality, these were as dull and lifeless as they come. The soundstage was narrow and flat (no depth). I really have nothing positive to say except I am glad I only paid $9.00 for a pair. I'll sell them for $7.00 - any takers ? LOL

You are right.  I bought a GE ECC86 and it sounds as you described.  Thank you! 

 

[21quest]

2 years ago I got myself Hifiman HE400, and Aune T1 MK2 DAC, Ive been using the 2 ever since, right now finally I have some spare money to spend.
 
Recently I wonder if a new amp can benefit my headphone to be used alongside the T1, like is it already fully driven?  Actually I have no issue with the volume at all, loud enough to not even go halfway the knob in the lowest gain, but after some reading, people said having another amp for the T1 would add more the bass and all that, I wonder if its really true? Because having a little more to that bass would be perfect.
 
Im not looking to upgrade or replace these 2, because even with these, Im fully satisfied with the details and resolution even the soundstage these 2 bring that spending more into upgrading these 2 would be pointless,
 
- There will be no substantial sonic difference but just different sound signature.
- No difference between 24bits/96kHz and 32bits/384kHz
- There is no headphone that can make me teleport into the recording studio
 
I would probably buy a set of HD600 and maybe some new tubes along the way, and then just call it a day unless one of them broke down.
With that said Im probably thinking to get the Schiit Magni 2, I just want somebody to assure me that it will make a difference, that it will fully drive my HE400

 

[penmarker]

You'll need to try it out yourself. If there's an audio store nearby, I'd suggest you go there with your T1 and test it out with different amps.
 
Everyone's ears are different, and reviews are just touching the waters at best. One reviewer said the Matrix M-Stage is warm while another says it is totally neutral.
So, YMMV.

 

[risstakerelse]

Hi all, I know lots of people ask this but at same price what I should get:

Aune T1 mk2
 
or 
 
Maverick Audio D1 ( dac crystal 4398 + opamp ns lf343n x2 + tube nos 6n3 )
 
::) thnkss

 

[teb1013]

Hi all, I know lots of people ask this but at same price what I should get:


Aune T1 mk2

or 

Maverick Audio D1 ( dac crystal 4398 + opamp ns lf343n x2 + tube nos 6n3 )

::) thnkss

Here's a thread on the Maverick that seems to suggest that the tube works with the pre-amp but not the headphone amp, but you'll have to read the whole thing. In the Aune, the tube works on the dac as a buffer. http://www.head-fi.org/t/507905/maverick-d1-for-headphone

 

[teb1013]

Just got a Schiit Vali 2, using the Aune T1 as DAC only. So far the quality of the sound is great. Seems to have more depth than the Anne's onboard amp, despite years of faithful service. I'm going to do some AB testing to see if I'm correct about the improvement.

 

[penmarker]

The amp section in the T1 is quite bright to me IMHO. My Lehmann Black Cube amp which is heralded as being neutral and flat sounds darker compared to the T1.
Other than that, depending on what set of headphones you're wearing, there could be improvements or change of flavor.

 

[godankorgohome]

Okay I recently bought an aune t1 mk1 (silver one). After using it a bunch I fell in love but im having a huge issue, there is a ton of static on the right channel when its turned beyond half way. I switched from the factory tube to a Genalex Gold Lion 6922 hoping maybe it was just the factory tube causing the interference, but it didn't solve my problem. The weird thing is at one point it went away then returned at a later point. It's almost like when i leave it on for a long period of time it works itself out some? other times it just stays there. I've tried multiple sets of headphones and 2 tubes so im 90% sure its the unit itself. I watched a tear down video and saw how sometimes they have lose solder down inside but i wanted to verify with some people here before I tore into it to check everything.

 

[teb1013]

Okay I recently bought an aune t1 mk1 (silver one). After using it a bunch I fell in love but im having a huge issue, there is a ton of static on the right channel when its turned beyond half way. I switched from the factory tube to a Genalex Gold Lion [COLOR=333333]6922 [/COLOR]hoping maybe it was just the factory tube causing the interference, but it didn't solve my problem. The weird thing is at one point it went away then returned at a later point. It's almost like when i leave it on for a long period of time it works itself out some? other times it just stays there. I've tried multiple sets of headphones and 2 tubes so im 90% sure its the unit itself. I watched a tear down video and saw how sometimes they have lose solder down inside but i wanted to verify with some people here before I tore into it to check everything.

My Aune T1 has slight static when I change the volume knob, tube selection doesn't matter. Because it doesn't happen except when I turn the knob, i never did anything about it and now I'm using a Schiit Vali2 as amp and the Aune as DAC only and it's dead silent. If the static is constant and isn't related to microphonics, I assume you will have to do something about it, because yours is a Mk1 (as is mine) I'm sure you don't have a warranty, but people have posted on here about contacting them and getting good results. Do a thread search, I wouldn't tear down the device myself, unless you have a lot of experience and knowledge. Have you tried to increase volume by using the dip switches so you don't have to turn this up beyond 1/2 way?

 

[penmarker]

Static or crackle sometimes can happen due to a bad capacitor. However I can't be sure unless it is opened and inspected.

 

[godankorgohome]

I flipped all the switches off underneath and the static isn't as bad but its still noticeable around 75% its just weird its only one channel. left channel is totally unaffected by this issue. Any ideas? I don't have experience tearing these down but it looked relatively easy to pull apart. I bought this second hand off reddit and I can't really send it back so I'd like to fix it. I can solder if it might be capacitor? My only concern is knowing which one.

 

[godankorgohome]

this is consistant static with a little hint of a popping sound every once in a while, like if i keep all the switches on the bottom to on i can only go about 35% before i hear the static in the right channel, I only start to notice it in the music at around 65-70%. I'm using hd 598se's.

 

[penmarker]

That sounds like a bad capacitor in the amplifier section of the unit. Try emailing Aune for a replacement board, with luck they'll be able to send one for you. One use several dozen pages back managed to get a replacement for $8 if I remember correctly. If you could get hold of it you won't need to solder anything, just do a board replacement.

 

[sanvara]

After ignoring my massdrop original T1 for a several years and letting it gather dust I just picked up a Amperex 7308. Using it with AT A900x and a foam and mesh screen modded Senn HD555. The 7308 / T1 combo is fantastic. The 900x sounds particularly good, a bit better than the 555. The music really soars. Very happy for such great sound on a relatively low budget like this.