Aune x1S

[BDT770]

Hello folks, is the Aune X1S a good buy for the price ($250) ? Or there are better options ? If anyone knows and used it. 
 
I'm thinking to jump up from the Fiio E10k and would like to know what options are in the range of $300. 
 
I intend to use it on dt770's 32 and dt 990 250 ohm, for mainly electronic music (soundstage and so on needed). 
 
Thanks !

 

[Brooko]

It is a very good amp - especially for the price.  But as far as recommendation goes - it depends on your primary use.  As a DAC and headphone amp, it is very clean, clear, and linear with good power output.
 
Regarding your question on soundstage - this is primarily a function of the recording and headphones.  In my experience the DAC and amp (unless there is crossfeed or DSP inolved) have very little to do with the impression or illusion of sound stage.
 
If you are running active speakers, and want to have volume control from the DAC/amp, unfortunately the X1S does not allow this.
 
Couple of devices you may want to also look at as alternatives:
 
Audio-gd's NFB-11 (I have the 12 - it is very good) @ $305 + postage
iFi's Micro iDSD (one of the best amps I've come across for its features compared with price range).  You can probably buy a second hand one for a reasonable price (with the release of their "black edition" there will be some going within your price range).  The iDSD has a 3D setting which is designed for speakers - but does widen the stage.
 
X1S review
NFB-12 review

 

[BDT770]

Thanks for answering. 
I mostly need an amp to listen to electronics/space ambient music, to get away from this deluded reality, in order to concentrate. 
I guess I'll get an x1s, after all. 

 

[Brooko]

Its a great low cost choice for a headphone amp.
 
In case you wanted to look at an iDSD - there is one in the FS section at pretty close to your price
 
Good luck and don't fogert to post back impressions on whatever you decide to buy 

 

[Sencha]

Had the x1s for quite a while. It's stunning for the price. Build and sound quality are superb. I had planned on going up the ladder more but x1s stopped me in my tracks! It's really really good!

 

[BDT770]

I mostly am interested in something to complement a dt 990 pro, for space ambient or ambiental music (bluetech, ott, koan, etc). Something which will increase stage, I guess.
From what I've read, for the price, the x1s seems like a good choice but with so many out there...is hard to chose. So, which one you think does a better job for that type of music ?

 

[BDT770]

Had the x1s for quite a while. It's stunning for the price. Build and sound quality are superb. I had planned on going up the ladder more but x1s stopped me in my tracks! It's really really good!

 
Nice, that gets me closer to hit the order button

 

[Brooko]

As long as you understand that no DAC/amp (without extra DSP or crossfeed) will increase perceived sound stage - then the X1S is a good choice.
 
If you want speaker like sound stage - have a look at Darin Fong's OOYH (out of your head) software.  If you're on Windows - it is really good.  For a free alternative - this thread (you need to be using Foobar) - http://www.head-fi.org/t/555263/foobar2000-dolby-headphone-config-comment-discuss

 

[BDT770]

I installed that out of your head thing and the result is... it bloats all sounds and distorts them beyond the point of pleasing, at least to me. I'll keep on searching for a combo which will do that, better. This software, may be OK for people who listen to music and have crappy headphones, to "upgrade" their experience, cheaper.
Thanks for suggestion, I really do appreciate  
Hopefully I will review the x1s soon, here.

 

[Brooko]

  I installed that out of your head thing and the result is... it bloats all sounds and distorts them beyond the point of pleasing, at least to me. I'll keep on searching for a combo which will do that, better. This software, may be OK for people who listen to music and have crappy headphones, to "upgrade" their experience, cheaper.
Thanks for suggestion, I really do appreciate  
Hopefully I will review the x1s soon, here.

You just have to know how to use it.  Basically it'll be clipping - drop the input - and any distortion will stop.  But if its not your "cup of tea" try the dolby option with Foobar.