Aune T1 USB DAC
Oct 28, 2012 14:10:16 GMT
Post by windmill9 on Oct 28, 2012 14:10:16 GMT
Hi,
My son Henry has written this review of the AUNE T1;
I was interested in getting a head-phone amp to connect to my P.C. to improve the quality of the music I was listening to. ( My dad says that this could be most easily achieved by my stop listening to Metallica). But, I decided that a headphone amp was needed.
My interest in music stems from my playing electric guitar. Having recently upgraded to a good quality valve, guitar amp - I was keen to try a good quality valve headphone amp.
My headphone listening to-date has been on a Sony Walkman NWZ - S765, plus - just plugging the headphones into the front of the computer case.
On opening the Aune T1 box I was immediately struck by the amazing brushed aluminum finish of the main amp unit. My second impression was how heavy the power supply felt. In my experience 'weight is good' when it comes to amps; and power supplies.
I connected all the cables, and was impressed by the small foot-print of the amp unit on my desk-top. The power supply just sits on the floor.
With the valve (Electro-Harmonix) plugged in, I switched on. And waited. After 30 seconds there was a blue aura gently suffusing the glowing valve. I hit play, listening through Superlux HD661's. Pink Floyd, Wish you were here. (Played as a WAV file).
Immediate impressions were of an authoritative and controlled bass, that I had not previously encountered with previous setups. The sound stage was coherent, and there was an ample feeling of space - in the quieter sections. Instrument separation was delightful.
I also tried some open, Grado headphones. This time, Metallica, Ride the Lightening. The amp sounded muscular, cymbal fizz was detailed, and post recording drum click processing could be discerned. (Yes it is true Lars might not be the greatest drummer in the world - but that's ok because he has some excellent guitarists to block him out!)
To sum up; this is one great amplifier! It displays an athleticism and subtlety that I have not experienced before. I also think it is a sensible next step for some-one who has just been listening through the 3.5mm out put jack, on the front of a computer case. My only criticism is that I can pick up a very slight mains hum, at higher listening levels. But this only happens at high volumes that I would not normally use, in silent passages of music. (I am going to move the transformer further away from the computer case mains lead as well, just to see if it has any effect.)
I would like to try it with better headphones; because I think that the ones I have used so far are not good enough to test the true limits of a good quality device like this.
I would also like to try it with other valves. I have found that as far as guitar amps are concerned different valve manufacturers have different 'house' sounds; it would be fun to see if there is even a better one out there!
My son Henry has written this review of the AUNE T1;
I was interested in getting a head-phone amp to connect to my P.C. to improve the quality of the music I was listening to. ( My dad says that this could be most easily achieved by my stop listening to Metallica). But, I decided that a headphone amp was needed.
My interest in music stems from my playing electric guitar. Having recently upgraded to a good quality valve, guitar amp - I was keen to try a good quality valve headphone amp.
My headphone listening to-date has been on a Sony Walkman NWZ - S765, plus - just plugging the headphones into the front of the computer case.
On opening the Aune T1 box I was immediately struck by the amazing brushed aluminum finish of the main amp unit. My second impression was how heavy the power supply felt. In my experience 'weight is good' when it comes to amps; and power supplies.
I connected all the cables, and was impressed by the small foot-print of the amp unit on my desk-top. The power supply just sits on the floor.
With the valve (Electro-Harmonix) plugged in, I switched on. And waited. After 30 seconds there was a blue aura gently suffusing the glowing valve. I hit play, listening through Superlux HD661's. Pink Floyd, Wish you were here. (Played as a WAV file).
Immediate impressions were of an authoritative and controlled bass, that I had not previously encountered with previous setups. The sound stage was coherent, and there was an ample feeling of space - in the quieter sections. Instrument separation was delightful.
I also tried some open, Grado headphones. This time, Metallica, Ride the Lightening. The amp sounded muscular, cymbal fizz was detailed, and post recording drum click processing could be discerned. (Yes it is true Lars might not be the greatest drummer in the world - but that's ok because he has some excellent guitarists to block him out!)
To sum up; this is one great amplifier! It displays an athleticism and subtlety that I have not experienced before. I also think it is a sensible next step for some-one who has just been listening through the 3.5mm out put jack, on the front of a computer case. My only criticism is that I can pick up a very slight mains hum, at higher listening levels. But this only happens at high volumes that I would not normally use, in silent passages of music. (I am going to move the transformer further away from the computer case mains lead as well, just to see if it has any effect.)
I would like to try it with better headphones; because I think that the ones I have used so far are not good enough to test the true limits of a good quality device like this.
I would also like to try it with other valves. I have found that as far as guitar amps are concerned different valve manufacturers have different 'house' sounds; it would be fun to see if there is even a better one out there!