Superdad Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 5 hours ago, Doak said: Hmmmm.... Aune has previously offered the X5 in a streamer only version with I2S AND USB outs. Pretty sure the USB port on the X5 was an input—not an output. UpTone Audio LLC Link to comment
Mike Rubin Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 20 minutes ago, Superdad said: Pretty sure the USB port on the X5 was an input—not an output. Hmmmm. I think that an SD card is the source. I don't see a USB port of any sort, now that I look at that picture more carefully, but I might be missing something. https://www.auneaudio-europe.com/index.php/aune-aune-x5s-24bit-dsd-digital-audio-player-black.html?___store=auneeng&___from_store=aunenl Living room: Synology 218+ NAS > NUC 10 i7 > HQP Embedded > xfinity Xfi Router > Netgear GS348 Switch > Sonore Optical Module Deluxe > Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical Tier 2 > Okto DAC 8 Stereo > Topping Pre90 Preamp > Apollon Audio 1ET400A Mini > Revel F32 Concertas Computer Desk System: Synology DS-218+ NAS > Dell XPS 8930/NUC 10 i7 > HQP Desktop > xfinity Xfi Router > EtherRegen > ultraRendu > Topping D90 DAC > Audioengine A5+'s Link to comment
Doak Posted February 9, 2019 Author Share Posted February 9, 2019 18 minutes ago, Superdad said: Pretty sure the USB port on the X5 was an input—not an output. OK, now I can see that the outline around the USB connector is separated from the adjacent jacks. Which leads me to: What the heck is that USB input DOING there? A “maybe” does come to mind: Devices with USB outs like computers, phones possibly, can plug in their output is processed/buffered to be sent on to a DAC. Maybe? What’s your take, Alex? Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Doak Posted February 9, 2019 Author Share Posted February 9, 2019 13 minutes ago, Mike Rubin said: Hmmmm. I think that an SD card is the source. I don't see a USB port of any sort, now that I look at that picture more carefully, but I might be missing something. https://www.auneaudio-europe.com/index.php/aune-aune-x5s-24bit-dsd-digital-audio-player-black.html?___store=auneeng&___from_store=aunenl Superdad is referencing the post with pics of the older black X5 model. Rear shot has USB mini-B input jack at bottom right. Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Mike Rubin Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 6 minutes ago, Doak said: OK, now I can see that the outline around the USB connector is separated from the adjacent jacks. Which leads me to: What the heck is that USB input DOING there? A “maybe” does come to mind: Devices with USB outs like computers, phones possibly, can plug in their output is processed/buffered to be sent on to a DAC. Maybe? What’s your take, Alex? Sorry, I appear to have been looking at a different Aune device in the link that I posted. Living room: Synology 218+ NAS > NUC 10 i7 > HQP Embedded > xfinity Xfi Router > Netgear GS348 Switch > Sonore Optical Module Deluxe > Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical Tier 2 > Okto DAC 8 Stereo > Topping Pre90 Preamp > Apollon Audio 1ET400A Mini > Revel F32 Concertas Computer Desk System: Synology DS-218+ NAS > Dell XPS 8930/NUC 10 i7 > HQP Desktop > xfinity Xfi Router > EtherRegen > ultraRendu > Topping D90 DAC > Audioengine A5+'s Link to comment
Mike Rubin Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 Gotcha. Doak 1 Living room: Synology 218+ NAS > NUC 10 i7 > HQP Embedded > xfinity Xfi Router > Netgear GS348 Switch > Sonore Optical Module Deluxe > Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical Tier 2 > Okto DAC 8 Stereo > Topping Pre90 Preamp > Apollon Audio 1ET400A Mini > Revel F32 Concertas Computer Desk System: Synology DS-218+ NAS > Dell XPS 8930/NUC 10 i7 > HQP Desktop > xfinity Xfi Router > EtherRegen > ultraRendu > Topping D90 DAC > Audioengine A5+'s Link to comment
Popular Post Superdad Posted February 9, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted February 9, 2019 1 hour ago, Doak said: OK, now I can see that the outline around the USB connector is separated from the adjacent jacks. Which leads me to: What the heck is that USB input DOING there? It is just another input--but likely not a terrific one. Here is a shot of the original X5 board, where you can see the USB data lines going to a USB PHY/protocol processor: 1 hour ago, Doak said: A “maybe” does come to mind: Devices with USB outs like computers, phones possibly, can plug in their output is processed/buffered to be sent on to a DAC. Maybe? What’s your take, Alex? Certainly it could be used as a USB>S/PDIF converter, and contrary to what you wrote earlier, it seems that the X5 also had versions with a DAC module on a daughter board. Doak and gstew 2 UpTone Audio LLC Link to comment
Doak Posted February 9, 2019 Author Share Posted February 9, 2019 56 minutes ago, Superdad said: It is just another input--but likely not a terrific one. Here is a shot of the original X5 board, where you can see the USB data lines going to a USB PHY/protocol processor: Certainly it could be used as a USB>S/PDIF converter, and contrary to what you wrote earlier, it seems that the X5 also had versions with a DAC module on a daughter board. Wow: Good Stuff. That is one gorgeous pic of the X5 PCB. 👍 Won’t ask where you get all this,,, might have to shoot me or something. gstew 1 Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Popular Post Doak Posted February 10, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 10, 2019 Now listening to some “well known to me” cuts after 50+ hours of burn-in on the Aune X5s using coax out into Lampizator L4G5. First thing up: output has to be higher than from Auralic USB. Volume control is 2 or 3 notches down to match Aries. #2: sound has a nice “solidity” compared with Aries USB sounding more “ethereal”. #3: bass is BIG! #4: no doubt the X5s coax out lacks some of the refinement of Aries USB, however - there is several hundred dollars (close to $1K actually) of stuff in that USB line helping it out (see system info below). As previously stated a more fair test will be coax vs coax/mano-a-mano..so to speak. What I can easily say now is that this thing is not a toy. It is very pleasant to listen through. I am really enjoying what I’m hearing: SOLID and very DIRECT are my best descriptors. motberg, Monge, gstew and 1 other 1 3 Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Doak Posted February 11, 2019 Author Share Posted February 11, 2019 After doing quite a bit of listening today I decided to plug the power supply of the X5s into my Blue Circle power conditioner high is where All the rest of my front equipment is powered. Only fair, right? This resulted in some reduction in “kick-ass” while seeming to drop the noise floor considerably while adding a significant dose of refinrment. BTW: The 6VDC PSU supplied with the X5s is purported to be a linear design. I will see if I can open it up to check it out. Really starting to wonder what is going to happen when I level the playing field even more with the coax out vs coax out experiment. 😲 Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Doak Posted February 11, 2019 Author Share Posted February 11, 2019 As I mentioned back in post #100 there was some challenge to getting the X5s up, going, and optimized. Internet research answered my questions and prayers though - mainly how to get the machine to speak English - getting the displayed menus to change from Chinese to English, and the REALLY important FACT that ONLY FAT32 formatted SD cards are playable by X5s. One more helpful item was where to find updated firmware and how to install. Here are those helpful sites: http://aquataur.hilpold.net/aquataur/musicstuff/aunex5s.html#Subjective_SoundQuality http://en.auneaudio.com/index.php?s=/Home/Article/gjxzhz.html https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/ https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-lg-g3/general/guiformat-fat32-simple-windows-sd-card-t2960190 https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1028036/Aune-X5s.html#manual While very well translated PDF of the manual is included on an 8GB SD card shipped with the X5s along with recovery firmware, I found perusing the manual online prior to purchase useful. None of the "problems" that were presented were daunting or difficult. Actually all of the above was done in about 30 minutes. Confused 1 Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Doak Posted February 11, 2019 Author Share Posted February 11, 2019 Aune does have available an upgrade power supply that is said to be compatible with all of their "X class" components: http://en.auneaudio.com/index.php?s=Home/Article/detail/id/136.html This French sales link has a better view of interior and additional info: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/hifi-power-supply/aune-xp1-external-linear-power-supply-for-aune-x1sx5sx7st1se-black-p-11121.html Interestingly the supplied PS is rated "6v 1.5A" while the XP1 rating is "9v .5A" - not impressive IMO. Also not impressed with the innards of the XP1. Since it would cost about $100 to get an XP1 here, it seems to me that one may be able to do better for that amount of $$. Comments and opinions encouraged, please. I am nowhere near expert on this stuff. Doak's Audio System Link to comment
barrows Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 While that power supply does not look impressive, the price is certainly reasonable. I would make a supply much much better for that. But of course the cost would be way higher... perhaps $400.00 or $500.00 for something capable of 1.5A @8VDC continuous and easily capable of 2A+ for peak currents. Of course the onboard local regulators are still really important, I doubt this card player is using the best local regs, or that many of them given the price. There is only so much a really good external power supply can do, so it may not make sense to go too far in the upgrade department if the local regulators and decoupling on the main board are not top notch. Doak 1 SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 512-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical with Well Tempered Clock--DIY DSC-2 DAC with SC Pure Clock--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888 speakers-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Purple Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. ISOAcoustics Oreas footers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to comment
Doak Posted February 11, 2019 Author Share Posted February 11, 2019 Hmmm,,, looks like my Uptone UltraCap LPS-1 set to 7v may do the job for the X5s. Any reason I should not try this? (actively soliciting advice) Also intend to try the 9v output of my HDPlex100w. Superdad 1 Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Superdad Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 5 hours ago, Doak said: Hmmm,,, looks like my Uptone UltraCap LPS-1 set to 7v may do the job for the X5s. Sure, give it a go! Doak 1 UpTone Audio LLC Link to comment
Popular Post Doak Posted February 11, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 11, 2019 13 minutes ago, Superdad said: Sure, give it a go! GREAT ,,,, Thanks Alex. (now I don't have to go unplug it - sorry, couldn't help myself) Superdad and motberg 1 1 Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Doak Posted February 11, 2019 Author Share Posted February 11, 2019 Today I have had both the Aune X5s and the Auralic Aries streaming via coax outputs to the Lampi DAC. Have not had the time, and will not today, to do in depth listening though can relate this: As I did expect, the sound of the X5s and Aries is closer now. Offhand I'd say the Aries remains the more refined sound though again nothing sticks out to indicate that the X5s embarrasses itself in any particular way. More in coming days along with some fun with power supplies. Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Doak Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 Having too much fun listening to the Aune X5s to do more A/B testing right away. Loading up another 128GB SD card of favorites - FAT32 formatted, of course. BTW: the Uptone LPS-1 set on 7v is "currently" providing the juice. "If it's not fun, then we're doing something wrong." Monge 1 Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Monge Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 @Doak Thanks for sharing your impressions 😀 Do you notice any difference In SQ berween different brand of SD cards? Cheers Monge Doak 1 Link to comment
Doak Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 Ahhhhh.... 2 minutes ago, Monge said: @Doak Thanks for sharing your impressions 😀 Do you notice any difference In SQ berween different brand of SD cards? Cheers Monge Ahhhh,,, haven’t “gone there” as I just have a couple on hand at this time. Expect that’ll change though. What I’ve been listening to is a Sandisk. Loading up a higher spec Transcend right now. Any buzz on what’s good? No plans on going for the way out expensive armored types I’ve read about. Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Doak Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 *** Possibly important note: I am not able to test the x5s' DSD capabilities. Specs say it streams DSD64 but my Lampizator's coax input does not accept DSD - that's the main reason I've been using the Lampi's USB input. The Aune x5s has NO problem with 24-192 files. *** One other caveat: The "remote" control will only work within about 4 feet of the unit. This fact along with the unit's diminutive dimensions make it more and perhaps perfectly suited for desktop duty. Although, I usually just start it up and let it go (it has a "Play All" menu choice) - more relaxing that way anyway. I've found sitting with an iPad bearing literally unlimited streaming/listening possibilities to be dangerous to my relaxation.... but maybe that's just me. Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Popular Post sligolad Posted February 12, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted February 12, 2019 The best value you will get for an SLC card is here and various US sites on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-M2MD6-8GB-SD-Card-R720-SC8000/283348922030?hash=item41f8e96eae:g:wIYAAOSwuwlcRzBn https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Dell-M2MD6-Compellent-SC8000-8GB-SLC-SD-Flash-Card/302681130297?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 These are reclaimed but worth it for an improved sound with SD Card playback. Hard to come by but great value for money. Needs some work once received to merge and reformat to a single partition. If you do commit to SD Card playback then going i2s out from a simple SD card player into the Lampizator will astonish you compared to the best you can do with USB with all the bells and whistles. I have given up on USB in after discovering SD Card playback. My Big7 will be retired after discovering what a €700 micro sd player can do direct to Pre amp. The QLS361 line out with slc card out performs my Big7. Doak, odelay and Monge 1 1 1 Audio PC - Gigabyte H97M-D3H, i7 at 800Mhz, RAM at 800Mhz & PPA OCXO Mobo, Teradak ATX Linear for 20 pin ATX on Mobo, Paul Hynes SR7EHD 12v, 5v & 5v supply on Mobo, Stammheim 12x LT3045's for 1.3v to RAM direct supply, JCat V2 USB Card, WTFPlay Linux Audiophile Player control by MELE F10, Startech LEX to REX on 12v Paul Hynes with 2x SLC cards and out by POE to ISO/Regen, PPA Red USB Cable, Lampizator Big7, Nige design Lifepo4 powered amp, Raidho C1s. Link to comment
Doak Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 4 minutes ago, sligolad said: The best value you will get for an SLC card is here and various US sites on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-M2MD6-8GB-SD-Card-R720-SC8000/283348922030?hash=item41f8e96eae:g:wIYAAOSwuwlcRzBn https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Dell-M2MD6-Compellent-SC8000-8GB-SLC-SD-Flash-Card/302681130297?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 These are reclaimed but worth it for an improved sound with SD Card playback. Hard to come by but great value for money. Needs some work once received to merge and reformat to a single partition. If you do commit to SD Card playback then going i2s out from a simple SD card player into the Lampizator will astonish you compared to the best you can do with USB with all the bells and whistles. I have given up on USB in after discovering SD Card playback. My Big7 will be retired after discovering what a €700 micro sd player can do direct to Pre amp. The QLS361 line out with slc card out performs my Big7. Amazing info - particularly on the QLS361. Damned interesting, thanks. Wish my Lampi had a I2S input. Don't particularly want to get into modifying it either. BTW: I am already getting the feeling that the "goofy complicated" and expensive Band-aids to improve USB will soonish be history - for me anyway. Also retiring the trick 'puter and all of the trick ways to play music files? Doak's Audio System Link to comment
Norton Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 18 minutes ago, sligolad said: The best value you will get for an SLC card is here What’s different about these cards? They don’t seem particularly cheap compared to new SDXC etc, so I must be missing something to do with the SLC designation? Link to comment
Doak Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 I bought one of these to try like what I hear, but - don't really want to spend what it takes to buy several of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZC6XHS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Doak's Audio System Link to comment
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