Aune X8

[larssc]

Has anyone tried the Aune X8 dac?

I have the X7s and would like to pair the two.

I am curious as to the in house chip(?)

[mrvco]

Looks like an interesting (and less expensive) alternative to the Pre Box S2 Digital if you don't need a headphone amp.  What is the 'in house chip' that you see?  As far as I can tell it uses an ES9038 DAC chip.

[larssc]

  I have no idea (hence the ?) if the Sabre chip is used. Seems like it would be in their product description. All I see is a self-developed Fpga Core "as the processing core of digital signals, which makes DSD128 via coaxial possible ." With a picture of a Maxii Cpld.

 

I was looking to replace my Dragonfly red with a Mqa capable dac. Tried qobuz and lost some of the Mqa need. Was tempted by the Project s2 previously.

 

The Dragonfly/ x7s/ Hd 6xx

        "                /magni/ Jbl305

        "              / Halo A21/ Philharmonic slims setup sounds great now. Don't know if the Project is worth the extra bucks over the X8.

 

 

 

[larssc]

I just bought one on Ebay, so when the slow boat gets here I'll give my impression.

I see the the descriptions on Aliexpress say it's es9038q2m. Thanks

[larssc]

I just received the X8 today. Just listen only to Qobuz and Tidal with the software  wasapi drivers through my Hd 6xx and aune x7s. Initial impression is that it is very resolving and analytical compared to my Dragonfly red. Maybe with time it will mellow out or I will get use to the sharp sound.