AUNE S9c Pro MQA 16× DAC With Fully-Discrete Headphone AMP

The Aune S9c Pro Bluetooth Edition is a flagship DAC with headphone amp functionality that took the company more than two years to develop. The model can be described as an improved and even more advanced version of the extremely popular DAC / AMP from the S6 line. The device is distinguished by full clock synchronization thanks to the second generation PLL core with an ultra-low jitter level.

The S9c Pro is based on two ES9068A chips, i.e. new units from ESS Technology. The DAC/AMP is equipped with, among others, w: 10M clock input, fully discrete amplifier circuit with high output power, special filters based on proprietary algorithms and a 50W linear ring transformer.

Second generation PLL core

Aune Audio uses the second generation PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) core in the S9c Pro, which took four years to develop. This solution is based on complex and precise algorithms, which makes it possible to match different resolutions to the bandwidth. The ultra-low jitter clock source is delivered to both the DAC and XMOX USB controller simultaneously, resulting in a natural and lively sound.

16 core USB controller

The aune S9c Pro features a high-end XMOS 16-core USB controller. However, aune audio's R&D department abandoned the traditional clock signal generation with two oscillators. The S9c Pro uses a new PLL core instead, allowing the XMOS USB controller and DAC to share the same clock source. This guarantees higher sound resolution.

The S9c Pro's DAC/AMP supports PCM audio up to 32-bit/768kHz, and supports DSD files up to 512x. The model also supports the MQA standard with 16x rendering.

Extensive clock synchronization

The aune S9c Pro's proprietary clock synchronization technology also applies to the digital inputs. Thanks to this, data from the coaxial, optical and AES connectors are converted to an IIS signal, and then converted using the PLL core with an ultra-low jitter level. As a result, the aune S9c Pro works perfectly with digital transports and audio players, guaranteeing the highest quality sound.

Great Bluetooth implementation

The aune S9c Pro Bluetooth Edition features a high-quality Bluetooth module that supports all popular audio codecs (LDAC, aptX HD, aptx, AAC and SBC). It has been additionally implemented in a unique way - data from the Bluetooth module is converted into an IIS signal, and then converted using an ultra-low jitter PLL core. Clock synchronization allows you to achieve higher sound quality also for wireless communication.

Dual ES9068A chip

aune S9c Pro is based on two ES9068A chips, i.e. a new, top solution from ESS Technology. This system is supported by PLL technology, which synchronizes the clock. The company has further optimized the power supply system to bring out the potential of the new DAC chip.

Discreet amplifier

The aune S9c Pro has a fully discrete amplifier circuit that features an extremely fast transient response. The company used twin JFETs (Junction Field Effect Transistor) for the input section of the amplifier circuit. These transistors have a high impedance and guarantee a smooth and natural sound.

The company used a linear +/-15 V power supply for this, thanks to which the DAC / AMP has an output power of over 5 W. The S9c Pro easily copes with driving and extracting the potential of demanding earphones.

Three headphone outputs

The aune S9c Pro DAC/AMP features a traditional 6.35mm (single ended) headphone output as well as 4.4mm and XLR (4-pin) balanced outputs. Users can plug most earphones into it without having to reach for adapters. The balanced outputs are also characterized by high power - 5780 mW for a 32 Ω load and 672 mW for a 300 Ω load.

Original aune audio filters

The aune audio company in the S9c Pro has abandoned traditional digital filters and prepared its own filters that guarantee higher sound quality. The model has two modes:

Mode 1 - standard, natural presentation with a hint of musicality;

Mode 2 - more clear, technical and resolved sound.

10MHz clock input

The aune S9c Pro has a 10MHz input, which allows you to connect it to an external clock. The perfect pairing for a PLL-core DAC/AMP are aune audio models such as the S1c, SC1 or XC1.

IIS signal transmission

The S9c Pro model uses a special IIS balanced signal transmission system. Data is received from the USB controller, Bluetooth module and coaxial, optical and AES inputs (after conversion to IIS), and then converted using the PLL core and received and isolated by the receiver circuit. This has enabled aune audio to develop interference-free digital signal transmission, which guarantees clear and precise sound.

Technical Specifications:

DAC chip: 2 x ESS ES9068A

inputs: USB, AES, coaxial, optical

headphone outputs: 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR

line outputs: XLR, RCA

Bluetooth module: yes

Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

dimensions: 288 x 211 x 63 mm

weight: 3.1kg

Input characteristics

PCM support (USB): up to 32-bit/768kHz

PCM support (coaxial): up to 24-bit/192kHz

PCM support (optical): up to 24-bit/192kHz

PCM support (AES): up to 24-bit/192kHz

DSD support (USB): up to DSD512

RCA line output characteristics

output level: 2.2Vrms

noise level: 2.04 uV

dynamic range: 122 dB

THD+N: 0.00029%

Characteristics of the XLR line output

output level: 4.99Vrms

noise level: 4.07 uV

dynamic range: 122 dB

THD+N: 0.00022%

6.35mm headphone output characteristics

noise level: 7.71 uV

THD+N: 0.00058% (1.78Vrms/1kHz 0dB)

impedance: 1 ohm

output power (32 Ω): 1445mW

output power (100 Ω): 490mW

output power (300 Ω): 168 mW

output power (600 Ω): 84mW

Characteristics of the 4.4mm and XLR headphone outputs

noise level: 7.71 uV

THD+N: 0.00058% (1.78Vrms/1kHz 0dB)

impedance: 1 ohm

output power (32 Ω): 5780mW

output power (100 Ω): 1960mW

output power (300 Ω): 672 mW

output power (600 Ω): 336 mW