Aune Audio presented at the High End Show 2023 in Munich a reference Aune S9c Pro DAC , combined with a preamplifier and a headphone amplifier. The DAC has replaced the Aune S6 Pro model in the company’s nomenclature.
To connect digital sources, Aune S9c Pro is equipped with four inputs – optical and coaxial, USB-B and balanced AES / EBU. At the same time, the DAC is able to decode PCM digital streams with resolution up to 32 bit / 768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512. Also, the device can work with files in MQA format and is equipped with a Bluetooth adapter that supports LDAC and aptX HD codecs. For connection to an amplifier or active speakers, both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs are provided.
To connect headphones on the front panel of Aune S9c Pro, there is both a 6.35 mm jack connector and a balanced XLR 4.4 mm output. The headphone amplifier is built entirely in balanced circuitry and delivers up to 5W of output power on a balanced output. The power supply contains a 50 VA power transformer and a capacitor bank with a total capacity of 23,900 microfarads. There is also the possibility of connecting an external clock generator via a 10 MHz BNC input.
The Aune S 9 c Pro external DAC is available in black and white. The DAC has already gone on sale in Europe for a suggested retail price of 749 euros .
