Aune X1s GT Review: Exceptional Sound Balance at an Affordable Price

Experience remarkable sound balance and high-resolution decoding with the Aune X1s GT DAC/headphone amplifier, blending quality and affordability perfectly.

Introduction to the Aune X1s GT

The Aune X1s GT is a DAC/headphone amplifier priced around $370 USD, featuring Bluetooth LDAC support, a balanced 4.4mm headphone output, and high-resolution audio decoding capabilities. At this price point and with its design, it competes with devices like the Soundaware A1X, iFi xDSD DAC/AMP, and Palab M1 Mini.

Aune Audio is a well-known Chinese brand highly regarded among audiophiles for its excellent DACs and amplifiers. Over the years, they've expanded into IEMs, portable tube amplifiers, and more. Their S6 PRO DAC/amp has been a flagship for years, so it’s fascinating to explore this newer, more compact model that showcases Aune’s evolving direction.

Design and Build Quality

The X1s GT sports a design more like a sports car than a conventional audiophile device. Its front panel features a large input selection button, two headphone outputs, and a big volume knob surrounded by an elegant red LED ring. This not only improves visibility but also adds a sporty vibe.

The "GT" in its name stands for Grand Tourer, a type of luxury car designed for long-distance high-speed driving. The X1s GT is the eighth generation in Aune’s X1 series, offering a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and a 6.3mm single-ended headphone output.

It supports up to 32-bit / 786kHz PCM and DSD512 decoding via USB, and up to 384kHz PCM and DSD128 via coaxial input. It can work with smartphones supporting OTG, and its unique PLL core synchronizes the entire device. For enthusiasts, there's an external 10MHz clock input supporting high-performance external sources like the Aune XC1.

Amplifier and Power Performance

The X1s GT houses a fully balanced headphone amplifier based on the classic discrete B1 amplifier circuit, upgraded with 4 amplifiers, 4 x 24 bipolar transistors, and 227 components in total. It uses an ALPS potentiometer for volume control, providing analog precision and smooth dynamics superior to typical digital volume controls.

Tested with high-impedance headphones like HIFIMAN He1000 V2, Audeze LCD-XC, and Crosszone CZ-8A, the X1s GT delivers ample power. The balanced 4.4mm output offers 1200mW, ideal for power-hungry headphones, while the 6.35mm single-ended output supplies 320mW, both rated at 32 Ohms impedance.

The rear panel includes preamp and line outputs, optical, USB, coaxial inputs, and an external sync input. Bluetooth with LDAC codec support is also integrated, with a power switch and an external power adapter included.

Technical Excellence and Noise Control

Technically, the X1s GT boasts a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB and a distortion rate of 0.00013%, impressive even on paper. Aune provides detailed measurements on their product page. The device comes with a 2-year worldwide warranty, with orders placed before noon shipping the same day from Germany. Free EU shipping makes it even more attractive.

Silent operation is a highlight: the X1s GT mutes sound when no audio is playing or when you pause playback, avoiding loud pops or clicks. USB DAC mode offers zero latency, making it perfect for gaming, movie watching, and digital entertainment.

Sound Quality Overview

The X1s GT powers almost any headphone you can throw at it, from Sivga SV023 to high-end planar-magnetic models like Audeze LCD-XC or HIFIMAN Edition XS. It impresses with an exceptionally low noise floor, making it ideal for sensitive IEMs like Ambient Acoustics MAD24 and Oriveti OV800, with no hiss or background noise.

Its sound signature is warm, deep, and smooth, delivering rich bass with great control. Even at high volumes, distortion is minimal, and the maximum output is strong. The bass is notably powerful and well-controlled, making it adept at handling both planar-magnetic and dynamic headphones, whether low or high impedance.

Mids are smooth and slightly colored by the warmth of the bass, providing a musical, fatigue-free listening experience. The soundstage is natural and detailed, with a relaxed presentation that masks recording flaws effectively. High frequencies are detailed yet soft, avoiding the harshness that tires listeners quickly.

Overall, it’s an excellent performer for the price category, delivering enjoyable sound regardless of headphone or active speaker choice. It pairs well with speakers like Adam Audio T7V and Edifier S1000DB.

Comparative Insights

Aune X1s GT vs Soundaware A1X
The X1s GT offers a more powerful headphone output and easier volume control than the A1X. While the A1X sounds more aggressive and dynamic, the X1s GT delivers a warmer, deeper sound. Plus, X1s GT supports Bluetooth LDAC, which A1X lacks.

Aune X1s GT vs iFi xDSD DAC/AMP
Both have similar features, but Aune’s LDAC Bluetooth outperforms iFi’s non-LDAC codec. The xDSD is smaller and portable, while the X1s GT is desktop-bound. Sonically, xDSD sounds brighter and more energetic, whereas X1s GT is warmer, smoother, and more controlled at higher volumes.

Aune X1s GT vs Palab M1 Mini
Palab M1 Mini is portable with a simpler design and fewer inputs. X1s GT boasts higher max power, especially from its balanced output. Both sound smooth and detailed, but X1s GT is warmer and bassier, making it feel like a desktop evolution of the M1 Mini.

What's in the Box?

• Aune X1s GT desktop DAC/headphone amplifier
• USB input cable
• 6.35mm (Male) to 3.5mm (Female) adapter
• Power adapter
• User manual

Technical Specifications

• Device Type: DAC / Headphone Amplifier
• USB Chip: XMOS
• Inputs: USB-B, Optical Toslink, Coaxial, BNC 10 MHz Clock Input
• Outputs: RCA Line Out, RCA Preamp Out, 6.35mm Single-Ended Headphone, 4.4mm Balanced Headphone
• Supported Sampling Rates: USB – PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512; Coaxial/Optical – PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, DSD up to DSD128
• Power Supply: Meanwell 9V 2.55A (5.5 / 2.1mm connector)
• PLL Technology: Aune PLL for phase-locked loop stability
• Volume Control: Analog ALPS potentiometer
• Other Features: High-end audiophile components, fully discrete amplifier circuit, four amplifier modes, elegant design with red backlit volume knob

Input Parameters:

• USB: 32-bit / 768kHz, DSD512
• Coaxial: 24-bit / 384kHz, DoP128
• Optical: 24-bit / 192kHz, DoP64

Output Parameters:

• Output Level: 2.0 VRMS
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 120 dB
• Dynamic Range (DNR): 120 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): 0.00013%
• Output Power (4.4mm): 1200 mW at 32Ω
• Output Power (6.35mm): 320 mW at 32Ω

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Final Thoughts on the Aune X1s GT

For many audio enthusiasts, the Aune X1s GT can replace an entire streaming setup and function as a new sound card for connecting favorite headphones—be they dynamic, planar magnetic, IEMs, or active speakers. Priced at about $370 USD, it offers exceptional value with few rivals matching its price-to-performance ratio. A more affordable version without Bluetooth is also available.

The X1s GT earns a place in the Audiophile Hall of Fame for its outstanding performance, detailed sound, low noise floor, elegant design, and unbeatable value. If you want a DAC/amp with LDAC Bluetooth, balanced 4.4mm output, warm and smooth sound, solid build quality, and powerful, distortion-free output, this is a highly recommended purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes the Aune X1s GT’s sound signature unique?
  It delivers a warm, deep, and smooth sound with excellent bass control and a natural, fatigue-free midrange.
• Can the X1s GT drive high-impedance headphones effectively?
  Absolutely. Its 1200mW output at 32Ω balanced makes it suitable for power-hungry headphones like HIFIMAN He1000 V2.
• Does it support high-resolution audio formats?
  Yes, it supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512 via USB input.
• Is the X1s GT suitable for gaming and video playback?
  Yes, it has zero latency in USB DAC mode, perfect for competitive gaming and watching movies or anime.
• What Bluetooth codecs does the X1s GT support?
  It supports high-quality Bluetooth codecs, including the LDAC codec for superior wireless audio.

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