Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
mindhead1
599
Jun 14, 2018
checkVerified Buyer
search
I own both and for $380 total it's an outstanding value and great looking stack.
I use the X7S with my 4xx (SE) and 6xx (Balanced) and love it. The sound from the amp is full, wide and punchy. The headphones sound good when driven by the X1S, but compared to the X7S the sound is a little thin. The X7S has the power to drive any headphone I'll likely ever own.
The X1S is a great DAC and good Amp. It has a nice selection of input options and sends a clear signal to my powered speakers or X7S. The X1S has enough power to comfortably drive the 6xx and 4xx and is a solid DAC/Amp combo that would be a great standalone addition to any desktop and I have no issues recommending it. I liked the X1S so much I decided to give the X7S a try.
I purchased the X1S before I got the X7S and could have saved a few bucks if I bought them at the same time. While the X1S is no slouch the X7S is a superior amp that offers SE and Balanced output at a very competitive price. If I had to choose 1 of these devices I would opt for the X7S and pair it with a cheaper stand alone DAC like an OL DAC or Topping D10 or D30. This would get you a sweet setup for $250-$300, but it wouldn't look as pretty as the X1S/X7S stack.
Toothless_Snake
251
Jun 17, 2018
mindhead1I'm doing the same you are doing basically. Honestly 20 bucks difference isn't going to hurt. Rather try the X1s see if I like it. I'm sure this drop will come back like it has in the past.
mindhead1
599
Jun 17, 2018
Toothless_SnakeThe X1S is great with my easier to drive headphones. If I didn’t own the 6xx and wasnt tempted by the possibility of something better, I wouldn’t have picked up the X7S. If you have hard to drive headphones get the X7S. Otherwise, I think the X1S is more than sufficient.
Toothless_Snake
251
Jun 18, 2018
mindhead1I have 6xx coming in the mail lol
mindhead1
599
Jun 18, 2018
Toothless_SnakeThe 6xx is not terrible with the X1S. IT's actually pretty good. Just better with the X7S.
Toothless_Snake
251
Jun 18, 2018
mindhead1I'll be getting the X7s next time the drop comes back. Hell I'm sure 200 even for that amp is a deal.
mindhead1
599
Jun 18, 2018
Toothless_SnakeThis is a good way to go. This way you'll appreciate the upgrade when you make it.
Toothless_Snake
251
Jun 18, 2018
mindhead1Agreed. I'm coming from a FiiO E10K Olympus 2 and HD598 so I'm sure the X1S and 6xx is a decent upgrade.
ValdasSutkus
16
Jun 21, 2018
Toothless_SnakeSame upgrade path - will be interesting to see the difference.
Oddfellow
19
Jul 14, 2018
mindhead1thanks for the review. how much better does the balanced output sound on the X7S?
mindhead1
599
Jul 14, 2018
OddfellowI wouldn't say better. I'd say different. With the 6xx via balanced out on the X7S the soundstage widens. That's the biggest difference. The full body sound and everything else I love about the 6xx is still there.
sucram65
52
Jul 25, 2018
mindhead1I did exactly what you are suggesting in buying the X7S and pairing with a cheaper DAC. I just received my X7S two days ago and love it. I paired it with a Topping D10 DAC, which is an excellent DAC in it's own right. Sound out of the X7S is very clean and uncolored. When nothing is playing it is dead silent. No hiss, crackle, or pops detected. I've been using it with Hifiman HE-560's and Massdrop HD-6XX. I've been using the balanced output with the HE-560's. Need to get a balanced cable for the HD6XX's. Fabulous!
Toothless_Snake
251
Jul 25, 2018
sucram65Great!
Toothless_Snake
251
Jul 25, 2018
sucram65I probably should have done that but the aune is still a good amp/dac combo anyway.
MiiD82
76
Sep 4, 2018
mindhead1What is the difference between the 3 modes of Aune X1? "Fast scrolling, slow download and minimal phase filter" I'm curious since I don't have it;)
mindhead1
599
Sep 4, 2018
MiiD82I'm not sure. I think it has something to do with roll off. I have played around with the different modes and of I try really hard I think I can hear a difference, but I'm not sure. I leave it in the default setting.
MiiD82
76
Sep 5, 2018
mindhead1thanks for answering!
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile