Aune S9c Pro – Reference DAC & Balanced Headphone Amplifier
Representing Aune’s latest-generation DAC with integrated headphone amplification, the S9c Pro is the result of a two-year development process. It brings reference-level technologies—many rarely seen at this price point—into a single, refined desktop unit.
At its core are dual ES9068A DAC chips, full clock synchronization, and Aune’s second-generation ultra-low-jitter PLL core, the result of four years of R&D. Combined with two proprietary digital filter modes and a fully discrete headphone amplifier capable of delivering up to 5W of output power, the S9c Pro is engineered for accuracy, musicality, and control.
Connectivity
Headphone Outputs
- Single-Ended (SE) 6.35 mm
- Balanced 4.4 mm
- Balanced XLR (4-pin)
Inputs
- USB (not compatible with iPhone)
- Coaxial
- Optical
- AES
Outputs
Advanced DAC Architecture
The dual-DAC design integrates premium features such as clock sync mode, typically reserved for much higher-end components. The second-generation PLL core is a major technological leap, delivering ultra-stable clock performance.
Aune’s proprietary algorithm precisely generates frequencies matched to different resolutions. The ultra-low-jitter clock source simultaneously feeds the USB XMOS/SPDIF stage and the DAC section, resulting in a sound that is natural, vibrant, and highly coherent.
High-Performance Headphone Amplifier
The S9c Pro features a powerful, fully discrete amplifier designed to extract maximum performance from both full-size headphones and sensitive IEMs. Aune carefully tuned the output voltage curve to ensure excellent control, low noise, and consistent performance across a wide range of impedances.
Sound Tuning Modes
The S9c Pro offers two distinct tuning modes based on different PLL and filter configurations:
MODE 1 – Standard Mode
- Fast locking and low latency
- Neutral, natural, and accurate sound signature
MODE 2 – Pure Mode
- High-performance PLL with more precise clocking
- Increased sound density and an expanded soundstage
The Aune S9c Pro is a reference-grade DAC and balanced headphone amplifier designed for listeners who demand precision, power, and musical realism in a single, elegantly engineered component.
Front Panel
- Balanced 4-pin XLR headphone output
- Balanced 4.4 mm headphone output
- Single-ended 6.35 mm headphone jack
- Display screen
- Multifunction control knob
- Remote control receiver
Rear Panel / Connectivity
- USB input (DSD512 support)
- Optical input
- Coaxial input (Bluetooth edition only)
- AES input
- External 10 MHz clock input
- Bluetooth antenna port
- XLR variable line out (L / R)
- RCA variable line out (L / R)
- Power input
- Power switch
Specifications
Digital Inputs
- USB: up to 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD512
- Optical: up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
- Coaxial: up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
- AES: up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
Line Output
- Output level: 2.2 Vrms
- Noise floor: 2.04 µV
- Dynamic range: 122 dB
- THD+N: 0.00029%
XLR Output
- Output level: 4.99 Vrms
- Noise floor: 4.07 µV
- Dynamic range: 122 dB
- THD+N: 0.00022%
Headphone Output
- Noise floor: 7.71 µV
- THD+N: 0.00058% (1.78 Vrms / 1 kHz / 0 dB)
- Output impedance: 1 Ω
Headphone Power Output
- 32 Ω
- Single-ended: 1460 mW
- Balanced: 5500 mW
- 100 Ω
- Single-ended: 500 mW
- Balanced: 2000 mW
- 300 Ω
- Single-ended: 168 mW
- Balanced: 672 mW
- 600 Ω
- Single-ended: 84 mW
- Balanced: 336 mW
Dimensions
* As the S9c Pro operates in clock-sync mode, SPDIF does not support DoP. For DSD playback, please use the USB input.
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