Aune Audio - S7 Pro

After a long research - my eyes turned to "Aune audio" this time. 'Serendipity' as they call it. After having used their top notch portable B1 - this time i wanted a fully balanced amp for my desktop at a reasonable price point.
A kick ass amp that caught my attention - Aune S7 Pro. Silky,Sweet,Natural,full bodied,black/silent,Detailed,acoustically heavenly, timbre driven, and above all - MUSICAL on every note is how i would call it. The synergy experienced across these random tracks i picked truly stands out on this amp and the level of transparency was spectacular.
Aune says - they inherited "Titans Artemis'circuitry for better peformance, low noise and sonic ambience. there is so much to reflect on this amp in the chain with different DACs and headphones i am keen to explore.
Gear Combo 1
SONCOZ LA-QXD1 (Modded) powered with LPS
SENHEISSER HD600 - Bal cable
Aune S7 pro - BALANCED OUT (XLR)
Source - TIDAL
DAC/AMP SYNERGY AT ITS BEST - WHAT DOES THIS AMP DO?
While its a known experience that we hear audiophiles saying Sen HD600 cans are made for tube amps and no doubt about that. But with such a well crafted SS amp design - HD600 sound characteristics got a fully new dimension. Timbre weight was so real and the growlingly popular - Soncoz pushing a R2R like tonality with detailed resolution was very pleasing to the ears in this pairing. I dont miss a R2R DAC and Soncoz does the job for me.
Noticeable surprising boost to the lows and expansive soundstage and precision imaging - gave a very different sonic experience.
Tracks tested -
1. The Wassaail Song/All through the night - By Yo Yo Ma..A vert popular Christmal carol with roots from 18th century is a top number across the globe. But Yo Yo Ma's magical interpretation was top notch. The opening mandolin plectrum and the cello swag are so detailed that you can hear and feel the artist tapping sitting next to you. The violin interludes that form such an incredible synergy that you could feel the vibe totally.
2. You've Got a friend - James Taylor - Guitar tone, Triple congo, Vocals & overall chorus overlay is soothing. I bet - You will tap your feet and nod your head when you listen to this full song. The Mids takes the kick on the track.
3. Solea - Anoushka Shankar The opening splash of the reverb followed by a hollow bass drum with a xylophone cling and Grand Piano, the Grand Piano,Djembe, Duduk, Cello runs in between, Anoushaka's magical weaving of Sitar is scintillating. Every note on this so crystall clear that you could follow and play them instantly - it gives you that additional space to repeat. If you are budding musician - you can play along this track. What an incredible melange of Indian Classical with East/West instrumental fusion is just mystical. Aune S7 pro - made me identify every single instrument that i mentiioned above - so distinct with extra-outstanding layering that i have experienced in recent times
4. THEERANADHI - Ghibran
The synth taps from far accompanied with xylo bells, Opening flute and the harmony gives you an instant connect. The female singer (Padmalatha) starts with such a melodious catchy phrase and the tabla responds to the rhythm so beautifully. You suddenly hear harmonium, and the lilting carnatic rag - "Kaapi" flowing through the song beautifully. I have been using this track of late as a reference to my other gears.
5. SKETCH - THE MODERN JAZZ QUARTET - Beauty of this track - Beautifully mastered in a way where you get a feeling as if - there are 2 concerts going.
Its like a movie narration in the background. Your left channel begins a solo and the right channel joins in and vice-versa at different passages and the scale changeovers so beautifully mixed. Such an interesting mix.
In the end it reaches a beautiful congregation and a breath taking end.
On a lighter note - The first thing that came to my mind - when is saw the word 'Artemis' is NASA's ongoing space mission with a goal of landing first male & female astronaut on moon's
South Pole by 2024. Whether you are an astronaut or not - you will still feel like floating when you listen to certain tracks on a weekend 🙂
Thanks to Raghav from HPZ and his team for a super prompt service as usual. Please dont put the price label on the package. We all know why 🙂