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The Aune S9c Pro is a reference-grade desktop DAC and headphone amplifier that gathers Aune's flagship technologies into a single powerful all-in-one. A dual DAC arrangement, a second-generation ultra-low-jitter clock core, and a fully discrete amplifier rated at 5W make it capable of decoding the highest-resolution files and driving all but the most extreme headphones with ease. For the listener assembling an end-game desktop chain who wants both source and amplification of a very high order, the S9c Pro is built to be the heart of the system.

Type and Technology

At its core sit two ESS ES9068A DAC chips operating in clock-synchronized mode, supporting 32bit/768kHz PCM, native DSD512, and 16x MQA decoding. Aune's second-generation PLL clock core, developed over roughly four years, feeds ultra-low-jitter clock signals to the USB XMOS receiver, the SPDIF path, and the DAC simultaneously, and a 10MHz external clock input allows a dedicated reference clock to be added. The amplifier is entirely discrete, using twin JFET transistors at the input stage and a linear power supply to deliver up to 5W, fed by a 50W toroidal low-ripple transformer. Two tuning modes, a standard low-latency mode and a pure-music mode, adjust the clock and filter behavior, and a built-in display shows status at a glance. Inputs include USB, coaxial, optical, and AES, with three headphone outputs on 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 4-pin XLR balanced.

Sound Character

The S9c Pro is voiced for clean, precise, and natural sound with the composure that comes from serious clock and power engineering. The dual-DAC layout and low-jitter core produce a deep, quiet backdrop with excellent resolution, while the discrete 5W amplifier brings weight and control to demanding loads. The standard mode delivers neutral, fast, low-latency playback, while the pure-music mode trades a little latency for higher clock precision, greater density, and a more expansive soundstage. Across both, the presentation stays vivid and composed rather than fatiguing.

Build and Finish

The S9c Pro is built into a substantial chassis carrying Aune's symbolic arc-shaped design, with premium internal components including analog MKP decoupling capacitors, digital isolation transformers, SMT film capacitors, and matched output transistors. It is available in Black and Silver to suit different desktops. At roughly 4 kg it has the mass expected of a reference component and stays planted in a desktop stack.

Best For

This is a destination DAC and amplifier for the listener who wants one uncompromising desktop hub for a wide range of full-size headphones, including power-hungry planars. Pair it with a set of flagship cans from our headphones and let its 5W discrete amplifier and dual-DAC source bring out everything they are capable of.

What's in the Box

• Aune S9c Pro DAC and headphone amplifier
• Power cable
• USB cable
• User manual

Specifications

What Reviewers Say

Reviews By WaveTheory reviews the Aune S9c Pro and shares hands-on impressions of its sound and build.