.png){kind=logo}
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Interesting functions and features enhance sound fidelity
- Clean presentation and controlled bass make it suitable for upscaling various earphones
- Highly-resolving sound, lots of high-frequency details, and sharp, precise edges, as well as a deep bassline with energy and control
Product Considerations
- The volume knob is recessed and protected by a metal plate, making volume adjustments difficult
- The mid-range may be a little on the thinner side—almost to the point of being a little bit analytical
- The 2.5mm balanced output may not be as future-proof as the increasingly common 4.4mm balanced output
- Bluetooth connectivity does not support LDAC, and the sound is softer with lower high-frequency details compared to a USB connection
- Pairing with overly bright and analytical earphones and headphones might result in excessive prominence of upper mid-range and highest frequencies
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping EX-5: BU2 offers higher fidelity and sounds airier and more open, especially with reasonably demanding headphones that do not need too much power
Takeaway: The Aune BU2 is a versatile portable DAC/amp that enhances the music experience and can drive a variety of headphones and earphones, making it a good solution for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound on the go. The robust build and feature set offer a comprehensive solution for both wired and wireless listening.
All
BU2 DAC
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Weight: 1 kg (2.2046 lb = 35.2740 oz)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Aune distinguishes itself by implementing fully discrete Class A amplification in many of its products, resulting in a warm, smooth, and natural sound signature valued by audiophiles seeking an alternative to clinical-sounding amplifiers.
- They prioritize high-quality components, such as toroidal transformers, audiophile-grade capacitors, and hand-picked transistors, to achieve exceptional sonic performance in their price range.
- AUNE's unique design language, often characterized by an "arc" shape and visible internal components, sets its products apart aesthetically from more generic-looking audio gear.
- The brand offers a range of products that feature swappable op-amps, enabling users to customize the sound signature according to their preferences.
Select products
BU1-Portable-DAC-with-Headphone-Amplifier
- Positioning: Entry-level design focused on portability and affordability.
- Description: Offers a compact DAC and headphone amplifier suited for on-the-go audio setups and small room use, with a straightforward design that meets basic connectivity needs. Compared to other models, it has fewer advanced controls and processing options, making it ideal for users with a limited budget and simple functionality requirements.
Yuki-USB-DAC-with-Headphone-Amp
- Positioning: Budget-friendly desktop solution designed for streamlined USB audio performance.
- Description: Features a clear USB input interface and precise DAC circuitry that provide improved sound clarity for desktop listening. Compared to the portable BU1 and more feature-rich models, it addresses basic needs at a modest cost while offering reliable performance for everyday use.
X1s-GT-X1s-GT-BT-DAC-with-Headphone-Amp
- Positioning: Mid-range option offering a blend of wired and wireless connectivity for versatile setups.
- Description: Integrates both Bluetooth and digital inputs in a robust DAC/amp package that supports varied audio sources, making it adaptable for home or portable applications. Compared to the entry-level designs, it provides better build quality and added connectivity without reaching premium price levels.
X8-XVIII-X8-XVIII-BT-Magic-DAC
- Positioning: Advanced model featuring a unique Bluetooth transmission system for enhanced digital audio.
- Description: Introduces a proprietary BT Magic feature that improves wireless connectivity and digital conversion quality, making it a notable upgrade in performance for modern audio setups. Compared to lower-priced models, it delivers superior digital-to-analog conversion and connectivity features while still being positioned below the top-tier S9c Pro.
S9c-Pro-DAC-with-Headphone-Amp-with-AL3-XLR-Balanced-Male-to-Female-3-Pin-Audio-Cable-1-Pair
- Positioning: Premium high-end solution optimized for balanced outputs and precise audio reproduction.
- Description: Uses advanced DAC circuits and balanced amplifier outputs that provide superior audio detail and technical refinement. Compared to every other model in the lineup, it offers more versatile connectivity options and a higher standard of build quality.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
DACs are relatively straightforward in concept, but creating a truly outstanding one takes a lot of effort. We do have some unique design philosophies for our DAC products.In the past, our DAC lineup has included many technical highlights—for example, our proprietary PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) technology. This ensures adaptive compatibility across different input sample rates while maintaining synchronization between the DAC and clock signal.Another key feature is that our DACs are designed with independent clock input interfaces from the outset. They can accept external clock signals and even allow seamless switching between internal and external clock sources without interrupting operation. While external clock input is typically reserved for high-end DACs, we insist on supporting it even in entry-level models. Our emphasis on clock signal handling is a major differentiator from our competitors.So if we were to expand on this topic, we’d certainly mention more than just two technical innovations.
What's your approach to customer support?
Generally speaking, our after-sales service policy recommends that users contact the dealer from whom they purchased the product. This is the most direct and convenient way to resolve issues—whether it’s for repairs or replacement due to product faults—allowing for the quickest resolution. This same policy applies to our official online stores. In most cases, we don’t recommend customers contact us directly, because it’s difficult to accurately demonstrate and identify issues without in-person evaluation. Direct communication with us may also lead to unnecessary delays or extra logistics costs and taxes. Working through the dealer allows for more efficient repairs or exchanges.That said, if users have questions about product usage, we’re absolutely happy for them to contact us directly for timely answers and technical support.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
This is definitely a sensitive question, but we’re not surprised that it comes up. We respect how different brand designers interpret music reproduction, and we fully recognize that mixing and matching different brands is one of the biggest joys for audio enthusiasts. In fact, we often do this ourselves.
Aside from it being fun, it also helps us discover potential compatibility issues with our own products. For example, I think Violectric headphone amps pair quite well with our DACs. But we don’t recommend that people simply copy our choices. To achieve the sound we prefer, we often modify other brands’ gear to best match our products. Through this process, we also gain completely new design inspiration.
Just like others discover their own pairing experiences, we believe there’s no such thing as the “correct” sound—only the sound that aligns with your own preferences.
Used
aune
What if you spend more?
What competes at this price?
.png){kind=logo}
.svg)
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb detail and resolution, providing a clean signature with excellent instrument separation
- Wide, three-dimensional soundstage, offering a natural sense of spaciousness
- Good transparency and imaging
- Beautiful and distinguished design, featuring a glass window to view the internal circuitry
- Supports UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 for increased device compatibility
Product Considerations
- Volume control buttons are small and may be difficult to use, especially with a protective case
- Draws quite a bit of power from the source
- Rear button placement was found to be not very practical for daily use
- SE output is not as good with more demanding IEM, even on hi gain
- Behavior of the sub-bass reveals subtle colouring with some IEMs with dynamic drivers or DD+BA hybrids
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Fosi Audio DS2, the Yuki provides a more extensive soundstage, improved layering, upgraded imaging accuracy, and a richer sound
- Compared to the Fiio KA17, the Aune delivers a warmer and richer sound, whereas the Fiio offers a slightly more airy and sweeter sound
Takeaway: The Aune Yuki is a beautiful and well-built dongle DAC/AMP that delivers a detailed, high-resolution sound with a wide soundstage. If the user wants great sound in a small package, the Yuki could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comprehensive specifications, aiming to equal or improve upon existing portable DACs
- Features a balanced 4.4mm output and a single-ended 3.5mm headphone output
- High power output, described as the most powerful headphone amp of its size
- Includes XBass+ and XSpace analog processing for sound enhancement
- Supports PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 256, and DXD
Product Considerations
- The blue text on the blue chassis is hard to read in almost any lighting condition
- Can be considered chunky compared to other dongle DACs
- Can be noisy and produce audible hiss with sensitive IEMs, though IEMatch can help mitigate this
- High power consumption potentially impacts battery life of the source device
- The digital filters can be tricky to access, according to one review
Takeaway: The iFi Audio GO bar is a powerful and versatile portable DAC/amp that can drive most headphones, providing a clean and detailed sound. It is packed with features and offers good sound quality, making it a great option for enjoying high-resolution music on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed, organized, and spacious sound.
- Strong output power for a dongle.
- Premium build quality with tactile Japanese stainless steel.
- Feature-rich with exclusive sound-tuning options, like K2HD processing, XBass, XSpace, and digital filters.
- Improved clocking and circuitry contribute to less background noise, no jitter, and increased audio quality.
Product Considerations
- Treble can sound rather relentless—overstated, hard-edged, and thin.
- The device can get quite warm during use.
- High power draw can drain a mobile phone battery quickly.
- Stainless steel exterior is prone to collecting fingerprints and scratches.
- Controls can be difficult to understand at first, necessitating the manual.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Kensei offers slight improvements in clarity and bass accuracy compared to the original GO Bar, with less warmth in the lower mids.
Takeaway: The iFi GO Bar Kensei is a premium, well-built portable DAC/amp that delivers a detailed and powerful sound experience. It's packed with features and offers a noticeable upgrade for those serious about high-quality mobile hifi listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fully balanced 4.4mm output and a 3.5mm single-ended output
- Battery-powered, providing ultra-clean and stable DC current, avoiding noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution and not draining the sound source battery
- Excellent build quality, often made from a CNC milled aluminum block with glass surfaces for durability and a premium look
- Neutral and transparent sound signature
- Has hardware controls
- Dead silent without EMI interference
Product Considerations
- Battery life is around 5 hours
- The size is larger than most dongle DACs due to the internal battery
- Stock USB cable may be too long and stiff for portable use
- Bass boost can muddy details
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to EarMen Sparrow, the Colibri has enhanced overall performance due to the internal battery, providing cleaner power, wider soundstage, and deeper detail retrieval, although both use the same DAC chip (ES9281 Pro)
- Compared to Cayin RU6, the Colibri has a slight edge in spacing as a result of less aliasing and its lower noise floor
- Compared to AudioQuest Dragonfly, the Colibri is a major step up
Takeaway: The EarMen Colibri offers high-fidelity sound in a portable package, making it a great choice for audiophiles on the go because it delivers clean, powerful audio without draining a device's battery, allowing for extended listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Small, compact desktop unit with a small LED display that shows basic info
- Neutral, uncolored, and transparent sound signature with good extension on the top and bottom
- Decent power output capable of driving power-hungry headphones
- Good price-to-performance ratio and great overall value
- Features Bluetooth connectivity
Product Considerations
- Lacks balanced connections
- Bluetooth only supports SBC codec
- Not the best in terms of absolute sound quality compared to pricier options
- May not be suitable for those with more revealing headphones, where the differences with higher-end DAC/amps become more apparent
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Topping stack is slightly more transparent and has slightly better detail retrieval and generally better technical performance, but it is not by a huge margin
- The SMSL C200 sounds a little more full-bodied, and tones feel slightly more palpable and 3D; the D12's tonality is quite good, but everything is just a touch more flat
- The FIIO K7 is more detailed, dynamic, and engaging with great bass and a truly balanced architecture
Takeaway: The SMSL D12 is a budget-friendly and compact DAC/amp that offers neutral sound and decent power for its price, making it a good option for those with a limited budget or those who need Bluetooth connectivity. It provides good value and is capable enough for IEMs and many headphones.
Video review
Our take on the brand
How to buy
DACs
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
