Aune N5: accessible and refined

Aune's N series was introduced very recently and can be considered one of the most affordable in the catalogue and on the market, without sacrificing many of the technologies and audiophile attention that characterise the brand's products. The N5 in particular is an affordable solution for those who want a network player, DAC and streaming in a single device at an absolutely stunning price. The design is based on an architecture dedicated to maximum quality, in which each element has been selected with the aim of optimising signal processing and minimising interference, putting sound quality at the centre of the stage.

The N5 stands out for its compact, futuristic-looking case, which gives it solidity and robustness. The front panel features a 3" display showing the track being played, the volume level and the main functions selected. On the left is a multifunction knob for adjusting the volume or navigating through the menus. A compact but functional IR remote control is included, although all operations can be performed via the Aune Control app, available for all platforms.

The hardware platform on which the N5 is based is complex and well balanced, combining an ESS ES9039Q2M D/A converter with an NXP Cortex-M7 processor, an Intel FPGA and a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip, in short: the best available today. This structure allows for advanced digital stream management, supported by the use of FIFO (First In First Out) technology and a dual internal PLL clock, solutions adopted to improve jitter control and ensure greater signal stability over time. The aim is to preserve data integrity throughout the entire processing chain, avoiding compromises that could affect the final output.

Despite its price, the N5 EVO is positioned at the high end of the market. It can handle PCM signals up to 32-bit and 768 kHz and DSD streams up to DSD512, allowing for the unrestricted playback of the highest resolution audio formats available today. These capabilities are complemented by support for Bluetooth aptX HD and LDAC codecs, enabling uncompromising wireless streaming. The N5 EVO is compatible with AirPlay 2, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz and Amazon Music. This flexibility makes it a complete digital hub, capable of transforming a traditional hi-fi system into a connected system that is up to date with contemporary listening needs, without compromising on quality.

In terms of connectivity, in addition to radio connectivity, and therefore WiFi and BT, the N5 offers optical and coaxial inputs, two USB ports for memory devices, and both RCA and XLR audio outputs, making it compatible with any amplification system, given the levels of 2.2V RMS for RCA and 4.4V for XLR respectively.

The N5 EVO also offers the possibility of connecting an external clock via the rear BNC, which can be drawn from the manufacturer's own N series, the N1C EVO, with an accuracy of less than ±0.02 ppm.

AUNE is an Eastern manufacturer that has gradually established itself in the hi-fi and personal audio scene thanks to a strongly research-oriented approach. The brand was founded in the mid-2000s, initially focusing on the development of digital circuits and D/A converters, before expanding its catalogue to include solid-state and hybrid amplifiers, balanced solutions, DACs with increasingly sophisticated architectures and, later, magnetoplanar headphones. With its X and S series, the newly launched N series and the planar line, AUNE has increasingly targeted a more mature and knowledgeable audiophile audience, without abandoning the entry-level segment that made it successful.

Technical specifications:

Inputs: 2.4G WiFi, BT 5.1, 2X USB Disc, Word Clock BNC 50Ω

Outputs: 1X XLR, 1X RCA, 1X I2S, 1 coax, 1 opt

Sample rate: up to 32/768, DSD512

BT codec: aptx.HD, LDAC

Audio formats: DSD, APE, FLAC, WAV, MP3/WMA/AAC, ALAC/AIFF/CUE

THD+N distortion: -141.6dB

Jitter: 171.5ps

Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.5dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio: 109dB

RCA/XLR output levels: 2.2/4.4 Vrms

Power supply: 9V DC

Dimensions: 160X208X63

Weight: 1.8 kg

Package contents: 2 antennas, 1 remote control, 1 power supply.

Price: €429

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