Digital elegance, hi-fi substance

Thanks to a feature-rich software platform, it becomes the ideal access point to major music streaming services. The S10n is part of Aune's S line, which brings together the best technology from the Asian manufacturer. It represents the evolution of the S10, from which it inherits the design philosophy but with numerous improvements in both hardware and digital signal path optimisation. The S10n stands out for its typically audiophile approach, where the focus is not only on connectivity and ease of use, but also, perhaps above all, on the accuracy of digital-to-analogue conversion, clock stability and power supply quality. The S10n is characterised by sober, minimalist lines with completely unusual shapes, at least in the context of Eastern production, and especially in its price range. It is a block of milled aluminium that looks like a wave: soft, sinuous, elegant.

The front panel is extremely clean and houses only a few essential elements, including a display and a few buttons that allow you to control some basic functions. This deliberately minimalist approach reflects the idea that the main control of the device is via the network, smartphone or computer. The digital-to-analogue converter is based on the ESS Sabre 9038Q2M chip, implemented in a very interesting way, as it is flanked by other hardware blocks: the NPX Cortex-M7 decoding core and an FPGA for signal processing and jitter reduction. Added to these are a MediaTek processor for streaming and a proprietary ultra-low jitter PLL clock, in order to reduce micro-temporal inaccuracies that can generate minimal but perceptible distortions (the brain is particularly sensitive to temporal distortions). A multi-core architecture separates the various functions in order to reduce digital noise and improve conversion accuracy. These stages are, of course, accompanied by an analogue buffer and a dedicated power supply. This approach allows the converter's potential to be exploited to the full, resulting in a sound that tends to be very detailed but at the same time natural and free of harshness.

In terms of connectivity, the S10n is designed to integrate easily into a home music ecosystem. It can function as a network player by connecting via Wi-Fi and supports popular protocols such as DLNA and AirPlay, allowing streaming from computers, NAS or mobile devices. This makes it compatible with numerous music management software and most home digital libraries. It also features LDAC, aptX HD, AAC and SBC compatible Bluetooth. The network interface also allows access to streaming services (Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music) and internet radio, greatly expanding your listening options. The outputs are both XLR and RCA with an inherently balanced configuration, and it has I2S digital inputs, AES/EBU on XLR, coaxial, optical, two USB-A for mass storage, and a 10 MHz clock input on BNC to which you can connect Aune's SC1 EVO generator.

In addition to its streamer function, the S10n can operate as a USB DAC connected directly to a computer. In this mode, the S10n uses an asynchronous USB interface and is capable of handling audio files up to 32/768 and DSD512. Another key element of the design is the power supply: the S10n uses a high-quality linear power supply with separate sections for the different parts of the circuit, isolating the digital section from the analogue section and reducing the possibility of noise generated by processing contaminating the audio signal.

The user experience is designed to be simple and flexible. Using the IEAST app (iOS and Android) or DLNA control software, you can browse extensive music libraries, create playlists and manage playback remotely, making the streamer particularly suitable for those with a large collection of digital files stored on NAS or home servers. The device thus becomes the control centre for digital music in a hi-fi system, replacing CD players or dedicated computers. The S10n is therefore a complete and refined digital source, capable of performing many different roles: network player, DAC with bypassable volume control, and hub for digital music. Thanks to the combination of high-quality conversion, careful power supply, and support for high-resolution formats, it fits naturally into mid- to high-end hi-fi systems, offering excellent performance. For many enthusiasts, it can be a relatively compact and affordable way to get started with digital music without compromising on quality and with an unprecedented price/performance ratio.

Who is Aune Audio? 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.

Technical specifications:

• Converter: ESS ES9038Q2M Sabre HyperStream II architecture PCM support up to 32-bit/768 kHz DSD support up to DSD512 DLNA/UPnP
• Compatibility AirPlay support Internet radio Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and Amazon Music
• Bluetooth: LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
• Analogue outputs: RCA/XLR
• Digital outputs: AES/EBU, Coaxial/optical, I²S via HDMI
• Maximum resolution: PCM 768 kHz, DSD 512