AC55

Reviewer: Srajan Ebaen
Financial interests: click here
Main system: Sources: Retina 5K 27" iMac (i5, 256GB SSD, 40GB RAM, Sonoma 14), 4TB external SSD with Thunderbolt 3, Audirvana Studio, Qobuz Sublime, Singxer SU-6 USB bridge, LHY Audio SW-8 & SW-6 switch, Sonnet Pasithea, COS Engineering D1, Laiv Audio Harmony; Active filter: Lifesaver Audio Gradient Box 2; Power amplifiers: Kinki Studio EX-B7 monos & Gold Note monos on subwoofer; Headamp: Enleum AMP-23R; Phones: Raal 1995 Immanis; Loudspeakers: Qualio IQ [on loan] Cables: Exact Express Flame, Furutech; Power delivery: 2 x Kinki/Vinshine Tai Hang on amps and source stack, Furutech DPS-4.1 between wall and conditioners; Equipment rack: Artesanía Audio Exoteryc double-wide 3-tier with optional glass shelves, Exoteryc amp stands; Sundry accessories: Acoustic System resonators, AudioQuest FogLifters; Room: 6 x 8m with open door behind listening seat; Room treatment: 2 x PSI Audio AVAA C214 active bass traps
2nd system: Source: FiiO R7 into Soundaware D300Ref SD transport to Cen.Grand DSDAC 1.0 Deluxe with POW; Preamp/filter: Lifesaver Audio Gradient Box 2; Amplifier: Kinki Studio EX-M7; Loudspeakers: ModalAkustik MusikBoxx + Dynaudio S18 sub; Cable loom: Exact Express Earth; Power delivery: Vibex Granada/Alhambra, Akiko Audio Corelli Corundum & Castello Solo; Equipment rack: Hifistay Mythology Transform X-Frame [on extended loan]; Sundry accessories: Furutech cable lifts, Furutech NFC Clear Lines; Room: ~3.5 x 8m
2nd headfi system: DAC: Cen.Grand DSDAC 1.0 Deluxe with POW; Headamp: Cen.Grand Silver Fox; Headphones: Raal 1995 Magna, HifiMan Susvara
Desktop system: Source: HP Z2 work station Win11/64; USB bridge: Singxer SU-2; DAC/headamp: iFi iDSD Pro Signature; Speakers: DMAX P61 Headphones: Final D-8000, aune SR7000
Upstairs headfi system: FiiO R7; Headphones: Meze 109 Pro, Fiio FT3
2-channel video system: Source: Oppo BDP-105; All-in-One: Gold Note IS-1000 Deluxe; Loudspeakers: Zu Soul VI; Subwoofer: Zu Submission; Power delivery: Furutech eTP-8, Room: ~6x4m
Review component retail: $219

Just strap it on. I don't think it means the same as clipping one on? aune's new AC55 is of the latter kind, a clip-on headphone with 40mm bio-fibre composite long-throw driver. It rocks a "semi-memory alloy" ear hook and detachable cable with interchangeable 3.5/4.4mm plugs. Having never strapped or clipped one on, I needed some quick but intuitive education. "Powerful, energetic and deep extension in the sub bass is typically challenging for conventional clip-on headphones". aune instead promise performance "rivalling excellent over-ear headphones". When low headfi bass typically relies on a tight seal which over-ears create with clamping force and in-ears by jamming off air leaks, it makes sense that two earpieces simply hanging off our pink bits should be seal challenged. Would aune circumvent logic with their bigger diaphragm and soft long-excursion suspension?

The AC55 weigh 70g a pair, flaunt 112dB sensitivity, 30Ω nominal impedance, 15-40'000Hz claimed bandwidth and measure 55.5mm across and 60.5mm vertically. Would this bend a bee's knee for my podcasts with John Darko? Would it flap in hot air?

As an unwashed novice to this sub genre of headphones, my quickie exploration will be devoid of all references to competing clip-ons. Rather, it's a maiden voyage into this space by a guy who wears big over-ears like aune's SR7000, Final's D8000, HifiMan's Susvara or Raal 1995's Immanis. If you're an expert in this sector, disregard my opinion entirely. If you too are a newbie however, come along on my little adventure to learn of the peculiarities, peccadillos and particulars of this implementation of the breed.

All journeys start with a first step. This is mine.