Review DAC with headphone amplifier Yulong Daart Aquila

Date:

2018-07-18 20:00:21

Views:

5899

Rating:

2Like 0Dislike

Share:

Review DAC with headphone amplifier Yulong Daart Aquila Source:

Yulong Company for many years pleases fans of iron with a good ratio of price and quality, confidently offering products in a wide range from to . The company decided to make its best technology available, releasing a new model called Daart Aquila.


If slightly to exaggerate the situation, «eagle» (it is translated name of the product) is almost the same DA9 with a modified headphone amp, to replace the discrete elements came TPA6120A2. Just a little reduced power, but 1 watt at 32Ω it's still more than enough. Otherwise, everything remained almost the same: from AK4497 in the role of DAC and ending corporate power schemes and testowania created to ensure the highest quality sound. A set of inputs and outputs, design and management is largely copied from the older model, not forgetting three modes «feed» represented in DA9.

Of Course, all this was done to reduce prices, and new costs about $ 800 (depending on taxes and duties), which is about 25% less than the flagship. Let's see, is it worth the savings.

the

specifications

the
    the
  • DAC: AK4497
  • the
  • USB: XMOS U8
  • the
  • Digital interface: SA8804
  • the
  • volume control: PGA2311
  • the
  • Gain: OPA1611 + OPA1688
  • the
  • headphone Amplifier TPA6120A2
  • the
  • the Ratio signal/noise: -130 dB
  • the
  • Dynamic range: 125 dB
  • the
  • Total harmonic distortion+noise: 0.0003%
  • the
  • frequency Range: 20 Hz – 30 kHz (-0,15 dB)
  • the
  • Division: 120 dB
  • the
  • Level balanced output: 4.2 V
  • the
  • the power of the headphone amplifier: regular output — 100 mW @ 600Ω, 1000 mW @ 32Ω; balanced output — 200 mW @ 600Ω, 1500 mW @ 32Ω
  • the
  • Max resolution: USB to 32 bit/384 kHz, DoP to DoP128, NativeDSD to DSD256; for Coaxial/Optical/AES up to 24 bit/384 kHz, DoP to DoP128
  • the
  • wattage: <30W
  • the
  • Dimensions: 248 mm × 210 mm × 60 mm
  • the
  • Weight: 4 kg
the

Packing and delivery

The package in Yulong wise, especially not steel, apparently pretentious box destiny or portable technology, or «luxury segment» hospital. Aquila is sold in conventional packaging from recycled brown cardboard with inserts of foam material inside. In addition to the amplifier you will receive a user manual, power cable and a good USB wire. Simply put — everything you need for the operation of the product.

the

Design and control

Appearance decided to make a simpler and almost completely repeated design of the older model. Of course, then removed the gold plated front panel, replacing it with a normal tone case and put another screen is noticeably brighter than the older model, but other connectors and controls remain the same.

Combine Body in one piece, it is made of thick metal, which gives considerable weight to 4 pounds and a feeling of safety. High quality silicone feet this provides a secure hold on the table, even the most rigid headphones to shift that thing won't work.

For connoisseurs available one of three colors: black, silver and red, each is good in its own right. The build quality is impeccable, no flaws or problems I have not identified.

The Front panel is reserved for «core» controls. There are two headphone jacks: normal 6.3 mm TRS and balanced 4-pin XLR, volume knob, also used to control the settings of the DAC and screen. The screen is noticeably brighter than DA9 and a little bigger on the one hand it improves readability in bright light, on the other hand, in the dark he's a bit garish.

By the Way, Yulong reworked the controls, so in that aspect Aquila prefer his older brother. Where DA9 needed pressing of different duration, the Junior model is the schema easier. By pressing the knob you choose the desired item on the screen, the rotation changes it, and pressing apply settings. Of the options available to the user:

the
    the
  • input selection
  • the
  • digital filter
  • the
  • select sound mode (neutral, emphasis on midrange and focus on LF/HF)
  • the
  • selection of operation mode (headphone amplifier, DAC, DAC with volume control)

The Controller uses the encoder with very good quality: smooth rotation, with pronounced clicks, fixing the rotation and clicks — correct.

On the back placed all of the remaining controls:

the
    the
  • power connector, close to the switch, fuse socket and voltage switch
  • the
  • USB, optical, coaxial and AES/EBU inputs
  • the
  • conventional (2 × RCA) and balanced (2 x 3-pin XLR) outputs

As you can see, a more affordable model has retained the versatility of the DA9 in the management plan and the availability of all possible inputs / outputs. The processor also supports almost all modern formats of signals, including high definition.

the

Sound

To listen To the device used the following headphones: iBasso IT04, , , , , , and others.

Despite my skeptical attitude to the different Eqs, I note that the three «varieties of sound» built in Aquila are quite viable and do not contribute to the supply of synthetic the hue that is characteristic of the equalizers most sources. Elevated midrange sound good with vocals, or instrumental music, and the accents on the edges of the band adds vividness to rock and similar styles. Of course, the description of the sound is given below for «zero» the option that provides the maximum flat frequency response.

If notto compare directly, the Aquila is a little different from DA9 — the same detailed and technical submission without pronounced accents, backed by a powerful enough amp in the signal path. Testing mapping still makes it clear that a discrete amplifier older model sounds more massively across the range by adding a little bit of emotion and «liveliness». It's hard to formulate words, the difference is, however, clearly heard on top headphones, but always worth the overpayment. Yulong very carefully lit the two models, the youngest — for those who want the optimum ratio of price and quality and top — of-opting for the «the maximum at any price».

Bass is very fast, with a good level of detail. They are slightly shifted in the direction of dryness, not trying to add weight, but the fact that is — played well, largely due to power. The bass is deep enough, it is well controlled and not creeps on mid. Textures are transferred reliably, the instruments of the lower registers are separated very well.

Midrange by default is not painted, so if you're used to some additional emphasis on the midrange, the model may not be suitable. However, before a cold sound like the same Audinst hero of today's review does not reach. Emotions are relayed very well, the level of detail is excellent. The harvester is sensitive to recording quality, but this is typical for this segment. An imaginary scene — a good, more average in width and depth, while the width of a little more depth. Plans are separated naturally, the tools are the correct size and positioning.

RF is another area where the difference is most noticeable with the DA9. «Top» here is a good resolution, but slightly shorter than it should be to attack and attenuation. Plus the DAC has a little less than the older model layering, but for this price range for this indicator, all right.

Compare this time I will not paint, since nothing similar «level» I have no difference with the «big brother» I've painted, and to do the mapping disparate options isn't particularly useful.

the

Compatibility

Of Course, Aquila falls behind a little on power from the older models in the lineup, but let's be honest — it «exhaust» still enough for most headphones except, perhaps, quite so tight istinam. Due to digital volume control, «eagle» also works well with IEM, a small noise is present, but only with sensitive models.

Stylistically, the processor is universal, it has no genre preferences. The recording quality it is quite critical, somewhere in the 8 points on the conditional 10-point scale «picky».

As usual — several tracks for example

long Ago, when the trees were large, rock — progressive band Kansas (guess where they come from) the song, which became one of the most popular ballads in the world. Decades passed, and the song still sounds like a breath of fresh air, especially on good source so as to convey all the nuances of the vocals and background accompaniment. Oh, what's the violin...

Perhaps make this a selection of themed. So here is another ballad from one of the titans of the genre of art and prog. What I love about these tracks is that for the quiet and simple melody hides a lot of nuances and subtleties that can be opened over and over again pereslushival track. Aquila is perfect for such a pastime, meticulously conveying all of the musical discoveries of the great trio.

is Not something that is clearly Prahova or art-rock team, but The Moody Blues still tried to play music is more complicated and «Nights in white satin» — a clear example. For 1967 this track was simply the pinnacle of intelligent music, comparable only to that released around the same time «Whiter Shade of Pale» (I thought not to include it in a compilation, but decided that it's just too predictable). So here's one perfectly suited to the combine Yulong composition with beautiful vocals and poignant orchestration with chorus that the hero of this review of great plays.

the

Insights

What could be pohvalina the willingness of the manufacturer to give a good sound at a more affordable price? So I do not know. Of course, in «absolute» comparison Aquila loses the older model in the face DA9, but regarding the price, this processor definitely comes out ahead.

Buy Yulong Daart Aquila here:

Russia Ukraine

Recommended

That can headphones with hybrid noise reduction, and a Qualcomm chip

That can headphones with hybrid noise reduction, and a Qualcomm chip

When you meet the sound and advanced technology, it turns out something interesting. the Market for Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation at a price of about 20,000 rubles is developing rapidly. Bose may have been a pioneer in this segm...

What are the mystical sounds under water in the ocean and where they come from

What are the mystical sounds under water in the ocean and where they come from

Under water can be found anywhere. Even the sounds. Water generally is a very interesting element. Due to its properties, it very well conveys the sound. To understand this process it is enough to remember that sound — it's just a vibration env...

Overview Highscreen TrueSound Pro — in shelf portable DAC arrived

Overview Highscreen TrueSound Pro — in shelf portable DAC arrived

Among lovers of quality sound it is quite widely believed that listening to music you only need use a separate player and headphones, are specifically matched to him. However, the cost of such a set usually varies from about 30 thousand rubles to inf...

Comments (0)

This article has no comment, be the first!

Add comment

Related News

Review portable Bluetooth speakers Mini MiniRig — comedian

Review portable Bluetooth speakers Mini MiniRig — comedian

I don't often do reviews on Bluetooth speakers, but if I do, I try to find something unusual. It so happened that this time I got a great mini-model from the British company Minirigs, predictably enough named Mini Minirig. Compan...

Review portable Blueooth speakers MiniRig Mini — comedian

Review portable Blueooth speakers MiniRig Mini — comedian

I don't often do reviews on Bluetooth speakers, but if I do, I try to find something unusual. It so happened that this time I got a great mini-model from the British company Minirigs, predictably enough named Mini Minirig. Compan...

Review headphones Shozy Hibiki SE — development ideas

Review headphones Shozy Hibiki SE — development ideas

As usual, Shozy doing unusual things to them that I had once overlooked, is no exception: the low price and unusual sound made the fruit of cooperation Shozy and AAW a very interesting solution. The developers decided not to relax...

Dwayne

Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson, Under Armour, JBL made headphones

it Is necessary to carefully approach the choice of headphones, if they have to play music during workouts. On our website we often talk about everything that is connected with good sound but to headphones for workouts absolutely ...

The American company Taylor's

The American company Taylor's "reinvented" acoustic guitar

Once the Apple company «pereizobreli» phone. At least, she announced, presenting the world of the iPhone. The significance of the advent of the iPhone, there really is difficult to overestimate. And what else is possible...

Browse portable DAC and amplifier iFi xDSD — now without wires

Browse portable DAC and amplifier iFi xDSD — now without wires

the Company iFi — is not new in the market of portable audio. Once, long ago, I . Since then, it took a lot of time, but more recent developments in my hand did not fall. And now, more recently, in a review managed to get the late...

Overview headphone Audio Campfire Comet — there is one way up...

Overview headphone Audio Campfire Comet — there is one way up...

I Think the Campfire Audio company known to any more or less interested in portable audio person. Just recently, in one review I lamented the fact that in their lineup at the lack of low-end models and all of a sudden, a few weeks...

Review headphones KZ ZS10 — high emitters for the least money

Review headphones KZ ZS10 — high emitters for the least money

the Company KZ — is not new in Chinese models, but still they escaped my attention, mainly because their models were very much budget, both in price and sound. But with experience comes professionalism, and KZ pulled the quality, ...

Overview headphone Audio BR5 Mk2 Rose — Bed of Roses

Overview headphone Audio BR5 Mk2 Rose — Bed of Roses

Sometimes the Chinese manufacturers still know how to surprise. If not always a subject of wonder becomes the perfect sound, but it's much better than the faceless passing model. In General, the hero of today's review Rose BR5 the...

A review of the iBasso player DX150 — when it is cheaper does not mean worse

A review of the iBasso player DX150 — when it is cheaper does not mean worse

I do Not know whether iBasso does not understand the essence of modern marketing, whether, on the contrary, know all too well, but after the release of the youngest model was only a matter of time. Amazing also was the fact that a...

An overview of the amplification module AM4B FiiO and FiiO adapter BL44

An overview of the amplification module AM4B FiiO and FiiO adapter BL44

it Seems that the world is gradually sweeping wave of popularity of contact Pentaconn (aka 4.4 mm 5-pin plug). Initially it was used only Sony, but more and more manufacturers are turning their attention to it, recently , and now ...

Review headphones Unique Melody Mason v3 — severe price of perfection

Review headphones Unique Melody Mason v3 — severe price of perfection

so, are you ready to Express your opinion about the most expensive headphones in form factor IEM of the ones that was on my review? As for the cause this time came from one of the acknowledged leaders of this segment of the market...

Review headphones MEEAudio Matrix Cinema — digital technology

Review headphones MEEAudio Matrix Cinema — digital technology

don't need to be an advanced mobile analyst to see an increasing shift of portable audio in the area of wireless technologies (yeah, the good old Bluetooth), so I hope the market will delight all of us a lot of interesting wireles...

Overview of in-ear headphones Penon BS1 Official — a new experience

Overview of in-ear headphones Penon BS1 Official — a new experience

Not often to me to review get in-ear earphones (they «droplets», «tablets», «earbuds» and a bunch of other names), and I still believed that this is not my form factor. But sooner or later, appear mod...

Review headphones Alpha&Delta D6 — neutrality and durability

Review headphones Alpha&Delta D6 — neutrality and durability

What I'm attracted to Alpha&Delta as the company is willing to give as much as possible for the price of their headphones, and secondly, the ability to make a really unusual sound. After it is time to talk about the flagship ...

What surprised the Art Monitor headphones from Audio-Technica

What surprised the Art Monitor headphones from Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica needs no special introduction to most audiophiles. Their headphone always offer excellent quality at reasonable prices, that's why claim that every other headphones sold in Japan, made by this company. Therefore, we...

Overview FiiO M7 player with the manners of a smartphone

Overview FiiO M7 player with the manners of a smartphone

In may this year, FiiO has pleased his fans a new audiophile player — in stock portable music players began . The main difference of the novelties is the new chip Samsung Exynos 7270 — thus the manufacturer has decided to bring th...

Review headphones IMR Acoustics R1 — pressure, weight, and involvement

Review headphones IMR Acoustics R1 — pressure, weight, and involvement

Ceramic emitters in the role of high-frequency twitters in portable audio has not used them and the Japanese from the Radius, and the Chinese from 1More, while achieving very respectable results in the upper frequencies. But the m...

Review headphones LZ A5 — when reached petitional scheme

Review headphones LZ A5 — when reached petitional scheme

LZ, the Company quickly achieved popularity, releasing hybrid headphones A-series, staked out a place under the sun, periodically updating the data model, slowly increasing the number of drivers (and also price). Today we will tal...

Review headphones Alpha&Delta D3 — style and beauty budget segment

Review headphones Alpha&Delta D3 — style and beauty budget segment

the Last time turned out to be quite fruitful for headphones budget (relative to the main mass overlooked) segment. While some models make you wonder: «how they were able to do it for this price?». Today we'll talk about...