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post #211 of 370
2/9/12 at 8:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by project86 View Post

 

 


I suppose I could. Did you have any specifics models that you wonder about? 

 

I figured it would make sense to compare it to the predecessor (D100), the competition (Matrix), and my reference unit (Anedio). But I can certainly do more comparisons if needed, assuming I've heard the other DAC in question. 

I was hoping to hear a comparison with something most people are familiar with but I have not heard, like Benchmark or even V800.

As for the fuse, I will try translating some of the discussions from the forum. I am quite perplexed as well....
 

So according to this post, which is where the aforementioned discussion took place:
http://bbs2.erji.com/read.php?tid=1176748&fpage=0&toread=&page=1,

the owner/reviewer replaced the stock fuse(500mA) with a thicker fuse(3.15A) and has heard a dramatic improvement in the bass and smoothness of the highs.

The subsequent posts all commented positively on the effect of replacing the fuse, and even Yulong himself posted as well...
See for yourselves, but I am having some doubts about it/


Edited by Philharmoniker - 2/9/12 at 8:31pm
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post #212 of 370
2/10/12 at 6:21am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Somnambulist View Post

Could someone explain why a fuse change could improve sound quality? Just curious...



The usual theory is similar to the idea behind aftermarket power cables: resistance and inductance differences.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Philharmoniker View Post

I was hoping to hear a comparison with something most people are familiar with but I have not heard, like Benchmark or even V800.

As for the fuse, I will try translating some of the discussions from the forum. I am quite perplexed as well....
 

So according to this post, which is where the aforementioned discussion took place:
http://bbs2.erji.com/read.php?tid=1176748&fpage=0&toread=&page=1,

the owner/reviewer replaced the stock fuse(500mA) with a thicker fuse(3.15A) and has heard a dramatic improvement in the bass and smoothness of the highs.

The subsequent posts all commented positively on the effect of replacing the fuse, and even Yulong himself posted as well...
See for yourselves, but I am having some doubts about it/


The comparisons in my review should cover both of those, indirectly.... 

 

The Matrix Quattro is extremely similar in design to the Benchmark. It's like they set out to clone the DAC-1 Pre, but then did some tweaks/improvements along the way. I haven't owned the actual Benchmark in a long time but from memory the Quattro is very similar in character - brighter than the D18 with accompanying levels of grain/harshness, and an overall more "thin" sound. You can obviously tell which one I prefer, but some people would call the Benchmark/Quattro sound "Neutral" and thus prefer it. 

 

The V800 sounds very tonally similar to the Anedio D1. So the comparison in my review applies similarly. The V800 is still the better DAC overall, having a great balance of "Neutrality" and fullness, without the harshness of the Benchmark. But again, it costs nearly double what the D18 sells for, and for some systems the D18 will be a better match. 

 

As for the fuses: can you tell if Yulong seems really convinced, or if he is just smiling and nodding as people display their enthusiasm towards his products? I think it would be hard to show up in a group of enthusiastic customers and shut them all down by saying "Sorry guys, you are all wrong, the fuse won't change the sound a bit...." 

 


Edited by project86 - 2/10/12 at 6:30am
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post #213 of 370
2/10/12 at 7:45am

I think I'll just stick to the D18 as is haha. Given my listening habits, I think the Yulong will suit me as much of the music I listen to isn't exactly high-end in it's production values, and of course, the price seems great for what it is. As I listen with speakers (and via XLR) I should hopefully notice a healthy improvement.

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post #214 of 370
2/10/12 at 3:47pm

This is the first time I've read anything by Project 86. I just wished to say "Thank You." There are many of us who do not have the

experience or the dollars to compare so many products with such authenticity. I appreciate you taking the time to share your insights

and respond to all these questions and comments.

 

I've read almost this entire thread, so naturally I've decided to "give up" on digital and only listen to 8 track cartridges henceforth.

 

Thank you.

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post #215 of 370
2/10/12 at 4:10pm

D100 ad placed in classifieds. Hopefully it won't be long before that's sold and then I can buy the D18...

 

Can I just say how effortless the signature system on here is! It's a joy to be able to simply link your for sale items in the button, as well as equipment lists etc. <3 it.


Edited by Somnambulist - 2/10/12 at 4:12pm
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post #216 of 370
2/10/12 at 5:29pm

Thanks so much for clarifying on those comparisons!

I think Yulong himself was serious about the fuse, as he actually wrote out his plan of looking into making a general upgrade for all the coming D18.

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post #217 of 370
2/10/12 at 6:27pm

I changed the fuse in my D18 to 3.15 amp 250 volt fuse. Initial impression was that it sounded as if the cloud over the high end was lifted. I want to listen some more, but IMO it did change the sound for the better. Change the fuse at your own risk, although my D18 hasn't blown up or caught fire............yet bigsmile_face.gif

 

 

Great review Project86!!

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post #218 of 370
2/10/12 at 6:39pm

 Can you all please explain in depth the changes, does it changes its signature or only gets better?

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post #219 of 370
2/10/12 at 6:50pm

At the risk of sounding a noob, is it as easy as opening the thing up and simply changing them as one changes the fuses on a plug? It would seem a bit OTT to pay whatever they will charge for this mod if doing it yourself is a 30 second job.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic77 View Post

I changed the fuse in my D18 to 3.15 amp 250 volt fuse. Initial impression was that it sounded as if the cloud over the high end was lifted. I want to listen some more, but IMO it did change the sound for the better. Change the fuse at your own risk, although my D18 hasn't blown up or caught fire............yet bigsmile_face.gif

 

 

Great review Project86!!



 

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post #220 of 370
2/10/12 at 7:14pm

Yes, the fuse holder is below the electrical plug connector on the D18. Just pop out that tray and replace fuse.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Somnambulist View Post

At the risk of sounding a noob, is it as easy as opening the thing up and simply changing them as one changes the fuses on a plug? It would seem a bit OTT to pay whatever they will charge for this mod if doing it yourself is a 30 second job.
 



 



 

Well this is only my opinion, but the top end was really smoothed out, so much so, that there were some missing details,.....kinda.... sorta.....Anyway, with this fuse swap, the top end became more clear, I could hear stuff at the top end that were blurred out before the fuse swap. I am not very good at adjectives so you might want to wait for what other people have to say.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sganzerla View Post

 Can you all please explain in depth the changes, does it changes its signature or only gets better?



 

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post #221 of 370
2/10/12 at 7:21pm

Interesting, and good, easy job. I saw the comments on the other forum about burning down the house (Talking Heads ftw) though, I think I'll wait and see what people say as I wouldn't want it to go up in smoke!

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post #222 of 370
2/10/12 at 7:48pm


Smart man, I'll let you know if anything happens here, so far no problem. Also, just because you mentioned it, I am going to play some Talking Heads!!evil_smiley.gif
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Somnambulist View Post

Interesting, and good, easy job. I saw the comments on the other forum about burning down the house (Talking Heads ftw) though, I think I'll wait and see what people say as I wouldn't want it to go up in smoke!



 

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post #223 of 370
2/13/12 at 2:52pm

Right, Yulong D100 sold pending payment (on Weds hopefully). Going to order the D18 when I have the money arrive. For anyone in Europe who's bought one, I know this is where Project 86 got his, but is this the bestt? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YULONG-SABRE-D18-DAC-32-Bit-/260903658814#ht_1949wt_1413

 

It's the least hassle as it's shipped from Germany and I can't find any other sellers like that.

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post #224 of 370
2/14/12 at 9:44am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Somnambulist View Post

Right, Yulong D100 sold pending payment (on Weds hopefully). Going to order the D18 when I have the money arrive. For anyone in Europe who's bought one, I know this is where Project 86 got his, but is this the bestt? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YULONG-SABRE-D18-DAC-32-Bit-/260903658814#ht_1949wt_1413

 

It's the least hassle as it's shipped from Germany and I can't find any other sellers like that.



Unfortunately I'm not as clear on foreign sellers. I've ordered from WSZ0304 on eBay for my past Yulong gear, as he is an authorized seller. Now Grant Fidelity handles North America for sales. But I'm less clear about the situation in other places. 

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post #225 of 370
2/14/12 at 11:06am

Nevermind, I'll use that guy since once you add shipping and import fees from the other sellers it all ends up being a similar price, so it's easier just to get one from a fairly local seller. Hopefully I can put my order down tomorrow evening when I get back from work. :D

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