Yulong Audio Asura

Yulong Audio

Yulong Audio is a Chinese producer renowned for its high-end audio equipment, focusing on all-in-one solutions designed for home use. This brand does not engage in the production of numerous devices; rather, its catalog features a limited selection of carefully curated products. Among these is the entry-level model, the Aurora, which I have previously reviewed, as well as the newly introduced Asura, currently under evaluation in this article.



Yulong Asura

The Yulong Asura is an all-in-one audio solution that combines a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a network streamer, a headphone amplifier, and a preamplifier within a single unit. Both the headphone amplifier and the preamplifier utilize discrete transistor designs, eschewing the use of operational amplifiers.

At the heart of the decoding process is the premium AK4499EX paired with the AK4191 DAC chip from AKM, which is supported by an ADM7150 low voltage regulator. The Asura operates on a custom-developed FPGA software that significantly improves the quality of the digital signal. Input signals are managed by two femto-second crystal oscillators, which offer dual or single clock modes selectable by the user.

The high-speed USB interface accommodates sampling rates of up to DSD1024 and 32bit/1536kHz PCM, while the coaxial input is restricted to 24bit/384kHz and DSD128. The network and optical inputs support up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD64.

Additionally, the Asura features a linear power supply that utilizes a 50W toroidal transformer from Noratel. Local DC-DC regulated power supplies are employed for all critical components within the circuit.

More information



DAC mode

This mode operates solely in decoding, with the headphone amplifier and volume control turned off, allowing the signal to be output directly from the decoder. The DAC function is designed for connection to headphones, integrated amplifiers, or powered monitors that feature their own volume control. The output level of the DAC is set at a fixed 3V for single-ended outputs and 6V for balanced XLR outputs. It is important to note that the output voltage exceeds the industry standard of 4V, necessitating caution during equipment matching to prevent possible input overdrive.

Headphone amplifier mode

The Yulong Asura headphone amplifier features a fully balanced, discrete architecture that operates in pure class A mode, delivering an impressive output of 5W at 32Ω, which is sufficient to drive a wide range of headphones. It offers multiple output options, including 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm balanced, and 6.35mm single-ended connections, enhancing its versatility.

While the amplifier does not include a gain setting, it utilizes an analog volume control that is digitally calibrated in 99 steps, with increments of 1dB. This allows for precise matching with various headphone impedances, including sensitive models, minimizing the risk of sudden loudness. Additionally, channel balance remains excellent even at the lowest volume levels.

The amplifier's robust power enables it to drive most headphones available, including challenging models such as the Hifiman Susvara, Hifiman HE1000 Stealth, and Sennheiser HD660S2, which were primarily used during the review. The noise floor is remarkably low, making it suitable for use with sensitive earphones like the FiiO FA19. As the class A amplifier generates some heat, it is advisable to position the Asura in a well-ventilated space.

Preamplifier mode

In this configuration, the internal signal is routed through a discrete, high-current preamplifier, enabling the device to interface with power amplifiers or powered monitors that lack independent volume control. This preamplifier is of superior quality, offering a maximum output level of 6V for RCA connections and 12V for XLR connections.

The audio performance is remarkable, attributed to the preamplifier's exceptional transparency, which does not impart any coloration to the sound. This allows users to fully appreciate the sonic characteristics of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) without any additional sound processing.



The network streamer

The embedded network streamer is constructed on a dual-core CPU board featuring 512Mb of RAM and a gigabit network port, operating on a proprietary Linux-based operating system. Notably, the Asura utilizes the slave I2S port of the CPU for internet streaming, in contrast to conventional internet streaming, which predominantly relies on the master I2S port. When the master I2S port is employed, the internal clock of the CPU supplies the master clock for the audio signal. However, the performance of this clock is inadequate, making the slave I2S mode advantageous as it leverages the master clock signal produced by the synchronized local low-noise audio oscillators managed by the FPGA phase lock loop.

The streamer is compatible with AirPlay, DLNA, and Roon bridge music playback modes. Yulong has not created a dedicated Android application, so the most effective method for controlling music playback is through the widely recognized BubbleUPnP application, available for download on Android devices. iPhone users can utilize AirPlay for similar functionality.

The application promptly recognized the streamer without requiring additional actions, demonstrating speed and responsiveness without lag. It supports bit-perfect playback; however, it does not offer Tidal or Spotify “connect,” and gapless playback is inconsistent and performs poorly.

Connectivity

The Yulong Asura facilitates network streaming via a LAN port and is equipped with USB, coaxial, and optical digital inputs. It provides analog signal output through both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections, allowing for simultaneous connection of both types. Additionally, the headphone amplifier accommodates balanced 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm outputs, along with a 6.35mm single-ended output.

Non Audio stuff

The Asura is a compact, low-profile device designed to seamlessly integrate into your desktop or HiFi rack, depending on the intended use. Its robust full aluminum casing is expertly crafted and features four anti-vibration feet for stability. The Asura boasts a sleek matte finish, available in black, silver, and red.

Prominently positioned in the center of the faceplate is a large, true color LCD screen that provides information on the current playback status and facilitates navigation through the configuration menus. On the right side, there is an aluminum multifunction knob, while the left side is equipped with three headphone outputs.



User interface

The device is controlled via a multifunction knob in conjunction with an LCD screen that presents the configuration menus. A brief press of the knob allows users to cycle through four quick access menus located at the bottom of the screen, enabling the selection of the preferred digital input, output mode, low pass filter, and clock operating mode (single or dual).

A prolonged press on the knob grants access to the comprehensive configuration menu, where users can make various detailed adjustments. During playback, the screen can showcase either a vintage-style two-channel VU meter, a spectrogram, or can be turned off entirely.

Observant readers may have noticed what appears to be an infrared sensor, as the menu features an IR setting. This sensor is absent from several promotional images and seems to have been incorporated at a later stage. Nevertheless, a remote control is not included, and Yulong has not provided any guidance on the use of an adjustable remote control.



Audio stuff

The Yulong Asura features a high-quality DAC section that delivers outstanding audio performance, distinguished by a balanced sound signature that harmoniously blends musicality with sonic fidelity and technical precision.

The audio output is remarkably clear and transparent, showcasing industry-leading definition and separation while maintaining a rich and harmonious quality. The treble is well-extended, slightly bright but not harsh or tiring, revealing intricate details without coming across as overly analytical or lifeless.

The Asura exhibits tonal accuracy with a natural and organic timbre, devoid of digital artifacts. It offers a wide range of harmonic richness, presenting a colorful and realistic sound, particularly in the mid-range, which is both expressive and melodic.

The Yulong Asura boasts excellent resolution and full-bodied yet refined textures across the entire frequency spectrum. Its technical performance is exceptional for its class, featuring rapid transients and a bass response that is tight, controlled, impactful, and elastic, free from any dryness.

The soundstage presents a three-dimensional holographic quality that is particularly immersive when utilizing the XLR outputs. It offers a broad and expansive feel, characterized by satisfying depth layering, a solid central image, and precise spatial positioning. The Asura demonstrates remarkable capability, and when paired with an appropriate amplifier, it can create an illusion where the speakers seem to vanish.

The preamplifier exhibits excellent transparency, effectively performing its function without imparting any distinct sonic traits, thereby ensuring that the audio quality from the DAC section remains intact. Similarly, the headphone amplifier is notably neutral, though it tends to introduce a slight enhancement in the treble frequencies, resulting in a more vibrant and dynamic listening experience without crossing into excessive brightness.

Comparison with the Hifiman Serenade

The Hifiman Serenade is a comprehensive all-in-one device featuring an integrated network streamer that utilizes R2R DAC modules for audio decoding, rather than a traditional D/S chip. Recently, Hifiman has reduced its price to $999, making it $100 less than the Asura.

Both devices are compact, although the Asura is more suited for desktop applications. The primary distinction in connectivity is that the Serenade includes an additional RCA input, allowing it to function as a line headphone amplifier.

The Asura offers more sound customization options, a larger color display, and supports higher sampling rates. Its headphone amplifier delivers 1000mW more power than that of the Serenade (5W/32Ω compared to 4W/32Ω) and operates more quietly with sensitive earphones. In contrast, the Serenade's network streamer is more advanced, supporting Tidal Connect and true gapless playback.

In terms of sound quality, the Serenade presents a warmer tone with a more natural and lifelike timbre. It offers fuller textures and a more immersive listening experience; however, it lacks the transparency of the Asura, which excels in technical performance and precision. Upgrading the Serenade with the Hymalaya Pro Gold modules for an additional $149 can narrow this gap, yet the Asura will still maintain its superiority in technical aspects. Nevertheless, the enhanced Serenade will come remarkably close while preserving its organic and analog-like sonic qualities.



Conclusion

The Yulong Asura is a remarkable all-in-one device that delivers an impressive audio experience across all its operational modes. It provides outstanding sonic performance at a competitive price point and features a convenient network streamer that adds to its overall value.

Well-constructed and compact, the Yulong Asura is an excellent choice for those seeking a desktop-friendly all-in-one solution. Its sound signature effectively blends timbral authenticity with technical excellence, resulting in an audio quality that elevates it beyond the MidFi category.

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The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I don't use affiliate links. The price of the Yulong Audio Asura is $1100 and you can buy it from Shenzhen Audio.

Disclaimer: For various Google indexing reasons, parts of this review have been processed with an automatic paragraph rewriting tool. However it reads exactly the same as the original content that is available in my website.
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