[moriez]

Ooh la la, here we go. Thanks both. If I had the money I probably would have jumped today. Going to be another few weeks. I'm just so fond of the D100 that I have to know about this one. DSD is the least of my concerns.

 

[Chodi]

  Ooh la la, here we go. Thanks both. If I had the money I probably would have jumped today. Going to be another few weeks. I'm just so fond of the D100 that I have to know about this one. DSD is the least of my concerns.

That's the point. If you don't need the built in amp because you own one and you already own a good quality usb converter then this might not be the best option. Especially if you don't have use for the DSD function. Let's see what the reviewers think of it. I don't like paying for stuff I'm not going to use.

 

[YoengJyh]

How about the Anedio D2 compare to this D18?

 

[AManAnd88Keys]

  How about the Anedio D2 compare to this D18?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/586153/yulong-sabre-d18-thread-reviews-impressions-discussion-full-review-added-2-5
Why don't you read this and then the D2 review of the same user (project 86). That should tell you everything you need to know.

 

[project86]

My initial suspicion on the D200 (note that I'm just guessing, haven't heard it for myself) is that it probably shoots for the same more neutral, clear sound as the A28 amp, rather than the warmer/smoother tone of the A18 and D18 models. Then again, it shares a lot of the design with DA8 which was more neutral than D18 but still warmer than D100. So who knows. 

 

[InCreD1Ble]

Could someone please explain to me how to connect Yulong U18 -> Yulong D18 -> Yulong A18? I would like to know which inputs/outputs and what sort of cables to use (stating the connector types)?

Basically, how do I achieve a fully balanced output?

 

[Chodi]

  Could someone please explain to me how to connect Yulong U18 -> Yulong D18 -> Yulong A18? I would like to know which inputs/outputs and what sort of cables to use (stating the connector types)?

Basically, how do I achieve a fully balanced output?

You connect the dac output to the amp input using 2 xlr cables. You can connect the U18 to  input on the dac using xlr, optical or coax cable its your choice. Most people use the rca output on the U18 and connect to the dac with coax cable. The U18, of course, must be connected to one of your usb 2.0 connections on your computer. If you try to connect to a usb 3.0 connection it might work but usually it causes problems. Your headphones must be balanced using balanced cable to get the fully balanced effect. You will also probably have to load a driver provided for the U18.

 

[TT600R]

A18 isn't balanced.

 

[dfarina]

Yes,but it does sound better using the XLR input

 

[TT600R]

I know, that's why I have my A18 and D18 connected with balanced cables

 

[InCreD1Ble]

Thanks for the replies guys.

So balanced/unbalanced mode switch in A18 is just for your equipment adjustment? Is D18 a balanced source?

My headphones have a 4 pin XLR connector but at the moment I am using a 4 pin XLR to 6.3mm adapter which goes into "Headphone" output (I don't have the D18 yet). So if I use the A18/D18 combo, would the connector have to be plugged into the "BAL Headphones" output and the switch set to "balanced"?

Besides, is there any advantage in using AES/EBU over coaxial in this particular setup?

 

[TT600R]

Switch on the back of the A18 has to be on balanced mode, but you can use both outputs in front.
I use the 6,3 because I (still) don't own a balanced cable.
D18 is fully balanced btw.

 

[InCreD1Ble]

So why would they release a balanced source and an unbalanced amp in the same series?

 

[InCreD1Ble]

Here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/601833/yulongs-new-flagship-amp-a18 people tend to say that A18 has both - balanced inputs and outputs. Is that wrong?

Also here: http://tamaudio.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=122 it explicitly says "balanced" in the title?

 

[project86]

People confuse "balanced" with "having XLR inputs and a 4-pin XLR output". It's an easy mistake to make - I've done so myself on several occasions. Plus there's still some debate over what constitutes a "true" balanced design... see the vigorous arguing over Woo Audio's WA22 "balanced" output, or the Bryston BHA-1 which is pretty much a balanced input stage and output stage with an unbalanced middle section (therefore a conversion from balance to SE then back to balanced).