Here comes the official answer about availability of Yulong A8 Fully Balanced headphone amp, and Yulong D8 Ultra D/A converter:
I talked with Yulong himself about these models - they are statement models to demonstrate the quality level that Yulong design can offer when cost is not a factor to consider. Right now both A8 and D8 are still in design/engineering stage - D8 is behind A8 on the design schedule. A8 has first run engineering sample units made already but no where near the final version yet. D8 is still at circuit board stage. Because of high production cost, the retail price on both D8 and A8 models will be well above A18 and D18; but in Yulong's own words "they are priced above the entry level non-Chinese imported DAC models in the Chinese market, however the performance to price ratio is much higher when you compare them to the same quality level (China) imported brands". (FYI, non-Chinese brand name DACs are being sold in China at exactly the same retail price as in North America, so you can tell that affordability of these brands is not as friendly as domestic brands such as Yulong).
A8 and D8 will be available for worldwide resellers to demonstrate Yulong quality and design strength. They weren't developed for the purpose of reselling for profit. At current stage, each models are available for pre-order but delivery time will be in 2013 (no exact month - Yulong aim for the highest desired quality so there could be delay in delivery date).
Now comes the most important question - how much? No firm answer from Yulong as with design change, the price will change due to cost changes. But for sure they will be above D18 and A18. Rumor says that A8 (fully balanced headphone amp) will be approx to $1600-1800. D8 price bench mark not disclosed yet - but from D18 / A18 price ratio, I expect D8 will be less than the A8.
Want one even when Yulong said these are not for public sale? Here is what Grant Fidelity (as official agent for Yulong Audio in North America with worldwide reselling rights) can do for those aiming for nothing less than the best: (this may change due to circumstance changes so check on the Yulong Audio Facebook page for future updates:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yulong-Audio/326982077398065?ref=hl)
See pre-order arrangement at the Head-fi sponsor ad section:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/628317/yulong-a8-and-d8-pre-order-invitation-order-by-oct-31st-only
Best,
Rachel @ Grant Fidelity