You have a DAC you like, but are looking for both a streamer that can be programmed to your network, has HDMI ARC, and you also want to invest in a DDC? I may have the answer.
In July, Rosemary at Apos Audio contacted me, asking if I was interested in reviewing a unique streamer by Yulong, I was more than curious. Now Yulong is a 20+ year-old Chinese company, and its founder is a passionate audiophile. What Apos sent is the YULONG DAART DP1 Network /USB Digital Interface. A nicely understated, small form factor unit at 9.8in x 8.3in x 2.4in (248mm x 210mm x 60mm) Weight: 5.3lbs (2.4kg)
Current pricing, but make sure to check on tariffs, is $939 from Apos. What is interesting is that Yulong also has the Yulong DAART D39 MUSIC STREAMER & DESKTOP DAC using the ESS9039PRO at the same price, which also includes the DDC clock function from all that I’ve read. A bit puzzling, but I'm sure there are reasons.
Before plugging in, make sure to check the input electricity switch. While mine was correctly set for North America. Fellow YouTube reviewer Rick Ruiz spotted his review unit was set at 220. The rubber-style padded circles on the bottom, while unique kept a secure surface grip. No need to worry about the DP1 sliding around.
Front Panel Tour:
Beyond the logo and moniker, there are on the three noticeable features on the front panel, and only two are active. The 2.5 inch screen, and the multi-function control knob. The inactive one is the small IR sensor point. To power up from the from just a quick push in of the knob. After the startup information, the default VU meters appear, which have several color choices. The screen also displays the input signal, usually PCM, and the sampling rate.
Pushing and holding the knob in, give one access to the control panel. This is where the owner will have full access to inputs/outputs, setting up your Ethernet based streaming IP numericals, switch from VU meters to spectrum analyzer, which I will say being such small bars in height was disappointing. Of course, the key capability is streaming choices. Though not as robust as WiiM or Eversolo, one does have a more foundation set of choices, DLNA, Roon Bridge, Squeezelite, Spotify, LMS, HQPlayer NAA, Daphile, and the one asked so often Apple Air Play. Sorry, no Qobuz or Tidal Connect. I’m a Roon user, and the DP1 synched up immediately and held a steady, quick connection. Roon works with both Qobuz and Tidal, so there is a solution for those that use either with Roon.
Along the bottom are the icons for the word clock on/off. That means whether the DP1 is the master clock or your DAC. Most everyone will set it to off is my speculation. Followed by the input source and output port.
Spinning around to rear panel, from left to right the DP1 has the AES/EBU, Coaxial, with Optical below, Clock with I2s HDMI below, USB, and LAN. Finally, the master power rocker switch and power cord receptacle. I used the coaxial and Optical outputs, though I did try out the HDMI I2s (not the AES/EBU) without problem.
One of the things I appreciate with the DP1 design is the single round case that allows the board to be slid out. This is very similar to Peachtree Audio’s design work and I welcome it. The board is laid cleanly with the linear power supply on one end. All the input/outputs are solidly anchored with no give when being pushed on during cable insertion.
The Surprise Feature: the DDC
I have to give Yulong tremendous credit for coming up with such a cool combination of a streamer/DDC. A DDC is designed to take in the digital signal, clean it up, reassemble, and send it out again in digital. It removes the unneeded artifacts, and digital noise. Basically, it’s a purifier. Once complete, it send the signal onto the DAC.
I have the Denafrps IRIS DDC, and I can honestly say that to my ears, DDC’s when designed properly, do improve the overall sound. Another impressive thing is that Yulong used a dual core processor running a bare bones version of a Linux kernel. It’s job is taking in the signal from whatever source and prepping it for the FPGA. The key for Yulong is using 7th-generation JIC module, a proprietary FPGA-based chip architecture that controls the process from clock synchronization to USB interfacing.
Listening
To be as fair as possible in a subjective setting. I first listened to my iMac as a streamer using Roon into my Denafrips Ares II R2R ladder DAC (USB input), then into the analogue input of a Peachtree Audio Carina X integrated that’s in for review. After an hour I inserted the DP1 between the iMac and the Ares II. I did this on three different occasions. The improvement? Incredibly similar to the improvement I heard when I added the Denafrips IRIS DDC to the chain. Additional space and quiet is added to the listening experience. I repeated the experiment using the Carina X internal dual ESS 9068 DAC chips. There was a bit more top end brightness, which was expected. Otherwise, the same difference.
What does this mean? The DDC process in the DP1 is peeling away another layer of noise and clutter, giving the listener more of the music itself. If you have ever traveled up a mountain pass on a sunny clear day, you’ll notice that the sky gets bluer to the eyes. The same principle is at work, only for your ears. The type of recordings I found the difference easiest to spot involved a piano as the main instrument, or in large orchestral recordings. The additional space and air the DP1 added to the music brought me closer to the center of the performers.
Final Thoughts
Adding a dedicated streamer is no longer the territory of the fanatical members of the audio community. They have become a mainstreamer item in the audio chain. The YULONG DAART DP1 Network /USB Digital Interface does the streaming without fanfare, but with the ability to easily be the main hub of a household music distribution system with its IP and other networking configuration capabilities. The addition of the DDC capability in the same box, not only lessens the number of wires, but also adds a definite layer of sonic improvement. The Yulong DP1, is a unique winner in home audio. If you’re in the market, check it out.
For more information:
Apos Audio- Yulong DAART DP1 Network/USB Digital Interface
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