General Asylum: REVIEW: YaQin DAC K-9 DAC Processors by bullethead

Model:	DAC K-9
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$500
Description:	DAC with Tube Output Stage
Manufacturer URL:	YaQin

Review by bullethead on March 15, 2014 at 09:46:53
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for the DAC K-9

So good I bought 2.

I have had the Yaqin for awhile now. I liked it so much I bought two. Yaqin is a high end Chinese company that is known for tube based equipment. After experience with previous products, I was happy to see they produced a DAC. The Yaqin DAC K-9. Pretty no frills DAC. But the sound is fantastic. It supports up to 24 bit 192 kHz with the coaxial as well as the optical connection. USB connection is limited to 16 bit. Mostly fine for CD rips in lossless format.

It has an option to switch the output stage between the opamp or through a tube. The tube is a 12AU7 and you can find them in current production should you ever find the need to change the tube. I managed to buy two of these DACs recently. One for my main system. The other for a second system I newly built. Sound is exquisite. With the tube active I noticed a natural, warm, blended sound which added a tweak to my otherwise all solid state setups. Sound through the opamp is clear, finely sounding and natural as well. I have been listening to a lot of music since adding the Yaqin to my systems. I also use an older Bel Canto DAC3 in my main setup. Sound from the Yaqin is completely different. While the Bel Canto is in your face sort of brace yourself vivid and theatreatrical, the Yaqin is laid back, mellow, smooth, fuzzy and warm. Almost like a nice soft bath robe after a hot shower in the wintertime.

I can't say too much more about this DAC, other than I have been around the block and the value and build quality as well as the sound is excellent. The DAC weighs around 20 pounds and also comes with a remote control also made of metal. Nice to also see is a built in clear window built into the top of the DAC so you can see the tube glowing.

Other notes on the sound is a very silky airyness to the music, and great flow.

I like it. I would if out of 5 stars give it a 4. Exceeds my expectations.

Product Weakness:	Limited USB to 16 bit
Product Strengths:	Price, build quality

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Bel Canto REF500s
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Bel Canto Pre-3
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Bluesound Node, Chromecast, Chromebook
Speakers: Gallo REF 3.5
Cables/Interconnects: nordost, shunyata, gutwire
Music Used (Genre/Selections): jazz. ambient
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Bel Canto REF500s
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Bel Canto Pre-3
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Bluesound Node, Chromecast, Chromebook
Speakers:	Gallo REF 3.5
Cables/Interconnects:	nordost, shunyata, gutwire
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz. ambient
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner