The Aune Yuki review sample was kindly provided free of charge. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Aune Yuki is €168 and you can buy it from here.
Aune Yuki review
The Aune Yuki stands out as a portable USB DAC/amp that offers convenience with its detachable type-C cable and dual headphone outputs – one 3.5mm and one 4.4mm balanced. What sets the Yuki apart is its use of dual CS43198 DAC chips in a balanced configuration, providing enhanced dynamics and separation through its two independent channels.
One notable feature of the Yuki is Aune’s decision to incorporate a discrete headphone amplifier instead of relying on off-the-shelf op-amps. This 4-way balanced circuit utilizes 4×4 transistors to drive the output, totaling to 16 transistors. These transistors require a specially designed ±5V power supply, further showcasing the attention to detail in the Yuki’s design.
In addition, the Yuki employs a unique dual layer design featuring separate PCBs for the digital and analog circuits. These PCBs are made of a hybrid ceramic compound that offers exceptional thermal conductivity, minimal dielectric loss, and superior strength.
Connectivity and operation
The Yuki is compatible with UAC 1.0/2.0 and offers a “plug ‘n play” experience for Mac, Android smartphones, and DAPs. If you’re using Windows 10 or a higher version, you can directly use it without the need for any drivers. However, if you want to play high-resolution bit-rate native PCM or DSD files on Windows, you will need to install a driver and foobar 2000. The Yuki supports high-resolution decoding up to 769kHz/32bit PCM and DSD256.
In terms of controls, the Yuki features independent volume control and two gain settings: low and high. To switch between these settings, simply press and hold both volume buttons for 2 seconds. Unfortunately, there is no notification LED available to display the selected gain or input sampling rate.
Appearance
The Yuki showcases a visually pleasing design, thanks to its aesthetically crafted chassis. Constructed from CNC aluminum alloy with a refined baked painting finish in white, it exudes a sense of elegance. The front face of the Yuki features a glass window insert, allowing a glimpse of the meticulously arranged PCB board with the transistors. At the rear, you’ll find two small buttons dedicated to volume adjustment.
With outer dimensions measuring 53.5x24x13mm, the Yuki does not exceed the size of its competitors, such as the iBasso DC04PRO. Moreover, weighing only 26g, it is just slightly heavier, further enhancing its portability and convenience. Rest assured, the Yuki not only boasts a unique appearance but also excels in its exceptional craftsmanship.
Accessories
The package includes a top-notch USB type-C cable and a USB type-A adapter. Additionally, you have the option to purchase a synthetic leather case in either green or orange for an additional $15.
Power output
The Aune Yuki has a maximum power output of 2Vrms or 90mW/30Ω from the 3.5mm jack and 4Vrms or 160mW/30Ω from the 4.4mm. When using lower gain settings, the output voltage is halved to 1V and 2V for each jack. While these numbers may not be as impressive as the iBasso DC04PRO’s 280mW/32Ω or the FiiO KA5’s 265mW/32Ω, the Yuki does have the advantage of being dead silent and free from noise in both gain settings.
The Yuki is best suited for earphones or highly sensitive headphones such as the Aune AR5000 (28Ω/108dB) or the Sivga Luan (38Ω/100dB). However, driving other headphones can be a bit challenging for the Yuki as it may lack dynamics and can sound harsh and bright when pushed to its limits.
During my review, I found that the Yuki pairs well with sensitive earphones like the FiiO FD7 or the Penon Vortex.
As part of my usual practice, I let the Aune Yuki play music for approximately 100 hours before conducting my listening evaluation.
Power consumption
The Yuki’s balanced output was found to have a power consumption of 0.07A/0.39W during idle and 0.14A/0.71W while playing a 24bit/96kHz file with the Focal Clear Mg headphones and the volume set to maximum. In comparison, the FiiO KA5 consumes 0.12A/0.62W and the iBasso DC04PRO consumes 0.14A/0.73W under the same conditions. However, both the FiiO KA5 and the iBasso DC04PRO are more powerful than the Yuki, making it less efficient than its competitors.
Transistors vs op-amps
I have tested numerous portable USB DAC/amps that feature dual CS43198/CS43131 DAC chips. However, the Yuki stands out as the first one to incorporate a discrete transistor headphone amplifier. This is not surprising considering Aune’s consistent approach in implementing discrete output stages in their audio devices, such as the S17 Pro and the S9c Pro.
Now, the crucial question that needs to be addressed in the review is whether the utilization of transistors can truly provide a distinct and unparalleled sound experience compared to USB DAC/amps equipped with op-amps.
The response is clear and straightforward: the Yuki DAC/amp stands out among all the others with the same DAC chip configuration due to its analog and organic sound. Aune has successfully created a device that takes the crystal clear and transparent output of the DAC chip and transforms it into a delightful combination of harmonies and melodious notes. This results in a DAC that is not only musical and engaging, but also pleasant, smooth, and polite, with a hint of warmth. However, it is important to note that the Yuki is not overly sweet or dark, and it certainly does not compromise on extension, clarity, energy, airiness, or sparkle.
Listening impressions
The timbre realism is truly remarkable, with an incredibly natural and lifelike sound signature that lacks any digital glare or harshness in the treble. Despite this, Yuki manages to maintain its technical competitiveness without sacrificing fidelity.
Please ensure that you show the Yuki the respect it deserves by utilizing sensitive earphones to uncover its remarkable capabilities as a USB DAC dongle. It delivers a desktop-like performance that is both impactful and dynamic. The bass is truly extraordinary, resonating with power and authority, while also being quick, precise, and well-controlled, with exceptional layering and definition. Unlike many other competing DACs that sound thin and lacking, the Yuki offers a weighty, visceral, and full-bodied low-end experience.
The mid-range and treble of the Yuki exhibit the same textural qualities, maintaining a full-bodied and rounded sound as it ascends the frequency ladder. Despite other competitors performing better in terms of detail retrieval and having a more hi-fi sound, the Yuki stands out with its resolving and refined nature. Its natural and spring-like music flow cannot be matched by any other.
The Yuki’s remarkable low-end performance and distinctive timbral qualities are truly impressive. However, what sets it apart is its expansive soundstage that extends both horizontally and vertically, creating a truly immersive and three-dimensional listening experience. This level of soundstage has never been achieved before in a USB DAC dongle of this caliber. With the Yuki, all my earphones sounded incredibly open and spacious, with a grand and magnificent soundstage that provided exceptional ambience information. Furthermore, the imaging remained solid and precise throughout.
How it fares against the competition
The main section of the review covers all the necessary details. While the Yuki USB DAC dongle may not be the most powerful or technically advanced, it stands out with its organic and natural sound quality.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the Yuki has limited functionality and lacks app configuration support, unlike many other USB DACs available in the market.
In the end
The Aune Yuki stands out as an exceptional portable DAC, offering a level of analog and organic sound quality that is typically found in more advanced desktop gear. Its timbre realism is truly remarkable, making your music sound incredibly lifelike. Not only does it deliver an engaging and musical experience, but it also boasts impressive technical capabilities. If you’re seeking a DAC that can truly bring your music to life, the Aune Yuki comes highly recommended. However, it’s important to note that this recommendation is specifically for those who intend to use it with sensitive earphones.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Analog and organic sound + Timbre realism without digital glare + Excellent bass performance + Immersive + Independent volume + Two gain settings + Silent + Well made + Unique appearance + High quality USB cable - Limited power output - No notification LED - Lighting cable is not included - Protective case is extra - Increased weight - Limited customization and functions - Not that power efficient
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