Yukimu noise absorber has 2 different options. One is the USB type and the other is the RCA connector type. This are the very common types of connection is almost every kind of audio equipment available today. Is also quite obvious the 2 different types are to cater for different need dependent on the connection available of the audio chain. The question will be if there 2 connection available are they to be use together ? The answer will be yes but I don't hear any kind of benefit at least from myself.
Lets see on this RCA type connection. The unit came in a wooden box and the warranty information as stated in the card if you can read Japanese. Is pretty need and like many Japanese product, even the packaging is well thought of. One personal thing for me is the confidence it gives you when buying made in Japan product. The unit itself is just 52mm in length and 17mm width. Is a little bigger than the usual RCA head for a cable. It can easily fit into any RCA connection on the hardware of the audio chain.
The flexibility here is the noise absorber will work by connecting it to any available RCA connector. For my testing purpose, I have connected it to the power amp. Of course it can be easily connect to the pre-amp, CD player, or any other equipment with RCA connector. This is a good point to note as it will be easily add into any audio chain.
For try out of the unit, I am using my Asus Tinkerboard running on Volumio which is connected to the Wadia DAC. From the DAC connected to the Accuphase Pre and Power on XLR (Nordost). Since this is a Japanese product it will only be right to try out some Japanese song. The try out with Ayumi Hamasaki (Endroll). Japan Pop use to be the big thing before the Korean came and dominate it. The really noticeable is the vocal being really sharp (not ear piercing). It gives the lively feeling of the singer and at the same time airiness of the audio. The lower bass extension also improve with the feel of the chest thumping. Pop song can be quite easily fatigue in listening with audio crowding when multiple background instruments playing. The noise absorber do help in the separation and at the same time tame the high frequency.
The second option is the USB type which is suitable for computer or media player and according to the Yukimu is also suitable for NAS drive. For my try out, this was connected to a laptop and USB output to the Wadia DAC. Is quite a known fact that common USB on computer has a lot of noise. With this unit connected really have the immediate impact to having a quitter background of the audio.
Trying out DSD audio format on this album of Scorpion. The song title "In Trance". Rock song is quite noisy at times especially with the high pitching singing. Listening on USB connection can be even worse. The Yukimu does a good job here. The overall sound stage improve with the background music loud and clear. The most noticeable is the vocal is not covered by the background music especially with the kick bass and electric guitar. The same effect on the lower bass which become more solid with the noise absorber. The significant part is the feel of the bass on the chest is pretty cool especially on rock song.
In summary both the units of noise absorber has its own advantage but I have to say the USB has more impact to overall audio compare to the RCA type. It also make sense that digital audio is in most system today, USB noise absorber is quite an important piece in the audio chain. Of course, digital audio can comes in many forms especially streaming which might or might not going through USB which the RCA can comes in handy. Is quite thoughtful of the manufacturer in catering for all different needs for the current and vintage audio chain. To know more of it can visit the website https://www.beginsacoustic.com/
