Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: YBA YBA2 high current Amplifier (SS) by Braxus

Model:	YBA2 high current
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$ 3750
Description:	Dual-mono solid-state power amplifier. Maximum power output: 70W into 8 ohms (18.5dBW), 140W into 4 ohms (18.5dBW). Frequency response: 5Hz-80kHz, -3dB. Input sensitivity: 120mV RMS for 1W/8 ohms, 1.1V RMS for rated output. Input impedance: 27k ohms. Output impedance: 0.02 ohms (damping factor quoted as 400 at 100Hz). Risetime: 3�s at 10kHz. S/N Ratio: 100dB (reference and conditions not stated). Power consumption: 100VA idling, 1000VA at full power.
Manufacturer URL:	YBA

Review by Braxus on May 29, 2014 at 21:04:47
IP Address: 108.180.238.183 Add Your Review
for the YBA2 high current

I have had many amps over the years and wanted a high end amp, so I can stop upgrading to something better. I've had Luxman, Rotel, Denon, and other amps before this one. I heard this amp in the mid 90s once and was impressed by its sound. I always remembered the openess and air to its soundstage. So fast forward to today. I was going to buy a class A Luxman, or a Bryston amp. The Luxman was either too rare or too expensive. The Bryston just didn't do the soundstage very well and this was the new SST2 series. So I had the chance to buy a used YBA 2HC amp, and jumped on it. This is the only amp that passed my Shostakovich Symphony #9 test. The horn sits out in the air in front of the speakers with the YBA. On other amps, it sounds like its coming from the speakers. Since getting the amp home, I had some more listening to it. The 3D sound is very noticeable with this amp, as music extends well beyond the speakers. And this amp is very musical, as the speakers don't get in the way. It just sounds more real with the YBA. As one says- the amp doesn't get in the way of the music. The bottom end may not be as extended as some SS amps, nor the dynamics quite as punchy and quick as I've heard on Rotel and Bryston amps. But this amp still has some punch to make it lively enough. And at 70 watts goes loud enough for my taste. My speakers at the moment are only midfi, as I want to upgrade to some B&W 805 speakers. But even with the speakers Im running, I can hear a difference compared to the Luxman M-113 amp I was running before this. And the YBA is more refined and musical then Rotel. And it beats Bryston for depth and space in the music.

Though this amp really isn't that big, it weighs a ton. You could tell there are quality parts in this amp, as I've read YBA makes all their own parts in house. Its a shame YBA no longer makes home amps anymore, at least for the North American market. Parts are still available for this amp right from YBA. I paid $1600 for my amp. Definately worth a look if you want a great sounding amp that doesn't need a lot of wattage to run.

Product Weakness:	Power switch is so small it could easily fail at some point, as mine did.<br>Wattage on low side
Product Strengths:	Build quality<br>Very musical amp

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: YBA 2HC
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Rotel RC 995
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony SCD-XA5400ES
Speakers: Paradigm Mini Monitor V2
Cables/Interconnects: Monster Power
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, Rock
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	YBA 2HC
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rotel RC 995
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony SCD-XA5400ES
Speakers:	Paradigm Mini Monitor V2
Cables/Interconnects:	Monster Power
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Rock
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner