YBA Design One Transportable SACD Player
YBA DESIGN ONE ENTERS THE TRANSPORTABLE SACD MARKET
YBA has announced the launch of the YBA Design One, a battery-powered transportable SACD player aimed at portable and desktop HiFi use.
According to the company, the YBA Design One is its first model developed specifically for the portable and desktop audio sector.
YBA DESIGN ONE TRANSPORTABLE SACD PLAYER
The player combines SACD and CD playback with integrated headphone amplification and DAC functionality in a compact chassis measuring 188 x 166 x 40mm and weighing 1.34kg.
The YBA Design One uses an HD850 laser mechanism paired with an MT1389EE system for playback of CDs and SACDs, including single-layer and multi-layer SACD formats. The unit also incorporates an AKM AK4497S DAC and supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 when used as a USB DAC.
Headphone connectivity includes both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, while analogue outputs are available via RCA and balanced 4.4mm connections. Digital outputs include SPDIF coaxial and USB-C audio.
DESKTOP AND TRANSPORTABLE USE
YBA says the Design One has been designed to move between desktop, headphone and traditional HiFi systems. The player can function as a standalone SACD/CD player, a USB DAC connected to a computer, or as a CD transport feeding an external DAC.
The unit includes a built-in battery system using two 21700 batteries, with quoted battery life of up to 5.5 hours. Charging and external power are handled via USB-C with PD3.0 support. When connected to an external power supply, the headphone amplifier output increases to a claimed 1.65W at 32 ohms from the balanced output.
ABOUT YBA
Founded in 1981 by electronics professor Yves-Bernard André, YBA established a reputation during the 1980s and 1990s for French-designed HiFi components focused on musical clarity and long-term durability. The company’s design philosophy centred on reproducing music as naturally and accurately as possible, with André aiming for listeners to “forget the product and hear only the music”. In 2009, Chinese manufacturer Shanling acquired a significant shareholding in YBA, allowing the brand to expand production while retaining its French design identity. Today, YBA’s range includes the Design, Genesis, Passion and Signature series, with André still involved in product development and oversight of the company’s flagship Signature models.
YBA DESIGN ONE TO DEBUT AT HIGH END VIENNA
The YBA Design One will be shown publicly at the upcoming High End Vienna exhibition at the YBA, Shanling and ONIX booth in Hall X2, Stand C14. The company says international distribution will begin this month.
YBA DESIGN ONE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The YBA Design One is scheduled for release this month through YBA distributors worldwide. Pricing is listed at 1699 USD / 1848 Euro. US pricing may vary.
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