YBA has launched an easily portable (SA)CD player called Design One. The device is somewhat larger and heavier than the size and weight of most portable CD players and therefore seems primarily intended for stationary use. The Design One will also be on display at High End Vienna, which will take place in early June.
YBA Design One
With Design One, YBA enters a niche that few high-end brands have explored. This compact (SA)CD player is also a desktop DA converter, a headphone amplifier, and a home CD transport, with the option to operate on batteries or an external power supply.
The YBA Design One is YBA's first step into the world of portable and desktop hi-fi. The company describes it as a way to bring the distinctive French sound to listeners, wherever they are. Despite its compact size of 188 x 166 x 40 millimeters and weight of 1.34 kilograms, the Design One promises the same sound character that distinguishes the brand's larger components.
Under the hood of the Design One, you will find an SACD mechanism built around the proven HD850 laser and the MT1389EE system, guaranteeing accurate playback of CDs and both single- and multilayer SACDs. The top-loading design utilizes a magnetic disc clamp developed specifically for this model.
DA conversion is handled by the AKM AK4497S, chosen to complement YBA's tuning philosophy. For headphone users—YBA's self-proclaimed target audience—a balanced discrete amplifier delivers up to 1.65 Watts at an impedance of 32 Ohms when powered by an external DC power supply, while maintaining a low output impedance for sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs).
With the precise volume control in 100 steps, the user can fine-tune the volume for a wide range of headphones via the 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced outputs.
The Design One supports playback of CDs, CD-R/RWs, and SACDs. The specified signal-to-noise ratio is greater than 125 dB and maintains a THD+N of 0.0004% with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40 kHz (-0.5 dB). The housing features a 2.79-inch screen (428 x 142) and is operated via physical buttons and adjustable mechanical switches.
The Design One is specifically designed for headphone use but can be easily integrated into larger systems. Featuring a balanced 4.4 mm output (5.2 Volts) and a stereo RCA output (2.6 Volts), it can be used as a line-out or pre-out DAC for active speakers or power amplifiers. Alternatively, the coaxial SPDIF output and the digital USB-C output can be used to connect an external DA converter when the Design One functions as a transport.
When the Design One is connected to a computer, it transforms into a high-resolution USB DAC that supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512. A magnetic rear panel protects the connectors for portable use.
Two internal 21700 batteries provide up to 5.5 hours of playback time and ensure a stable power supply, even when off the mains. Charging is done via USB-C with PD3.0 support. For more demanding headphones, connecting a 9V/3A PD3.0 PPS charger activates an external DC power supply, which would significantly increase the amplifier's output power.
Price: $1,900
