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YBA 2 Alpha preamp and general preamp questions

I live in the middle of nowhere and have very limited options to actually listen to hi-end audio equipment, especially used.

1. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and I'm torn between going with a pre-owned high quality solid state preamp with a great phono section, and an Audible Illusions M3A (means messing with tube replacement, tube rolling, etc.) or similar highly regarded tube preamp with a phono section. But I've read using a tube preamp with a solid state amp is the way to achieve the best sound from both technologies.

Is anyone familiar with the YBA solid state preamps? A Stereophile review speaks highly of their phono section (which is what I'm primarily interested in).

Is there a significant difference between the YBA Alpha 2 and the Alpha 1 models (other than price;-)?

Are there any other reasonably priced (< $2000) solid state amps that would significantly better my PSE Studio SL? Or should I just stick with it?

2. For digital I'll be using the preamp I eventually keep/purchase with a Benchmark DAC 1. Is there a way to easily bypass a preamp's line stage other than disconnecting the preamplifier and cabling directly from the DAC 1 to the PSE Studio IV power amplifier(s) (a bit of a hassle).

Since I'm actually biamping a pair of AudioPhysic Virgos with a subwoofer, I don't know how I could use the Benchmark directly with two amps, unless a custom set of biamping cables could be used...

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

Bob
raygun
defstathiou's avatar
defstathiou
26 posts
 
...own the YBA Passion Integre amp with a phono section and have listened to the YBA 1 and 2 pre-amps.

I would strongly recommend YBA pre-amps. Have listened to numerous solid state and valve systems over the past ten years and in my humble opinion, YBA is all about the emotion of the music. I believe YBA products do not fall into the debate of solid state vs tube gear. The combine the best of both worlds, however the YBA presentation is leaner compared to full-bodied valve systems.

YBA simply play the music with inner detail, smoothness and natural timing. YBA delivers the essence of the music, its emotion. I bought my YBA amp 3 years ago, and since then I feel am in heaven, no need for upgrades any more.

As far as the phono section is concerned, its a bargain! Have tried alternative award winning external phono sections, and they were a disaster. You will have to spend a lot of money to get an equivalent or better external phono section.

Good luck!
Demetris
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
if you don't listen to a component in your own system, you are gambling and subject to the risk of unwanted purchase decisions.

regardless of reviews, advice, posts on audiogon, the only opinion that counts is yours.

i have had an idea of doing an experiment, but have difficulty implementing it.

my hypothesis: getting advice prior to purchase, without a home trial does not increase the probability of a favorable outcome.

thus, given the basic facts about a component, available from the internet or other source, with or without opinions does not give an advantage with respect to satisfaction from a purchase.
kw6
433 posts
 
Hi Demetris,

I still remember to this day, circa 1995, how a salesman did a demo for me on a system consisting of YBA cd 3, YBA pre 2, YBA amp 2, Apogee Slant 6, monster cables using the Chesky Ultimate demo disk. The other amp cycled in was Simaudio, I forget the model but it was one model up from 4070. When he put in the YBA amp 2 playing the Sara K. track the finesse and emotion just poured through glueing me to the chair. To this day have not heard a demo of its equal.

I agree, YBA is very musical and gives you great insight about a recording. I picked up an Audio Refinement Multi-2 as a summer back up and I am very impressed. Now I am thinking of upgrading to the YBA amps. YBA amps do benefit from having a tube pre, I am using a c-j 17LS2 which is also very musical, and full sounding cables like Cardas GC.
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