CD / SACD players and transports — YBA Design One

The Design One is a compact CD/SACD player from YBA, built around the well-regarded AKM AK4497S conversion chip, packed into a remarkably compact chassis. The Design One brings YBA's considered engineering to a space-efficient disc-based digital source format.

Key specs that matter

The AKM AK4497S conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion - a well-regarded chip choice. Frequency response for SACD spans 20Hz to 40,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Output level is a substantial 5.2V balanced or 2.6V single-ended. Signal-to-noise ratio for SACD exceeds an exceptional 125dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at a near-immeasurable 0.0004%. At a remarkably compact 188 x 166 x 40mm and just 1.34kg, the Design One maintains a space-efficient, lightweight disc-player chassis.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean disc playback reflecting the exceptional over-125dB signal-to-noise figure and near-immeasurable 0.0004% distortion figure, packed into this remarkably compact, lightweight chassis reflecting YBA's considered French engineering standards.

Pairing

YBA's own amplifier catalogue offers natural, brand-coherent pairings within the same broader catalogue.

Alternatives

YBA's own DESIGN WM202 offers a more accessible CD-only alternative within the same broader digital source catalogue.