CD / SACD players and transports — YBA GENESIS CD4

The GENESIS CD4 is an accomplished CD player from YBA, developed from the CD430 in the Passion series, using the Sanyo HD850 CD top-loading transport equipped with the patented Blue Diode reading system. The GENESIS CD4 brings YBA's considered French engineering to disc-based digital source playback with genuine transport-only flexibility.

Key specs that matter

Rated response on CD spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Both balanced (4.4V) and single-ended (2.2V) analogue outputs are provided, with signal-to-noise ratio on CD reaching an excellent 110dB. Total harmonic distortion plus noise is a low 0.0015% at 16-bit or 0.0008% at 24-bit. At 430 x 388 x 115mm and 11kg, the GENESIS CD4 maintains a substantial CD-player chassis, with the Sanyo HD850 Blue Diode transport also allowing use as a standalone digital transport.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, low-distortion playback reflecting the low sub-0.002% distortion figures across both 16-bit and 24-bit modes, with the Blue Diode transport delivering the reading precision YBA's broader considered engineering is celebrated for.

Pairing

The GENESIS CD4 can also serve as a standalone digital transport feeding an external DAC, offering genuine flexibility beyond its role as a complete CD player.

Alternatives

Other manufacturers' comparable transport-capable CD players offer alternatives for buyers wanting to compare mechanism engineering at a similar price point.