Предусилители — YBA Signature PRE-Amplifier MKII

The Signature PRE-Amplifier MKII is the updated preamplifier in the Signature line of the French high-end electronics brand, released in spring 2022. It follows the original SIGNATURE PREAMPLIFIER, keeping the analogue layout and the heavy aluminium case while replacing the digital stage with newer converter and USB hardware. The unit is supplied in natural aluminium and controlled from the classic YBA remote.

Key specs that matter

Gain is +6 dB, while SNR is quoted at more than 110 dB. The frequency response reaches from 20 Hz to 40 kHz within -0.5 dB. Analogue inputs are one balanced XLR connection, five RCA line inputs and a dedicated MM phono input, and the outputs are balanced XLR together with a single RCA output. Optical and coaxial digital inputs complement the USB port. The case measures 430 x 388 x 151 mm as width by depth by height, tipping the scales at 27.5 kg.

Engineering and use context

For conversion, the MKII adopts an Analog Devices AD1955 chip with native handling of PCM at up to 24 bit and 192 kHz and of DSD64. The USB input was upgraded with an XMOS XU208 controller rated for PCM at up to 32 bit and 768 kHz and for DSD512, intended for a direct connection to a computer. Input 5 offers a bypass mode set through a button sequence on the remote. The mains section is a linear supply using a 190VA UI-Core transformer of high-performance type. On the front, a rotary source selector cycles through ten inputs, and the phase and mute switches sit on the right-hand side next to the rotary encoded volume control. A standby switch placed in the centre of the embossed YBA logo reacts to the touch of a finger, and a one-second touch is enough to wake the unit. The volume encoder turns without end stops. Its display indicates the chosen input and the music signal level, and it turns dark after holding the VIEW button on the remote for more than three seconds. The same handset can lock the current volume through its FCT button, recall a stored volume with the AUDIO button, and engage a 180-degree phase inversion, which lights an amber LED. The mains socket holds a single handmade YBA 5A slow-blow fuse, and the rear panel carries a switch that disconnects power from the digital section.

Pairing

Balanced amplifiers connect through the XLR outputs, for example the stereo and mono models of YBA's own Signature series, while the RCA output serves a single-ended amplifier. Any MM-equipped record deck plugs directly to the built-in phono input and needs no outboard phono amplifier.

Alternatives

The first-generation SIGNATURE PREAMPLIFIER shares this case size and input panel but uses a Cirrus Logic CS4398 converter and offers two RCA output pairs.