Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: YBA Integre DT Integrated Amplifier (SS) by Canadian Audiophile

Model:	Integre DT
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2300
Description:	50 Watts integrated amplifier (Dual Transformer)
Manufacturer URL:	YBA
Manufacturer URL:	YBA

Review by Canadian Audiophile ( A ) on October 07, 2004 at 14:54:45
IP Address: 24.37.89.113

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The YBA Integre I use is the double transformer version revision Delta. I have had it for two years and love it.
It is the classic example of less is more. I have had a variety of integrated amplifiers in my listening room, and can confidently say that this YBA imparts the least of its own character than any other of the amps Iâ€™ve used or evaluated.
The dynamic range of this small amplifier is nothing less than amazing. The bottom end is rock solid and defined yet has texture and timbre more akin to lower power tube amplifiers. The mid-range is open and devoid of any glare or gloss in the human voice and mid-range brass and woodwind instruments. The high end is open with an excellent sense of both space and air, without the thinness associated with a solid state top end. Even when used with a metal dome tweeter (my old N805â€™s) there was no trace of edge.
The YBA Integre DT is the type of amplifier you buy and forget. Once you have this amplifier you stop thinking about amp upgrades. It just doesnâ€™t get much better without doubling and tripling the investment. It does its job with grace and style, never attaining more than a luke warm exterior even after hours of serious listening at loud levels.
I have heard this amplifier drive both large and small monitors at all listening levels. Itâ€™s sense of ease in driving even the most difficult loads allows you to forget the amplifier is part of the musical component chain.
If you like the notion of an integrated focused on the traditional two channel audio system, and donâ€™t require an unusually high amount of power to drive your loudspeakers, then this YBA may be for you. This amp is worth the time to evaluate. You will not be disappointed.

Product Weakness: Should have a pre-amp out to allow for b-amping. Owners manual needs updating and editing.
Product Strengths: Speed, Slam, Timbre & Openess. Flawless cool operation. A real slice of high end audio.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	YBA Integre DT Delta
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Naim CD5/FC2
Speakers:	Opera Callas
Cables/Interconnects:	QED Genesis Silver spiral Bi-wire, Chord Solid
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Jazz, Pop, 70/80's Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 10 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Heavily damped with bookcases
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Ultimate Outlet-HC, Juice Bar and Power Port
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Should have a pre-amp out to allow for b-amping. Owners manual needs updating and editing.
Product Strengths:	Speed, Slam, Timbre & Openess. Flawless cool operation. A real slice of high end audio.