YBA 201 doesn't possess true YBA characteristics.
I've never heard a YBA before so I dont mind if it doesnt sound like the rest as long as its a competent amplifier that suits my preferences and is value for money .
YBA 201 doesn't possess true YBA characteristics.
Folks,
My protracted search for an amplifier has finally come to and end. Before breaking the suspense, let me pen down impressions of 3 other amplifiers that I heard before finalising:
Vincent SP-331 MK (with Promitheus TVC)
A slightly warm sounding amplifier with good current and grip over the speakers. Not terribly transparent but had a decent soundstage. At the end of the day, I didnt really see it offering anything to justify the 20k + premium over a Parasound Halo A23.
Cambridge Audio 840A V2 integrated
An utter disappointment of an amplifier. Practically sounded dead and struggled to drive the Dynaudio's (complete lack of dynamics even at 50% volume - sounded weaker than the Marantz 7001!).
Parasound Halo A21 (with Promitheus TVC)
Great amplifier. More transparent than the Vincent. Good dynamics and soundstage. Capable of driving much heavier loads than the Audience 52. However, for my particular speakers, didnt offer much over its little brother (even the dealer agreed that for my speakers, the amp was overkill). At this stage, the leading contender was still the A23
Yamaha A-S2000 integrated
I was very surprised by this amplifier's performance. Extremely transparent and clean sounding. Great soundstaging although the image was slightly in front of the speakers. Tremendous control over the speakers. Excellent timing. Seemingly flat frequency response. To my ears, it sounded better than anything I'd heard in my amplifier hunt with the exception of the Bryston Pre-Power combo and the Plinius (both of which are in an entirely different price bracket). At the price at which it was offered (75k for a lightly used demo piece), it was an absolute no brainer to buy it. I wasnt expecting much from the amp and was suprised by the level of transparency as well as how well it paired with the Dynaudio's. Also heard it with the Morel Octave bookshelves. The two make a good combination (very engaging sound although too revealing for some older recordings). Now I'm tempted to upgrade the speakers as well!
The Yamaha got delivered yesterday and I set it up last night. I'm pleasantly surprised by the level of detail that one of my DAC's is capable of reproducing and am looking forward to the CD player I will be picking up from Bangalore in the next few weeks.
I agree with you! And with this new series that have certainly proven it! They have shown that they still have the DNA to produce audiophile grade stuff, despite all the poo-bah products that they churned out in the last few years.Jai,
Heartiest congratulations! I think dinyaar has the CDP that goes with this amp.
Where did you buy this from? I guess from Boom-a-Rang. Did you hear and compare with the Arcam FMJ A38?
What is the CDP that you are getting from Bangalore?
Well, I am sure you shall enjoy your music.
Malvai, Yamaha is much much more than a middle-of-the-road AVR company. They are capable of making some stunning products.
Regards.
who has now moved to a Teac VRDS/DAC combo? Is the the source of your coming in CDP?