The only thing I know about the YBA pre is that it has a dual-mono design and that it has a decidedly solid-state presentation according to more than one reviewer. I've had the AA M3A in my system and it was killer good and dead quiet. I think the jury is still out on the idea that a tube pre/SS amp is the best combo. I think the opposite can sound just as good, and it depends on whether your Virgos like a lot of current or not. (I use a solid pre/tube monobloc set-up to really nice effect.) And if you're looking to bypass your pre, I would tread carefully, as this can result in worse sound. Fewer circuits doesn't always result in better sound IMO. Plus, you would need a volume control on your source (not your DAC) that would have a compatible output dB level so as not to overload your amp.
YBA 2 Alpha preamp and general preamp questions
I live in the middle of nowhere and have very limited options to actually listen to hi-end audio equipment, especially used.
1. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and I'm torn between going with a pre-owned high quality solid state preamp with a great phono section, and an Audible Illusions M3A (means messing with tube replacement, tube rolling, etc.) or similar highly regarded tube preamp with a phono section. But I've read using a tube preamp with a solid state amp is the way to achieve the best sound from both technologies.
Is anyone familiar with the YBA solid state preamps? A Stereophile review speaks highly of their phono section (which is what I'm primarily interested in).
Is there a significant difference between the YBA Alpha 2 and the Alpha 1 models (other than price;-)?
Are there any other reasonably priced (< $2000) solid state amps that would significantly better my PSE Studio SL? Or should I just stick with it?
2. For digital I'll be using the preamp I eventually keep/purchase with a Benchmark DAC 1. Is there a way to easily bypass a preamp's line stage other than disconnecting the preamplifier and cabling directly from the DAC 1 to the PSE Studio IV power amplifier(s) (a bit of a hassle).
Since I'm actually biamping a pair of AudioPhysic Virgos with a subwoofer, I don't know how I could use the Benchmark directly with two amps, unless a custom set of biamping cables could be used...
Any other thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
Bob
1. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and I'm torn between going with a pre-owned high quality solid state preamp with a great phono section, and an Audible Illusions M3A (means messing with tube replacement, tube rolling, etc.) or similar highly regarded tube preamp with a phono section. But I've read using a tube preamp with a solid state amp is the way to achieve the best sound from both technologies.
Is anyone familiar with the YBA solid state preamps? A Stereophile review speaks highly of their phono section (which is what I'm primarily interested in).
Is there a significant difference between the YBA Alpha 2 and the Alpha 1 models (other than price;-)?
Are there any other reasonably priced (< $2000) solid state amps that would significantly better my PSE Studio SL? Or should I just stick with it?
2. For digital I'll be using the preamp I eventually keep/purchase with a Benchmark DAC 1. Is there a way to easily bypass a preamp's line stage other than disconnecting the preamplifier and cabling directly from the DAC 1 to the PSE Studio IV power amplifier(s) (a bit of a hassle).
Since I'm actually biamping a pair of AudioPhysic Virgos with a subwoofer, I don't know how I could use the Benchmark directly with two amps, unless a custom set of biamping cables could be used...
Any other thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
Bob