Pristine clarity

Limited power, neutral, somewhat cold.

A very good product. Much too expensive despite all the hype around the musicality of this amp. Check out the Stereophile claa "A" rating....it has the exact same wording as the last 3 years. Does this mean they have not evaluated the unit in 3 years ? Probably. It was a solid class "A" 3 years ago. In 1999, I dont think so, as there is newer and better gear for the same-or less money.Check out the new Electrocompaniet integrated as reviewed in absolute sound. Exceptionnal build quality...got to give the YBA that...but for value, sorry, it's a lot of money for a small 50 watter with a nice sound, everyway you cut it....even if it does have that DT marking on the faceplate...mine is for sale by the way.

Similar Products Used:

Sim Audio I-5, Plinius 8150

beautifully made product,simple and direct connection to my music,all of the attributes of fine audio reproduction are present.

I love this product,I can find nothing to criticise...

Let me start off by saying that I have always wanted to own one of these integrateds and finally owning an Integre is the fulfillment of a dream for me...I fully acknowledge what that says about my credibility in regards to this review...
I am very passionate about my music and the equiptment I choose to reproduce it in my home.I have always had great respect for the design philosophy behind YBA products:simple,elegant engineering,a carefully executed circuit with short signal paths and the highest quality components,no tone controls
or other extraneous circuitry to get in the way of the music.As much as I have admired these fine products they have always been just beyond my reach financially,until now...
Needless to say I am far from disappointed,the integre is endowed with all of the attributes owing to it's minimalist pedigree:crystal clear unfatiguing sound,open,luscious midrange,tight uncoloured bass,excellent soundstaging and imaging and brilliant detail,it's all there.Best of all there is a rich musicality,a direct connection between myself and my music,a sense that I am hearing my favourite pieces as they where recorded.I lose myself in my music for hours and hours.What greater praise is there?
A true thoroughbred that's been going strong for more than ten years with only minor refinements(What other expensive piece of audio gear can you say that about?),The YBA exudes class and elegance.Sure you are able to spend more and maybe get incrementally better sound or you could go for separates and really impress your friends with your big boxes; but if music is your passion,as it is mine, then you really can't do better than this little integrated amplifier from france...
System:
YBA integre DT
Audio physic Tempo II
Sony SACD player
Rega planar 3/elys cartridge
The most important component: My CD and record collection.

Similar Products Used:

Nad 3140,creek 4040 and 4140,musical fidelity A1,jolida integrated,Musical fidelity A1000.

Musicality. Blossomy midrange, a sound that grows, and grows, and grows... Perfect timing, natural sounding. Extraordinary 50-watt, manages to drive my Vienna Acoustics Mozart without ever loosing the grip. Soundstage is large, powerfull and detailed.

None, really. Maybe not enough punch in the bottom area to kick up bass-shy or low sensitivity speakers?

This amp is a bargain, even though it doesn't look like one. Don't let the price-tag scare you off, the YBA Integre DT is not "another underpowered, Stereophile-overhyped integrated amp". It's a true star that will light up you audio-paths! In my system (Meridian 508.20 - Vienna Acoustics Mozart Signature - Transparent Audio Super), the Integre DT has became just "the right thing".

Similar Products Used:

Outperformed both Krell KAV 300i, Densen DM 10 mkII and Electrocompaniet ECI-1. Even better than combos from Densen (DM 20/ DM30), Holfi (Pre 8/ Power 8) and Electrocompaniet (EC4.5 / Aw-60)

Clean, Clear, Detail, 50W but yet powerful

No remote control, powerful but yet not powerful enough sometimes

Have the machine for more than a year, and I'm very happy with it. It sounds extremely good if you bi-wired your speakers. The Amp has a "tube sounded" output which you can use for your high end and it sounds very sweet for vocals and volins.

50W per channel, but powerful enough for my Sonus Faber Grand Piano. Other audiophiles are right that you need to pair the Amp with good cables. The DT will never distort your input from CD players, and in view of it cooler sound produced, a warm sounded CD player is recommended. I'm using a Electrocompaniet ECM-1 CD Player, resulting in very warm and hugh sound stage.

However, when come to full orchestra, the Amp might be struggling a bit although 95pct of the time it can manage to produce reasonable outcomes.

You will notice that it is heavier on the left side as there are two C Core transformers. It is adviseable to put some counterweight on the right side to achieve a better balance. I put the Amp on three DH cones, two at the back, and one in the left front end, it improves details and bass a lots.

My system:
Electrocompaninet ECM - 1 CD Player
Nordost BlueHeaven Interconnect
YBA DT
YBA Glass Speaker Cables for High Freq
AudioQuest Midnight Plus for Low Freq
Sonus Faber Grand Piano Speakers
DN Cones for CD and Amp

Similar Products Used:

Audiolab 8000S

Adequate power for medium to small rooms

edgy on some recordings, ruthless with less than perfect cables

I have moved on to YBA separates. The Integre is a nice amp but really with too many flaws (sonically)to be considered a best buy for the price asked.I recommend saving up for the big boys (YBA separates) or buy a more recently designed integrated.This YBA DT is very clean, but extremely dependant on cables and interconnects for anything ressenbling true musicality. It will reveal the best and the worst of your equpement and CD's. For separates, my best choice is still the YBA. For an integrated, there are a few amps out there that will beat it ( 2 or 3 come to mind, such as the plinius ).I agree that the Integre is very solid and has an aura of prestige to it. But really, it is the sound that matters...and the YBA is a class act but an expensive one for what it delivers...But with the right cables and source (on the warm side is best ) it is still recommended by me.

Extremely revealing, musial and smooth sounding. Adequate power for most speakers. Tube-like output feature is a bonus option to suit listening style.

Does not give good bass punch considering the price tag. Physical weight distribution is very uneven.

I've selected an integrated amp to avoid the trouble of matching pre-power and the headache of buying expensive interconnect cables. The answer was a YBA integre DT which fits most of my requirement. It looks simple (exterior as well as interior) runs cool and yet delivers quality sound. Have used in on rather power hungry speakers without much power staining problem, have also seen it driving big Avalon floorstanding model with acceptable results!

Performance of the amp is among the best in its class, nice imaging, pace and resolution. I find the tube-output connection especially useful as I am now running parallel wiring to my speakers (tube-like to high freq, normal to low freq) and I am enjoying very good results having the warmth on the mid and hign while tight and speedy bass response.

There are also a few other pointers to get the most out of the amp. First it is recommended to use the "Video" as input. For me it improves on focusing the music. This is recommended by the agent as well as written in the manual. Next is to feed power through Diamond power cord and YBA AC Line Filter. The sound transformed drastically after I connected the items. Not only the background becomes quieter, all instruments and vocal suddenly become so much more lifelike Bass becomes less boomy, and depth suddenly exists in my system. You've got to try it to believe it. As YBA claimed that the line filter is part of its component rather than an accessory.

Execllent amplifier. Musical, trasparent, Kick Ass. Recomended component in my book. 5 Stars without question. Look out Dan Dagastino at Krell, this ones got your number.

Remarkably transparent and neutral. And everything else!

Depending on personal preference, some might find it tonally a little lean, but I have grown to like it that way.

Optional remote is outrageously expensive, but I haven't found a pressing need for one.

I am completely happy with this amp. Does all the audiophile stuff, yet is superbly musical.

Wonderfully extended highs, without emphasizing sibilance or being splashy. Midrange is pure and expressive. Dynamics, speed, it has it all. Imaging is superb in all 3 dimensions.

Bass, although slightly lean, is very tight and well defined as far down as my speakers go (~30hz).

Some might say it is an unremarkable amp - no thunderous bass or incredibly fast transients to dazzle you. In my opinion, that is where its beauty lies - in that it draws no attention to itself, and delivers the music straight to the listener.

For the used price I paid, it is a great deal. I will be happy with this amp for a long time to come!

Soundstage,great tonal balance

none

When I hooked this amp up to my Vandersteen 2ce's I was amazed at the soundstage. I played some of my favorite music and couldn't get the smile off of my face. The boxes seemed to dissapear from around my speakers. Maybe it's just the combo but there is something inherently right with the sound.It's very revealing but not too forward,smooth midrange but not dead,dark or boring.It won't make you fall asleep because it's follows the rythym and pace very well. I can't believe I've been missing this all along.To my ears it's magic!!! I strongly recommend you audition this amp even if you were going to buy seperates.Thanks to Mark at Soundstage in Waterloo for letting me audition amps for nearly an entire afternoon. I'm glad we kept coming back to this one.

Similar Products Used:

Audio Research,Sugden,Sonographe

Tonal accuracy, extremely detailed, extended frequency response from top to bottom, awesome soundstage and musicality.

none

This one great amp for the price. I can't see spending more. I get all the detail I want along with this extremely palpable soundstage. This amp delivers quickness and finesse with all the weight that the music demands. I have heard more expensive amps(ten times the price) that didn't sound as pleasing as this one. It is accurate but does not leave the music behind.

One word of caution though. This amp, like all other amps, is only as good as the equipment it is connected to. Especially cables! I had it connected with Kimber cables for 6 months and it sounded good but lean. I changed the cables to Harmonic Technology and know the amp sings! It was like an equipment upgrade. I will be keeping this amp for a loooooong time....