The new French-designed YBA Design One is arguably the first portable CD player that can legitimately be described as a high-end product.
Of course, we have not yet had the opportunity to listen to the brand new YBA Design One ourselves. However, the specifications are certainly impressive, and the price tag clearly indicates that the manufacturer is targeting a very different audience from the one typically shopping for portable audio devices at mainstream electronics retailers.
Another notable feature is that the Design One is not only a CD player but also an SACD player. While the SACD catalogue remains relatively limited, there are still plenty of music lovers with collections of these discs. As such, any new SACD-compatible player—portable or otherwise—is more than welcome. Who knows, perhaps it may even help stimulate a modest revival of new SACD releases.
Can Also Be Used as a Portable DAC
For digital-to-analogue conversion, YBA Design has selected the AK4497S DAC chip. Adding to its versatility, the Design One can also function as a standalone DAC.
Via its USB input, the unit supports PCM audio up to 32-bit / 768 kHz, as well as DSD playback up to DSD512. Thanks to the inclusion of both a standard 3.5 mm headphone output and a 4.4 mm balanced connection, users can connect either single-ended or balanced headphones.
Digital outputs are provided in the form of S/PDIF coaxial and USB-C connections. The integrated rechargeable battery is another practical touch, offering up to 5.5 hours of playback on a full charge.
Considering the wide range of capabilities offered by the YBA Design One, its retail price of €1,848 does not seem unreasonable at all.