2. amps-preamps
  3. 1149468656

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
raygun

Showing 1 response by mrtennis

mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
if you don't listen to a component in your own system, you are gambling and subject to the risk of unwanted purchase decisions.

regardless of reviews, advice, posts on audiogon, the only opinion that counts is yours.

i have had an idea of doing an experiment, but have difficulty implementing it.

my hypothesis: getting advice prior to purchase, without a home trial does not increase the probability of a favorable outcome.

thus, given the basic facts about a component, available from the internet or other source, with or without opinions does not give an advantage with respect to satisfaction from a purchase.
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