I have both pieces here. They take a long time to break-in... Even after three hundred hours it wasn't at its best. Probably have about 500 hours before everything opened up, and I saw what any excitement was about. Their integrated amplifier has a very natural, free-flowing, larger than life quality. The CD player has the as-advertised lovely SACDesque midrange. Deep bass is not as prominent as I'd like on the CD player, for this msrp. Microdynamics are outstanding, though, and it doesn't fall apart on complex material. The two latter areas best the Jungson Magic Boat CD player that I've also been listening to.
The only major issues I have are that the remote is an option, and that the contrast can't be adjusted. RCA jacks and speaker binding posts could be higher quality, but I think that they put the money to better use on the chassis, both from a cosmetic and vibration proofing standpoint. Also, the overall sound really comes together only when you play it loud. Total package is quite attractive, however, for its price range. Really gives you a taste of the high-end sonically and visually. Last words of advice; add a subwoofer, and better interconnects/speaker cables/power cables are worth the price tag when it comes to getting the most out of the YBA Design System.
