There is a definite warmth of presentation, a fuller lower midrange sets up the YBA’s sonic texture. The sound is based on proximity and immediacy. What sounds the most beautiful is the instruments and vocals located in the middle of the frequency range. Yet this occurs without limiting everything to just the midrange. The treble has an open, strong character, with plenty of energy corresponding to the higher registers of the vibraphone, drum cymbals, etc. Several things distinguish the PRE550A from other digital/analog preamps. It is possible to turn off the digital section when playing an analogue source. The analog section has three inputs — one balanced (XLR), one unbalanced (RCA), and one video pass-through (RCA). There are two sets of RCA outputs and one set of XLRs. There is a wide choice of digital inputs — I2 S (RJ45), AES/EBU (XLR), S/PDIF (TosLink, coaxial, BNC), and USB – plus there is a network input (RJ45) that accepts signals from a 10 or 100Mbps network. Built-in Apple AirPort Express support enables the PRE550A to work via a wireless AirPort Express network. It has a direct input for an Apple iPod or iPhone that bypasses the Apple’s internal DAC and uses only the PRE550A DAC. There’s also an S/PDIF output jack, should you want to send a digital signal to another component. The asynchronous USB 2.0 connection for a computer requires a driver if you’re running Windows, but not with a Mac or Linux computer. Specs Product type Preamplifier Audio Outputs 2 RCA 1 Balanced 1 S/PDIF Gain +6dB SNR >105dB Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz (-0.5dB) THD+N (20Hz – 20kHz) <0.003% Inputs 7 Digital Signal Inputs 2 RCA Analog Signal Inputs 1 Balanced Analog Signal Input 1 Balanced Input (Mono) Airplay YES DAC Dual Cirrus Logic High Performance 24bit/192kHz Display OLED Display Brightness Adjustable from remote Power Supply 2 Linear power supplies with high performance transformer 190VA Color / Finish Natural aluminium Dimensions (w x d x h) 430 x 412 x 118mm Weight 12.5 kg
