YBA IA350

The IA350 is a stereo integrated amplifier from YBA's Passion range. It combines a preamplification stage, a power stage and a digital-to-analogue converter within a single chassis, allowing digital sources to be connected directly without going through an external DAC.

The front panel features the brand's signature clean styling, with an input, a volume selector and Mute buttons, in keeping with YBA's Signature and Passion preamplifiers. The source selector, hidden on the front left-hand side of the unit, allows switching between several analogue and digital inputs.

On the digital side, the IA350 offers a coaxial S/PDIF input (75 Ohm), a USB port compatible with 24-bit / 192 kHz, as well as AES/EBU, I2S and iPod inputs. All these digital inputs automatically adapt to standard bit rates, from 16-bit / 44.1 kHz to 24-bit / 192 kHz, without manual adjustment. On the analogue side, the unit has two RCA inputs and one balanced input. A pre-out bypass function also allows an active subwoofer or active speakers to be connected as a supplement.

This type of amplifier is aimed at a user wishing to centralise digital and analogue sources around a single unit, without needing multiple conversion boxes. Compatibility with high-resolution formats up to 24-bit / 192 kHz makes it a relevant choice for a setup combining a network player, CD player and classic analogue sources.

For use with a computer as a source, installation of a dedicated driver is required; it is supplied by the manufacturer. The volume level displayed in dB may also require some reference points to be properly interpreted when first getting to grips with the unit.