I own a pair of YBA Passion 600 monos and they are very musical. Mine were the baby brother of the highly regarded Passion 1000 and those models went away around 2007. YBA was designed by the owner Yves Bernard Andre from France and was highly used to drive the Focal Utopia speakers of old both being made in France. High quality parts were used throughout including C-core transformers, transistors, vishay resistors, ect. No parts exceptions on these.
Also the lay-out was simple compared to many current designs and runs in class AB maintaining cool temperatures. The sound is very smooth and refined with everything in place and good tight bass.
Yves is still there in France I am told but implements the highest end product called the Signature line. I am told he is a perfectionist by an ex-dealer I bought mine from. The rest of the line is sourced to another country under his direction I believe. There is a dealer in Dayton Ohio called TMH-Audio that carries the current line and can expound more.
Also the lay-out was simple compared to many current designs and runs in class AB maintaining cool temperatures. The sound is very smooth and refined with everything in place and good tight bass.
Yves is still there in France I am told but implements the highest end product called the Signature line. I am told he is a perfectionist by an ex-dealer I bought mine from. The rest of the line is sourced to another country under his direction I believe. There is a dealer in Dayton Ohio called TMH-Audio that carries the current line and can expound more.