MAGAZINE
According to YBA, the streaming and DAC sections of the new Genesis S2 are to be effectively separated and shielded from each other to prevent negative effects. Furthermore, both parts get their own power supply inside; the streaming section uses a switching PSU, while the DAC is powered by a toroidal transformer.
The streaming section of the Genesis S2 is based on an Android platform developed by YBA, which is said to promise high audio performance, while also including access to all major streaming services, Airplay, Bluetooth, network-based servers and more. It also carries a built-in 1TB SSD to which music can be loaded and stored, and of course played back from. Other storage media can also be connected via USB.
For digital-to-analog-conversion, the Genesis S2 carries two AKM-AK4497EQ DACs, which together with in-house developed technologies and high-quality components are supposed to offer a premium sound. Files up to DSD512 and PCM 32bit/768kHz as well as MQA are supported. Optionally, the streamer can also be used as a preamplifier and offers digital volume control for this purpose.
The YBA Genesis S2 receives signals via optical, coaxial or USB inputs. As an alternative to the analog outputs in XLR and RCA, the streamer can also pass on its signals digitally; for this purpose, outputs in optical, coaxial, BNC and AES/EBU are available.
The YBA Genesis S2 – controllable via the frontal touchscreen or the "Eddict Player" app – is available now in Germany, coming at a price of €6500 MSRP.
