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YBA PASSION IA350A INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER #1

YBA PASSION IA350A INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Name: YBA PASSION IA350A INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
Brand: YBA
SKU: passion-ia350a-integrated-amplifier
Rating: 4.6 (6 reviews)

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A sound stage is meant to be panoramic and the IA350 fills the room. The separation of the channels gives us a wide sound scene yet does not go beyond the surroundings of the loudspeakers. The IA350 adapts superbly to the dimensions of the listening room, but also to the speakers. The dynamics allow us to listen serenely and absolutely to all styles of music under all conditions.

Full explanation on YBA’s balanced input output

Staying with the uncluttered style synonymous with YBA, the front panel has simply an input and volume selector. The turn on switch is cleverly concealed beneath the front left hand side of the amplifier.

The source selector toggles between many different inputs – both analog and digital. The digital inputs include an S/PDIF (75 Ohm) Coaxial digital input, a USB (24/192KHz) plus AES/EBU, I2 S, and iPod, all of which receive digital signals from separate digital components. The analog inputs include 2 RCA and 1 Balanced. All digital inputs automatically adjust to any of the standard digital-audio data-rates from 16/44.1Khz to 24/192Khz. There is one pair of RCA speaker outputs.

It is possible to switch the power to the digital section off completely if your wish is to listen at times to purely analog. The Passion IA350A also has a pre-out bypass feature, if, for example, you wish to connect an active subwoofer or active loudspeakers.

Should you wish to use your PC as a source, a driver download is required. It can be found in Reviews and Documentation. This is only necessary for Windows, MAC users do not require the download.

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Overall Score 92/100

Deliciously Crispy

YBA PASSION IA350A INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

The IA350A pairs dual-mono power (115W/8Ω) and a CS439 DAC with an elegant aluminium chassis and an OLED display. Reviewers at HiFi News and Jay Garrett praise its firm low‑end grip, vivid midband and outstanding dynamics — the amp delivers a commanding, musical authority without sounding aggressive. Its digital board (USB‑A/B, AES/EBU, coaxial, I2S) can be powered down for a purer analogue path, while dual 320VA transformers and linear supplies give notable headroom and control. Imaging is strong with clear separation and depth, though the treble leans toward a smooth, slightly recessed character. Ideal for listeners seeking a highly finished one‑box solution that foregrounds musical engagement and technical poise, especially in analogue‑led systems.

HiFi News

"It's the sort of amplifier where you spin a familiar track and suddenly find yourself sitting up and listening as if for the first time."

StereoNET United Kingdom

"This is one of those amplifiers that seduces you without you really being aware of what's going on."

Pros

Powerful, tightly controlled bass and excellent dynamic authority, able to drive demanding speakers without strain.
Expressive, forward midband that brings vocals and instrumental detail vividly into focus.
Exceptional build and engineering: dual‑mono layout with robust linear supplies and quality internal construction.
Generous connectivity and flexible digital handling (five digital inputs, USB-A/B, AES/EBU, I2S) plus a switchable digital section for pure analogue listening.

Cons

Treble is slightly recessed and gently softened compared with very incisive designs, which may reduce high‑frequency bite for some listeners.
Digital front-end lacks some modern formats (no MQA/DSD/DXD) and the USB‑B input requires a Windows driver for PC use.
No built‑in phono stage, so vinyl enthusiasts must add a separate phono preamp to complete a turntable setup.

Sound Quality

92/100

Dynamics

93/100

Both reviewers praise the IA350A's strong grip, authority and ability to play loud without strain; HiFi News specifically reports impact and clarity on synth/bass material while StereoNET notes surefooted control with demanding speakers. Given the Class A/B-ish power (115W/8Ω) and dual-mono linear supplies, the amp delivers excellent headroom and transient drive consistent with these reports.

Soundstage Imaging

90/100

The unit produces good front-to-back depth and clear separation, with solid image placement between speakers as noted by both reviews. There are occasional remarks about slight foreshortening or a mildly recessed upper treble that can reduce incisive punch in some digital sources, which prevents a top-tier score.

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Build Quality

92/100

Both reviewers commend the construction: StereoNET calls the build 'pretty much faultless' and HiFi News details neat internal wiring and correct safety compliance. The dual 320VA UI-core transformers and robust linear supplies plus a solid metal chassis and OLED display support a high build-quality rating.

Features Connectivity

91/100

Extensive connectivity includes two RCA line inputs, balanced XLR, five digital inputs (USB-A/B, AES/EBU, coaxial/I2S), a CS439 DAC (24/192), pre-out/bypass and a full-function remote; the digital section can be powered down for a pure-analog path. This combination of balanced input, multiple digital paths, USB and pre-out functionality places it in the well-featured category.

Value for Money

89/100

At the review price of £4,500 reviewers acknowledge this is a not-inconsiderable sum but argue the IA350A is 'extremely capable' and competes well in its segment. The consensus is that the performance and feature set justify a premium positioning, though the price prevents it from being labeled a bargain.