French high-end audio house YBA has released what it claims to be the world’s first transportable, battery-powered SACD player. Released in May 2026, the Design One is a battery-powered, top-loading SACD player that promises to bring YBA’s signature sound beyond the dedicated listening room and into cafés, offices, and desktop setups alike.
The concept taps into two growing trends simultaneously, the resurgence of portable CD players and a renewed enthusiasm for SACD collections, combining them in a single, compact device measuring just 188 × 166 × 40 mm and weighing 1.34 kg. Despite its modest footprint, the Design One is packed with serious hardware. Disc reading duties are handled by an HD850 laser paired with the MT1389EE system, covering Audio CD, Single-layer SACD, and Multi-layer SACD playback. Conversion is handled by the AKM AK4497S DAC, the latest generation flagship chip from the Japanese manufacturer, with specs to match: THD+N of 0.0004% and an SNR exceeding 125 dB.
Headphone users are the primary audience here, and YBA has catered to them with a balanced discrete headphone amplifier delivering up to 1.65W into 32Ω, paired with a 100-step hardware volume control. Both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs are on board, with output impedances of 0.4Ω and 0.8Ω respectively, good news for sensitive IEMs and demanding full-size cans alike.
Versatility goes well beyond headphone use, however. A rear 4.4mm balanced connector and standard RCA outputs allow the Design One to serve as a pre/line-out source for a power amplifier or active speakers. For those preferring an external DAC, SPDIF coaxial and USB-C audio digital outputs are available. And when the disc stops spinning, the unit can act as a high-resolution USB DAC supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512. A magnetically attached rear panel keeps all connectors protected during portable use.
Power comes from two 21700 batteries offering up to 5.5 hours of battery life, with PD3.0 charging support. Connecting a 9V/3A PD3.0 PPS charger activates an External DC Power mode that unlocks higher headphone amplifier output — a thoughtful touch for desktop use.
Rounding out the package is a 2.79-inch display and customizable mechanical switches for hardware control, giving the Design One a tactile, premium feel that matches its pedigree.
MSRP at 1699 USD // 1848 Euro and availability starting from May 2026 from YBA international distributors. More details can be found on the YBA website.
