SMSL DA-9 Integrated Amp is a Real Steal
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- SMSL DA-9 is a class D amplifier, small in size but big when it comes to sound. Don't miss this review! Also, read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
Support the channel via Patreon (BIG thanks to current patrons!): / iiwireviews
Buy on ShenzenAudio Store: bit.ly/32xxSyp
Buy on AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mPo...
00:00 Introduction to DA-9
00:58 Build, Connectivity, Features
06:17 Settings
09:20 Sound
14:31 vs NAD D 3020 V2
17:10 vs Yamaha WXA-50
19:11 vs Hegel H90
20:26 Conclusion and Pairing
23:58 Future Review Teaser
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scene stuff: / iiwireviews
Test system:
Raspberry Pi with Allo DigiOne Streamer
Loxjie D30 DAC:
Amazon: amzn.to/2ZosXL1
AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A3ylqg
Denafrips Ares II DAC
Hegel H90 Integrated Amp
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 speakers: amzn.to/2YpCXU0
KEF LS50 speakers: amzn.to/2ztRg0s
#hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo - Наука та технологія
![Lp. Последняя Реальность #107 РОДНОЙ ДОМ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IK3QKzKUlHM/mqdefault.jpg)
You deserve a larger audience. I appreciate the time and effort involved in creating your video reviews!
I agree, he does 👍
For sure.
You are one of a handful of reviewers that really enjoy, I love the details that you put in your reviews, great work.
Yeah, I'll go along with that and a sense of humor I appreciate.
I was really looking forward to this review. I somehow knew you would be impressed. What a fabulous review. Like you, I have a much higher end system. In fact my cables probably cost more than the DA-9
I bought mine as a low powered solution for other rooms and even an RV ... I tested it in my main system, and it's still there and sounding VERY good.
Great detailed review - perfect in fact.
I usually don’t comment. But, wow, superbly technical and clear and detailed review.
Love this guy's reviews ! Informative yet not overcomplicated. I'm a techie but it's important that he reaches those with a less knowledgeable background, which he does.
Thank you for rating the amp, and for letting us know that it sounds better or worse to an other amp.
I don't like it when some reviewers won't say that, or are afraid to say it.
for sure!
I was looking at this amp to get and i had to watch your review a second time to make up my mind. It is hard to make an emotional decision on something that is very important to me like music without ever touching the device. Listening to you is like listening to my heart and my mind at the same time to help me decide. Thank you so very much. Listening to you speak about the DA-9 is like closing my eyes and letting my ears make a decision.
Great review. I was eyeing the dac in the background from the start of this review and was so glad that it is what I thought it was. Topping D70s. Looking forward to seeing your review on this dac.
Me to! My thinking was using this with a linear speakers like Novus 6t, Topping D70s for that little warmth and thickness in the midrange but retain the clarity of the D90 and sound separation, and use Da9 for power.
Bought the SMSL DA-9 after watching this video. Thanks!
Did you like it?
@@BabeTheAstrologer yes, it's awesome. Super upgrade compared to my fosi audio bt20a. Even a noob like me could hear the difference
@@adamjohari I bought one too.
@@BabeTheAstrologer sounds amazing. Takes a small spot on ur desk. Runs cool. Has features. Awesome product
I love the energy in this review
Excellent viewing conveyed the performance in a logical way giving a real world impression of how this product performed. I'm now subscribed thank you a pleasure to listen to.
Replacing the Hagel with the SMSL and still be able running the LS50s is crazy. You just helped a lot of people who don’t have unlimited funds to have a great musical experience. More to the point, if you love the Kefs, you now have an inexpensive way to properly drive the LS50s. Which can now be purchase, used, at half of retail. Add the Ares II and you have a very nice system that most people can afford. Nice review!
It's smsl
I recently ordered a DA9. Now I have a SU9, SH9 and a Schiit Lokius. My speakers are Sony SSCS5 and Acoustic Audio PSW-8 sub. I am so excited. Love your videos, brother!
great review, can't wait for my DA9 to arrive on next monday!
Great review man! I'm definitely considering after seeing this. And it has a subwoofer output!
very thoughtful analysis and comparison to competing products. well done!
Great review. My set up is the DA-9, Wiim pro steamer, Topping E50 dac, balanced cables, Elac B6.2., and Elac Sub1010. Amazon Music HD. Amazing sound!!!
I like the size and overall design. And of course the price. Looks like a good thing in a small package. Enjoyed the review and look forward to watching more from you. New subscriber here! Thank you.
Thank You for another Great Review! The DA-9 is on my list. 👍
You are the most eloquent reviewer of audio gear that I have watched bar none. The only note I'd make here is that I typically play your reviews at 1.25X speed in order to get your points with better flow in my short-term memory because you choose your words carefully resulting in overal slower communication. This is not a critisism at all: I clearly prefer this than you rushing and getting it wrong. Keep up the superb work that you do! You absolutely deserve more subscribers and views per video!
interesting, but I am glad that normal speed works for me. You probably are able to process information faster than most people and that likely an indication of above average intelligence.
So true
Thank you! I am waiting for my DA-9 from Amazon. Great review as always!
Very good review you clarified my doubts about the Amp, thanks
Excellent review, I logged in just to give you a thumbs up.
Honestly..I wasn't convinced as far as this amp until I saw your review. I am getting one now!
I just received mine on Friday and can’t believe how much power it has!
Give us a follow up !!
Wow, I was thinking of buying it for my desktop system. Thank you for review.
check out the Fosi Audio BT30D as well, brilliant for a desktop amp, it has 3 channels, 1 is for a passive sub at 100w, and 2 x50w for speakers, don't be put off by the size, it kicks ass with a sub. Not a lot on the web about it but I was amazed by it when I got one. Also has phono sub out for amplified sub.
Very knowledgeable and informative review!
thanks a lot for your review !! you helped me so much. Have a nice day
Cool stuff! From what you are describing, my guess is that it would be nice to have a tube preamp in line with this amp, enabling a multi-source connection and inserting a bit of "warmth" for those who still may find it a bit on a linear side. Or simply a passive preamp...whatever. Thanks for a very nice and detailed review 👍
Great review. New subscriber and I am really enjoying your content.
Great find! Thanks!
great review. well described and enjoyable. Thank you.
The details are very much appreciated. Much better than reviews that say wow and never break down why. Awesome job
Great explanation and review! Thank you.
Much enjoyed. Your accent doesn't detract one iota from your presentation -- in fact, you're articulate and thorough, moreso than many native English speakers. I will be watching more videos of yours, and have liked and subscribed. Thanks for an excellent and detailed review! :-)
👍👍👏🏻👏🏻Wow I am very impressed you done a fantastic job of reviewing this unit also the comparisons was a great thing you have done I did not know which budget you want to get I know now thanks to you fantastic review keep up the great work💪💪
well done review. very thorough, I feel that I learned a lot from watching this.
very good info, very good pacing, no annoying music or childish jokes thank you!
Brilliant review!! 😉
I have the Elac Debut 2.0 5.2's and i just purchased this amp so i am really happy with your perspective on this amp. I feel good about my purchase now. Thank you for a very good and detailed review. Good to see you can Dim the display too.
I have an older SMSL SA98e at the moment and i am happy with that hopefully this i will be much more happy with this one especially as i have a subwoofer too.
Great review.
So do you like it ? I also have elac b5.2 and b6.2 but i've read the da9 is so clean sounding to the point of being a bit sterile and too lean/thin in the midrange/vocals... Thanks
Brilliant piece. I have been thinking of getting something for my bedroom and was planning to pair then with Elac Debut bookshelves. This is at the top of my list now. Thanks!
I’m looking at this or the Klipsch Fives.
See my comments on my recent Elac journey...... either the 2.0B 5.2 or 6.2 would be killer in a bedroom. The 5.2 are suprisingly good
If you like this product, or not - this is a GREAT review. I subscribed from watching this, my first iiWi video.
It was a brilliant idea which made this a proper review matching this amp to high end gear such as denafrips. I am ecstatic, ordering mine next payday in fact
nice review, comprehensive and truthful..
Some - rare - items, review themselves.
I can definitely find a use for one of these.
Great video!
I've been contemplating if I should get this amp to replace my topping mx3 and your description just completely sold me on it, and I will pair it up with the soncoz la-qxd1 and from what I gather on that dac it's comparable to the smsl su-9 at about half the price...
Great review and it's awesome that you put it head to head with some top teir components...
I would also love to hear your thoughts (or a review) of the SMSL A1 Class A power amplifier. I enjoy your reviews, they are very insightful.
Great review. This cemented my decision for this amp. Topping d70s review please.
Great review thank you.
I hooked this up just yesterday, i am playing my Tannoy xt6f, 90 db sensitivity, am also using two 12 inch rythmik subwoofers, i can now rattle my doors at about 30 db volume. 👍
Thank you much! That helps my decision!
The best DA-9 on youtube! Fantastic!
The hype is real! I paired it with Klipsch RP280F and Polk hts 10 subwoofer. I`m in heaven
The hype is real. I bought the amp. Hooked it to my Fostex FE126en and sub. Listening through a Chord 2qute dac. Sound is big, excellent detail. and dynamics. I love the well defined bass.
I have the SMSL SA100 integrated amp and the SP100 tube headphone amplifier. Both are beautifully machined and engineered hardware with impressive sound staging presence and clarity. Both are under $200. A great upgrade for a desktop setup not requiring powered speakers.
My Hegel just gave out, I have a topping D90, and MC-7r tube preamp(with shuguang valves), KEF LS50's, and a clearaudio turntable. I had just made the turntable expense this month so need something temporary. This looks excellent and I bought it on your advice, it looks like it will hold me over just fine and I may even prefer it compared to the Hegel. Thank you for the detailed and excellent review! I will keep in mind to write a short comment detailing my experience with the DA-9.
Yeah, it's totally weird that I almost didn't miss Hegel while testing this one. It's really an overarching amp.
I bought it and love it. Recommend connecting via XLR and possibly high end DAC. It will expose all tiny detail and sound stage you've never heard before even sourcing from youtube .
Would you pair with Matrix Audio i-3 Pro DAC with KeFLS50 meta?
@@Luca84v i dont have any kef in my stock but i tested by comparing connecting between single end and XLR via my vintage lite DAC38s . My speaker is norh 9 marble using scanspeak woofer and tweeter about 83 to 84 DB which need 150 w each class ab to drive it efficiently . I also compare via lite dac versus Arcam rdac. So, i could confirm that it is very capable amp silent and higher DAC spec will yield more detail and soundstage. You will love it.
Simply pair it with Micca RB40 speakers and you're in paradise.
Now, the 9 series even completed with a matching media player SMSL SD-9. Looking forward you do video on that player. Full set SMSL SD-9 + SU-9 + DA-9 :)
Agreed with everything you say. Great review!!
Ordered, on delivery.
Im using the SMSL DA-9 with rogers LS3/5A ,there is a huge gap in price ,but it sound really incredible,100% in accordance with your opinion, thank you for the review
I am really glad to hear about such open minded gear matching and that it sounds great. Cheers!
Wow! Great review. Ive had my eye on this amp for a couple of months now as I already own the SMSL SU9 and SH9 stack. Just been waiting for some decent reviews on it before pulling the trigger. Thanks for the detailed review 👍
Great review !~ Now find us something between DA-9 and H90 price and sound wise !
So many choices...
I have Aiyima A04 and a07 amps an found them to be competent amps for their price and higher versus some class AB amps. The differences could be summed up as highs/mids not being quite as airy/fleshed out but were balanced so you didn't feel any particular frequency range was out of place.
In comparison to say a SoundArtisit SA-200IA (too bright/grating upper mids) and Musical Fidelity M2si (too boomy bass/undefined and grainy mids/highs). Fosi HD-A1 (dark, non airy, held back dacs/source performance), I preferred the Aiyima amps overall.
In comparison to my Hegel h160, the differences in performance became obvious against the Aiyimas...not to mention all the other amps mentioned. So, no contest there.
My goal was in finding an amp that could approach the sound of the Hegel as close as possible given physical, cost, quality of components limitations in a smaller, lighter footprint as I also do not play music too loudly anymore (Sabaton in the car notwithstanding).
Last year, I found out about the Keces E40 from one reviewer and decided to give it a try which for some might be difficult as there are no returns from the distributor. In a nutshell, while it cannot match the performance of the Hegel exactly, it comes so close at the sound levels I listen to that alot of people might not even notice. So, I am very satisfied with its' performance on my Focal, Triangle, Cambridge speakers. Perhaps the biggest differences might be in the Hegel having a bit better imaging, soundstage, and the biggest difference is the Hegel presents a more airy high frequency with body but the Keces essentially matches the body, tone, slam and other qualities well enough with my standmounts and the levels I listen at.
I did look at other class D options such as the XTZ Sound Edge A2-300 (but I thought it wouldn't add much more than the Aiyimas given some others' interpretation) as well as more expensive, more powerful hypex, purifi options (I really didn't want to spend that kind of money). Another consideration is in ease of fixing a class AB versus a class D. I thought class D models were essentially not worth repairing if they go.
Also the Keces E40 outperformed a BasX A-400z zone amp in having better separation, tone, etc except the BasX did have more airy, pillowy highs but presented a flatter stage. But the Keces had more body and refinement in the highs as well as the lows and mids.
Not bad for a $600 amplifier. Now that Topping, SMSL, among others are improving their class D options albeit at higher price points, I wonder if those $250 give or take options perform as well or better than the class AB Keces?
There's something about a smaller footprint that alot of newbies, enthusiast or even reasonable audiophiles can find appealing. Dacs aren't that large so the symmetry in appearance can be maintained and who can complain about weight?
If you only need 30-40-50 watts with excellent performance/specs and the ability to drive low impedance speakers, why drop thousands on large/obtrusive, heavy, more expensive gear unless your room, listening tastes and speaker design demands it?
I look forward to more reviews and comparisons of smaller amps well under $1000 to see which are the paradigm of performance and features at their price points.
Anyone who has any experience or thoughts are welcome to respond. Thanks.
Using a Lavaudio DS 600 (a Topping D50s clone) with good results but looking at the Topping D30Pro and Topping D70s (heard it, very smooth but the low end can affect separation/ultimate clarity a bit IMO) among others for the next step up in SQ.
Thank you for another great review as usual. Think I have found my ideal amp to replace my 42 years old Sansui.
I reluctantly finally parted with several Sansui AU7500 integrated amps - I loved that sound too - but now all Chi-Audio
This amp is reaaally good. If it's not some synergy jackpot I have going on here, this amp impresses me very much.
Thank you very much. I love your reviews which are the best. Will you try the SMSL SA400, VMV A2 and the A8?
Thank you again!
i got mine paired with a topping D10 balanced DAC, and a pair of monitor audio MR2 bookshdelf, and the sound is pretty good, the baas is always present despite the woofer size of this loudspeakers
Thanks for the detailed review, especially of the sound signature and pairing advice.
I have the Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52s and I was thinking of pairing them with the Sanskrit 10 MarkII and the DA-9. Would that mix be too harsh?
Thank you for the review ! Can you please upload a sound demo with LS50 please ? Thank you
Hypex, ICEpower, Infineon.
Class D is moving right along, with different sonic signatures to suit the consumer.
So is there some class d which is cheap like these but has warm and more full bodied signature for me?
apollokid d I haven't tried the less expensive brands like Fosi or SMSL. I went for a NAD c328, which uses the Hypex modules. It has a very nice midrange and bass (including a bass boost if you want more), and is not overly sharp in the treble, which is my preference. With the Wharfedale Denton 80 speakers, it makes a pleasant musical combo.
Hopefully somebody else on this thread can point you in a less expensive direction.
@@apollokidd8273 I'd say SMSL SA 98E - same power - sounds like warmer and a bit rolled off then DA-9 - but I too want a comparison - I think the SA98E is an older sleeper as well
Great Review! Which Speakers and DACs are best suited for DA-9?
Thanks for doing this episode. You can seriously consider doing another episode on their higher range, SMSL M400 + SMSL SA400 by matching to Elac Unifi UB52 or Carina. But not sure able to match with their new Solano or even higher the Vela or not... By the way, we also match it with XTZ too. Do you manage to get their bookshelf Spirit 4 or especially the 99.25? We had listened to them but would like to hear from you. Cheers
If I'm not mistaken I think he likes it 😁
Love the enthusiasm 👍
Thank You!
Thanks for the thorough review. I haven't heard it myself but from what I can gather, the Schiit Aegir is a great value too. I would be curious to know what you think about it if you can get your hands on a unit.
I would be interested too. But Schiit usually doesn't have any stock on European store and when it does prices are much higher than in the US. Also shipping from US with taxes increases Schiit prices as much as 50% over the nominal prices in the US. That makes it extremely difficult for us living in the rest of the world to try their products. I asked Schiit for a cooperation once (review samples, any sort of discount to ease my budget, etc. but didn't even get the response).
So at this point it's too big of a hassle for me to import Schiit products, but if the situation changes in the future, I'd like to try few of them, Aegir and Freya included.
Dear iiWi
Thanks for the thoughtful review of the SMSL DA-9 amp. Nice job.
Given your analysis (of the naturally bright character of the amp) and your suggestion to pair with a less bright speaker, the
QAcustics_3020i came to mind. However, I really like a crisp clear rendering of high end sound (think Paul Wertico/PMG Ride Cymbals for example).
With this in mind, your 3030i review mentions the highly restrained sound characteristics of that particular speaker, particularly in the high end of the scale. Do you think the 3020i would have an ill-effect on the high zone paired with this amp, or do you feel that this pairing would be a good balance?
From what I have read, the Polk Signature Elite ES15 speakers seem to have a good sound stage, with an especially crisp treble rendering. Because of this, I wonder if this might make a good match to the DA-9 to preserve a lively high end. Or do you feel that this more active speaker would push that higher zone too far?
I also take it that something like the JBL Professional C1 Pro would be too bring a selection for this amp, Is that correct?
(Space is an issue, so the footprint of these would work).
Again many thanks for such insightful reviews.
Great review ...Your passion for the value in this amp is almost palpable. Someone on Amazon
recommended placing a balanced tube preamp between this amp and a DAC. Is this possible?
Great review. I have a pair of power hungry Buchardt S400s which don't respond as well to low Ws. As the DA9 seems to punch above it's own weight for the same power, do you think it would be able to drive the S400s? I appreciate you may not have heard those speakers, but do they out perform similar W speakers?
Thanks for review!
Excellent review. This amp should match well with Khadas tone board, bcs that dac sounds analog-like, so analitical side of SMSL mite be diminished. And its not expensive.
Thanx, excellent commentary and Review !! 1) Which +/- DAC would you « recommend » ( pre amp?! ) 2) What type of Speaker ?!? William Canada
Thanks for this review! Would you pair it with Matrix Audio i-3 Pro and with KEFLS50 Meta? Thanks
I was looking for a new dac (i have the modi 3) but now I think I will buy a new amp.
Hello iiWi, can I connect and control my active Yamaha HS-7 via the XLR connector (balance)? Is the subwoofer output for an active subwoofer or must be passive ? Can I switch back and forth between the active and passive speakers ?
Hi, nice review. I am thinking of upgrading my sound equipment from some active edifier r2000db speakers to a kef q150 but I need an amplifier, do you recommend the smsl da-9? is too bright harsh? I want it to be very musical and smooth, thank you. any other speaker recommendation within that smooth, crystal clear sound is welcome.
I am using SMSL DA-9 with SMSL SU-9 for my desktop setup with a pair of Elac BS142 with 2 Dali Fazon Sub.
very good review, thanks
just wonder how this amp to pair with B&W 607 s2 ani or ATC Scm 7 , could they drive them well ?
Hi! I really enjoyed this review. I recently upgraded my dac to a AUDIOPHONICS EVO-SABRE Balanced DAC 2x ES9038Q2M. I thought this amp would be the perfect match for it. I currently own a 20yr old HK 3370 amp. The thing is, I have no clue how to compare these two in any way. Bottomline: would it be an (worthly) upgrade to my setup?
This guy should be on TV 😁
Great review. New subs here. Is there any DAC that you personally can recommend to match this amp? Same brand of course
Thanks. SU-8s would be a great match in my opinion.
Could you please review the ifi diablo and let me know if it’s a massive upgrade over the E1DA PowerDAC v2 or not?.
Nice review man! Im looking for an amp for my yamaha NS555. Do you think this SMSL would be a good choice?
Thanx a million !! Do you consider LS 59 Meta as « too Good « for this amp. Can you suggest an affordable DAC ( and / or Streamer) which can give Synergy ! Very edifying analysis !!
Bro,could you please review the ifi diablo and let me know if it’s a massive upgrade over the E1DA PowerDAC v2.1 or not?.I intend to use it with a Sony IER-Z1R IEM btw.
Yet another great review! By any chance, do you know how it compares to the Rega Io?
I'm currently hesitating between the Rega Io and SMSL DA-9 + Cambridge Audio Duo to have Phono input plus Headphone amp for the same price range.
Any advice? Cheers!
Thanks! I haven't heard Rega Io unfortunately so can't comment on it.
Great review !! thanks for the detailed explanation .After seeing your reviews of elac 5.2 and this one I am very curious to know if this great amp can bring out the full potential of the elac. Thanks to your review I have understood that the elac 5.2 has an audiophile DNA despite its low cost and scales very well with good amplifiers. can this amp bring out the best in elac? In the video you explain that it was a good combination but after seeing your detailed review of the elac I wonder if this amplifier and the elac would make a perfect pair? English is not my native language, sorry if my comment is misspelled
Thanks! Yes, I think DA-9 and Elacs would make for a great pairing and would probably surprise many with the sound given for their modest price. But if you find this paring a bit too analytical sounding, try using EQ inside the amp, especially the SDH mode. Cheers!
@@iiWiReviews Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I think you do very good reviews of hifi equipment and I hope this channel continues to grow and again thank you very much man
Elac debut b5.2 + da9 + which DAC?
I have this little amp plugged a Klipsch rp 500m and a ifi zen dac and I don't understand why the sound is very low when the volume is between 0-15 and it starts to be present from level 20
Thanks for great video! What do you think... S.M.S.L DA-9 with Schiit Modius DAC? I will be using the JBL 530's.
Thanks for this! Is it good for connecting a Pro-ject vinyl player? I want to use it mainly for listening LP's?
Thanks for the review. But the question to manufacturers - am I supposed to have a stereo system and a multichannel system side-by-side? Shouldn't modern amps be 1,3,5,7 channel and then one can pick the configuration one wants.