I'm a fan of class D. I tried several different traditional amplifiers to drive my old Magnapan MGllas, and even up to 300 wpc they just didn't seem to have enough juice. Then I heard some reviews of the Crown XLS drivecore lineup. Intrigued, I saved up a few pennies and ordered one from Amazon(seldom do I buy anything new. I buy almost exclusively vintage equipment) boy, was I impressed! Using my Emotiva PR-1 preamp, it just made my Maggie's come alive! At least for now, I couldn't be happier!
@@aworminmybook8234 the drivecore technology seems to provide a di.ension that is missing from some class d platforms. And at 350.00 its a tremendous bargain as well. It doesn't hurt that the wpc is up there as well.
I use 2 Crown XLS 2502s. I use these for my 4 subs...not that I need to. They work great for main channels as well. I also use 6 Behringer A800 class D amps. I use the A800s with miniDSPs. The A800 is 220wpc @ 8ohm, and 800watts bridged at 8 ohm. Very clean, and capable amps with very little floor noise. The A800s hold their own very well. The A800s are also high current. The Crowns out class the Behringer amps. The Crown's are made better. However, the A800s work well enough that I use then for my mains. The A800s are clean, great dynamics. The A800s are real good amps. That's why I own 7 of them. The A800 is about half the price of a similar powered Crown amp. Just an F.Y.I
Orchard Audio is my Class D go to. Best of all, designed and built here in the U.S. ! The input stage is what's critical to any Class D design. Done correctly (i.e. tube or jfet input), all Class D Amps will easily go toe to with the Tube or FET type Amplifier when designed correctly. With companies like Infinieon, GaN Systems (my favourite), and of course Purifi. GaN FET's are truly the future of Class D Amplifiers.
I used class D from 2010-2020. At that time, lots of power but vague and rolled off treble. Humming power supplies. Class D modulate noise and hash up treble. (usually smearing it and softening it down) I do have an SMSL Da9 for my bedroom/casual listening. Seems fine for that. I'm just not sure it would hold up to revealing speakers and critical applications.
Like your video ,Thanks !! ADCOM equipment are great , I myself bought rare ADCOM GFA 555MK2 power amp Never been used in the original sealed box, to find one like this can only once in a life time I think.
Hi, there is a solution for only one RCA input, it is to hook an external box with multiple RCA inputs and one RCA output, and that way you can connect diferent analolg equipiments into the only RCA input of the amplifier.
Nice review. I agree that tne lack of inputs is a deal breaker on these class d amps. I notic3d that toppi g now makes "extenders" to add inputs to their amps..
This has always been this way, even with a dedicated receiver. Almost all receivers power ratings are not near 100 percent accurate, and in some cases you only get half the power advertised. Or, you could buy a pre-amp which does all the processing and sends the signal to a dedicated AMP. The second option is typically more expensive as you now have 2 devices instead of 1. While at first this sounds silly to own 2 devices instead of 1 is because if it's just an amp, the power ratings are actually accurate (for the most part) as that is it's only purpose. It has one job at this point since another device is doing the audio processing. If it fails at that one thing then it's a useless product. When you combine them, they have wiggle room to use cheaper parts in different areas and take a slight hit in performance. In a 2.0/2.1 setup with a dedicated DAC and AMP will almost always sound better unless you spend 2K for an all in one device that actually delivers in all areas. Corners get cut when it's an all in one solution or cost way more. Power, sound processing, something typically takes a bit to stay in a certain price point for a.n all in one solution. If you take your average 7.1 receiver from any brand name that claims 125w output per channel, you are probably getting half of that. 125w is it's max but it can't sustain 125w for more then 3 or 4 seconds. The only hone theater receiver maker that actually rated their receivers correctly was Harmon Karden. The Harmon Karden would claim 75w per channel while say. An Onkyo at a similar price would claim 100 to 125w, but the Harmon Karden would actually be able to sustain 75w continuous output while the Onkyo would not be. Point is, a dedicated DAC or processor is built for one thing. Pro Essing the audio input. A dedicated AMP is built for one thing, accepting the signal and output to speakers.. Jam those together and corners are typically cut somewhere. That and if your DAC (or amp) dies, but ty our amp, or DAC is fine you only have to replace one device. In an all in one solution, if it dies, you have nothing if it's out of warranty.
To clarify. The best power specification to look for in an amplifier is continuous power (RMS). In simple terms, this measures the real-world power that the amplifier produces at a given frequency into a specific load (or impedance). This is the best way to understand how the amplifier will perform in normal, day-to-day use. Even if you can’t see the term ‘continuous,’ as long as you can see the power given for a particular impedance and frequency, then that will be the continuous power Ideally, you will see the numbers given for the same impedance as your speakers - and for at least 2-channels. In the example above, the power is measured against an impedance of 8 ohms. The alternative is peak power - which is the maximum power that the amplifier can deliver at a particular point in time. However, the peak power rating will likely only last for a fraction of a second - when there is a particularly loud piece of music or sound effect. So, most of the time, this isn’t relevant to the general power output. Some manufacturers like to quote this figure as it gives a higher number than continuous power and appears more impressive. The main point is to make sure that the ratings you are looking at are comparable - and where you can, use the continuous power rating. If you compare an average value with a peak value, they are not the same and cannot be compared. Similarly, a 150-watt per channel amplifier will work fine with 75-watt speakers, and you’ll only have a problem with this if you turn the volume up very loud - for an extended period. Most of the time, amplifiers generate much less power than they are specified for - and you’ll hear if the speakers are starting to struggle because the audio will begin to break up.. Unless you have super sensitive speakers then the A07 is great, cheap, can buy better op ends to get to more power. That or the A300 if you need balanced inputs. The A07 with new op ends would be just over 200 bucks. Cheapaudioman did a video on this and how to change them out and which ones to buy
Thanks for this video it was very good & man them Triangles are amazing, I live in the UK and have never been to the States but where you live looks really good 👍.
With Yamaha, Cambridge Audio, Vincent, NAD, Denon, Pioneer and of course Rotel, all having amps in this price range, it's really hard to persuade someone to buy this.
If i remember correctly, u reviewed the Infinity Kappa 7.2i. I do have these speakers. Will the sa400 be able to power these speakers? Considering they are difficult speakers?
I have always used linear amplifiers and still use them with my NS1000M speakers. They include the likes of Yamaha vintages like the P2200, PC2002m and MX-1 which is a sliding bias design that makes A class power via the HCA circuit design. I use SMSL for my PC dac and have been thoroughly satisfied with the Sanskrit Mk II and Su-1, but this one got the better of my curiosity and with fair amount of skepticism, I ordered it. After initial listening with eq set to flat it began to dawn on me that this amp is exactly like the behemoth Yamahas I have, that is garbage in/garbage out and the power delivery and transients impressed me to make it a keeper, thanks for your review and the cute cat.
Have you though of doing a review of a class D power amp, and not an integrated? Crown XLS drivecore amps for example? Since they are fairly inexpensive, I was thinking of having a go of one myself. Since it has a built in high and lowpass filters it can always be relegated as a subwoofer amp if I don't like it.
Hello - can anyone please help me ? - I am confused. Is the SMSL SA400 a power amplifier (that works best connected to a pre-amplifier) or is the SMSL SA400 an 'integrated' amplifier that can be connected directly to a source like a DAC ? It is adverstised as a 'power' amplifier but seems more like an integrated ? Thank you, Peter.
Regarding the heat below. Why SLMS did not make this option available in the regular menu is an odd choice From SMSL for adjusting fan operating temp: When the SA400 leaves the factory, the engineer sets the fan work on 65℃ Celsius, and you can set the fan work temperature. Please follow the steps below to adjust the opening temperature of the SA400 fan ： 1. Enter the menu and set the "SUB GAIN" to the lowest 2. Return to the main interface and turn the volume to the lowest 3. Continue to turn down the volume until the setting interface appears 4. Press the knob button to select the "fan on temp" option, and press the knob or the remote control up and down buttons to adjust the fan on temperature 5. Press and hold the knob to exit Our testing department has tested the product. They set the fan's working temperature to 48°C and kept it working for 2 hours, keeping the temperature at 47~48°C. You can adjust the temperature that suits you according to the steps we provide above.
im looking for a small format amp that can output 100w at 8ohms and im having the absolute hardest time trying to find one 😭 does anyone have any recommendations preferably a little bit cheaper than the smsl one?
I'm a fan of class D. I tried several different traditional amplifiers to drive my old Magnapan MGllas, and even up to 300 wpc they just didn't seem to have enough juice. Then I heard some reviews of the Crown XLS drivecore lineup. Intrigued, I saved up a few pennies and ordered one from Amazon(seldom do I buy anything new. I buy almost exclusively vintage equipment) boy, was I impressed! Using my Emotiva PR-1 preamp, it just made my Maggie's come alive! At least for now, I couldn't be happier!
Interesting. Do you think the crown has high current capability or is it the wpc that make the maggies wake up?
@@aworminmybook8234 the drivecore technology seems to provide a di.ension that is missing from some class d platforms. And at 350.00 its a tremendous bargain as well. It doesn't hurt that the wpc is up there as well.
@@aworminmybook8234 The Crown XLS is a high current amp.
I use 2 Crown XLS 2502s. I use these for my 4 subs...not that I need to. They work great for main channels as well. I also use 6 Behringer A800 class D amps. I use the A800s with miniDSPs. The A800 is 220wpc @ 8ohm, and 800watts bridged at 8 ohm. Very clean, and capable amps with very little floor noise. The A800s hold their own very well. The A800s are also high current. The Crowns out class the Behringer amps. The Crown's are made better. However, the A800s work well enough that I use then for my mains. The A800s are clean, great dynamics. The A800s are real good amps. That's why I own 7 of them. The A800 is about half the price of a similar powered Crown amp. Just an F.Y.I
@@dungysphincter7974 wow! Sounds like quite a system!what cabinets are uou using?
Orchard Audio is my Class D go to. Best of all, designed and built here in the U.S. ! The input stage is what's critical to any Class D design. Done correctly (i.e. tube or jfet input), all Class D Amps will easily go toe to with the Tube or FET type Amplifier when designed correctly. With companies like Infinieon, GaN Systems (my favourite), and of course Purifi.
GaN FET's are truly the future of Class D Amplifiers.
I used class D from 2010-2020. At that time, lots of power but vague and rolled off treble. Humming power supplies. Class D modulate noise and hash up treble. (usually smearing it and softening it down) I do have an SMSL Da9 for my bedroom/casual listening. Seems fine for that. I'm just not sure it would hold up to revealing speakers and critical applications.
Watch my recent video about the Orchard Audio GANFET class D amp. It’s very impressive. Thanks.
Like your video ,Thanks !! ADCOM equipment are great , I myself bought rare ADCOM GFA 555MK2 power amp Never been used in the original sealed box, to find one like this can only once in a life time I think.
I own several SMSL products incl. the SMSL SU-9. Thank you for your review of the SMSL SA400. 🎃
Hi, there is a solution for only one RCA input, it is to hook an external box with multiple RCA inputs and one RCA output, and that way you can connect diferent analolg equipiments into the only RCA input of the amplifier.
Nice review. I agree that tne lack of inputs is a deal breaker on these class d amps. I notic3d that toppi g now makes "extenders" to add inputs to their amps..
This has always been this way, even with a dedicated receiver. Almost all receivers power ratings are not near 100 percent accurate, and in some cases you only get half the power advertised. Or, you could buy a pre-amp which does all the processing and sends the signal to a dedicated AMP.
The second option is typically more expensive as you now have 2 devices instead of 1. While at first this sounds silly to own 2 devices instead of 1 is because if it's just an amp, the power ratings are actually accurate (for the most part) as that is it's only purpose. It has one job at this point since another device is doing the audio processing. If it fails at that one thing then it's a useless product. When you combine them, they have wiggle room to use cheaper parts in different areas and take a slight hit in performance.
In a 2.0/2.1 setup with a dedicated DAC and AMP will almost always sound better unless you spend 2K for an all in one device that actually delivers in all areas. Corners get cut when it's an all in one solution or cost way more. Power, sound processing, something typically takes a bit to stay in a certain price point for a.n all in one solution.
If you take your average 7.1 receiver from any brand name that claims 125w output per channel, you are probably getting half of that. 125w is it's max but it can't sustain 125w for more then 3 or 4 seconds. The only hone theater receiver maker that actually rated their receivers correctly was Harmon Karden. The Harmon Karden would claim 75w per channel while say. An Onkyo at a similar price would claim 100 to 125w, but the Harmon Karden would actually be able to sustain 75w continuous output while the Onkyo would not be.
Point is, a dedicated DAC or processor is built for one thing. Pro Essing the audio input. A dedicated AMP is built for one thing, accepting the signal and output to speakers..
Jam those together and corners are typically cut somewhere. That and if your DAC (or amp) dies, but ty our amp, or DAC is fine you only have to replace one device. In an all in one solution, if it dies, you have nothing if it's out of warranty.
To clarify. The best power specification to look for in an amplifier is continuous power (RMS).
In simple terms, this measures the real-world power that the amplifier produces at a given frequency into a specific load (or impedance).
This is the best way to understand how the amplifier will perform in normal, day-to-day use.
Even if you can’t see the term ‘continuous,’ as long as you can see the power given for a particular impedance and frequency, then that will be the continuous power
Ideally, you will see the numbers given for the same impedance as your speakers - and for at least 2-channels. In the example above, the power is measured against an impedance of 8 ohms.
The alternative is peak power - which is the maximum power that the amplifier can deliver at a particular point in time.
However, the peak power rating will likely only last for a fraction of a second - when there is a particularly loud piece of music or sound effect.
So, most of the time, this isn’t relevant to the general power output.
Some manufacturers like to quote this figure as it gives a higher number than continuous power and appears more impressive.
The main point is to make sure that the ratings you are looking at are comparable - and where you can, use the continuous power rating.
If you compare an average value with a peak value, they are not the same and cannot be compared.
Similarly, a 150-watt per channel amplifier will work fine with 75-watt speakers, and you’ll only have a problem with this if you turn the volume up very loud - for an extended period.
Most of the time, amplifiers generate much less power than they are specified for - and you’ll hear if the speakers are starting to struggle because the audio will begin to break up..
Unless you have super sensitive speakers then the A07 is great, cheap, can buy better op ends to get to more power. That or the A300 if you need balanced inputs. The A07 with new op ends would be just over 200 bucks. Cheapaudioman did a video on this and how to change them out and which ones to buy
Thanks for this video it was very good & man them Triangles are amazing, I live in the UK and have never been to the States but where you live looks really good 👍.
With Yamaha, Cambridge Audio, Vincent, NAD, Denon, Pioneer and of course Rotel, all having amps in this price range, it's really hard to persuade someone to buy this.
Class D UCD version is the next generation of class D amps
Rich detail(like AB Class)and high power output(up to 900Watts at 4ohm)
ucd is old, newer is ncore and even newer is Purifi all from bruno putzeys
Your wife has the biggest desk top speakers have ever seen!! lol
We could try to put them up on the desk. They are not ideal sonically for the room, a bit bassy due to positioning, but the wife likes them.
If you get the chance to pick up anything from Cambridge Audio please do as you will be knocked out by the sound quality of this UK King of sound!
If i remember correctly, u reviewed the Infinity Kappa 7.2i. I do have these speakers. Will the sa400 be able to power these speakers? Considering they are difficult speakers?
really interested in that nice stand you and your wife got built ;-), any chance we can get a DIY video from him ;-)
Sorry. He does not make videos.
I hear this smsl sa400 gets is that when running active speakers or just passive speakers
Monster office speakers and a laptop with a screen the size of a smartphone. We know where her priorities are.
I have always used linear amplifiers and still use them with my NS1000M speakers. They include the likes of Yamaha vintages like the P2200, PC2002m and MX-1 which is a sliding bias design that makes A class power via the HCA circuit design. I use SMSL for my PC dac and have been thoroughly satisfied with the Sanskrit Mk II and Su-1, but this one got the better of my curiosity and with fair amount of skepticism, I ordered it. After initial listening with eq set to flat it began to dawn on me that this amp is exactly like the behemoth Yamahas I have, that is garbage in/garbage out and the power delivery and transients impressed me to make it a keeper, thanks for your review and the cute cat.
Have you though of doing a review of a class D power amp, and not an integrated?
Crown XLS drivecore amps for example? Since they are fairly inexpensive, I was thinking of having a go of one myself. Since it has a built in high and lowpass filters it can always be relegated as a subwoofer amp if I don't like it.
wonder if the transnova technology is the same that ended up in Halfer amps in the 90s
I believe so, after Acoustat folded.
Hello - can anyone please help me ? - I am confused. Is the SMSL SA400 a power amplifier (that works best connected to a pre-amplifier) or is the SMSL SA400 an 'integrated' amplifier that can be connected directly to a source like a DAC ? It is adverstised as a 'power' amplifier but seems more like an integrated ? Thank you, Peter.
It can be used either way. I prefer adding a preamp to devices like this, as I think it sounds better.
@@MODAC Thank you very much for your help.
I got a class D TOPPING PA3
Regarding the heat below. Why SLMS did not make this option available in the regular menu is an odd choice
From SMSL for adjusting fan operating temp:
When the SA400 leaves the factory, the engineer sets the fan work on 65℃ Celsius, and you can set the fan work temperature. Please follow the steps below to adjust the opening temperature of the SA400 fan ：
1. Enter the menu and set the "SUB GAIN" to the lowest
2. Return to the main interface and turn the volume to the lowest
3. Continue to turn down the volume until the setting interface appears
4. Press the knob button to select the "fan on temp" option, and press the knob or the remote control up and down buttons to adjust the fan on temperature
5. Press and hold the knob to exit
Our testing department has tested the product. They set the fan's working temperature to 48°C and kept it working for 2 hours, keeping the temperature at 47~48°C. You can adjust the temperature that suits you according to the steps we provide above.
im looking for a small format amp that can output 100w at 8ohms and im having the absolute hardest time trying to find one 😭 does anyone have any recommendations preferably a little bit cheaper than the smsl one?
How does it compare to the Sprout?
Didn’t do a head to head comparison.