SMSL AO200 is a Good Class D Amp

SMSL AO200 is a small class D amplifier with a big sound. Don't miss this review! Also, read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
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00:00 Introduction to AO200
00:30 Connectivity, Features
04:55 Settings
08:12 Power
09:22 Sound
15:32 vs NAD D 3020 V2
16:03 vs Yamaha WXA-50
16:28 vs SMSL DA-9
20:23 Conclusion
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

[@wickie2222]

Great Review, Thank you for going to great lengths to posit the pros and cons of these amps. At the end of the day its the sound that is most important.

[@BlueMax333]

As usual a very good review with useful tips. And most importantly, unbiased! Thank you, sir!

[@logotrikes]

I've started to seek out your podcasts for seriously good analysis, warts and all, which is what we really need before we pull the pin on a piece of gear you've critiqued. Love your stuff man....

[@roycspary8923]

great this is what I want in a review, a good explanation of what it sounds like. thank you i now know what to expect when i buy one keep up the good work

[@davidjohn1056]

absolutely exceptional structure, flow and explanation to this review. top marks and thanks, it's made my decision to buy the AO200 over an old higher end amp from Pioneer Reference or Sony ES for the same money, AND it avoid the probable need to re-cap an old one.

[@cgdogan]

you're the king, keep going on the realities like this instead of marketings

[@nishalp1747]

Excellent review, thanks

[@agentm83]

Great review - it's crazy how good Class D amps are getting these days. Appreciate the comparisons to budget receivers as well, was also considering those for a desk setup, but now leaning towards the AO200, definitely.

[@kevinwest1607]

Onkyo Tx8220 was the receiver I was using.

[@charlesclifton1006]

I really like your reviews. You are very clear (to me) and don't over-use audiophile-speak. I do, however, appreciate those reviewers who tend to define their findings to greater degrees. Chinese audio design and engineering has certainly progressed rapidly and that's a good thing for us consumers. This amp teamed with a good DAC and perhaps even a tube buffer (to really open the sound) would be interesting. I am tempted to purchase an amp like this just to see and hear how it might work within my current (larger) room system. I use a Schiit Modius from my computer and then pass the signal into a high quality tube buffer before the pre-amp. I really like the results. If, however, this amp did not meet my expectations (for the larger room) I could use it on my desk-top where I am currently using a massive (Chinese) tube amp (Yaqin) that is soon to be retired. Thank you and keep up the good work🇨🇦

[@eltonc1505]

Which tube buffer do u use ?

[@charlesclifton1006]

@@eltonc1505 Sorry for the late reply. I use a buffer made by Space-Tech, located in Western Canada. Model: Buf 003. Its an older model and works just fine. It has an interesting circuit in that it can take (input) either a balanced source or RCA single ended and output a balanced signal through a set of RCA (output). I have personally met the owner (and designer) of the company and he is brilliant when it comes to audio design. I suggest a good look at his website.

[@eltonc1505]

@@charlesclifton1006 thanks so much for the detailed reply

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

I own the AO200 and agree with everything said including the relative shallowness of the depth in the soundfield. That's a deal breaker for me as a replacement for my tube integrated amplifier in my main system. Which is why I've incorporated it into my desktop system, where I'm very pleased with it.

[@jonassegura]

Great review!!

[@pierrebruwer4301]

Thank you brother , your videos are fantastic.

[@sshogo64]

@ the 2:03 mark the absolute truth begins. I couldn't agree with you more, that should be a slogan to this field. Love your vids and the way you review, it's heartfelt, it gives emotion to a rather emotionless criteria. you are my inspiration to start my own channel, thank you for having the courage and time to do this. i mean that.

[@Oak-n-Iron]

Mine was delivered yesterday. They got my money. Many of these ChiFi products, such as this one, have a multitude of components from Europe, Japan and the US inside, potentially more than some brands associated with being "Made in America", "Made in the UK", etc.

[@cavebeastdemon3631]

Thanks for giving me this perspective. I suspected that these new amps where better but no one ever confirmed it. I have been buying the old brands since the 1980s …owned - Rotel, NAD, Parasound, and higher end stuff.

[@lisar3944]

This is great and very timely. I haven't seen any reviews that detail the differences between the da9 and ao200 yet, and here it is! I think my preferences lean more towards yours wrt sound signature so I really appreciate your points, especially about the more "in your face" quality of the ao200...I think I'll prefer the nuance of the da9 but I am going to try them side by side, just because I can :) I am also astounded by the sound quality of the da9 - I currently have it paired with the topping d70s in my very small apartment ...holy hell it's just magical. It quite literally brings a smile to my face every time I listen. I am really looking forward to trying the ao200 as well to see if I can identify differences, and you've already given me a good start regarding what to listen for. Love your reviews in general but this on is especially appreciated - thank you!

[@lisar3944]

I have been playing with the ao200 the last few days, listening a lot on it's own and doing my best to attempt a side by side comparison with the da9, and I did hear a difference! I tend to agree with iiWi's descriptions - especially the lack of depth didn't turn me on in the same way the da9 does. I also heard a difference with the lower mid-range (possibly into the upper-bass range too?) - to me it sounded a bit "messy" in that area, almost like a sort of background..mood? instead of a solid supporting structure. the ao200 sounds good, no doubt, but I've satisfied my curiosity and I'm now convinced I'm a da9 girl, 100%!

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

I came to the same conckusion as you after having the A0200 next to the DA9. The DA9 just sounded more 3 dimensional, with so much more things happening behind the speakers rather than inline with the speakers. The DA9 sounded more balanced, like everything is more neutral, the ao200 have bits and pieces standing out. Oh and instrument separation, the da9 does it more precisely and accurately, the a0200 can somewhat sound cluttered. The DA9 is no joke, especially when paired with great dacs like the one you have and the d90se. Another option would be the Topping PA5 amp, I just got it a week back and Im more impressed with it than the DA9. If you wanted an upgrade, you now know where to turn to. It will also match your dac better. Lol!

[@nc3419]

@@lisar3944 Thanks. I was about to ask and I am looking at the da9 as a secondary amp. BTW, what speakers have you tried it on?

[@nc3419]

@@AbsoluteFidelity Thanks. What speakers have you tried the da-9 on?

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@nc3419 OG LS50, Polk R200, Wharfedale 12.2 and 12.4.. :) Had no problems driving them at all, except for the OG LS50. Im now using the PA5 and the Crown XLS 2502 to power the LS50 and 12.4, they tend to excel with lots and lots of power.

[@KonradSkowronski]

Thanks for your time and advice.

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks for your support! 👍

[@kevinwest1607]

I just got this to put in my simple system. It replaced an Onkyo receiver and let me tell you what,this thing is really great. I just love it.

[@PainfullySoberAndUnhinged]

Specifically what Onkyo reciever? Trying to determine if this is a worthy upgrade over a Technics SA-AX620 for a set of Paradigm 5se MK3 or my Mirage M90is, or whatever speakers I get in the future. I have an HO100 and C100 by SMSL and think they are absolutely rock solid products, haven't tried out my PO100 Pro yet but I will soon, just don't think I'll get much advantage from it unless I get a Dac that uses I2S. Anyways, I really like SMSL products but don't want to spend a fortune for something that's only an incremental upgrade or plain downgrade

[@momonone]

Nice review man, was thinking of a sound demo in the end.. =(

[@ryanbailey112]

Great review thank you for all the effort and detail. I decided to go with the SMSL as well. I will be hooking it up to my Totem Acoustic Mite speakers and a 10" sub to use for my desktop for gaming, YT and enjoying music. Would you recommend the USB connection for this application or USB to coaxial? Thanks keep them coming mate.

[@jonnyBgood3]

Very interesting, I have been researching these smsl's and I have a Ao200 coming. I hope it lives up to my expectations. I'm glad you did some comparisons to AB integrated amps as I was concerned that they were primely intended as desktop units for nearfield listening and not have the ability to scale up. This will replace my old Rotel 1060 powering Elac debut 6.2's in a 6x5 metre room, lets see what it can do.

[@Oak-n-Iron]

I'm running mine in my living room with 4 ohm Definitive Technology towers and it's doing fine.

[@davidkgreen]

I have the same Rotel with a pair of Elac 5.2s in a 22o sq.ft room.Tried a tube buffer amp with amazing results,A Douk audio set up with upgraded tubes also works amazing with a good streaming source.Try a tube set up,most of the people I know have converted to the warm tube sound.

[@gbmwaz]

I have the same speakers with a SMSLM200 DAC feeding the AO200 - NO problem driving the Elacs to their end. Matching DO200 DAC now sitting in a AMZ locker to be picked up tomorrow. Can't wait!

[@Oak-n-Iron]

@@gbmwaz The DO200 should pair up beautifully. I'm hoping to add one to mine as well but my budget is honestly too tight to splurge on anything for myself at the moment. Leave a comment as to how they sound together, I'm definitely interested.

[@jonnyBgood3]

Well now after using the smsl for a couple of weeks I 'm pleased to report that it sounds great and overall a upgrade to the Rotel ( better highs, more crisp details, improved soundstage, not as much bass but better controlled not as tubby. Maybe not as full a midrange but made up for it in other areas. There is a couple of areas which the rotel appears to do better, but I find hard to explain, I notice it in vocal clarity on occasions and mainly guitar solos; natural expression, a linking together of the notes with subtle nuances which comes across as a speedy delivery from the rotel. It could be the fuller range of the smsl is masking slightly these areas but I continue to a/b them and try to work out what exactly the difference is. Still remarkable what £200 gets you nowadays.

[@charlesclifton1006]

Bought one, arrives tomorrow. I'll let you know how it sounds out of the box then again after a couple of weeks. It will eventually, (probably), end up in my desk top system but I'll test it first in my room system. You can read about my equipment below. I did not mention my current pre/power combo. It's a Rotel RC1580 pre into an Adcom GFA5500. The Adcom is getting old (30 yrs) and is starting to show its age. I have now heard too many good things about this AO 200 so I had to get one. Read my comment below.🇨🇦

[@kimbalxyz2]

Charles Clifton - Any updates on your amp, how's it compare with the Rotel/Adcom ?

[@Desanusor]

Got It for double duty in my bedroom with a pair of emotiva b1+ and a jamo s810 sub under the bed really good and fun amp ! SDB setting for movies is really good.

[@alexdimitri9669]

Odlicna recenzija, bas si me zainteresovao za ovaj amp! Stoga verujem da je ovo neuobicajeno ali imam pitanje za tebe, ako ne planiras da ga zadrzis da li bih mogao da ga kupim od tebe (i spasim sebe narucivanja i cekanja)?

[@user-yg2ry8dm7x]

I have got the smsl su9 and headphone amp with rca connecting now And I am considering to use the balance output of su9 and buy ao200 + Q acoustic 3020i as my desk speakers (listen within 1m i think) Do you think they are good combo? My aim is to enjoy music. Would the tone sound too bright? Would the speakers sound too harsh in nearfield? Anyway not much ppl in youtube would provide a detailed and honest review like you I subscribe! Support!

[@fernandotroconis5060]

Great review friend, I would like you to review the Topping pa3s since it uses double chip infineon ma12070 like the smsl da9 and a0200 but it is worth $ 150. I think many of us would like to know how they compare

[@geevee1045]

The PA3s seems to be a stripped down AO200 without the Balanced inputs or onboard power supply. I too would be interested in how these 2 amps compare, and whether the internal power supply makes a difference.

[@chutgowdingo-loon3212]

I agree. I have the older SMSL DA-8S which is exactly the same as the DA-9, except for a different look and the sub out at the back. It is crisp and clean and accurate with superb control in the lower registers.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

8s and 9 sound different.

[@chutgowdingo-loon3212]

@@AbsoluteFidelity Sound different to each other or different to the AO200 ?

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@chutgowdingo-loon3212 the 8S, 9 and 200 do not sound the same. All of them.

[@chutgowdingo-loon3212]

@@AbsoluteFidelity Okay. So I am assuming you have all of them or have listened to all of them usingn the exact same source and speakers and interconnects, and in the same room. That is IMHO, the only way to evaluate audio and reach a somewhat definite answer. I only have thwe DA-8s, so I can't comment on the similarities or differences. Also I use the 8s' speaker termonals to power the energiser box that drives electrostatic headphones - which is a very different scenario to what the amp is generally used for.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@chutgowdingo-loon3212 all in the same room and setup. A shop here has them all in a small listening room. Volume matched with a spl meter, do not have the choice of volume matching with a v-meter.

[@mag4633]

Would be great if you could review the Aiyima A08 and compare the sound quality to the SMSL AO200. And see if a DAC such as D30 Pro, SMSL DO200... would sound better on one or the other?

[@birdlegs846]

Nice review! My control pod for my computer speakers just died and thinking of getting a small little amp like the ao200. My question is do you think the ao200 has the power to drive a pair of my JBL studio 530 speakers??? I plan on using my old home theater sub (SVS sb12 NSD) with the JBL 530s

[@lucianofernandes4864]

Tenho um sistema composto por um DAC (S.M.SL DO200) e um AMP (S.M.S.L HO200) que uso como PRÉ das caixas AIRPULSE A300PRO. Equipamentos conectados por meio balanceado através de conexão XLR. Seria possível incrementar o sistema com o AO200? Pelo fato das AIRPULSE já serem amplificadas, o AO200 entraria no sistema como PRÉ ou AMP integrado? Sendo possível, haveria possibilidade de conectar o AO200 às caixas por um cabo banana jack para XLR?

[@JBSCHAFFNER]

What does the sound compare to the Ayima A07 , I am looking for something to drive my Elac Debut Reference B6 speakers with pre-out on Marrantz SR5015

[@jasonc331]

YES, back to the TradeMark intro. Trust me I can say that line in a group of people and they know who you are stay with it!

[@djlotfiwah]

Thank you very much for your review, any idea about the frequency cut off this amp apply to the speakers when a subwoofer is plugged ?

[@beckubrick]

Thanks for the review just wanna ask , if ao200 drive LS50 meta at a good level ?

[@internetresearchagency2238]

Great review. I will go for DA9. Thanks

[@iiWiReviews]

Please take a look at A300. My review is coming soon.

[@internetresearchagency2238]

@@iiWiReviews is A300 better than Topping PA5?

[@iiWiReviews]

In my opinion it is. I wanted to make a video about it today but got cold so sometimes next week.

[@internetresearchagency2238]

@@iiWiReviews thanks

[@waldoyew4247]

Is there a way to connect rca aux or is the rca for output only for example connecting active speakers

[@lethalhandyman1979]

Nice review! Any chance you get the topping pa3s in for review?

[@benegesserit9838]

bought one...very good and clean for desktop...

[@maxheadroom301]

Maybe usb on back is for external hard drive or ssd. If your order Micca speaker wire the banana plugs fit perfect and this speaker wire is very good.

[@BIZJAMIN]

Fundamental interface question. How much can be done without the remote. Does THE button operate I/O? I hate having so many remotes around and enjoy a simpler analog interface.

[@JR-ho5qm]

Excellent review! Does anyone know how this unit compares to some of the Emotiva products?👍🏻🔈

[@mikhailts8867]

Hello there! Thanks for a great review! Cause of wider scene - would it sound better with SMSL D300 than Topping d30 pro for your opinion? Searching for great pair for Dali spektor 2 (cause of music taste). Warmer (aka more analog) is a great opportunity to not analyze alot and just enjoy the sound.

[@fatboyvin]

the smsl da-9 and d300 are a match made in heaven! smsl a300 and d300 are not a very good match, but the DA9 is. Can't speak for AO200 though.

[@balooo2863]

How does this Amp compare to the sonos Amp? I understand somewhat different products, I am asking from a sound perspective...

[@zsvrljuga1]

Really interesting and well put together! BUT, it would be really good, to your channel and to your follower,s to hear and see, your opinion on a IOTA SA3. Iota sa3 is completely different approach to the sound presentation and technically different aprouch. YOU can do it :)

[@logotrikes]

This new amp arrived yesterday and I hooked it up, put a cd on repeat and let it play away quietly for several hours. The sound stage is a bit closed in and one dimensional. Seems to have a little more detail than my old A/B Adcom. It appeared to get gradually louder over time, and I'm expecting the soundstage to open up and increase in volume over time... At the moment though it seems little better than my tiny home built Y148 chucking out 10 wpc for 12v. There was no "wow" when I first listened even half seriously with the exception perhaps of the treble, which reveals a little more detail. The bass is very good but no better at the moment than either the Y148, or the Adcom. It's a beautiful item, very well constructed but I need to hear some differences. I believe that will come after burning in...

[@waldoyew4247]

I’m on a budget and Someone is giving me a pair of emotiva airmotiv5s active studio monitors and I own a Samson resolv 120a 10” active subwoofer will smsl ao200 be a good option to pair using xlr to my studio monitors or is the da9 a better option

[@MarcinRS]

I have notice that AO200 has BT 5.0 without APT-X but DA-9 has it implemented, hw this affect quality to BTT streaming in yr opinion, is gonna be worst much?

[@RileytheBunny]

Thank you for great review. I am using now with a Geshelli Labs j2. Would anyone know if this combo would be enough to power Polk Reserve R200 speakers.

[@abacar6134]

It powers the R200’s with ease. I couldn’t believe how well it sounds with the AO200. I also have the Audiolab 6000a and prefer the AO200 with the R200’s.

[@doifeellucky]

How does the Sabaj A10a compare to this as I just bought one due to your recent video? Any other speaker recommendations for it too as the Monitor Audio Bronze 2’s you mentioned are no longer available. Thanks.

[@fernandotroconis5060]

On amazon it goes on sale occasionally, buy the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 and it is great if you like that direct and detailed sound signature, very clear sound and very clean but not deep bass.

[@iiWiReviews]

Sabaj A10a sounds warmer and softer. AO200 is punchier, more dynamic, and retrieves more details, but also drier in the midrange.

[@doifeellucky]

@@iiWiReviews Thanks

[@the.gurmeet]

The USB socket in the back does play mp3 files from a USB drive/storage, but they play in a fixed sequence.

[@speedgripen6766]

What amp is better to jazz, acoustic music ? Thank you

[@IgorMisic2101]

Jesi li probao NuPrime STA9 amp D clas tube like.ice power modul when I connected Vennna Acustic Cello bukshelf speakers i was blow a way.pardon iskreno preporucujem.malo je skuplje ali oduvao je sve Fossi je Ayeme itd

[@waldoyew4247]

For instance I will use this for watching Netflix listening to music etc. with the speakers I mentioned earlier better budget option I do like the Cambridge audio evo series but I don’t have $3000 to throw away so this is the only 2.1 dac/amp I found for around $300

[@angelosanagnostakis292]

Great review!! Which one (AO200 or DA-9) is better with Kef LS50? My main amplifier is Yamaha AS1100 but i don't use it because i don't have the space so i'm after a desktop Amp.

[@iiWiReviews]

I think that AO200 is a bit better option, just be sure that your source is not too forward in upper regions.

[@angelosanagnostakis292]

@@iiWiReviews The source is the iFi Zen Dac V2 which i thing is warmish? Thank you for the response btw!!

[@iiWiReviews]

Agreed about Zen DAC tonality. I believe that should sound just fine together.

[@SwiftyZeAvenger]

There's a new kid on the block, the Topping PA5 just had a rave review, measurement-wise. But I'd love to hear your well thought out, subjective review of this "perfect measuring amp" vs the SMSL AO200. Is it really as good as the measurements imply?

[@nocnymarek7645]

Just question - how do it sounds?

[@stargator4945]

Would be interesting how it combines with the DO200 compared to a Topping E30.

[@coolassloser]

What do you think of the SMSL DO200? How does it compare to its competitors? I have one on order and would love to get your thoughts if you have heard it.

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't heard it, but having heard many SMSL's DACs recently I can say that they were always at the top of my favourite list in their category.

[@Hellspinder]

Brate, I'm afraid you are not correct about the PSU being different for they use the same in both DA-9 and AO200. The pre-stage is also the same. The difference is in the internal layout of components. DA-9 had some problems with the PSU being too close to speaker outs and speaker wiring being too close to the (noisy) display controller. New and better layout resulted in a lower noisefloor with the AO200.

[@iiWiReviews]

You might be right on this one. Anyway, there is some difference when it comes to the sound, of that I'm sure, but I'll leave to others to figure out where it comes from. 😊

[@nc3419]

While I do like the inexpensive class D amps, I will keep my class AB amp. It isn't much larger or heavier (10lbs); and while it puts outs a mere 34/61 watts in 8/4 ohms it is relatively high current capable at up to 15 amps/ch. It still outperforms them in SQ, IMO...albeit maybe, not by too much, but enough. I'll have to try one. Wish it didn't have BT and an internal dac. Would rather have another RCA input. I do like the sub-out option though. Not a fan of the blue bars on the screen, but if you can disable the screen, that would be ok.

[@nocnymarek7645]

Which amplifier do gives you 15 A per channel?

[@nc3419]

@@nocnymarek7645 Keces E40. There are several reviews on it. Forgot where it was stated to output up to 15 A (one of the reviews) but it wouldn't be continuous, as most max amp ratings but it is still very decent especially for the size. On a polish site, it gives the following specs: Rated power (1% THD + N, 1kHz) [W] 8 Ω, 2x 60 Rated power (1% THD + N, 1kHz) [W] 4 Ω, 2x 75 Sensitivity (for maximum power) [V] 1x 0.22 Signal / noise ratio (A-weighted filter, referred to 1W) [dB] 91 Dynamics [dB] 109 Damping factor (referred to 4 Ω) 153 While similar to the Rega Brio, it has a lower noise floor and good hard hitting but tight bass. Very nice mods and no complaints on the highs but some amps do extend further. It's a solid little amp and sounds better than the class D amps I have heard at or below its price at the time I purchased it. It has, like much equipment seen some price increases. I think, within its power limits and depending on speakers, it performs nearly as well as Hegel, among others.

[@lev_anni]

and how to put the headphones there?

[@MrMobssss]

Does anyone have any insights to the AO100?

[@kimbalxyz2]

What type of speaker connection did you use and what do you recommend ?

[@iiWiReviews]

I used bare wires cause my spades couldn't fit. So I'd recommend bare wires or banana plugs. These binding posts are on the small size and it's difficult to use spades.

[@nikitavoronov2548]

Great video friend! Your opinion is very important, what sounds better? Yamaha WXA-50 or SMSL AO200

[@iiWiReviews]

AO200 in my opinion. It's fuller and punchier sounding than WXA-50.

[@tallpaull9367]

@@iiWiReviews Look forward to your review of Topping PA5 (and comparisons)

[@TheMasterofComment]

Should've made a reviewnwitb it paired it with the ho200 dac! The best dac and best amp

[@spiff8323]

Paired mine with an Audioengine D1

[@DanielOrtiz-bg6ty]

What do you think about this pair: smsl ao200 and smsl m200? Any suggestion? Thanks in advance.

[@iiWiReviews]

I've never tried M200 but judging by other similar SMSL DACs it should be a good match.

[@gbmwaz]

I have that combo with Elac 6.2 spkrs - sounds very good but I just ordered SMSL DO200 dac with the lower pricing to hear the difference compard to my M200. I sent back a SU-9dac - i liked my M200 better overall - I think it is much under-rated

[@user-yy5yp5mk6g]

Try the Ho200 to pair smslA0200

[@roddickens5229]

Really enjoyed and appreciate this comprehensive and balanced review ... will subscribe and return ... thanks.

[@richarddemers2798]

You convinced me !! Thank you! Just bought a AO200, SU9 DAC and the SD9 streamer. I also bought the Sony SS-CS5 speakers , all on sale. Yesss!! I will later swap the speakers for GR Research XLS Encore (X-Mas activity). What do you think of this set? Any need for preamp??

[@iiWiReviews]

Sounds great, no need for a preamp in my opinion.

[@richarddemers2798]

Great thanks! Do you think the XLS Encore will pair well with this kit?

[@RamDas-wf5th]

Marantz pm6007 / ao200 which one is best

[@kimbalxyz2]

Please can you compare this amp SMSL A0200 with the TOPPING PA5 ?

[@iiWiReviews]

PA5 is in the house, review coming soon...well probably in the next few weeks... busy schedule. 😅

[@goldengoose5744]

Is there a difference in sound comparing the xlr to rca input (balanced and single ended)?

[@iiWiReviews]

There is and it's in favour of balanced. The difference you would notice also depends on the DAC and how its outputs are done too.

[@goldengoose5744]

Thanks for the answer Srboljub. BTW another great review, keep up the good work👍

[@hifimaster603]

Hello, my friend did you known if this type of amplifier is OK with loudspeakers DYNAUDIO Emit II 10 White I very appreciate your opinion ( sorry for my bad English I'm French) Best regards

[@iiWiReviews]

Hi, I have never tried that combination but if Emit has similar tonality to Focus 160 that I know, than this could be a very decent, lively sounding match.

[@hifimaster603]

@@iiWiReviews thks for you answer, don't stop you work, you have a good élocution and good analysis / review

[@Exgol2005]

Wondering how this fares vs SMSL A300 -- performance, power, sonics.

[@fatboyvin]

cant speak for ao200, but the da9 is better than a300 with my system, yes the a300 is much powerful, but lean sounding as compared to da9, the SDB EQ is also much much better on the da9 as compared to a300

[@ChicagoRob2]

How does the AO200 compare, sonically, to the Sabaj you reviewed?

[@iiWiReviews]

I'll just copy this from my previous comment: Sabaj A10a sounds warmer and softer. AO200 is punchier, more dynamic, and retrieves more details, but also drier in the midrange.

[@speedgripen6766]

@@iiWiReviews Drier in the midrange means not good to jazz, acoustic music ? Thank you.

[@sHAPKOMAHs]

Smsl ao200 vs yamaha as700?

[@vlax543]

Pozz Srbo, ne bi bilo lose da napravis i recenciju na Srpskom. Svakako lepsi uzitak bi bio slusati sve tvoje klipove na nasem jeziku

[@iiWiReviews]

Pozdrav Vlado, i meni bi to bilo zanimljivo ali jedva stižem i ove na engleskom da pravim od kad sam malo učestao sa izbacanjem. Dupli posao (ne samo snimanje već i editovanje) za vrlo ograničen broj gledalaca, sa gotovo nikakvom mogućnošću za monetizaciju, bi bio mazohizam. 😊

[@vlax543]

@@iiWiReviews Sve jasno 🙂. Nadam se da ces nekom prilikom imati mogucnost da odradis neku od mojih komponenti (NAD M10 + 2x focal aria 936). U svakom slucaju...veliki pozdrav

[@goodsound4756]

Out of curiosity I bought one. I agree with your assessment that the highs are transparent and crisp and there is a good control of the bass (even with floorstander speakers). You did mention it but I have to emphasize that voices are very thin and have no body, it doesn’t matter which EQ setting I choose (you did not say which was your favorite). I consider this lean coolness as a substantial flaw. Even a mediocre Rotel class AB Amp beats it in regards of reproduction of voices (but has other shortcomings).I did test it with the same DAC as you: Denafrips Ares 2. Is the SMSL a good deal: yes! Does it please even audiophile ears: not quite.

[@hansmurris6716]

Question, I have a Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp of top class (costs €2790), with 220 watt per channel in 8 ohm. Which one of the Chinese amps can compete with the M6si do you think?

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't heard M6i but don't think anything low priced that I've tested on this channel could really match it.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

One of the Kinki Studio amps could well beat it in terms of sound. Search for reviews of the EX M2+ (note it is around the $3k mark -- they have other, more and less expensive options)

[@SwiftyZeAvenger]

I agree with your expert analysis. My experience with the SMSL AO200 confirms it can't be beat for the price. However, people have to be realistic and not expect it to be better than an IOTAVX or AUDIOLAB 6000A at 4x the cost. Personally I still prefer class AB or tube amps for emotional involvement. But these amps are far more costly than the excellent SMSL AO200.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

Try the PA5 with the D90ES. It will blow the socks out of the 6000A when it comes to transparency and how revealing it would sound. Should be about the same price as the 6000A for that combo.

[@johnretzelrejuso4798]

@@AbsoluteFidelity what speaker are you using with pa5?I have topping e50 and planning to buy the pa5 for my wharfedale Evo 4.2

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@johnretzelrejuso4798 Diamond 12.2, 12.4 and the Polk R200. I also have the OG LS50 which I do not use anymore.

[@lanx0003]

How about Loxjie A30 in comparison with either DA-9 or AO200?

[@MartiiiiP]

Im looking for that comparison too, im going to pair it with wharfedale diamond 225 and the A30 having optical is a big plus when its used for spotify/Netflix 95% of the time.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@MartiiiiP get an external dac, its worth every cent. You dont need to spend a lot for a dac, 500 and below will net you a sound you can only dream off from the internal dac in the loxjie

[@johnt8735]

I had this amp for about a week and didn’t really find it that outstanding. Sure, it has more power than its little brother, the SA300. I found the amp to be pretty bright sounding so pairing with speakers that have metal tweeters might not be a good match. The bass was good but it was overpowering the mid range. SA300 was more neutral and more enjoyable to listen to without the feeling of fatigue.

[@speedgripen6766]

Please, is it good to jazz, acoustic music?

[@beaverish]

I have both the SA300 and AO200. While I feel like the SA300 is lacking a bit in term of bass and smaller soundstage, its sound is actually better and more balanced compared to the AO200. AO200's bass is a bit overwhelming and treble is somewhat sharp. I am still contemplating on whether if I should get rid of the AO200 and just stick with the SA300.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

That sounds crazy to me. Because they both use the same Infineon MA12070 chip.

[@bbaker6212]

@@user-xg6zz8qs3q cmon, the chip is only one piece of the entire device and signal path. This is a silly statement.

[@MultiFeesh]

I feel completely the same - with the SA300 I would lean towards using an EQ (SDB or +4 Bass) to give it a bit more oomph. Trying the AO200 it sounds a bit too boomy with the same EQ as I would normally use on the SA300. That being said I do miss a bit of the warmth and oomph that the AO200 brings compared to the SA300.

[@RP-ms7lu]

I want to know which one is better for female vocal , female vocal sound lush and sweet and smooth.

[@markbajkowski1171]

A quick note: this USB A-B adapter will work with this amp and a standard USB A-B cable: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGLCoaJpib9qmbs

[@ahmadhusaini8420]

Can you review your listening room?

[@iiWiReviews]

I'll talk about it soon.

[@ahmadhusaini8420]

@@iiWiReviews yes, i think room is the priority before getting more gears!

[@papschmear]

I sold the Sprout100 and kept the AO-200. Save your money... the AO200 is excellent at its price point.

[@KonradSkowronski]

Hi! Very insightful review. Would you help me with my dilemma? I've just bought Topping MX5 but I am a bit disappointed, I still have few days to return it. Do you thing SMSL AO200 or DA-9 would sound better? (what budget DAC you would add to it)

[@iiWiReviews]

I don't know if Topping refreshed MX5 sometimes during these last few years but if not then it's not a good purchased anymore. Better take a look at SMSL A300, you can find my review from 6 days ago.

[@KonradSkowronski]

@@iiWiReviews Thanks for your time to reply. But you rather recommend SMSL A300 over SMSL AO200/DA-9 ? Topping MX5 got some good reviews but I am a bit disappointed - I own both, and can't hear big improvement over previous MX3.

[@iiWiReviews]

Oh, my bad, I was actually thinking about MX3... Never tried MX5. I can only assume it sounds similar to the PA5 which is transparent but dry. Is that what's bothering you the most or something else?

[@KonradSkowronski]

@@iiWiReviews yes, that's for sure, it's dry to me, sound lacks weight and puch and despite its power on paper (2x70 4 Ohm) it's les powerful than MX3. Currently I have budget speakers Elac DB6.2 and although as a musician I like true ad neutral sound what I end with is eq correction with Sonarworks app, more low end, more high mids and high highs (8-10kHZ) up to open the sound and give him weight in the bass region. Its' a pitty you can't directly compare MX5 to SMSL DA-9 and give me your thoughts. I haven't heard SMSL DA-9 but it might be better option than Topping MX5, but also more expensive since I would have to buy a DAC. Is SMSL SU-8S a good match? I am on a tight budget now but I want to squeeze the best sound possible from the 💰

[@iiWiReviews]

At the moment I find SMSL A300 to beat DA-9, AO200, and PA5... Sounding more balanced and with richer midrange. There's EQ on board that works well, and it even has an integrated DAC but it is a very modest one that can't truly do that amp a justice.

[@sammavitae114]

It sounds like that usb port would be useful for an audioquest dragon fly.

[@iiWiReviews]

This USB port is a digital input, not output... You can connect your PC to it directly and internal DAC in this amp will do D/A conversion. If you want to use Dragonfly, you would stick it in your PC and then connect it's 3.5mm out to 2xRCA inputs on this amp (analog inputs). In that case you don't use internal amp's DAC but Dragonfly instead. Those are two possible ways.

[@khoi83]

it seems like they bring one amp or dac out every week....

[@johnretzelrejuso4798]

This or topping pa5?

[@iiWiReviews]

PA5 if you're OK with lack of a remote control and balanced inputs only.

[@johnretzelrejuso4798]

@@iiWiReviews I have the topping e50 and will order the toppi trs also..im using the smsl da9 and I think the mids on my Evo 4.2 is bit Thamed

[@mikos321]

They shouldn't go away from how USB usually works but instead use an USB Type C connector instead

[@tonym8358]

Who about the Aiyima 07?

[@nc3419]

It's a great little amp for its' price but the other amps should outperform it. I have the A07 and it works well with budget speakers but less so with higher ended ones.

[@tonym8358]

@@nc3419 I have change on the aiyima the power supply 48v to 4.2 amp dead silent no noise but I have to said that I am using a power cleaner stage 4, the sound improves a lot better definition and deep everywhere, now my best oamp didn't sound as good as the opa1656 weird, I also have the original Aiyima04 with black board circuit with upgrades capacitor from manufacturer with 32v aiyima power supply sounds better than the 07 and the Nec stock oamp sound better than the one I am using on the 07 go figure out...do you change anything in the Aiyima07?

[@nc3419]

@@tonym8358 I'll have to compare the A04 to the A07 again with different power supplies. I have both but havn't used them in a while as I am using a Keces E40 which was a definite improvement over both especially on higher end speakers.

[@mag4633]

which setup do you think would sound better? 1. Audiolab 6000A + E30 (with Fi iPower 5v psu) + Acer laptop USB with Jriver. 2. SMSL AO200 + DO200 + Pi2AES streamer (connected to DO200 via AES) 3. Audiolab 6000A + Orchard Audio Streamer/DAC

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't heard Audiolab 6000A so it's very hard to give any advice regarding it. On the other side, I believe that both PecanPi and Pi2AES/DO200 sound considerably better than E30 on a laptop. I would try to find at least someone who tried both 6000A and SMSL to give me their impression on both. Without it, it's hard to make an informed decision here.

[@johncallaghan3097]

The 6000A has a very well implemented DAC in its own right. It is imo definitely better than the E30, in fact as good as DACs costing twice as much as the E30. I know this because I have both, but dispensed with using it when I bought the 6000A. I'd say don't bother with the SMSL if you have the funds for a 6000A. There's no contest when it comes to inputs and outputs and you can easily upgrade it by adding a power amp to its preamp output.

[@mike_lowndes]

I have a 6000A with a Volumio Primo streamer/DAC. Sounds incredible and up there with the Naim / Arcam setup I had 20 years ago. It’s a proper step up from SMSL but costs £1100 (for both)! Before this - when my AVR died, I used a cheap Class D amp like the one reviewed here, and was very impressed with the sound for the money. Basically using the SMSL and similar you can get a much better ‘budget’ setup than you used to be able to. But the Audiolab is a definite step up and is built like a peice of Military equipment to boot. I also use it for Bluetooth and it even makes Spotify sound awesome.

[@mag4633]

@@johncallaghan3097 Thanks. Ya, sounds like 6000A and a PecanPi or Pi2AES would be the best combo for me. Pi2AES work just as good hooking it up to 6000A via SPDIF compared to AES, or close enough?

[@johncallaghan3097]

@@mag4633 I don't stream myself and so can't comment about streaming really. But if you're going to use a streamer/DAC, I think that unless you're going to spend quite a lot, the DAC in the 6000A is going to be better -- Audiolab have a LOT of experience with the Sabre ESS chip and know how to make the best of it. I'd recommend being sure you could connect your streamer in such a way that it could use the 6000A DAC rather than its own internal one. One other option to consider is the 6000A play version, which includes a streamer, but costs £200 more. Some say that as an amp it doesn't sound quite as good as the 6000A, and some don't like its streamer, so I'd audition it if I were in the market for an integrated amp/streamer. Whatever, good luck! 🙂

[@rancosteel]

The best way to listen to this amp is by having other people listen with their eyes closed.

[@bertjedekat]

They should start using usb C

[@carlsitler9071]

$280 is good but $300 for class a/b 100 wpc is better (BasX on sale). I already have a class d for second system (Aiyima A07 $70).

[@bertjedekat]

So basX a300?

[@rapaneugen1427]

First of all, I don't know to whom I'm addressing, If you know, please help us know . Second, no matter who you are , why don't you tell us why we should believe you. Third, guys that try to show us that the Earth is flat or the egg is more valuable than the hen are in retiring. That SMSL is more valuable than YAMAHA, could be a wish and not a reality.I recommend you to look deep in your eyes to find to whom you own and after to tell us too. Don't forget everyone's charm or feeling of ' being on the wave ' are the biggest confusions of the ego , so don't let the confusion guide you because you are prettier and more valuable then SMSL

[@xetstex]

How funny... I just bought one from Amazon and I'm comparing it with my 20yo marantz av7500 receiver ... Well to my ears the smsl is not good. The old huge marantz simply destroys it (using a Chromecast audio). The smsl is connected via USB to a PC . Using amazon music hd. The smsl will be returned :)

[@iiWiReviews]

That USB input is really not good and I think I mentioned that in the video. I suggest trying it with analog inputs if you have any external DAC, it is a different story then.

[@altonzasx4967]

The most important problem about this model is very poor quality bluetooth and isb input. Bluetooth and usb is made on a single chinese chip could AC20BP09634 - "family" of this chip are used in moust cheapest chinese headphones and bluetooth speakers. Power supply - is only 220W of power. For example - Sabaj A20a have 350W supply and this same amp section.