🔥 Singxer SA-1 Review 🔥

Quick review / gush here. TL;DR: Just reviewed the Jot 2 and G111, but the Singxer is better. I wanted to put this out as quickly as possible to convey this, so as not to mislead anyone as to what my preference was.
The Singxer is an amazing amplifier. By far the best amp that I’ve tried up to this point. I would absolutely consider this thing next level. Part of this is absolutely my preference in its presentation, but the technical ability is there too. If you’ve got the budget, it is phenomenal.
Links to things mentioned in the video (some affiliate):
Singxer SA-1 (purchased used for $400): amzn.to/3mc8MuQ
Hifiman HE6SEv2 (purchased new for $600): www.adorama.co...
Schiit Bifrost 2 (purchased used for $550): www.schiit.com...
Decent budget XLR interconnects: amzn.to/2Xxryo0
Decent budget RCA cables: amzn.to/3AsHCpq
Decent budget RCA to XLR: amzn.to/3lHEv6S
Here’s the link to the Jotunheim 2 vs Lake People G111 video:
• Clean Solid State (Jot...
Solid State Shoot Out Video:
• Solid State Amp Showdo...
There’s a whole playlist with many more amp and DAC videos:
• Amps & DACs
As usual, I’d recommend looking for used options at:
Head-Fi: www.head-fi.org/
HifiGuides: forum.hifiguid...

[@maxlugar2118]

Nice review. I'm a big fan of the SA-1 too. It's so musical and detailed without being harsh. Detail and resolution are excellent when paired with Singxer SDA-6 Pro DAC using balanced XLR connection. Current cans are Sundara 2020 and Drop HD-6XX - both with 4-pin balanced XLR cables. Considering headphone upgrade to Hifiman Arya or maybe the HE6SE V2 from Adorama.

[@ChaddicusRex]

Oh man, it's great to hear that you have a setup you're really loving.

[@MrAyrit]

Thanks, it feels good to find that sweet spot!

[@urbenkam]

I have got biftost 2 , he6se v2, singxer sa1 with xlr setup. I 100 percent agree with you. It is extremely resolving. It puts a smile on my face every time I hear it.

[@devinmatteson]

Great review. Glad that you like the amp. I’ve had mine about 6 months and couldn’t be happier. If you’re up to it, test out the jumper mod that bypasses the dc protection circuit. Some people say that it’s an amazing difference, while other say that they don’t notice much of a difference. I notice a difference although I don’t think that it’s as big of a difference as some people claim. But it definitely does make it slightly more dynamic and punchy. Would be cool to see a follow up video from you on your thought of it.

[@SubjectE57]

I just noticed it cleaning up the highs a little, I guess depends on your setup and ears. I think it's worth it though unless you have some really weird and poorly designed DAC that would cause it to be dangerous.

[@MOTOJendays]

@@SubjectE57 Voiding your warranty is also a risk. If something else happens to your amp that warranty is gone.

[@rickjones5713]

Haha, love the enthusiasm. Glad to see you are enjoying the amp.

[@wric01]

SA1 lets you experience Class A goodness and what it's all about. 4 Jumper Mod push that last 10% upgrade to dance with 2k headphone amps. Auckcharm nano gold silver Fuse upgrade push it up even more, basic included ceramic fuse was already good vs rest of industry using cheap fuses.

[@MrAyrit]

I sold mine before trying the jumper mod, and I kind of regret that. May have to buy another eventually.

[@ryanhostudio]

glad the he6se v2 is working out with the Singxer!

[@VoicelessAuthority]

Thanks for the insightful vid! My SA-1 should be shipping soon, really excited to see how it sounds with my Bifrost 2 and how it compares with Magni Heresy!

[@MrAyrit]

Please share your impressions once you receive it.

[@VoicelessAuthority]

@@MrAyrit After a few hours of listening, I can tell that the SA-1 is simply more refined all around compared to the Heresy. Using single-ended on the SA-1 (to eliminate balanced variable) into Sundara and HD 660s from Bifrost 2 connected via USB, everything sounds more lifelike, wider (and taller) in soundstage, better dynamics, and songs with heavy layering of instruments and vocals are separated and presented in a more pleasing way. I also found myself noticing more micro-details on the SA-1 compared to Heresy. Highly satisfied!

[@aceofspades6667]

I owned it and quickly sold it during my tour de midfi hp amps. it was fine but not great. Liked it better than the THX 789/Topping A90 stuff.

[@MrAyrit]

What did you end up with?

[@ChildrenOfDesire]

As much as I love my Jotunheim 2, I'm honestly thinking of moving it on for a Singxer SA1. The only reason really is that the Jotunheim 2 has too much noise with IEMs and sensitive headphones out of the SE output. That proves an issue when I have cans which don't have detachable cables, or IEMs where its a pain and quite an expense to find a balanced cable for. There's a peace of mind knowing that you have a piece of gear that will work for anything you plug into it, as well as having a good amount of volume control play for them.

[@Sunday_Morning570]

I got one coming by DHL as an upgrade for the SMSL HO200. Looking forward to checking it out with my new Focal Clear.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

What's an "Eye Oh" ? Reggae, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Excellent, thanks for posting! I have the Singxer SA-1 as well and love it! I watched the review by Currawong and he does a nice job covering the performance of this headphone amplifier. But he points out a simple tweak to it's performance if you don't mind voiding it's warranty. It involves very simply removing the bottom plate (6 hex screws) and placing four (4) standard computer pin jumpers on the four sets of pins next to the large green capacitors - very easy to do. By placing jumpers on these pins, you bypass the DC protection circuit that Singxer built into this amplifier. But after doing this, Currawong said the performance of the SA-1 goes to a whole new level - even outperforming the Jotunheim 2 in dynamics, soundstage, etc. He said that without placing these jumpers on these pins, even though still sounding very good - the SA-1 just sounds a little flat compared to the wonderful dynamics of the Jotunheim 2. But by making this easy modification, the SA-1 takes the lead in dynamics, soundstage, etc. He listened to them on Meze Empyreans, Focal Utopias, HiFiMan Susvaras, etc. Many will not want to make this modification because it will void their warranty. As for me, my jumpers arrive tomorrow and I will make the mod to release the full potential of this beast of an amplifier! :-) The link to Currawong's review is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWGqkqd5bNOleLs Enjoy this fantastic amplifier!

[@Someone-ig8ct]

I'll be awaiting your experience and comparison! Currently thinking of upgrading my asgard 3

[@SweetLead]

Zeos Pantera / Zreviews compared the GS-X Mini to the SingXer SA-1. And he said they sound the same. Definitely a must buy for me is SingXer SA-1 because I live in Europe and headamp has no resellers in Europe. If I ordered from US, I would pay extra taxes and it is too expensive for me. And I'm still saving a lot of money with that. I’m glad it sounds very similar. I was informed that SingXer SA-1 is the best solid state amp for my future sennheiser hd 800 s headphones. At first I wanted to buy a topping a90 with hd 800 s but I found out that this combination would sound too flat and sterile and it would be a boring sound in music.

[@MrAyrit]

I do think the Singxer is a great amp. I agree with the statement about the a90. Haven’t tried the gsx, so I can’t comment on that.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

Love my Edition XX too. Don't understand the critical reviews.

[@pinoyxbox]

Waiting on mine hopefully it’ll arrive this weekend. It’s gonna be paired with denafrips ares 2 and hifiman ananda/arya.

[@MrAyrit]

I am guessing you will be pleased.

[@Someone-ig8ct]

What are you upgrading from? And how different is the sa-1 from it?

[@MrAyrit]

@@Someone-ig8ct I had the Jot2 and Lake People G111 on hand when I first got the SA-1. I have not tried the jumper mod yet, but probably will at some point.

[@MrAyrit]

@@Someone-ig8ct SA-1 is my impression was that the SA-1 resolved better, was more dynamic, and expressed space better than either of those other amps.

[@pinoyxbox]

@@Someone-ig8ct hello! I upgraded from ifi zen stack. Definitely so much better than the zen can 😅

[@soulfulfool]

It will replace mine thx 887, hope my headphones get another life :)

[@MrAyrit]

I think that will be an easy win for the Singxer IMO.

[@cisco150]

Hi guys I have the Hifiman Ananda and DAC SMSL VMV D1SE with the SP200 which the XLR inputs are defective but looking at a different amp looking at this Singxer-SA1 or Jotunheim 2. What would you think be a good match i would like more bass out of my Anandas and not as harsh highs?

[@MrAyrit]

I’d go for the Singxer.

[@bla_ank]

First impressions listening to the HE-6SEv2 on my SA-1: I'm a bit underwhelmed, tbh. As far as raw volume output, it's about on par with the SP200 I picked up for 140 (even running balanced). The volume is of higher quality, though. The sound feels fuller, and the highs are a bit smoothed out, but it's not a huge departure from the THX sound. The weak point in my chain might be my DAC (currently using a d10 balanced). I plugged the SA-1 directly into my turntable to sidestep the DAC variable, and my headphones did feel more energetic and dynamic... I guess I have more testing to do

[@MrAyrit]

You don’t feel the SA1 has better spatial definition and dynamics? That’s what I thought were big improvements on it over something like the SP200. I do feel like dacs factor into to those two things quite a bit though.

[@hdsarma]

Is the Violectric v280 better than the Singxer, if yes, how much of a jump it is purely based on sound quality alone.

[@MrAyrit]

I would say yes, definitely. Hard to say how much, but certainly an increase in clarity and detail.

[@hdsarma]

@@MrAyrit This is after the SA1 was jumper modded?

[@Maver1ck911]

So this seemed like a honeymoon review, not to take anything away from your enjoyment, but I saw in the comments (3 weeks ago?) you had already sold it! Seeing as how i can drive IEM's off my RME ADI 2, I was looking for another solid state option with character. The Jott 2 in black is looking like the option at 400 (the deal you got is a no Brainer). Was it that much better? Or was it confirmation bias?

[@MrAyrit]

It would still be my pick at that price point.

[@harackmw]

is this still your favorite amp?

[@MrAyrit]

I’d have to say no, new fav is the Quicksilver, new budget fav is the K7. This is probably still my fav at it’s price though.

[@harackmw]

@@MrAyrit thanks for the response, I guess I should have known that as I watched that video of yours. It is interesting how divided reviewers are on the Singxer, I can only guess some people don't like that class A sound, or they are pairing it with headphones that further muddy the sound. I am looking for something for the HD800s to warm up its sound signature a bit, it sounds a bit too clinical on my ADI-2 dac amp.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

Glad you have managed to find a chain that is obviously giving ou so much enjoyment. I am weighing up the Jot2 and the Singer, with the Jotenheiem were you using an internal DAC card or driving it from your bifrost?, supprised it sounded same some to you though as it's a warm tonality amp not completely neutral. How did you get the Hifiman HE6SEv2 for 600, I.e. the price of the 5's new, that was some sweet deal for 1k off

[@MrAyrit]

I have been using the Bifrost. Adorama puts them on sale for that price periodically. If you sign up for their emails, you’ll catch it. I believe it is going again now. www.adorama.com/hmhe6sev2.html?sdtid=15265918&emailprice=t&sterm=1D-WoLSmdxyLWMcx96wtGxgLUkBTeawVUQAJww0&sterm=UreXRn0i8xyIWbxyAT2WyRb6UkBVZPTvC0UQ3Q0&

[@adrianmorrish8494]

@@MrAyrit thanks I'll take look, based in UK so I'll Ave to see what shipping cost is.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

hmm don't ship to UK or France etc but PNG for Instance no problem 😳

[@PAWULOfficial_BBX]

❤️❤️❤️

[@beergutzplatoon]

Hows the singxer with cheaper $200 dacs like soncoz vs with the bifrost

[@MrAyrit]

I actually picked up a used SU8 to test that very thing. It’ll probably be a couple of weeks before I’m ready to make a video on it though.

[@1oldson]

do you rate this higher than your v280fe ?

[@laszlokiss3578]

hi, thx for the enthusiastic review 😎 is it worth to upgrade to sa-1 from a90 if i plan to use with Arya Stealth? i also have a Mojo that i will uprage to Mojo 2. thx

[@MrAyrit]

I’ve been thinking about this, and while my preference would probably be with the Singxer, I’m not sure it would really be much of a jump over the A90. It’s probably more of a preference thing. I’d wait until you get your new Mojo and see what you think about that combo. I’m guessing it will be pretty darn good.

[@meangoooo]

I recently picked up the SA-1's. They sound lovely and I'm looking for headphones that can take balanced. I've used the DT1990's for a few months and now looking at the HE6se V2 and Focal Elex. Seems like you have experience with all of these gear. Care to share your thoughts comparing these three headphones? I thought Sundaras sounded a bit boring--lacking dynamics--which gives me pause for the HE6se. I imagine the HE6se benefits from Bifrost 2's warmth, but I no longer have this DAC. A;sp. I hear horror stories about Elex QC, so that's a concern as well. Anyway, I appreciate your videos.

[@MrAyrit]

The HE6 is definitely not boring. Super engaging headphone that I think has performance actually is worth more than its cost (at $600). The Elex is great, kind of does everything right, but didn’t quite come together for me as the whole package. The HE6 does. The Elex would win on bass impact, but I would probably give everything else to HE6. The 1990s have been long enough ago that I can’t really comment, I remember them being quite capable, but I just didn’t feel like they were “special”. I’ve currently got a set of OG Clears, and my impression is that they are basically a more balanced Elex-my favorite of the Focals. I haven’t solidified my thoughts on them totally yet though. Shooting for a video by the end of the month with both the HE6 and Clears…possibly the Aeolus.

[@meangoooo]

@@MrAyrit Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it. I guess I'm getting mixed reviews about whether the SA-1 can power the HE6se V2, but I reckon you think it drives it just fine. I think I'll give Hifiman another shot. =)

[@MrAyrit]

@@meangoooo I think it sounds great with the BF2 and Singxer. I am making a cable to try it with my Denon receiver out of the L/R channels. I’ll update when I’ve tried it.

[@msingh1932]

I have an auditory problem that precludes the use of headphones. How does this sound with external floor standing speakers on a power amplifier? Is it comparable to vacuum tube sound? Your input will be highly appreciated. It would help me make up my mind on my future purchases.

[@MrAyrit]

I leans more towards that sound that most solid state amp I’ve tried. Although, if you want the tube sound, why not just get a tube preamp or tube amp for your speakers?

[@msingh1932]

@@MrAyrit I am not an audiophile though I like to think I am! I like the pristine nature of tube sound, but if I could get close to it with a solid state device, I would prefer to avoid the hassle of changing the tubes every 2 years. So, from your answer, I take it that this Singxer would come close to a tube amp? If you will kindly confirm, I will plan to buy this instead of a Dared tube amp I have been looking at, plugged into a Crown 250 W power amp. Thank you...

[@picklesandufos7860]

10:08.......you can hear breasts? Man that's a really great amp then. When you are hearing these breasts, are you talking about a full bodied sound? Or are these breasts a reference to it's soundstage? What are the width, height, and depth of the breasts? Ayrit, if you want to REALLY upgrade your setup, you'll replace that Bifrost 2 with a Denafrips Ares 2. $838 though. QUESTION.........I didn't hear your comparisons between the Singxer and the Jot 2. That's what I'm on the fence about.

[@KitaristChannel]

How would you compare this amp to Topping A90? Also there is a bypass Cap mod for Singxer SA-1 and they say it improves the sound of the amp.

[@MrAyrit]

I’ve actually got an A90. Stay tuned for a comparison.

[@Someone-ig8ct]

If you still have your Asgard 3, I'd love to hear your comparison between the Asgard 3 and singxer sa1 with the he6se v2! Currently running an Asgard 3 with the dac module and I was also wondering, is the dac module holding back the details and dynamics possible with the he6se v2 and LCD X? Thank you.

[@MrAyrit]

No longer have the A3, but can confidently say the Singxer is better. I haven’t ever heard the internal Schiit DAC, but it does sound like they are not the best.

[@Someone-ig8ct]

@@MrAyrit did you try out the jumper mod?

[@KindredGh0st]

Any recommendations for American made products (aside from Schiitt)?

[@MrAyrit]

At this point, I have not heard an American amp that I feel is competitive with the Singxer. Schiit, Geshelli, and JDS all make decent amps at around the $200 mark, but they don’t compete with the Singxer IMO.

[@storage-space4927]

Geshelli labs and jds lab are American made. I personally had and loved my geshelli Jnogg 2 and Erish 2 balanced amp combo!

[@ippothedestroyer1]

Hmmm I have a schiit jot2 on order but it's shipping in 6-8 weeks it says on the site. Just thinking if it's worth the extra $200 to get the sa-1 or maybe the a30 pro/a90.

[@MrAyrit]

I picked up my Singxer used for $400, and have seen them for $450 a couple of times. My ears tell me it is easily better than the Jot2. Detail, spatial presentation, smoothness. Also, I’d you check the forums , Jot 2s sell pretty regularly for $350 (if you want it now). I would be interested to try the a30, be I’ll wait to get a good used deal. Personally, I’m ready for a break from testing source gear. I think I’ll mainly focus on headphones for a stretch here.

[@tysontyson1244]

This depends on the headphones being paired. The Schiit Jotunheim 2 sounds better with my Hifiman HE6SE V2, Hifiman Ananda, and Audeze LCD-X. The Singxer SA-1 sounds better with my Monoprice M1570. Stay far away from those Topping amplifiers. Topping is garbage.

[@MrAyrit]

@@tysontyson1244 I prefer the HE6SE on the Singxer.

[@tysontyson1244]

@@MrAyrit I can see how some would like Singxer SA-1 better as it is smooth sounding. However if one wants smoother sound from the HE6SE V2, then they should be looking for a Rebel Audio RebelAmp. It outperforms both the Singxer SA-1 and Schiit Jotunheim 2 and is VERY SMOOTH.

[@MrAyrit]

@@tysontyson1244 haven’t had the opportunity to try the Rebel amp, but it seems pretty well regarded. Don’t see many on the used market, which I often take to mean that people aren’t buying them and selling them quickly, so people must be keeping them.

[@yukio32]

Is this better than your favorite tube amp too?

[@MrAyrit]

My current best / favorite tube amp is the Valhalla 2. I haven't had a chance to tube roll a whole lot--that being said I would say most things I prefer on the Singxer. There are a few exceptions though. The OG Nighthawks for instance I prefer on the Valhalla. In general, I could get by with just the Singxer and I don't think I'd miss the Valhalla much, but I'm going to keep it to play with it a bit more and see if I can find some magic tubes and such.

[@GodriaR]

Okay.. U are cute.. Thanks for the review.. Keep up the great work!

[@MrAyrit]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words!

[@allan5692]

Have heard many positive reviews about this unti, tbh I will never risk connecting a $4k headphones to it. Chinese stuff are like gums, started out great, but loose its taste just as fast. You don't know the components they uses, or their QC. Will stick to Schiit!

[@MrAyrit]

I can certainly appreciate that perspective. Although The Singxer is a pretty solid unit. I haven’t heard much about issues with them.