SMSL SA400 Class D Amplifier Review, Work Like Class A

SMSL SA400 Amplifier
TBR Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Price: $659 bit.ly/2ThXSJm
Pros: Quiet, Powerful, Good Sound Quality.
Cons: As Hot as Class A Amp.
Music by Grace Mahya: ebay.us/5WV1Ny
Associated Components.(Sound Demo)
Aperion VIII Grand V6T Speakers: bit.ly/3geRoVb
(10% Off with TBR10 coupon)
SMSL SA400 Amplifier: amzn.to/3fjxkQE
Loxjie D50 DAC: amzn.to/3hQmG5n
Associated Equipments (Music Room)
KEF R11: amzn.to/3acMlB8, ebay.us/nXCI8d
Denon PMA-SX11 Integrated Amplifier: ebay.us/NllM5G
PS Audio AC-12 Power Cable: amzn.to/2YQo2Tx
Sony HAP-Z1ES: amzn.to/3ckCZ5w
Denon DP-47F Turntable: ebay.us/rh226Z
Denon DL-301 MK II MC Cart: ebay.us/HUjGpv
Musician Pegasus DAC: amzn.to/3mv1bYf
Loxjie D50 DAC: amzn.to/2Q7iuCC
Oyaide Neo D+ Class A USB Cable: amzn.to/3uGFAi4
AudioQuest King Cobra RCA Cables: amzn.to/33bDQlF
AudioQuest Big Sur RCA Cables: amzn.to/3aab3in
Belden 8402 XLR Cables: ebay.us/49fKT5
Oyaide Black Mamba Alpha AC Power Cord: ebay.us/5T2uZP
TBR-DS Custom Speaker Cables.
Hey!
Only Option To Listen KZbin Sound Demo is with good headphones, not your favorite sound system because listening to two rooms at once is not a good thing, no matter how good your sound system is.
My Preferred Headphones For KZbin Sound Demos: amzn.to/2wAkk54 , amzn.to/3ssgcN6 , amzn.to/39zCvaP
If you use these links to purchase any items from Amazon or eBay(No Extra Cost To You), I get a small percentage which help support my work and helps me keep going.
0:00 Intro
1:19 Set Up
3:17 Quieter Class D
4:47 Performance
13:36 Setting Menu
15:08 Sound Sample

[@JoshFisher567]

Regarding the heat , below is from SMSL. Why they didn't put this in the default menu is beyond me. 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.

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks for information.

[@wahquek6669]

Thanks. Its useful

[@Shoaibexpert]

Thanks for the honest review especially around the loud comment

[@wahquek6669]

Genuine review that help to make my choice. Thanks.

[@RoyFJ65]

My first class D amp and I am quite surprised how well it drives the NS1000M speakers truly bringing out the be sound.

[@RanTausi]

Have a nice weekend , thanks for the video review.

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks Ran.

[@cameronkrause4712]

great review. I am surprised about the temperature because I thought class D would all run cool-that was supposed to be one of the big advantages. There should be very little energy lost in terms of heat.

[@anthony2010707]

Mine is quiet, no noise whatsoever, sounds good too.

[@Dasinpa]

Class D amplification is the future. Someday soon an A/V receiver will be the size of a DVD player. Good video.

[@hansiangng2808]

I think some manufacturers like onkyo, pioneer already use class D but still bulky. I still wonder why they all come in so many hdmi ports. i think most people dont fully use all (?). So yeah they could come in smaller or slimmer form but there maybe other factors.

[@PatiShorti]

@@hansiangng2808 Well, A/V receivers are built for that. They are meant to be the center of an entertainment system. My Pioneer SC-LX88K packs 9 class D amps and is able to push incredible power in the small size. I use it to connect my PC, Switch, Chromecast, Laptop and Blueray player to a TV and Wireless HDMI to my projector. Its one device connecting everything. If you dont need that many connections you should use a surround processor with a multi channel amp. then you get an even smaller formfactor ;)

[@mgsamps]

You are not wrong, Class D is getting very good these days. You should hear what the tiny Fosi Audio BT30D digital amplifier can do, I got one for my PC sound not expecting much and was so impressed I hooked it up to my main system for a laugh and was gobsmacked, it drove my Monitor Audio Silver floorstanders with ease and barely broke a sweat even on the supplied PSU, it sounded really punchy and pretty clean but just didn't quite have the warmth and resolution of my Denon PMA1600NE, the Fosi is a 15th the price of my Denon amp and it had me scratching my head wondering why the Denon is so big and expensive. If I only had £85 for an amp I could easily live with the Fosi, it even has Bluetooth and subwoofer outs.

[@hazzy9079]

@@mgsamps Law of diminishing return kicks in as you go up the price bracket. Paying double or triple the price could only yield an improvement of about 10% compared to the cheaper one. Just an advice to audio enthusiasts, stay low if you're already contented with what you have. I've burnt my pocket quite a number of times and not pleased with the price/performance ratio as i went further into high end.

[@mgsamps]

@@hazzy9079 Yes I find that to be true after you reach a certain price bracket but I didn't expect a tiny amplifier not much bigger than a cigarette packet & costing only £85 to sound so impressive. Thought the sound would be puny and fall apart when connected up to a pair of floor standers but it just didn't, very impressive!

[@randalllawkin]

Man brand new review nice! And I notice you testing out the Aperion little brother or big brother??😉

[@Tharbamar]

I’m testing V8T concert tower for next review, thanks

[@aidarsagirov3474]

Nice sound!

[@redleather420]

would love to see you review some high end amps such as PASS or technics !

[@boniccie]

Thank you for very informative review! I really do enjoy your honest reviews regarding low and mid priced gear. I noticed you mentioned you are using your mac and Audirvana, I am currently using the same configuration with my Denafrips dac. Are you using also any streamers and if no, are you discovering sonic differences between a mac and a dedicated streamer? Thank you, Dan.

[@Tharbamar]

Hi, I’m using Audirvana optimized for music playback in the setting and only as music server and I also have Sony HAP-Z1ES as music server, which I like more for overall refinement and sound quality, thanks

[@Spartak582]

Как всегда великолепный тест!!!

[@kinggodzilla7647]

Not sure which one was responsible (amp/DAC/speaker) for the lack of air when Grace Mahya sang "look at the sky" 15:40 the echo of the last word used to keep hanging in the air on your previous sound demo.

[@Shozimus]

Good review. Since the unit is quite expensive in my country I wonder how IT would stack vs Smsl VmV A2 amplifier. Do You plan a review of the A2?🙂

[@HotSause]

Great review. Do you think this amp can handle the Maggie low ohm load and provide nuanced layered impactful bass? Not just boom. Anything better? Thank you in advance.

[@Tharbamar]

It should be able to drive them base the spec, thanks

[@khoi83]

I like the big Aperion top of the line speakers!

[@AP-go1ks]

Aperion Audio V8T is in the house!

[@hifi6335]

Hi, thanks for this review. You mentioned that the amp gets really hot ... does that mean you can't stack anything on top of it (ex: SMSL m400 on top). Thanks

[@JoshFisher567]

From SMSL below. Not sure why this wasn't an option in the regular menu and have to go into the service menu to change what temperature the fan kicks in at. 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.

[@laurentperriniaux]

Bonjour tharmabar est ce que le smsl do200 et le smsl SA400 est une bonne association?

[@rndm4642]

Is this amp quiet enough for ultra efficient speakers, like Klipsch La Scala? Thanks for the review!

[@sebastianrosenbach7873]

Don't use this amp with efficient speakers. Go with the DA9 for less money or the VMV A1 for class A

[@akramhossain1931]

How do you compare with sabaj a10a? And i am waiting for smsl vmv a1 class A amplifier review.

[@820SHAY]

excellent review as always do you think its good combination with ls50 meta ? (background noise ) thanks shay

[@Tharbamar]

It may get bright with LS50, thanks

[@820SHAY]

@@Tharbamar Thanks 😊 So what will be good for ls50 meta from your experience?

[@Tharbamar]

It needs high quality amp to sound best and it will be depending on your preference.

[@stevenconnectingtogether6703]

In your opinion and your recommendation, this amp and denon pma800ne or marantz pm6007 .. regardless the class D or AB .. just focus the sound quality 😊 thanks

[@Tharbamar]

For my money it will be AB but I can't comment from your list because I haven't try either of them in my system, thanks

[@mryiu1062]

Great review thanks. How does this compare with the Smsl da9 you reviewed earlier. Is it worth the extra dollars?

[@Tharbamar]

It will be your decision to make, SA400 is better performer in sound quality but there is major price in difference between them, thanks

[@yogiwp_]

@@Tharbamar Wonder in what way and how much better the SA400 is over DA9? Let's say I don't need much power.

[@clemleg123]

@@Tharbamar you're in the business of making reviews of hi-fi gear but you don't want to say which one is better value? Come on bro, man up

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

nice enough

[@edSuwanDiyAudiophile]

😉 ... i like you at the beginning😇

[@g.johnson9901]

I am curious if you compared the SA400 to the HO200/ AO200 combination and what your thoughts were?

[@Tharbamar]

I didn’t have chance to compare them at the same time, thanks

[@mykeldg]

better than Denon PMA 2000? thanks

[@rakeshg2951]

Could u review Bluesound node

[@tpn8402]

Some people have reported a "coil whine" noise coming from the SA400 power supply. Have you heard this on your unit? Do you still own it and if so has it been reliable so far? Thank!

[@Tharbamar]

My unit have no problem.

[@gbmwaz]

I have one with NO coil or any other noise at any level

[@johnsweda2999]

That's different to their class A amplifier they make is it, can you adjust frequency on subwoofer out or just gain

[@Tharbamar]

Yes John only gain, no frequency filter.

[@user-gz5fw3yn9f]

Hi. What do you think will be better overall in terms of sound, SMSL SA400 or Yamaha A-S501?

[@Tharbamar]

SA-400 is better sounding than A-S501, thanks

[@randelabellanosa4189]

Hi. Do you think this could pair well with my Wharfdale Evo 4.2? Thanks.

[@Tharbamar]

It should sound nice together.

[@Shoaibexpert]

Would you say the SA400 will drive KEFR11s easily without getting dry? I listen to music at 85-95db level. Thanks

[@Tharbamar]

Yes it can with very good bass performance but DAC will be big factor in upper frequencies sound quality, thanks

[@Shoaibexpert]

@@Tharbamar Thanks. I am planning to use the SMSL SU-9 with it. You mentioned in your review that the SA400 doesn't compare to your Denon. Would the SA400 be a noticeable different with R11s when compared to the Denon? Thanks

[@sanchotomaroy1209]

What is the volume level you put in your music demo, is it at 15?

[@Tharbamar]

@20.

[@ericjohnson829]

It packs a punch but at a price that's not very competitive. Interesting about this being quiet, at Audio Science Review the tests showed it to have a pretty high to average SINAD /SNR with a high noise floor and mechanical noise from an internal coil that increased with volume.

[@gbmwaz]

I have one that has NO noise from the unit or speakers with no signal - max volume unless the fan is on - not usually. Very clean and quiet...

[@rndm4642]

What are the add-on feet you’re using on the unit?

[@Tharbamar]

I’m using Soborthane Feet.

[@Dinasuke]

What is the cable pairing between lap top to DAC.

[@Tharbamar]

Oyaide Class A USB cable.

[@anthony2010707]

I Don't understand, continue to turn the volume until setting interface appears.

[@peterseaman9542]

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 ?

[@Tharbamar]

You can use it as integrated amplifier.

[@peterseaman9542]

@@Tharbamar Thank you.

[@pinoyxbox]

With its price should i just be getting a denon pma-600ne or 800ne?

[@Tharbamar]

Yes

[@pinoyxbox]

@@Tharbamar thank you very much! I actually have a topping mx3 and dali oberon 1 and im having a hard time on what amp to get as my upgrade 😅 My choices are Loxjie a30 Smsl da-9 Smsl sa400 Denon pma600ne Marantz pm6007 I can also stretch my budget for the cambridge cxa61 or 81

[@nc3419]

Any thoughts on class D amplifiers using the more expensive Hypex, Purifi or other modules? So far, I still like some class AB over class d sound quality but like the smaller footprint, lighter weight. I did find a smaller class AB that I like, the Keces E40 which is plenty powerful. In comparison to other amps, it gives a nice tight but warm bass, a rich midrange and smooth highs. There are amps under a grand that give a bit more airiness to the highest octaves but I still prefer the richness, detail and body even the high frequencies have it, of that little amp. Still, I do like class D as I have some inexpensive Aiyima amps which are fine for their price and if I were to buy another amp down the road in say 10 years or so, it would likely be class D. Another one I considered to the Keces was the Rega IO for size and weight. I think class AB will be with us for a while but the Class D amps seem to be able to compete at many different price points today.

[@adamjohari]

Currently looking for a small footprint amp. Is the Keces E40 preferable to a SMSL DA9?

[@nc3419]

@@adamjohari I've never compared the Keces E40 to class D other than Aiyima a04 and A07 which are inexpensive but nice little amps. I have preferred the Keces E40 to SoundArtist SA-200IA (too bright), an BasX A-400z (Keces better in every way except for the extended, airy, pillowy highs), among others. Fosi HD-A1, imo, don't waste your time. There are other class ab options, particularly the Rega IO, similar power and price with the Keces being a bit more powerful and $30 higher. Check out Soundnews review on the Keces E40, it's accurate IMO. He states it has good slam, good tight lows, rich mids and solid highs with body. The only tradeoff is in the highest frequency extension. The highs are there they don't linger giving wispy, delicate highs like with cymbals, the highest notes, etc. But as to tone, separation, etc it does really well. No regrets here. It has two RCA inputs, a decent phono input, RCA out for a separate amp or sub, a usb for computer if one doesn't have a dac. The sound reminds me of my Hegel h160 at low to moderate volumes if that helps. Comparing essentially a 150 watt amp to one a quarter as powerful should say something. Definitely check out Soundnews youtube as well as written review. There are alot of small amps on the market these days. Stated current output up to 15 amps if I remember one of the reviews which if true is higher than most amps under a grand. While only 15K micro farads caps, Keces is known for power supplies and conditioners so if anyone can do it, they can. Don't know why other online reviewers haven't requested one to review. Hope this helps. There are many choices, you could wait for a sale, etc. If you need a temp amp, the Aiyima a07 is hard to beat for the price as long as the speakers aren't current hungry. If you listen to music at loud levels or have low efficiency speakers, then maybe you'll want something that puts out more power as well as current. In a small footprint that might mean class D. But class A/AB still has a more energetic sound and slam IMO at or near relative price points. Lastly, while the amp can get warm, it doesn't get overly hot. The Fosi previously mentioned got really hot especially with a 6 ohm speaker.

[@adamjohari]

@@nc3419 thanks for the reply. Yeah I've seen all the reviews. Currently have a Topping d10s --> drop thx 789 --> fosi audio bt20a --> b&w 607 s2. Was hoping to upgrade the bt20a. Would u recommend the Keces e40 over the Rega Io? Need a small spaced amp for my desk. Guess I'll stack my drop thx789 and topping dac above the keces?

[@nc3419]

@@adamjohari BTW, what speakers are you driving?

[@adamjohari]

@@nc3419 Using B&W 607 S2. Headphones are Hifiman Arya

[@Dignit52]

Still waiting for your review of the DENON PMA A110...........

[@MarsChan07]

I was wondering if it can be used as a power amp after an active crossover for mid high speakers . Does it remember the volume setting of the last listening session when you turn it back on again the next day ?

[@Tharbamar]

Volume will still at the knob setting where you set. I also discussed how to use them as power amp in this video, Over Achiever SMSL HO200 PreAmp Review with AO200 Power Amp. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqfSYYFtZ5eIgqc

[@MarsChan07]

@@Tharbamar Thanks for the reply 😀

[@siakhooneng3394]

@@Tharbamar k

[@user-mw5jo3ms4n]

I want to buy a class D amplifier. Which SMSL amplifier is the best in sound? I mean the amplifier itself. It doesn't matter whether there is a built-in DAC or not. I will not use the built-in DAC, since I already have an SMSL su-10 DAC. The price doesn't matter either, since they are all not expensive for my budget.

[@RoyFJ65]

The SA400 is your best bet with clear sound rivaling expensive amplifiers provided you have good speakers. Its basically very true to whatever source its being fed with.

[@theurbanracer3825]

what sound track was it always hearing it 😁

[@Tharbamar]

I don’t remember what I used but all information is listed in the video description, thanks

[@Curry.N]

this or smsl DA-9?

[@Tharbamar]

It will be your decision to make, SA400 is better performer in sound quality but there is major price in difference between them, thanks

[@hansiangng2808]

11:17 Theres a built in fan?

[@Tharbamar]

Yes.

[@crakzor]

problem with mine: it's hot all the time. even when idle&unused for 3 days it's been at 62C. I also changed the feet like your because it was heating up my table. I will probably return because it's not built to handle this kind of heat. The circuitry will eventually fail. Just look at the small feet they put on it. They didnt think about it.

[@PauloWang]

Please let me ask you: which speaker you are using with this amp? Is it a low effiency speaker??

[@crakzor]

@@PauloWang rp600m

[@PauloWang]

@@crakzor wow it's a 96 db/m which is very sensitive. I really should not a problema for this amp. My speakers are 89 db/m, so these amp is not suited for me....

[@crakzor]

@@PauloWang ya, my problem was the heat generated at idle

[@JoshFisher567]

@@crakzor should have googled it although if you have returned it the info is pretty worthless now. 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.

[@ELECTECHNUT]

How about driving a pair of Magnepans?

[@Tharbamar]

Some panels will dip below 4ohm, we have to use it with caution but for normal loudness level like 75-85db should be fine, thanks

[@elaskarytech7831]

world transforming from american tech reviews to chinese . wonder what youtube will be like in 20 years

[@REX4340]

Lacks prat, could be the speakers tho

[@ahmoification]

Is this amp a good match with whafedale Evo 4.4?

[@Tharbamar]

They sounded very nice with my Evo 4.2.

[@ufarkingicehole]

People are confused about crown. Yes for commercial equipment its good. My smsl sa300 sounds better than my xls crown. Just limited power

[@milosevicbojan07]

Strange sound

[@nuttyl283]

$659 for class D definitely No! Class A and Class AB schematic is out there. Still not make sense for this high price Class D.

[@ToxiloGames]

Class A are ineffective and don't have the same amount of Watts for this price.

[@willfrank961]

What is it called when someone is racist against certain amplification types? Surely the sound should dictate the value..

[@nuttyl283]

@@ToxiloGames then go class AB many good designs and inexpensive both MOSFET or TUBE you can choose.

[@nuttyl283]

@@willfrank961 The Limitations Of Class-D If Class-D were perfect, it would have swept the world and there would be no other class in common usage. I'll tell you about the three major problems of Class-D amplifiers in a moment, but first, here's a question: how do you make an efficient radio transmitter? Answer: start with a Class-D audio amplifier. Yes, the high frequencies involved in Class-D amplification readily propagate as radio waves, potentially causing interference with radio receivers and other equipment. You might think that the solution would be to enclose the amplifier in a substantial steel housing. But that's not where the problem manifests itself - it's in the cables. The filter that is supposed to remove the high-frequency components and leave only the audio signal is quite shallow in slope - 6dB or 12dB per octave - so there's quite a lot of RF energy still getting out. Clearly, manufacturers take care to improve the situation and remain within allowable limits, but it is a problem inherent to Class-D. Class D without the filter. Lab Gruppen's 'Class TD' technology extends Class D with a claimed sonic performance equivalent to Class AB, but with Class D's superior performance in terms of efficiency and low weight. Class D without the filter. Lab Gruppen's 'Class TD' technology extends Class D with a claimed sonic performance equivalent to Class AB, but with Class D's superior performance in terms of efficiency and low weight. The second problem of Class-D is that the last thing the signal sees before it reaches the loudspeaker is the filter. A passive filter made from capacitors and inductors expects to see a certain load on its output. Even just looking at the resistance of a loudspeaker and ignoring its capacitance and inductance, loudspeakers come in 2Ω, 4Ω and 8Ω nominal impedances, and the filter will work differently according to the impedance of the loudspeaker. Taking capacitance and inductance into account, the impedance will vary according to frequency. So the filter design is suddenly very much more complex: an amplifier that performs differently for different speakers is going to be a problem. Thirdly - not finally, but enough for now - a Class-D amplifier has a relatively poor damping factor. The damping factor is the ratio of the impedance of the loudspeaker to the output impedance of the amplifier (it's a little more complex than that, but let's not get bogged down with details). In simple terms, it's a measure of how well the amplifier can control the movement of the diaphragm of the loudspeaker. A good amplifier doesn't just give it a push and hope for the best; it senses where the diaphragm is from moment to moment and controls its position. To do that, a high damping factor is desirable, and, as mentioned above, a simple Class-D amplifier has a low damping factor. Clearly, advanced technology can be applied to ameliorate these problems, but because of them Class-D amplification is used mainly in applications where efficiency, weight and small size are important. These include live sound, in-car audio and compact portable systems.

[@nuttyl283]

weight size is not different much and moreover very few people need 260watts 2ohms. you can calculated wattage need. then consider the power you need for your system.

[@kimai1641]

you have no idea what you are talking about. You should understand the technology is old technology that had a patent that ran out and SMSL decided to pic it up. This is not an exceptional performer. You are being fooled into your beliefs.

[@Tharbamar]

So you think only you know? It’s about how they implemented in the design, doesn’t matter old or new, only thing that matter is sound quality and performance.

[@kimai1641]

@@Tharbamar so do explain why you have "hiss-noise" as you call it which is not "hiss-noise" on your PS Audio amplifiers as well. Do you know how to properly adjust gain controls? What weighting did you use and at what distance and frequency did you use to measure your decibel reading. A Chip from 2007. A Mosfet chip from 2007. With a Class-D 8 channel "commander" as the manufacturer calls it and they speak and mention latency. Clearly it's the latest technology. Do not spread misinformation. Look up the chips, read the schematics. Learn how they work together. How much did SMSL pay you to "review" this amplifier?

[@clemleg123]

@@kimai1641 tell us more