Z Review - Sabaj A4 Desktop Amp (Remote, BT, DAC)

[@ishraquenoor]

Z, you should really do Amp/DAC and Speaker recommendation update too on reddit man.

[@spenceraaltonen]

I love when I am looking at something on Amazon, and then the next day you post a review. Has happened on many occasions

[@memoryerror]

You need to start doing some reviews with museum white gloves.

[@ZReviews]

as long as I have the pajama pants.

[@Mad.Maxx.77]

Yeah, like the watch snobs. LOL!

[@bengreen6597]

Please do this

[@geracervantes2362]

this or the topping mx3?

[@Mad.Maxx.77]

I went through two of the AD18 amps in less than a year. :-( The volume knob crapped out on both. I was using it to drive my 2.1 TV audio. I paid $9 for the Asurion warranty through Amazon, so got my $$ back as an Amazon gift card. I used it towards the purchase of a Yamaha S301. That beast now powers my TV audio. Ain't nuthin' gonna crap out on it.

[@ars3nic]

I just passed a year on my AD18, and it's been great! It was on desktop duty (headphones + Elac B6's) for about 9 months, but now that I moved it's now on TV duty driving the hell out of a pair of Klipsch KF28's. I still use my SMSL M2 and M3 as well, so I'm obviously a fan of what they make.

[@MrSeriouslynot]

I owned it for a month and it is very nice. Only thing i did not like was no physical dial control.

[@eat_ze_bugs]

Z should do a review of the dtx 350m. Those on-ears are really good for the price.

[@castin5244]

Omg this is exactly what Ive been looking for!

[@ndquoctrong]

you should try the sabaj da2 is one of the best value portable dac amp ever

[@Burn1ngR4g3]

Just gonna recommend the RME ADI-2 DAC again, as it also lets you toggle between line out and headphone out without having to unplug it, though there is an option to switch the outputs depending on whether headphones are plugged in or not. :)

[@timothychan4566]

Expensive af tho

[@Sergey_blynsky]

Hello from Russia! I choose between fx-audio d802c pro, sabaj a4 and smsl ad18. Tell me which one is better? Where is better and more detailed sound? What will be more convenient for the TV?

[@Grom84]

ну и чо купил в итоге? мне вот этот сабж понравился вроде... но усилок наушниковый помоему хуже чем даже у смсл м3 или донглов с портабле.

[@williamfong5408]

Looks like Jamo has upped their game. Looks really good !

[@shanarusuran8715]

Muse is awesome, but sadly I stopped appreciating a lot of their mastering after finding out most of their records are brickwalls with great vocals tho

[@screwb1882]

Looking for something like this in the higher end. Could you review the SMSL A8?

[@marcelmatzenauer6352]

Hi Zeos, as a soundbar killer is it better SQ-wise than Onkyo 9010?

[@johnli8831]

Nad d3020 v2 or these?

[@citizen_2]

I need you to review the TOPPING DX7s would appreciate your opinion

[@dakotahdunham9888]

Zeos i want ur opinion on BUSH music. Comedown, machinehead, glycerine, headful of ghost, Float, the people that we love, Fugitive and more

[@Jonesocinco]

This maybe the most important question. Does the element sit on top of it in an orderly fasion?

[@citizen_2]

why are you not reviewing D4 that's the amp/dac A4 is listed as strictly a amp.

[@Rubber_Wheelz]

D4 is not an amp!

[@Astrothunderkat]

Still waiting on that dayton BR-1 review, I BELIEVE!!!

[@madmax2069]

i think the saying you're looking for is "a jack of all trades, a master of none"

[@mynameisleo831]

Can you do a video on the difference from digital and analog? Like is a DAC necessary? I'm just starting and I don't understand DACs and amps. I got the Sennheiser HD6XX and from your reviews I'm thinking about getting a Fiio 5, FiiO Mark ii or OPPO HA-2, but the HA-2 might be a little over my price range.

[@CiquitaLeader]

I will try to explain this to you, but i am afraid that i will botch it myself, but here goes. A DAC takes the digital signal and converts it to analogue. If you see the pattern of the digital signal is like a square and the analogue is a wave. Analogue can vary whereas the digital is fixed (very loose terms used). The DAC makes it possible to get the best quality as close to the original recording (assuming your source is of high quality eg. FLAC) . Vinyls are the best sounding sources because they are analogue, your music files are bits and bytes that have to be converted to analogue, that's where the DAC comes into play. The amp takes the signal and makes it "stronger", it's like having a propeller plane and then change the engine to a jet one. Don't know if i helped but others can chime in to help you.

[@mynameisleo831]

@@CiquitaLeader thank you so much. That was perfect

[@Projacked1]

Gameverything said it right. Do listen to a DAC first, all DAc's sound a bit different just like speakers/ amps. Myself I run my audio via PC->external audio interface with SP/Dif out to the DAC-> amp. My interface has a built in DAC but I wanted better quality. Digital signals can be transported on SP/Dif, Wordclock, USB or optical in/ outs.

[@Projacked1]

Try second-hand audiophile gear as well. Usually the build quality is very good to excellent in higher price ranges, and audiophiles are crazy enough they keep switching gear for even better quality. DAC quality matters! so listen first! Wadia f.e. has a rep for very natural sounding DAC's. Very accurate conversion is key, and that is all dependent on the (digital) clock of the DAC. The better quality of that clock the better the sound. Good luck on your journey :)

[@philrowley3063]

Hi, I think these explanations are missing your point. Is a DAC necessary? We hear in analogue, you can store music in analogue (ie vinyl, tape) or store it digitally. If you store it digitally, you need a digital to analogue converter (DAC) to hear it. Those tiny signals are then passed through an amplifier to produce an audible volume. Both digital and analogue stored music has it’s positives and negatives, both need decent equipment to hear it at its best.

[@Arcticpagan]

Z I have a low budget and two kids I think of buying Dali towers but I need a budget amp that sounds good. Thinking of a Yamaha but better ask the master.

[@Nobobs62]

Hey Z, I want to add external speakers for my TV and looking at getting the JBL 305p and the Sabaj D4 Desktop Bluetooth DAC . Your thoughts on this or any other recommendations will be greatly appreciated

[@travis4798]

The power brick puts out about 160 watts, so 80 watts per channel might be right on.

[@timschutte6924]

This A/4 is on Amazon for $66 bucks right now !!!

[@Lucaat]

I use the DAC/AMP Model not A4 but D4 and like it very much.

[@vaf3614]

Yes, its very good imo, I use it with the DT 1770. What headphone do you use it with?

[@agenericaccount3935]

I’m expecting that this shares some guts with the AD18. Same remote, at the very least

[@HoldMeForever]

Now only If they have mic passthrough, that'd be great.

[@fluxi3559]

Hi Zeos. Which DAC would you recommend to pair with the Aune S7?

[@onesharptool1]

Great review, I was wondering if you can use this with a pair of klipsch RP-400m? I am thinking of using this in my bedroom. Love the fact that it is Bluetooth compatible. Thanks in advance

[@ElyoloDasLappenLP]

which dac/amp would you recommend for the modhouse audio argon?

[@vdbdimi]

I use 8ohm floorstand speakers b&w dm 620i's 100 watt each would it play good and loud with this amp?

[@ruthlesshonor3088]

I'm kinda curious if this device could work with tower speakers?

[@theravael]

Is this low key Jack Black? Bro this video is great. I just ordered this sabaaaj unit. Have you been able to hook it up to a tv or universal remote?

[@devlinX]

Meh, was close to grabbing this over the AD18 but the display is probably a little too small as I'm going to use it in living room and don't want to have to crawl on my hands and knees to see what's going on.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Please review the Kinter 2020A+ limited edition true Tripath amp! It's only 30 bucks, but oh does it sound great! I've driven Magnepan MMG's with it too!

[@jameskean4]

Comes down to is there anything better than Emotiva A100 ?

[@RTI_MD]

Please review the D4, it;s of more interest if you have a dedicated amp, since the DAC part should be much better

[@vaf3614]

I use it with the DT 1770, abd I like it.

[@citizen_2]

some of the things your missing in the A4 come on the D4 model

[@BarragePker6]

I bought one and it only comes with one set of line outs.. not 2 like your unit but it's from your link..

[@marcosvictor4935]

Still no Line OUTs... Why no one makes one of those small AMPs with integrated DAC with Line OUT?

[@yaazarai]

Micca Origen + or Micca Origen GE "technically," is. The line OUT is weird because it can be controlled with the volume knob.

[@geoff650r]

Alex Griffis that's called pre-out.

[@yaazarai]

@@geoff650r yeah well Micca calls it line out lol. Not me.

[@keithduffield5239]

I make amps and speakers. Strangely the mechanical hardware (as in knobs, plugs, sockets, switches etc) can cost more than the electronics. That Line Out signal is just sitting there on the PCB waiting for somebody with a bit of soldering skill and know how to access it.

[@plushfloody]

Please review the Ampio M1 VS-1880. I cannot justify buying one until you have. 😁

[@GiullianSN]

Hey Z, have you thought about reviewing the Focal Alpha50?

[@snakeleon]

How much is the ouput impedance their headphone amp?

[@thejackofclubs]

you should watch nick shabazz, hes the you of knives

[@Crustenscharbap]

Thanks. I've got this thing. The sound and built quality is great but the usage is horrible as fck. Display is tiny, remote has cryptic symbols and i've accidentily deleted 10 times the bluetooth. Also it has problems at low volumes. Al Volume 1 its normal speech volume (40-50dB).

[@Jonathan-rz8jk]

I was given a sabaj 4 put speakers and cables attached sinked with blue tooth went on Spotify and the n no music came out of the speakers ? .. have a Bluetooth speaker so put cable attached and plugged into headphone hole in the front of sabaj no luck ...what am I doing wrong 🙄🙄

[@sahajsb2728]

How's the a2?

[@TheHope12322]

Sounds like my Creative X7 Limited Edition.

[@leops1984]

Is the headphone amp on this or the AD18 good enough to be paired with the Sennheiser HD6XX?

[@VigneshBalasubramaniam]

Do you have an anime list? You seem like you've got some pretty good taste in anime.

[@smite0568]

I am currently using a Audio Engine D1 paired with A5+ Speakers. Would I get better sound by using this and a good pair of Bookshelf speakers. I also have a Martin Logan sub attached. Your thoughts?

[@smite0568]

I was considering Klipsch KB-15 or something similar.

[@dd_xshadow9208]

Nice

[@marcg1043]

Is this you JACK BLACK !! Man, your voice, talk, modulation is 100% Jack Black.......Is it you Jack? :)

[@BUPEDU]

Do the USB DAC work with Android or is it only working with PC? Using a Nvidia shield tv(android tv) connected to my tv and there is no toslink out on the Shield.

[@gandab]

You can get an hdmi audio extractor with a toslink out.

[@BUPEDU]

@@gandab I already got one but thats not what I want to use. Messes up with auto switchin for diferent hz modes when you watch movies, tv and other stuff.

[@danielthakorlal9425]

Z you mad bastard! Great review, I am in need of a new, affordable desktop solution now that my t40rp's came in. My 40 dollar dac/amp just doesn't cut it...who would have thought it... Any affordable suggestions for powering t40's good enough? Merci

[@azeller09]

wheres the micro fiber cloth link

[@unit220]

amzn.to/2vLw8OL He has given this link for them before. I too was looking for it posted here haha

[@mariuszfuchs2010]

Hi I just bought Sabaj D4 can u review this as well is more powerful with internal power supply

[@vaf3614]

I got it too. I use it with the Beyerdynamic DT 1770, and they are a good combo. What do you use it with?

[@mariuszfuchs2010]

@@vaf3614 Hi i use with 990 pro and im in heaven

[@vaf3614]

@@mariuszfuchs2010 what version of it? 250 ohm, 80 ohm?

[@mariuszfuchs2010]

@@vaf3614 250 ohm

[@mariuszfuchs2010]

If so i was considering XDUOO TA-10 or more expensive TA-20 check review on you tube just done yesterday.

[@LanceorTC]

The Jamos are on crutchfield BTW.

[@WittyName]

So.... a receiver is a swiss army knife?

[@Projacked1]

It's like a media centre, you can connect multiple audio sources like CD/ Tape/ Phono/ Video with amp built-in, so you can drive speakers....Digital technology has upped the game a lot.

[@ThujanK]

Why is it so hard to find a preamp with a subwoofer out, that is small and compact.

[@motorspeed300]

This shit is only 150$? Damn. Is there anything else that costs around that much, has remote control and a better amp/dac for headphone use?

[@zblus]

opening song in the video?

[@ginkgovanvolsem6098]

Muse - The small print

[@timschutte6924]

I just saw this for 66 bucks on Amazon.!!!

[@ilpatongi]

Oh yeah, I hate it when I have to *_beep_*

[@Jwinnie1899]

need an amp with 4.4 mm balanced out, just got me some HD 660s!!!!

[@MrPhins]

Why would a company ever make a touchscreen with a glossy fingerprint magnet material? That's just ridiculous. Do I need to wear white butler gloves and fucking call myself Mr. Jeeves?

[@johndusek]

Can anybody tell me how to connect via Bluetooth???? Z just totally skipped over that one.

[@TuplaTTT]

Set the amp to BT mode (via the input-switch button on the remote) and it will enter pairing mode automatically.

[@rollstuhlwolf]

I keep this little shitty Yamaha MCR-8043 beside the bed for when I'd rather listen to an old CD over the various flac files on my Fioo X5. But the bedside microsystem has a blah DAC and just ok headphone jack. So I was thinking of getting a headphone DAC/AMP so my various headphones sound better and aren't being wasted. Anyone have any idea for a good headphone amp and dac I could use? I'd probably be better utilizing my FIOO lossless player too if I was using a good headphone amp. Anyway, pardon my technical ignorance but I need to learn somewhere so I thought I'd ask the Z nation here. P.S. - Money isn't really an issue. I prefer quality and longevity over cheap and "good enough". But $500 or under "seems" to be an appropriate price. But I won't bitch if it's $600 or $700. Just no $10,000 ridiculous jewel encrusted, platinum, frivolous crap. Lol

[@Yorgarazgreece]

this amp is sabaj

[@pplebite8844]

I never understood the importance of a sound bar......I still don't.

[@4G12]

Their only real advantage is space saving, sound quality wise they are junk compared to real stereo speakers.

[@keithduffield5239]

Sound bars are an attempt to place the audio image as close as possible to the video image.

[@AlexandreLollini]

usb can be real shit. best microfiber are from the RAG company.

[@jTrendzzz]

Stealth dc-1 >

[@DigitusDei]

less talking please ;]

[@JoeHenry734]

Uh, I'm annoyed just watching you futz with that multi-function button.