Check out squarespace.com/cheapaudioman for 10% of your first website purchase ======================================================================Sabaj A20d amzn.to/3AdfiKs (limited stock on amazon) =========================================www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5 Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Music can be an emotional experience. And yes, part of that experience is the equipment itself. Listening to music from a time period when your vintage receiver was contemporaneous amps up (no pun intended lol) that emotional response and nostalgic feeling. Music is special and our brains are literally wired for it in fascinating ways. It's even used to help people learn to speak again after a stroke. And I 100% agree, it looks like it could be used in any number of movies. It's a cool, different design and I hope they read comments and release a less expensive option, maybe even a shrunk down desktop version. I'm also glad you went through the menu, it was thorough yet quick. I like having a sense of how something operates because spec sheets won't tell you if it comes with infuriating quirks.
With any Digital to Analog recording setup it is important to keep the resolution as high as possible at all times throughout the digital signal chain. Digitally controlling the levels prior to the last Digital to Analog conversion - a common practice used by most audio interfaces, digital mixers and digital audio devices - reduces the resolution of the conversion, thus degrading the final signal quality. Better to use the analog volume control on your power amp if possible.
Thanks Randy, nice review. Back in the day there were a lot of stackable smaller components that got a lot of attention, now they just need a good graphic eq.
+1 for that. I almost bought the RME for that reason. And the million other great specs and features but the pro version I wanted was nearing 2k, so I went with the denafrips randy ii I mean ares iji. It's great 👍
If I've said it once I've said it a hundred times. If the manufacturers could make the morden AVR'S look like the receivers of the 70's, they would be a huge hit.
Thanks for reviewing, Randy. I agree it looks great. Excited to get your take on the partnering A-8 amp - especially as monoblocks! They seem to offer a lot of power and value with those ICEPower modules built-in.
@@colinchicoine7378 Yeah think they’re no longer made. They were replaced by the A20A I believe. Randy reviewed them not too long ago; unfortunately, he deemed them as a bit harsh up top. Too bad. Would be a great option for powerful monoblocks that are also class D.
For once Randy, you big hunk of cheapaudio man, it IS available on Amazon in the UK, which a lot of your favourites aren't. So thank you for the great review.
I just bought this DAC based on your review. It arrived from China today in good order. My only issue was that the wrong power connector was provided. The unit looks and sounds great. It’s solid. Thank you for this review!
I really need to get in sync with your thought process and product reviews. I love this DAC, but I just got the SMSL D300, but was looking for the Saban. Couldn't find it, but today you did my head in with both stock and this video. I'm going to have to stop watching until I can get aligned with your universe. Thanks as always, Sir.
I'm sure whatever you got will be great. I just really like this thing. it sounds very similar to other dacs out there but the looks of this thing was what drove me over the edge into giddiness.
@@cheapaudioman yes it was the looks that did it for me too. Very retro and a throw back to stereo system towers of my youth. Lots of flashing equalizer lights, tape decks, tuner modules, photo decks and twisty twisty, flicky flicky, pressy pressy thingamagigs that filled our ears, eyes, and souls with happiness, while eating dried mopani worms. 😂😂
"I love this DAC" Yes bro, this is the best description for this DAC, I received the last month and I feel the same, he has all I need and more, my Hifiman XS never did sound better. Nice review, thanks!!
Those handles make me feel this tiny little DAC weighs at least 80 lbs like some high end power amps. Guess hobbyists who are into lifting would love it. 😆
The Naim Uniti Star was a great piece of kit to use, just like your Sabaj. I get the whole experience thing, some great kit is dull, so wouldn’t find space on my shelf. Randy - speaking truth to the people since a while ago.
I bought it before reading any reviews and I'm also posting this comment before watching your video - I am impressed by this product :D Now let's watch :D
Hi Randy this is Roy from PA I have purchased the sabaj a20a amps and a 10-8 dac along with the kef bookshelf speakers and I am loving this setup thank you I would also like to know more about BIC America
Sorry but I'm new , and I'm trying to educate myself about AMP/DAC combos for my desktop pewter. So disregard about what you said about the Topping DX3 Pro +, and go with the Sabaj A20d? Which one is better between the two?
I couldn't live with the interface. It's cool, multi-color.. but looks like 3 or 4 different typefaces with a Bold version that is way too much. Pick a font. Any font. Any sans serif font. Go for the big chunky numbers or the skinny ones but just ...pick... One
@@bigmike5785 Okay - that's a different model; and it is a similar model number, so some might be confused. The A5 is the amp mentioned a couple of times in the video.
Sabaj came out with 2023 version that uses AK4499 chip from AKM. I wonder how does the new version sounds compared to ESS version and also to J2 with sparkos opamps 🤷🏻♂️ thanks
DD ddhifi tc05 Type C to Type C cable works great with my lg v60 to sabaj A20D for usb otg cable with no issue . Usb Audio player pro for dsd 11.2 playback
Super Happy with Xiangsheng 03 aka Maverick dac...1 tube output and another for oamp output...3 oamps so just change the oamps or tubes new sound every time. I will not get into a new DaC unless I can change the oamps
Since you love this DAC. Can you mention your experience how you solved the problem with the usb connectivity and why the DAC works only in PCM 48khz? :)
I actually think smsl, sabaj and loxjie are actually different branches (?) of the same brand. Like Kia and Hyundai. Or Toyota and Lexus. You get the drift :)
Hey Randy, love your reviews. I was wondering, would this Dac improve the sound of cds and high rez discs? I have a late model Marantz universal player that I use for cds,sacd and dvda . Would it also improve the Wiim mini. I’m using Amazon Music HD and while the upgrade sounds better, I would like even better sound. Thx
Separate Dacs almost always sounds better than those integrated with a CD player after all that's why Dac separates exist as a booming market sector. Unless perhaps it is a very high end CD player or amp with integrated Dac compared to a budget Dac separate, but even there those will be beaten by good quality Dac separates.
Love the looks of this dac! I have new bluesound node feeding an akitika gt102 amp and have been happy with the results. Would this dac would be a major upgrade to the the node's internal? No preamp in the chain yet, was thinking that would be next step.
The screen is nice, but yeah, that one font is weird. They could have just used Comic Sans 😁 I mainly care about sound, functionality and value for the $$$. Visual design might be about 10 % of my concern for most systems. If I want eye candy I'm either looking at Roon or spacing out on the VU meter.
Awesome review, AGAIN! Am I understanding that this is possibly your new "affordable" reference DAC, in lieu of the Aries? Because at almost half the cost, this one is then a HUGE bargain!
I just can't get over spending over $200 on a DAC. I have had too many from Modi to Bifrost, for example, and there is no way the Bifrost was worth $500 more than the Modi. For unbalanced, get a $100 DAC, and if you want Balanced, then get a $200 DAC, but spend the rest on better speakers...not the DAC
Try an R2R, Cayin makes the RU6 dongle DAC, $250, good entry point into the old school technology. My Ares II replaced my Gungnir in roughly seconds upon adding it to my system. First piece of audio gear I have bought in years that actually delivered.
I agree. After living with the J2 for a few months and hearing the improvements it made, the money spent was so worth it, it would be silly to go any further without spending a ton of time on signature matching...I feel that $300 spent on a DAC is the magic price point for streaming on a cheap system. Just spend the money and start listening to speakers.
Pairing this with a power amp for a pair of Triangle Comete EZ. Good idea or not? What power amp would be a good fit, would the A8 be good & powerful enough?
Hey randy and community I have recently purchased my first pair of better quality bookshelf speakers. Went with airmotiv b1+ and had made the assumption that they would come with the required wires but now I sit here with the shiny new speakers in front of me not being able to be used. What cables do I need to buy is it an RCA cable. P.s I purchased to hook up into a Dj controller so do I need to buy multiple or any adapters? Thanks for any help - audio noob
So, the Denafrips Ares II is twice as costly as the A20d, is the Ares II THAT much better? Particularly with soundstage? Would make an awesome comparison video… hint, hint!
So I’m a little confused here - can you help me out a bit Randy and clear up some thing about this product? What do you think of its looks and design? Too bad they didn’t make a standalone DAC version without the balanced connections, headphone amp, or Bluetooth, none of which I need, and cut the price in half. What percentage of audio equipment in 2022 is being sold with balanced connections? And more importantly, what percentage of hifi fans are using those balanced connections rather than traditional RCA connections? There’s no difference in sound quality, correct? The balanced cables merely cost more than RCA cables because of the less common, trendier balanced connections, is that right?
Balanced connections are better for any run exceeding 4 metres or so. I have Balanced running between the front and back of my HT room, cables are 20 metres from end to end. Unbalanced might be OK for subwoofer but not for full range.
Ho wdo you think it compares to the SMSL SU-9n? I agree the sabaj looks a bit sexier, but feature wise? Not a bad display on the SMSL either? I also get that the Sabaj has a nice headphone amp which is great, but since I already have other headphone amps, not necessarily too important for me..
Sabaj has been a dark horse for DACs for a while. I believe whoever designs them actually listens to them vs. SMSL and Topping etc. Sabaj has been ahead of the curve when it comes to getting musicality out of the ESS chips and the other brands are finally catching on though still 'cookie-cutter'.
Thanks for the informative videos. I am looking for a DAC + AMP combination Sabaj A20d and two A8 looks great but i wonder if there are any Tone controls or DSP trickery like in the smsl? best regards from Sweden
Appreciate the review. Pairing the A20d with the A5 what would be e reasonably priced small nook shelf speakers? Unfortunately in Australia, hifi just doesn't come cheap. Many thanks
Why do you think this blows away M500 mkii from SMSL, your de-facto dac for your RBPi streamer? They are basically the same product. Don't you say this Sabaj doesn't necessarily sound better than others?
Love your content knew subscriber. Years ago ( 2003 ) I went ape $H!T with Sandy Gross Definitive Technology Super Towers, BP7001, BP7002, BP7006 Towers along with Studio Monitors 350's and 450's w/ CLR Centers 2002's they keep kicking & will not quit. Is the saying true if it ain't broke don't fix it? I have my eyes on the Polk Reserve line R700's R400 Center and R200 for rears..............will you be reviewing the R700 towers anytime soon?
I paired my A20d with two A8 for upper bi amp and two a20a on the lower bi amp xlr + rca mode with smsl sd 9 in optical preamp for MQA playback over optical . I hope sabaj make a new standalone player take advantage of type C usb.
If my pre-amp ( the Emo PT-1) supposedly has a DAC, does there exist any advantage in adding another separate DAC, such as the (admittedly beautiful ) Sabaj? I'm asking for opinions from one and all...
👋 if the DAC used is better...it's tricky to know if it's better without critical listening and really knowing what you want in the sound. For example, I discovered the DAC in my bluetooth adapter sounded better than the DAC in my preamp, just by switching between the toslink, coax and RCA inputs on my T8.
Hi thanks for all the reviews and the info,i have a question,is there a USB Dac (not too expensive or budget) that sounds clear,from my pc to an a/v receiver (spdif ora optical),that has 7.1 for Dolby Atmos and also bluetooth? Thanks
I bought one and meet a problem, it will sometimes pause a blink while using usb connected to my macbook, and it does not appare if I change to use other usb device such as ipad to connect a20d
Need some input from the community if possible. I am looking to do a 2.1 system with the Sabaj A20a (or A10a) and A20d as my integrated Peachtree amp no longer fits on the desk. Computer USB is source. Would I need dual monoblock config as the A20d doesn't have a dedicated sub out? This is for near-field listening on my desk so I'd prefer 1 amp if possible but it doesn't seem like it will work with out two amps (XLR going to mains, RCA going into powered sub, switch to the XLR+RCA in the options on A20d). Thanks for any help!
How did i not know about it i just got smsl d300 (which i love) to match to my two sabaj a8. This would be aesthetic match too. Since a5 and a8 are no more i was thinking that there is no chance of DAC happening in this case.🤬
How does it sound? I have one a8 and I am looking to buy another one in order to bi-amp. Is there a lot of difference between one a8 vs two a8s? In terms of sound quality not just volume
@@herzbr I don't know specifically these amps but typically when you do this with most amps, it doesn't really get that much louder but you gain better control.
Can I hook this up through the RCAs in my Yamaha receiver to my Klipsch speakers?? Confused on if the DAC in the Yamaha will screw up the signal off the in coming external DAC signal??
I have bought several DAC’s over the years cheep and moderately priced Chord Quest for example and I honestly did not hear much of a difference so much so I still don’t know how it’s supposed to make a difference/ how it sounds better.
Have had previously many DACs, having inbuilt and external. Price is definitely not the quality decider! Sony built a range of cd players in the late 80s using Burr Brown 18 bit ladder DACs, and until I got a high end sacd player (Esoteric) did sacd exceed cds by a large margin. The Sony is still in use, ladder DACs still have the best bass, but miss out for treble precision. My brother bought a different Sony using the same DACs, different laser mechanism and power supply, was nowhere near the better one. Now I have dCs converter, just seems soft at the start, but has depth of detail totally different to all others. My summary- it all matters! My stereo system has Martin Logan Summit X driven by Parasound JC1 amps, preamp is Parasound P7, for surround compatibility. Happy listening!
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Can you run the BLUE NODE through this to have a better DAC.
Music can be an emotional experience. And yes, part of that experience is the equipment itself. Listening to music from a time period when your vintage receiver was contemporaneous amps up (no pun intended lol) that emotional response and nostalgic feeling. Music is special and our brains are literally wired for it in fascinating ways. It's even used to help people learn to speak again after a stroke.
And I 100% agree, it looks like it could be used in any number of movies. It's a cool, different design and I hope they read comments and release a less expensive option, maybe even a shrunk down desktop version. I'm also glad you went through the menu, it was thorough yet quick. I like having a sense of how something operates because spec sheets won't tell you if it comes with infuriating quirks.
Maybe a part 2 would be helpful specifically detailing why you like t sound, comparing it to other dacs, etc. 😊
First DAC I’ve seen with handles! I love the look. I have a bunch of vintage Carver gear with handles!
Have you had any updates to the Carver stuff?
With any Digital to Analog recording setup it is important to keep the resolution as high as possible at all times throughout the digital signal chain. Digitally controlling the levels prior to the last Digital to Analog conversion - a common practice used by most audio interfaces, digital mixers and digital audio devices - reduces the resolution of the conversion, thus degrading the final signal quality. Better to use the analog volume control on your power amp if possible.
Thanks Randy, nice review. Back in the day there were a lot of stackable smaller components that got a lot of attention, now they just need a good graphic eq.
right!?
+1 for that. I almost bought the RME for that reason. And the million other great specs and features but the pro version I wanted was nearing 2k, so I went with the denafrips randy ii I mean ares iji.
It's great 👍
If I've said it once I've said it a hundred times. If the manufacturers could make the morden AVR'S look like the receivers of the 70's, they would be a huge hit.
agreed
Sure thing.
@@cheapaudioman Hello. I wondered how well A20d can drive Hifiman XS headphones. Because on paper the amp section it's not that powerful.
Thanks for reviewing, Randy. I agree it looks great.
Excited to get your take on the partnering A-8 amp - especially as monoblocks! They seem to offer a lot of power and value with those ICEPower modules built-in.
I looked into the A8's and they are no longer listed on the Sabaj site. I sent multiple emails inquiring on the availability, no response.
@@colinchicoine7378 Yeah think they’re no longer made. They were replaced by the A20A I believe. Randy reviewed them not too long ago; unfortunately, he deemed them as a bit harsh up top. Too bad. Would be a great option for powerful monoblocks that are also class D.
+1 for the Geshelli Labs J2 - I bought two based on Randy's reviews, and in terms of tonality it's one my favorite DACs.
Which is better on the J2? ES9026PRO or ES9038Q2M ?
@@twisterbret I asked Shelli and she said 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. They were selling 50/50. I went with the 9038 and it's great.
@@carlatdmf Great! I bought the 9038 yesterday. Can't wait!
For once Randy, you big hunk of cheapaudio man, it IS available on Amazon in the UK, which a lot of your favourites aren't. So thank you for the great review.
I just bought this DAC based on your review. It arrived from China today in good order. My only issue was that the wrong power connector was provided. The unit looks and sounds great. It’s solid. Thank you for this review!
Good timing on this video. I've been looking at various sub-$500 DACs and this looks to be a decent contender.
I really need to get in sync with your thought process and product reviews. I love this DAC, but I just got the SMSL D300, but was looking for the Saban. Couldn't find it, but today you did my head in with both stock and this video. I'm going to have to stop watching until I can get aligned with your universe. Thanks as always, Sir.
I'm sure whatever you got will be great. I just really like this thing. it sounds very similar to other dacs out there but the looks of this thing was what drove me over the edge into giddiness.
@@cheapaudioman yes it was the looks that did it for me too. Very retro and a throw back to stereo system towers of my youth. Lots of flashing equalizer lights, tape decks, tuner modules, photo decks and twisty twisty, flicky flicky, pressy pressy thingamagigs that filled our ears, eyes, and souls with happiness, while eating dried mopani worms. 😂😂
"I love this DAC" Yes bro, this is the best description for this DAC, I received the last month and I feel the same, he has all I need and more, my Hifiman XS never did sound better. Nice review, thanks!!
Randy you are doing a great job man...
I appreciate that!
Oh, look! A real sponsor. Way to go, Randy!
Great suggestion for a DAC and Amp. Love the LDAC feature.
Would love if you could get hands on a RME ADI-2 DAC FS to review. Around 1000 USD
Very nice Dac!
Those handles make me feel this tiny little DAC weighs at least 80 lbs like some high end power amps. Guess hobbyists who are into lifting would love it. 😆
I agree.
I agree it looks different and reminds me much bigger heavier studio units. I'm planning to get one and use it with my Adam Audio T5V studio monitors.
I like the detailed explanation AND the chapters.
The Naim Uniti Star was a great piece of kit to use, just like your Sabaj. I get the whole experience thing, some great kit is dull, so wouldn’t find space on my shelf. Randy - speaking truth to the people since a while ago.
I have the Sabaj D5. Very impressed.
I bought it before reading any reviews and I'm also posting this comment before watching your video - I am impressed by this product :D Now let's watch :D
the display, function and remote are almost exactly like my SMSL M500.
Your motivation is contagious. Good review.
Hi Randy this is Roy from PA I have purchased the sabaj a20a amps and a 10-8 dac along with the kef bookshelf speakers and I am loving this setup thank you I would also like to know more about BIC America
I love these CAM reviews.
love you, brother
Sorry but I'm new , and I'm trying to educate myself about AMP/DAC combos for my desktop pewter. So disregard about what you said about the Topping DX3 Pro +, and go with the Sabaj A20d? Which one is better between the two?
I couldn't live with the interface. It's cool, multi-color.. but looks like 3 or 4 different typefaces with a Bold version that is way too much.
Pick a font. Any font. Any sans serif font. Go for the big chunky numbers or the skinny ones but just ...pick... One
I just ordered the last a20a 2022 on Amazon.
Clicking the link now, I see 6 A20d units in stock.
@@NeilBlanchard I'm talking the amplifier. A20a
@@bigmike5785 Okay - that's a different model; and it is a similar model number, so some might be confused. The A5 is the amp mentioned a couple of times in the video.
Sabaj came out with 2023 version that uses AK4499 chip from AKM. I wonder how does the new version sounds compared to ESS version and also to J2 with sparkos opamps 🤷🏻♂️ thanks
I guess, I know why you like the design. It looks little similar to Nagra dac and other gear. which is super cool look. my best Randy!
Thanks Randy
DD ddhifi tc05 Type C to Type C cable works great with my lg v60 to sabaj A20D for usb otg cable with no issue . Usb Audio player pro for dsd 11.2 playback
Good looking stuff. Let’s face it, that is a factor when deciding on a purchase.
Nice design. Wonder if those front handles could be removed. I hope you get your hands on the new amp the A20A 2022 for a review.
I guess we’re the same production year, since I like it as well. How does it sound paired with it’s matching power amp?
"You'll love the way it looks, I guarantee it."
Nice one duderanch, looking forward to amp pairing. 👍
Super Happy with Xiangsheng 03 aka Maverick dac...1 tube output and another for oamp output...3 oamps so just change the oamps or tubes new sound every time. I will not get into a new DaC unless I can change the oamps
Almost brought the Denefrips you mentioned but it’s twice the price of this one here in Australia.
Since you love this DAC. Can you mention your experience how you solved the problem with the usb connectivity and why the DAC works only in PCM 48khz? :)
You’re the best Randy!
If it had analogue input (or two) and the Is2 that old 20DaC had it would be a winner
I actually think smsl, sabaj and loxjie are actually different branches (?) of the same brand. Like Kia and Hyundai. Or Toyota and Lexus. You get the drift :)
Hey Randy, love your reviews. I was wondering, would this Dac improve the sound of cds and high rez discs? I have a late model Marantz universal player that I use for cds,sacd and dvda . Would it also improve the Wiim mini. I’m using Amazon Music HD and while the upgrade sounds better, I would like even better sound. Thx
Separate Dacs almost always sounds better than those integrated with a CD player after all that's why Dac separates exist as a booming market sector. Unless perhaps it is a very high end CD player or amp with integrated Dac compared to a budget Dac separate, but even there those will be beaten by good quality Dac separates.
I have the wiim mini. The internal dac is nothing special. This would certainly be an upgrade
@@jasfrt6384 I have the Mini plugged into the optical of a Yamaha as 860. Is that better than the Mini Dac?
I'd bet money that it is.
Love the looks of this dac! I have new bluesound node feeding an akitika gt102 amp and have been happy with the results. Would this dac would be a major upgrade to the the node's internal? No preamp in the chain yet, was thinking that would be next step.
Hey Randy, do you know of any budget DACs with HDMI in/out? Thanks.
The screen is nice, but yeah, that one font is weird. They could have just used Comic Sans 😁
I mainly care about sound, functionality and value for the $$$. Visual design might be about 10 % of my concern for most systems.
If I want eye candy I'm either looking at Roon or spacing out on the VU meter.
Nice watch Randy!
i think their silly/smug aesthetic works out really well tbh. 'WE ARE RACK-MOUNTABLE, NO REALLY'
Awesome review, AGAIN! Am I understanding that this is possibly your new "affordable" reference DAC, in lieu of the Aries? Because at almost half the cost, this one is then a HUGE bargain!
I just can't get over spending over $200 on a DAC. I have had too many from Modi to Bifrost, for example, and there is no way the Bifrost was worth $500 more than the Modi. For unbalanced, get a $100 DAC, and if you want Balanced, then get a $200 DAC, but spend the rest on better speakers...not the DAC
Try an R2R, Cayin makes the RU6 dongle DAC, $250, good entry point into the old school technology. My Ares II replaced my Gungnir in roughly seconds upon adding it to my system. First piece of audio gear I have bought in years that actually delivered.
Agreed. I'm surprised that there's not more pushback on pricey DACs like there is with expensive cables.
I agree. After living with the J2 for a few months and hearing the improvements it made, the money spent was so worth it, it would be silly to go any further without spending a ton of time on signature matching...I feel that $300 spent on a DAC is the magic price point for streaming on a cheap system. Just spend the money and start listening to speakers.
@@ADREISTER which chip set did you opt for in the J2?
@@dextermorgan1 classic Saber
Thank you!
Pairing this with a power amp for a pair of Triangle Comete EZ. Good idea or not? What power amp would be a good fit, would the A8 be good & powerful enough?
Hey Randy, you should do a review of the Monolith speaker stands. Decent for the price..
Hey randy and community I have recently purchased my first pair of better quality bookshelf speakers. Went with airmotiv b1+ and had made the assumption that they would come with the required wires but now I sit here with the shiny new speakers in front of me not being able to be used. What cables do I need to buy is it an RCA cable. P.s I purchased to hook up into a Dj controller so do I need to buy multiple or any adapters? Thanks for any help
- audio noob
So, the Denafrips Ares II is twice as costly as the A20d, is the Ares II THAT much better?
Particularly with soundstage?
Would make an awesome comparison video… hint, hint!
USB type C is very small wire 12 wires and fragile compare to 2.0 type B 4 pin.
I would love to get your take on the Motu M2 and siblings!
So I’m a little confused here - can you help me out a bit Randy and clear up some thing about this product? What do you think of its looks and design?
Too bad they didn’t make a standalone DAC version without the balanced connections, headphone amp, or Bluetooth, none of which I need, and cut the price in half.
What percentage of audio equipment in 2022 is being sold with balanced connections? And more importantly, what percentage of hifi fans are using those balanced connections rather than traditional RCA connections? There’s no difference in sound quality, correct? The balanced cables merely cost more than RCA cables because of the less common, trendier balanced connections, is that right?
Balanced connections are better for any run exceeding 4 metres or so. I have Balanced running between the front and back of my HT room, cables are 20 metres from end to end. Unbalanced might be OK for subwoofer but not for full range.
If you can go balanced do it - nothing to lose and can sound better even in short cable runs. Lower noise floor.
WE LOVE IT!!!
Can you make a review on AirPods max
Ho wdo you think it compares to the SMSL SU-9n? I agree the sabaj looks a bit sexier, but feature wise? Not a bad display on the SMSL either? I also get that the Sabaj has a nice headphone amp which is great, but since I already have other headphone amps, not necessarily too important for me..
Sabaj has been a dark horse for DACs for a while. I believe whoever designs them actually listens to them vs. SMSL and Topping etc. Sabaj has been ahead of the curve when it comes to getting musicality out of the ESS chips and the other brands are finally catching on though still 'cookie-cutter'.
Thanks for the informative videos.
I am looking for a DAC + AMP combination Sabaj A20d and two A8 looks great but i wonder if there are any Tone controls or DSP trickery like in the smsl?
best regards from Sweden
Appreciate the review. Pairing the A20d with the A5 what would be e reasonably priced small nook shelf speakers?
Unfortunately in Australia, hifi just doesn't come cheap.
Many thanks
Whats your budget?
Mini Audio Research vibes to its looks
Why do you think this blows away M500 mkii from SMSL, your de-facto dac for your RBPi streamer? They are basically the same product. Don't you say this Sabaj doesn't necessarily sound better than others?
Love your content knew subscriber. Years ago ( 2003 ) I went ape $H!T with Sandy Gross Definitive Technology Super Towers, BP7001, BP7002, BP7006 Towers along with Studio Monitors 350's and 450's w/ CLR Centers 2002's they keep kicking & will not quit. Is the saying true if it ain't broke don't fix it? I have my eyes on the Polk Reserve line R700's R400 Center and R200 for rears..............will you be reviewing the R700 towers anytime soon?
I paired my A20d with two A8 for upper bi amp and two a20a on the lower bi amp xlr + rca mode with smsl sd 9 in optical preamp for MQA playback over optical . I hope sabaj make a new standalone player take advantage of type C usb.
Looks great but wonder if there are any Tone controls or DSP trickery
@@patriknilsson6451 A30A Has dsp and tone
So you didn't really go into how it looks LoL, Love your reviews.
Which one has the best sound quality for around 400 eur? This Sabaj or the smsl d300?
Awesome DAC for it’s price and category. Does it come with an usb-c to usb-c cable or an usb-a to usb-c cable?
White cable usb c to usb 2.0
@@charlesrelefordjr5481 thank you.
would you upgrade from a SMSL SU-1 (which is very good, I think) to 2023 version of this DAC for 399 €?
If my pre-amp ( the Emo PT-1) supposedly has a DAC, does there exist any advantage in adding another separate DAC, such as the (admittedly beautiful ) Sabaj? I'm asking for opinions from one and all...
You can. Will it sound better, probably. $400+ better, hard to know.
👋 if the DAC used is better...it's tricky to know if it's better without critical listening and really knowing what you want in the sound. For example, I discovered the DAC in my bluetooth adapter sounded better than the DAC in my preamp, just by switching between the toslink, coax and RCA inputs on my T8.
Hi thanks for all the reviews and the info,i have a question,is there a USB Dac (not too expensive or budget) that sounds clear,from my pc to an a/v receiver (spdif ora optical),that has 7.1 for Dolby Atmos and also bluetooth? Thanks
I bought one and meet a problem, it will sometimes pause a blink while using usb connected to my macbook, and it does not appare if I change to use other usb device such as ipad to connect a20d
Hello Randy, Does this dac sound better that topping E50?
sounds different. the e50 has a warmer tone to it. they're both great, but different
can you pause/play - track + - with remote on BT ??? as my car can that is 10 years old
thanks!
looks good but i don't like the USB C input.
i prefer the Loxjie D40 wich have a similar price.
What's wrong with the usb c input?
@@TB-tv2zf It's more difficult to fond good USB C cables
@@limpbizkit1465 Ah that makes sense, probably only a matter of time though
Man, I just ordered a J2. Maybe this one would keep me more busy/distracted. 🤔
J2 is great
MQA over RCA input?
Need some input from the community if possible. I am looking to do a 2.1 system with the Sabaj A20a (or A10a) and A20d as my integrated Peachtree amp no longer fits on the desk. Computer USB is source. Would I need dual monoblock config as the A20d doesn't have a dedicated sub out? This is for near-field listening on my desk so I'd prefer 1 amp if possible but it doesn't seem like it will work with out two amps (XLR going to mains, RCA going into powered sub, switch to the XLR+RCA in the options on A20d). Thanks for any help!
Shots for every time he says “looks”.
Can we hear your review on new contender:: LADDER Schumann DAC HIFI USB DSP Coaxial OPT AES Resolution Audio Decoder
Prettier than the Topping but they aren't giving the nice chassis away for free.
How did i not know about it i just got smsl d300 (which i love) to match to my two sabaj a8. This would be aesthetic match too. Since a5 and a8 are no more i was thinking that there is no chance of DAC happening in this case.🤬
How does it sound? I have one a8 and I am looking to buy another one in order to bi-amp. Is there a lot of difference between one a8 vs two a8s? In terms of sound quality not just volume
@@herzbr I don't know specifically these amps but typically when you do this with most amps, it doesn't really get that much louder but you gain better control.
Advertising here ......... Any demographic or rate info?
So this vs a Gustard DAC-X16 which is a bit more expensive?
Ya but Randy, its unavailable on the Amazon link.
It sold out
Can I hook this up through the RCAs in my Yamaha receiver to my Klipsch speakers?? Confused on if the DAC in the Yamaha will screw up the signal off the in coming external DAC signal??
I have bought several DAC’s over the years cheep and moderately priced Chord Quest for example and I honestly did not hear much of a difference so much so I still don’t know how it’s supposed to make a difference/ how it sounds better.
Have had previously many DACs, having inbuilt and external. Price is definitely not the quality decider! Sony built a range of cd players in the late 80s using Burr Brown 18 bit ladder DACs, and until I got a high end sacd player (Esoteric) did sacd exceed cds by a large margin. The Sony is still in use, ladder DACs still have the best bass, but miss out for treble precision. My brother bought a different Sony using the same DACs, different laser mechanism and power supply, was nowhere near the better one. Now I have dCs converter, just seems soft at the start, but has depth of detail totally different to all others. My summary- it all matters! My stereo system has Martin Logan Summit X driven by Parasound JC1 amps, preamp is Parasound P7, for surround compatibility. Happy listening!
your system may not be resolving enough.
Is Bluetooth or optical better?
what is the best dac under 100 bucks
Newbie here. Is there any major difference btw the 2022 models a10d vs a20d? Looking for my 1st desktop DAC/amp for a possible pair of mission lx2mk2
Just let me say this about the proliferation of DACs in this day and age: Ack- ack-a-DAC!
There. I said it. Someone had to.
It's weird that they didn't change the name for this for the 2022 version
It has an internal power supply - do we know if it is a switched design, or a linear power supply? I like not having a brick or a wall wart.
I'm sure it's a switching power supply. don't think there is a transformer in there.
@@cheapaudioman Okay, thanks - that is good to know.