SMSL VMV D1SE & A1 Review
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- Опубликовано: 23 июл 2024
- The VMV products represent SMSL's top tier. The D1SE DAC has measurements that are as good as it gets. The matching class A amplifier is equally intriguing. I take a close look and ask myself, "Is this all you need from a high-end Hifi system?"
Link to manufacturer's webpages:
www.smsl-audio.com/portal/pro...
www.smsl-audio.com/portal/pro...
Link to my Patreon:
/ abritishaudiophile
Time stamps:
Intro 0:00
Design & features 1:25
Technical insights 4:02
Sound quality 6:11
Setup & partnering equipment 10:20
Conclusion 13:29
SMSL has confirmed that the VMV A1 is a high bias Class AB design. It can be altered to pure class A by adjusting an internal potentiometer. However, this will cause the unit to run warmer and opening the device will almost certainly invalidate any warranty so I would leave well alone. The power supply has 50VA Noratel transformer and a max current rating of 2 Amp. All pretty much as I thought but nice to have the confirmation from SMSL. I would like to thank them for their transparency 😊
Just saw this after posting my comment. Thanks for the information. I'm not entirely surprised.
A great review and I really appreciate the follow up; but I really wish companies would stop exaggerating things. They could call it a "Near Class A" design or something but calling it class A, when it isn't, is not right.
Even 10 watt class A amps use pretty large and open heatsinks so I'd think it would cook pretty fast if the bias were adjusted into real class A territory.
It is similar to the speaker manufactures that claim their speaker is 96dB efficient when it is really 89dB or that they are 8 ohm speakers when they spend most of their time at 4.5 ohm and on and on.
While I do appreciate their honesty in answering a direct question about it, I think advertising it as class A isn't being transparent. It just gets to where it is hard to trust anything some companies tell us.
What is a good upgrade from a chord mojo
@@ta563 I agree. There is an ever increasing trend in manufacturers exaggerating specs. You highlighted some common examples but it seems to be everywhere. They should go back to everything being specified to proper standards such as the IEC 😊
@@Ricky-cl5bu it gets expensive but the Denafrips Pontus II is great if all you need is a hifi DAC 😊
I strongly believe you deserve a gold award Tarun ;)
Always consistent, always good info. You helped me a lot in picking the right gear or what to look (out) for. Thank you!
Thank you Mike. That means an awful lot to me and is greatly appreciated 👍😊👍
My weekend wouldn’t be complete without one of your excellent reviews. Great to see that Hi-Fi isn’t dying, in fact it looks as though the market and interest is continuing to rise. Thank you Tarun. 😀
…and mine wouldn’t be complete without hearing from you, my friend. Thank you as always 👍🙏👍
Brilliant Tarun , the best thing in all your videos is set up and partnering along with Sound quality … and brave and unbiased reviews.. hence we are enjoying a lot as your subscribers are increasing
Thank you my friend. I appreciate all the support you give me 👍😊👍
Fascinating and technically deep review as always. Many thanks for your time and effort sharing this great info.
Thank you Simon. Much appreciated 😊👍
I just happened upon your channel and I am so impressed with your calm, intelligent, no - bullshit explanation of audio. Thank you! Talking about this splendid little amp, I believe that the Klipsch RP500/600M's would pair very well with it. I'm in America, where we love the big, clean, loud, and dynamic sound that these speakers deliver so well. Again, thank you and keep up the good work!
Thank you Steven. Much appreciated 😊👍
Tarun, you do this continually...
You produce content about things I have zero interest in! (as a buyer)
... but once again the presentation, delving into the tech just the right amount and making sensible comparison turned this into a must watch.... 👌🏻
Thank you Marcus. Very kind of you to say and much appreciated. I hope the next review is right down your street 👍😊👍
Can confirm
Excellent review once again Taran.🎧😁👍 I have seen this pair and wondered what they might be like now I know. Keep up the great work you are doing as I know you will.
Your fan Shane👍
Thank you Shane. As always, a great pleasure to hear 👍😊👍
Desde españa... estos son los comentarios y opiniones que ha todos los aficionados al HiFi nos gusta escuchar... claros y concisos basados en esperiencias reales... gracias
Awesome review again. Thanks Tarun again.
Thank you Tiken 😊👍
Another great review tarun, I'm. A big fan of the Class A amplifiers, having had several from musical fidelity and sugdon solid state, also Vale based from audio innervation. Both units looked well built and seem to be very good quality and sound good, thanks for the review and I hope to join you tomorrow evening online
Thank Paul. It is a nice little amp with a sound characteristic that is associated with class A amps. I hope you can make it tomorrow 😊👍
Outstanding report ... as usual ...You made my day !
Thank you buddy. A little late this week. A sore back made doing the B-Roll a little interesting 👍😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 So sorry to hear about your sore back. Very painful sometimes it could be. Hope to recover soon completely...best wishes !
@@hrvojekant9415 thank you my friend 😊👍
Look at it !! its sooo tiny ! Awesome review btw and love da veggies cutting thingy you put underneath the amp :D
Thank you buddy 😊👍
Weather sounds just like Auckland. Great review as always.
Thank you buddy. It plays havoc with the lighting conditions whilst filming 😊👍
Thank you for another high class video
Thank you for watching and your support my friend 😊👍
Really interesting thank you Tarun. I took a punt on D1se after shortlisting it, Denafrips Ares II and, until I learned of its brittleness, Topping D90SE. This has I2S whereas Ares II does not, which swayed it for me. Greater functionality was a bonus. I'm happy with its sound, finding it very resolving but actually a bit on the warm side of neutral. Yet to hear its capability over I2S, which should lift its performance further.
Very interesting Graham. Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊👍
Great video as always, Tarun. Another reason to go for the Ares II.
Having upgraded the components inside my Musical Fidelity A3.2, including a set of 4 Burson V6 Vivid op amps, I’ve been reluctant to go the separate route for the DAC, as I’m against redundant parts in systems. However, it’s becoming apparent that, to achieve a worthwhile improvement over the MF, a one box CD player upgrade is going to cost thousands. If I go for the Denefrips, then swap to a dedicated transport, such as the Audiolab 6000CDT, I can sell the MF and also try SACD for the first time via my Sony Blu-ray player.
You’re review has confirmed that the Denefrips is the one to go for. Oh, and those spikes. Barking!
Thank you Mark. Great feedback. I think your logic is sound 😊👍
Very nice review well done 👍
Thank you Kobi 😊👍
Another great video thanks.
Thank you my friend 😊👍
Solid, sensible review as always. Proof again that if something is designed to measure well I'm probably best to avoid it!
Good one 😂 Thank you Rob 😊👍
Thanks for this excellent review. I own this SMSL VMV A1 and has been using it with Denafrips Ares 2 DAC. I was actually contemplating of buying this SMSL D1 SE DAC as it is said to be designed to match well with the A1. But since you mentioned that Ares 2 remains the gold standard for this price point, I think I will just stick with the Ares 2. :)
Thank you my friend. I would stick with the Ares II too 😊👍
I like your reviews as always! I ended up getting the A1 as it has been decades since I had something like the A1, PLUS in the in USA through Apos you get a 2 warranty, free shipping AND most importantly 15% off. I wish it was balanced as I have a an Axiom II Balanced Walker Mod passive preamp from Luminous Audio Technology which is amazing! I am using an SMSL VMV D1 Dac from 2019 and it is still amazing and cost a bit more than their D1se. The speakers are Klipsch RM600MII speakers which are pretty sensitive, NOT the 96Db rated but still decent! As always, I appreciate your approach to your reviews.
Thank you my friend. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Sorry I was late to your party this week. Thanks for another honest and informative review. Your presentation is terrific. Since I’ve bought the Ares 2, I believe I’m done with DACs for a long time. Based on your review, I think the Ares is worth the extra $150. The amp is a non starter because my speakers are not efficient enough. I think 10 WPC is odd. 20 WPC makes more sense. Then, it could compete with the Schiit Aegir.
Thank you Steve. So kind of you to say. I would be surprised if there is a better DAC than the Ares II for less than £1,000. It is what I would choose too 👍😊👍
Great vid as always - I really love your reviews. Question though - did you try using the D1SE with a separate preamp? Another reviewer mentioned that the built-in preamp functionality was not good, and that he got much better results running it with an actual preamp. I wonder if it might have improved the soundstage depth and imaging.
Hey tarun, very good Review thank you for that.
Do you think the a1 outperforms an exposure 2510 in some things? I mean the power lack is obvious but maybe in other things like texture, resolution, micro dynamics and so on.. or is it not that good ?
Thank you very much
Thank you. The warmer sound signature of the VMV A1 may appeal to some but the Exposure 2510 is superior in pretty much every regard 😊👍
Would be a nice addition to my desk - I really like how they look together and would love to try a class A amp.
They do make a fetching pair 😊
Thanks for another great rewiev. I Think the usb input and D1se do the MQA decoding give more air and layering
Thank you for watching Mogens 😊👍
Hi mate, nice review. I'm considering this after returning an SU-9, hopefully it would pair up well with my HS80M monitors - would you still run in variable mode? I tried fixed and you run the risk of being extremely loud, with no range on the phone vol control. I think it would sound pretty good, I looked up the performance curve for the Yamahas and they are pretty flat. I was getting a small pop with the SU-9 when powering on/off or changing inputs, something I don't experience with other known brands like Cambridge. No LDAC is a shame, but it's more for convenience. This or the Topping D90SE seem to be the likely choices. Thanks! PS. The su-7 and amp combo would be good for a desk headphone set-up
Thank you G-rig. I think you could set a maximum volume of the Yamaha’s to limit the risk of damage and control the volume from the DAC or just use the Yamaha. Please let me know how you get on 😊👍
Another good one. Thanks, Tarun.
Thank you Lee 😊👍
Hi Tarun, I’ve been watching them all, but not commenting much lately. I like the podcasts. Are they available as an audio podcast as well? Anyway, due to my amp configuration I’ll eventually get an mdc module. But learning about dacs has been great. But the more gear reviews I see, the happier I am investing in records ;). Are you reviewing the new psb t-600? Cheers, keep the great work
Thank you Felipe. Always a pleasure to hear from you. As you know, I am a social media dinosaur so the podcasts are only available on RUclips for the time being. I need to look into putting them on other formats. No plans to review the PSB speakers yet 😊👍
Taran, great Review. I have a good a amp and speakers. Want to know if by your perspective worth the upgrade from a topping d50s to the D1 se???? Thanks!!!!!
Thank you Marcial. I haven’t heard the D50 but I expect the D1SE will be a little better 😊👍
Watched your review, bought the amp, replaced a 40+ year-old Bryston 2B in the "bedroom" system, sounds great. Roon > Apple Airport Express > Topping DA30 > A1 > Acoustic Zen Satori > Totem Model 1 Signature. Waiting to see if my local vendor will get more stock of the DAC.
Very cool 😎 thank you Andrew 😊👍
Hi Tarun, thanks for doing another great review! I have a Hegel h90 do you think the D1SE would be a significant upgrade? thanks again
Thank you Jonathan. There is a very good DAC in the H90. The difference is not significant enough to justify the outlay. I would put the money elsewhere into your system 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 All right thanks for your
reply
Thank you so much for your reviews
Could you check if you could get the new, GUSTARD X18, almost the same price as the D1se I would love to know if it sounds better than d1se and DENAFRIPS ares 2 Thanks!!!
Thank you for watching and the suggestion Andres 😊👍
Re the D1SE what was your opinion of the sound colouration options? I used the tube 2 setting to get better timbre
Also did you try with fixed gain? This made a big difference for Jay Soulsik
I didn’t try the sound colouration options but did try the fixed gain. Didn’t may any difference from what I could tell 😊
Would you recommend the A1 for a desk space in a small 10x10 sqft room to power a pair of kef q150’s?
I think that would work well and is how I would use this amp 😊
What preamp would you recommend with the Ares II? I use Roon and have a Pre90 preamp and not sure how much I'd have to pay more for a preamp in addition to upgrade to the Ares II. Thanks
I would stick with what you have and try that first 😊
Thanks for the insightful review. Did you try any of the filters? I believe they are referred to as crystal, warm, tube or something like that
I did. It was a while ago 😊
Hi Tarun. Great review as always. Have you had a chance to listen to the WMV A2 amp?
Yes, it is here for review 😊
Was looking for your opinion on the sound color profile they included in it.
Sorry, I didn’t test that feature 😊
I have treble issues that mess with my head nerves. Would you say this is less harsh or warmer? sound. I think I would like a warmer sound. I’m looking at this DAC the SMSL SU-9 and the SMSL SU-8S, SMSL DO200, LOXJIE D50, LOXJIE D40, SMSL M500 MK2, and the SMSL VMV D1SE or the SMSL SU-9N. I stream music with Tidal and never heard MQA but would like to have. I have an SMSL SP200 Amp with Hifiman Ananda and soon will get Focal Clear or Elex.
I haven’t tried some of those DACs but the Denafrips Ares II will give you warmth and richness 😊
What do you think is this amp (A1) would be enought/good for Tannoy XT6F spekaers in na small room (3,5m x 7m)?
I'm siting 2,5m from speakers and not listen loud music.
You could try but I suspect it may struggle to control them 😊
Another great review Tarun! Listening to this on my new Cambridge Audio AXA35. Blimey it's good!
Great. Thank you for watching and enjoy the new amp 😊👍
Nice review what was the thinking or lack of, with the rear headphone jack, how awkward ?
Thank you Steve. Good point 😊👍
Hi... I've been watching your reviews for a while... I'm watching also a other chanels about hifi... The Audiophiliac and a few other natural supects... I have to admit that your have quite improved your formula... I'm impressed by the quality of most of your reviews although I'm not familiar with all of your references... As for the SMSL A1, I'm not surprised that it's, in reality, a class A/B... it's power consumption is a mere 30 watts (0,5 watt @ idle), which is WAY less then normal class A... I believe the 10 watts amplifier by First Watt consume 170 watts !
Thank you for watching and sharing Alain 😊👍
Thinking about this DAC for my Node2i streamer. The only reason I am not getting the Ares II is because I need volume control on DAC, since my Rega Brio-R has horrible volume jumps. So I am on this or perhaps the M400 or M500Mk3. Any others that jump to mind? My speakers are Focal Chora 826 and they can be on the bright side with lesser recordings. Would love the Ares II for warmth etc. But no volume control is killing that for me.
Cheers from Australia.
The VMV A1 would be a very good choice 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks. Wasn’t thinking about replacing my Rega it’s a brilliant amp. Minus the volume jumps.
Have actually bought the Topping D90se today. Mainly because of many reviews (and MQA being able to be used via coax yes yes yes I know etc 😂🤣).
Are those Townshend isolation pucks under the Ophidian speakers? If yes, any comments on their sonic impact?
Nope, just cheap and cheerful antivibration washing machine feet. Work well to decouple the speakers from the floor and helps to clean up bass and lower mids 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks for feedback...and keep up the excellent quality in your reviews.
So it has volume control. :) How versatile is the back...like if one wanted to connect two REL subs high level?
I am not sure if you can use the XLR and RCA at the same time. Best to check with the manufacturer 😊
Wondering if you tried out the different sound color options on D1SE and if they made any difference to the lesser sense of scale & harmonic richness in comparison to the Ares II?
Due to a tight schedule I listened in stock form 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks for the detail, good to know to put the commentary in context.
@@MiemoPenttinen thank you 👍
Hi Tarun - your question regarding whether this amplifier truly operates in Class A is a good one. As a user of a First Watt M2x Class A power amplifier, I know hot these devices can run. I've always thought a large amount of heatsinking was a necessary part of this design. I'm very curious as to how they can have gotten round this requirement. Or, perhaps they haven't? While I agree that ultimately it doesn't really matter that much, I'd still be curious as to what's really happening. Thanks again for what you do.
Hi Gary, SMSL have confined it is indeed a high bias class AB 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you. I don't recognise those speakers behind you. Hopefully you'll be telling us about them at some point.
@@garyalexander5686 Ophidian Mambo 2, review coming soon. Thank you for watching Gary 😊👍
Excellent review as usual👍 Any news on the RME Adi 2 dac review?
Thank you my friend. I had to push it back due to the summer break but hope to get it in soon 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Can hardly wait 😩
Great video as usual. Just for reference please may you give me a full list of your 'recommended', 'outstanding' etc ratings. So I have an idea of where things sit on your scale? I hope that makes sense.
Thank CB. That may a bit involved but I am planning to do a round up video at the end of the year with Products of the Year awards 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Sounds good!
Hey, could you review the mackie mr624? Its a powered monitor. Awesome content btw!
Thank you Farhan. I appreciate the suggestion 😊👍
How does the D1SE compare to the DAC inside the Audiolab 6000A?
It is better than the one in the 6000A 😊
My wife pointed out today that I seem happier now that I have my Audio Matiere Majuscule set-up. But, I've been sharing that time with the VMV A1 that I got at the same time. I had been using the Sprout which in hindsight I'm really surprised about how many "great" reviews the PS Audio Sprout and Sprout 100 got. I've owned both. They had a great form factor but are rather lifeless, and I don't mean that in a neutral way.
I've not yet tried the A1 with my ProAc Tablette Reference 8, but will soon. It does an amazing job with my Tannoy Revolution DC6. I'll have to try and get my Dana Audio model 1's back from my daughter to give that a try as well.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Enjoying the channel. Even though most, no, all of the equipment reviewed is out of "reach", I still enjoy the channel and your videos. Just a quick question, "when I were a lad", amplifier output was expressed in terms of both maximum output and RMS output. We seem to only get 1 rating, these days, and I was wondering if it was max or RMS? Thanks, and keep up the great work.
Thank you for watching Ian. I appreciate your support. Indeed, back in the day manufacturers stocked to IEC standard ratings. There is a lot of “manipulation” of the specs these days. I believe it was an RMS rating in the case of the A1 amp 😊👍
Would the A1 work well as a pre-amp with the Willsenton R8 amplifier. Good review as usual.
Unfortunately not, it has no preouts. You shouldn’t really need a preamp with the R8 Sean 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks. 👍
Sorry to bother with a noob question, but what kind of sensitivity does a speaker must have in order to be adequately driven by an amplifier like SMSL VMV A1?Thanks
Unfortunately, sensitivity will only determine how loud it will play. The impedance swings and electrical phase of a speaker also determine how hard it is to drive. They are rarely shown in the specs 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you
How do you think this setup (the amp particularly) would perform with the original B&W Nautilus 805s (88db sensitivity)? This would be strictly for a near field computer desktop scenario which is what makes me interested in a small Class A amp since it's just a desktop anyways so don't need a lot of power. I am currently running them on an old iTube Red-i 20W/channel hybrid tube amp and that is fine although not the greatest. If not the A1 anything else you might recommend? Thanks.
I can’t help but think the 805s deserve something with more current capability. There are some good little tube amplifiers by Luxman, Synthesis and Ikon that maybe worth checking out 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks. I think what I really need is an integrated DAC+Amp to play all my hi res audio including DSD, so now looking at just picking up the VMV A2 as a do-it-all. 200W/channel should be enough for the 805s, no?
@@thm655321 it should be a lot more suitable 😊
A2 is on the way...
@@thm655321 please let me know how you get on 😊
Hi i just wanted to know your opinion I’m thinking of getting a denefrips enyo dac for my roksan k3 amp - spendor a4 speakers- blue sound node gen 3. Do you think I’m doing the right thing . All the best from nick
Hard to account for your preferences but it is a suitable DAC for that setup 😊
Many thanks from nick, i was hoping to get a better sound stage and separation of instruments thanks again for your reply. Also I have never had a separate DAC before
Tarun,how does the amp compare to something like the Sugden a21? Thanks
Hi Richard, the Sugden A21 is in a different league in performance. Much bigger sonic presentation 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Again thanks Tarun, you get what you pay for,probably.
@@richardjohnston4682 in this case, pretty much 😊
Have you compared this DAC to a Topping D90SE yet, and if not might you tackle this for us all. Thanks in advance Tarun.
Not yet but hope to 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks Tarun...Cheap Audio man has done one with the Bifrost II also...a 3 way comparison. ARES II, Schiit Bifrost II and the Topping D90SE.
I'd still be interested in what you have to say...love what you do fella!!
@@meltonboroughcouncilaresht4292 thank you my friend 😊👍
One year later and I am still to see a VMV branded SMSL DAC with an Asahi Kasei chip or chips. I am wondering if this could be the next big thing? I bought the D400EX.
Love all your videos Tarun and even go back and watch them again, Its good to see how things march forward over time.
Thank you very much 👍
Hi will this so full decoding of MQA via coaxial? (And yes yes I know MQA SchmankQA :p)
I can’t recall. Best to check the specs 😊
Hi tarun...does the dac add any more watts to the A1 amplifier?
It doesn’t add watts Izzy 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 cool bruh lol I had to ask
A long time ago I had something electronic that expanded the signal and then chopped off the end of highs and lows. Is this what they are doing in an integrated amp? Might be the reason why the sound on them to be flat so that all have the same power of sound? Not saying it's bad it's good. But would be nice if you could have a button or dial to expand it some, like in the bass. I know that I'm not making this up, I don't think I'm that smart to make up such a thing. I have had an amp that was only 15w per channel. It had great sound with the right speakers. Great stuff as usual.
Thank you Neil. I suspect it is all to do with current capability 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks for your reply.
Well done! I would love to know your feelings on comparing vmv a1 to the new MF a1!
The MF A1 is considerably better. I have reviewed both 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks !
OK …I looked into the Mambo 2s…..(another "proper" British Speaker 😎)..and I thought "what ya gonna do with those puny little drivers"…and then I read about the secret hidden driver 🔈 🔈 🔊 😲….can't wait for this review….something unique!
That is precisely what attracted me to them. Review will be out soon 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 interestingly enough, Terry just reviewed The Neat Acoustic Ministra Speaker, which ALSO has a hidden driver….This is mostly science fiction to me. ISO-Baric WHAT? 😲
@@bobb.9917 very interesting 😊
I'm on the hunt for a integrated amp, been eyeing Heed Lagrange, please review it! I feel it's even better than Hegel 190.
Thank you for the suggestion. I hope to get to it at some point 😊
I am pretty sure the A1 is a high biased class A/B, which means it does perform in pure class A mode to a certain point, but not 10watts due to the lack of heatsinking. My JC1 mono blocks only get slightly warm on the 10 watt class A setting, but each channel has 2 massive heatsinks. At 25 watts class A setting they get quite hot. You can touch the heatsinks, but they are pretty toasty. My VMV D1 DAC sound amazing when hooked to 25 watts class A power (@ 124 dB S/N ratio), with another 500 A/B watts in reserve for any transients and unbelievable bass control.
I tried the D1 without a preamp on my mono blocks and I didn't even bother listening long enough to figure out what exactly was missing. It sounded lifeless compared to having a a preamp buffer feeding the amp.
It is a high bias class A/B. SMSL confirmed 😊
Hi Tarun, I think iotavx NP3 is available for public now, no more preorder. Please review it. I look forward to it.
I plan to do exactly that 😊
If the DAC/sound output turn out to be good then it will be killer system. Waiting .....
Do you have a cold? God forbid, “covid”? A little flat yet full of honest info as usual. Hope you’re well, from Australia 🇦🇺🤗
I have injured my back so probably not as animated as normal but hope to be “back” to normal soon. Sorry for the pun. Couldn’t resist 😊👍
Thanks
Most welcome 😊👍
interesting, Ive been salvating over the Chord Anni recently as well.
Thanks Paul. I haven’t heard it yet but hope to 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Oh I havent heard it, just saw its warm glowing marbles....
@@paulok2153 cool 😎👍
Would your rating of the amp change if you factored in that it could also heat a small room? Talk about warm sound! Good to see more affordable products for folks like me. Thanks!
Thank Jeremy. It doesn’t produce too much heat so the rating wouldn’t change 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I still haven’t stopped hoping for a review of the Aegir paired with your ProAcs. The Quad Z-2’s and Audiolab 6000A have finally arrived and are sounding great with the RME ADI-2. Using the 6000A only as a power amp.
@@jeremylynnchagaspereira3926 unfortunately, I didn’t get very far with PS Audio. They don’t seem to be interested in me reviewing their products. That is a nice system you have put together 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 l bought the Audiolab purely on your advice, without hearing it. Today I discovered it sounds even better as a power amp than my Quad99 power amp (A-B test). Tighter and cleaner bass, so generally more clarity. Thanks for the great advice! 🙏🏽
@@jeremylynnchagaspereira3926 thank you Jeremy. I am so pleased it worked out 👍😊👍
What are those speakers behind... Just curious
Ophidian Mambo 2. I just released the review ruclips.net/video/AsZxudDfgKE/видео.html
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks 👍
My A1 died after 7 months of use. I was enjoying so much of it, but sadly, the shipping to China to fix it is almost the cost of the amp new. I was wondering if it worths to purchase a new one, or maybe there is an amp from another brand, with similar voicing, that does not surpasse 2 times the price of the A1.
I may be worth seeking if a local hifi retailer/engineer can repair it. I would also check out the Atoll IN80 Signature that I reviewed 👍
ruclips.net/video/yyeQmMHtN3g/видео.html
DATs.... I got the best one so far from an old ADCOM 750 that I don't use for Video, but is a solid Pre-Amp for Stereo; which is all I care about anyway.
Cool. Thank you for watching 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 You are my 1st International Audio Reviewer. You are different, the cadence delivery is dry and precise, so clear at times I get two thoughts at once and have to think about what you said to make sure I pick the better thought.
... that's not your fault, in fact it's helped to break a few pyridines... example: you were describing sound stage and layering and I don't know I suddenly wondered if I had a 3rd row or 4th row... Or can I get that sound, but I'm limited in the amount of space I have... stuff like that.
.... It's all good, right!
@@Labor_Jones thank you Marvin. Receiving feedback like that makes running the channel so worthwhile. Much appreciated 👍😊👍
It must be Saturday morning again as they just aren't complete without an excellent Tarun review, even if it's another that's over the head of this miserable old analogue dinosaur. BTW, what are those standing speakers in the background? Review coming soon? Thanks Tarun.
Thank you my friend. I have injured my back and reading that has cheered me up no end. The speakers teasing you in the background are the Ophidian Mambo 2 👍😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 sorry to hear about your back Tarun. It's just not funny and tends to make one feel old!
@@bigblueocean thank you buddy. I am getting to that age 😩😂👍
They might be Ophidian Audio's "Mambo 2"
@@jpdj2715 they are 😊
Holo spring 3 with preamp review?
Coming soon 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 ow nice.. 👍
Can anyone tell me how the DAC compares to the SMSL M400?
I haven’t heard the M400 but the VMV is SMSL’s premium range 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Then I paid too much for the M400 a year ago. Lol. It was about one-fifty more than this one.
@@mm-tg8ooThe M400 is superb and has AKM 's flagship DAC chip. I would rather have that than any ESS chip.....
Intrigued by 'ancient' multibit chips atm. A newish dac called Audial A5 out of Serbia looks interesting
Cool 😎 thank you for the heads up 😊
It's rather nice to see you apologising for the changing light UK weather brings... Think how far your production levels have come since the early days, and changing light is the video equivalent of first world problems!
You've clearly reached a stage where you can rest a bit and concentrate on the review. The only way you could improve would be a cameraman, as just John Darko has Olaf shooting the video. I'd offer my services gratis but I suspect you're nowhere near Cheshire. Anyways, It may sound dumb, but I'm proud of how far you've come... A bit like that band cliche of "I liked them before they were popular", but without the hipster /sellout / negative /etc connotations. I ramble, and I suspect you get my point so I'll shut my mouth:D
Keep 'em coming!
Picard out:D
Thank you Mr James. I am grateful for all the support you have given me along this journey. I was well out of my comfort zone with producing videos. I have learned slowly but hopeful making steady progress 👍😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 It's a MASSIVE cliche but you had everything you needed from the beginning, it just took a few tries to get it all spilling out in the right form. You clearly have an adaptable brain.
I still love the finger ex machina shots btw, glad you stuck with 'em:D
@@yyams thank you my friend 👍🙏👍
No review for SMSL VMV A2 yet?
I have reviewed it 😊
Pearl Acoustics reviewed the A1 differently. Compared it to Pass Labs XA 25. I paired mine with Zu DW's and the amp did great.
Cool 😎
Currently using the A1 with very efficient La Scala II's and its impressive. Only a few watts are needed with these speakers. For efficient speakers, this little amp is great.
@@rndm4642 I can see how that would work 😊
Hi, please review the new SMSL VMV D1SE2
Thank you for the suggestion. I will have to look at what has changed over the version I reviewed 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I think there is a mess with a SMSL, too many DACS at a similar price: SU-10, D400ES, D400EX, VMV D1SE2...
I would like to upgrade to my """""last""""" DAC from the DO200.
Hi Tarun I’m always concerned for the longevity of any hifi equipment that runs at relatively high temperatures. The thermal stress place on many components, can over time induce premature failure . This is of course not so relevant with people who regularly up grade and change their equipment. Best wishes and kind regards. 😀👍👍👍
That did occur to me too. I guess time will tell. Thank you for watching Michael 😊👍
Hi Tarun. I will comment when not oer' flown by the grape. Smile emoje....plus the emoje that represents earnestness, drowned by the rose tinted gush of "I'm sure your review is interesting, but one that demands respect, that the vine entrapped cannot, albeit temporarily, pay sensible attention". Consider this. If you didn't post on a Friday night, I wouldn't spot it after a bottle of red and a DVD of our beloved Harry Purcell.
Chears Chris 🍷. I am on your team. The wine team, that is. I have never heard of Harry Purcell.
That is the most eloquent appraisal that anyone has put together whilst inebriated. You have a fantastic way with words. I hope you enjoy the video and ill effects of Friday night aren’t too bad 👍🍷👍
@@kirlu50 Harry (Henry) Purcell is arguably Englands' greatest ever composer. He composed during the reigns of Charles II, James II and William and Mary. He was composing before Bach and Vivaldi. A good starting point would be his opera/play King Arthur, written by Purcell and John Dryden. Also look out for a DVD entitled England My England.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hi. Sorry. I must try and not comment after a bottle of wine. Trouble is, after 3 glasses the muse settles, and it then becomes a duty, out of politeness, to comment.
@Baba Ganush I am sure you are correct on both points. I googled Harry, and found an Irish athlete, who could be the "beloved" Purcell. But Henry seems more plausible. By the way, I have never heard of Gomer Pyle either.
The vmw DAC is 460ish quid on hifi express right now on black Friday and I'm seriously thinking of ordering one. The denafrips is 800 quid 😒
That is a good deal 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I ended up ordering one Tarrun, just not going to look at that credit card statement for November 🤣. Hopefully the colourations allow me to tinker the sound to match with the Wellsington and we are golden! Streamer transport will be the next purchase and then hopefully the addiction stops 😳
@@2HatHudders that is great Hardeep. Please let me know how you get on 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 will do!
@@2HatHudders hi, keen to know how the colouration filters worked out?
How about the D2?
I may get to that 😊
A decent review, I do have one Criticism. Do a review on each product. I wanted to hear a review on just the DAC. I had to skip through the review, to get to information on the DAC
Thank you for the feedback. I normally review products individually but on this occasion I wanted to see how these worked together as a matching pair 😊
Ouch, those spikey feet, & headphone jack on the back of the A1... very odd, especially with it's lower power it seems like a good contender for headphones/desktop.
It would be nice to connect the A1 up to a mains power meter, that would soon show if it's a true class A.
Thanks Paul. I agree, good desktop unit 😊
@Baba Ganush fortunately, it doesn’t get too hot. It may be an issue on a hot summers day though 😊
Hmmmm…not that familiar at all with S.M.S.L…always curious, though. Went to their website and poked around. So..am I correct to observe that the company basically specializes in near-field/desktop audio?
I love a lot of their products tech-look and design. ..but the feet 🦶🏼 on the reviewed units??? I think an opportunity was missed there to design something visually exciting and more functional in living environments, if giving space to let the amp cool was the objective. Right?
I agree Bob. The feet are a missed opportunity. They do focus on DACs, headphone amps and desktop gear 😊
Where is music here ?
I music I am afraid 😊
Another Hi-Fi dinosaur here , and much of the tech talk meant nothing to me ...
I understand if you choose not too , but would it be possible to explain the terms you refer too
and what effect these have for me as a consumer ?
In the end you can aim the reviews at whoever you choose , but I really enjoy your presentation
style and trust your opinion .
Yep me too, it's all gobbledegook to me and deters me from his reviews somewhat.
Hi David, it is a tricky balance to get right. I have separated the technical bit into it’s own section. That way people can skip it if they desire. My aim with the technical part is to keep it as simple as possible without boring people or making it too long. As I mentioned, it is a difficult balancing act. Thank you for watching and I appreciate your support 😊👍
Another very interesting video, not my cup of tea.
Please keep up the good work.
Thank you Richard 😊👍
Does the amp have a remote control? Thanks
It does Richard 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks Tarun.
Why have an XLR out on the DAC and no XLR in on the matching amp? And those spikes/feet.....seems like they could have thought that through a little bit better. Couple that with the "suspect" heat dissipation.....This almost seems like a solution to a problem that never existed. In my opinion, these are serious design flaws. I'm going to pass. Great review, as usual, though. Thank you.
Thank you Michael. I understand what you mean. I don’t think they had the space for balanced connections on the amp. The DAC will naturally find it’s way in many systems. Appreciate your support as always 😊👍
Cool
Thank Doug 😊👍
Up late and first!
Cool. Thank you for watching 😊👍