Just a little thank you note for the continued excellence and clarity of your reviews. Being an 80+ year old audiophile and retired marine chemist I truly enjoy your reviews and particularly the technical revelations in the digital realm.
Hi! My desktop setup: SMSL VMV A1, Piega TMicro 3, REL T Zero MK III. I rarely listen to music above the 10 volume level of the amplifier, as this amplifier really gives a lot of sound! I also have a more modest set for desktop placement: mini midrange Spotless Audio speakers - Seed 2.1. and an Aima A07 Pro amplifier. Thank you for your professional reviews and your broad and wise view (and of course your hearing) on audiophilia. Your subscriber and attentive listener, M.
Thank you. Well presented as always. I recently came across the SMSL a300. There are a lot of positive reviews on this product. Maybe at some point in the future, you can review it.
As usual...really well done. I'm learning your descriptors & the comparisons to other components. You continue to be my dealer when no dealers are around! 😀
Another great review from Tarun. My current desktop set up is the Chord Mojo 2, feeding an XTZ Edge A2-300, into EB Acoustics EB1 speakers. An extremely clean, open sound with a full yet tight bass.
Hi Taran!!! I was using a pair of Rogers LS3/A5 with a Cayin L34 amp in a close distance listening setting 1.6 mts (5ft aprox) and i had to sent it to repair ,and as i didn't want to be without music ,I bought an VMV A1 (25 W per channel ) amp , and to make a long story short , I never connect back the Cayin ,to this day I prefer the VMV A1.
For those on an even tighter budget a more affordable "binovular sibling" has just been released, it's Sabaj's A30a amplifier. Sabaj is one of the other brands by the same mother company. It contains almost identical internals just put into a different enclosure and costs around 500 USD.
Another excellent, thoughtful review - thank you, Tarun. A 100W amp that's best suited to desktop use seems to me an indication that something went askew with the A2's design priorities.
Thank you buddy. Good point. They appeal to people who have a tendency to chase specs. There is more to a great amplifier than basic measured performance 😊
Another comprehensive and concise review, with great information and comparisons. Thank you again for your time and effort sharing this with us all. My nearfield system is currently, smsl d300 DAC, Xduoo MT-604 headphone amp, Marantz AV8801 processor, Marantz MM 7025 amp to SVS Ultra bookshelf speakers .
I just picked up a 20 year old amp (a Krell KAV 400xi integrated amplifier) to pair with a 50 year old speaker (a pair of JBL 4311 studio monitors). Oh mah gawd. It's not a refined sound, but it's raw, immediate and oodles of fun. I'm also using a sub sparingly to kick in a bit of the low end and I'm so enjoying this setup. I'm astonished as to how good an older setup like this sounds.
Hi Tarun, great review as usual. One of the things I appreciate about your approach is to always spend a little time on the architecture of the product you are reviewing. A bit nerdy, but for me, audio does not only have to sound good, it's design philosophy has to be agreeable with how I would hypothetically do it. Purely as thought process, an ideal near field system for me would probably have 4" Fostex, Mark Audio or Tang-Band drivers in a modest base reflex box powered by a low output vintage receiver (Sansui 331/441 comes to mind), augmented by a small modern sub-woofer. As analog source I would use a vintage turn-table with a 10" platter (space saving) probably a Dual 1019. For digital content, to start with I would simply plug my Mac in to the Aux input of the receiver. But since Near-field is mainly for Computer use, I may grudgingly invest in a DAC.
HIVI D1090: digital in, Bluetooth in, analogue in digitized first, then digital amplification with DSP and then great drivers. All integrated in one speaker right and one slave speaker left. Incredible sound. I use the Audiolab 8000A with separate streamer and DAC in the main system. Also a great amp!
Brilliant review Tarun can’t wait for your Arcam SA10 review as you were spot on about my Arcam’s CD player from the mid 90’s which has excellent analog out put compare to its Digital outputs
Another in depth review tarun .interesting amplifier,I'm sure it will fit in well with some people's setups, I prefer the class A sound myself. Looking forward to another review soon, take care tarun.
Thanks for this. I'm in Australia and was curious if you have any information about the SMSL AO300 released Sept. 2023? Has both USB and HDMI with front headphone jacks. There is no information about it on RUclips.
Here is my desktop audio system which I just LOVE. 1)Computer: PC and Mac (connected to DAC using USB audio (midi) cable). 2)DAC: RME ADI2DACFS (Connected to amplifier using XLR cable; connected to subwoofer using RCA cable) 3)Amplifier: SPL S800 (connected to speakers using banana speaker cables). 4)Speakers: KEF LS50 meta 5)Subwoofer: KEF KC62
Outstanding as always Tarun. My current desktop system is an SMSL SA300 with Klipsch R-14M's. I run Amazon Music or Tidal from my laptop into an ifi NANO IDSD BLACK LABEL DAC then into the SA300 and it sounds great. Keep up the great work.
I've got an Auralic/Burson/ PrimaLuna/LS50 system in my study and tend to use that, but on my computer desk I still have an original Acoustic Energy Aego 1 sub- sat system with a Topping DX3 Pro DAC and it really sounds pretty damn good despite its age (the AE). It lived on my consulting room desk for years before I retired. It's had a lot of knocks but is built like a tank. A great buy.
Well, thankfully I use my SMSL VMV A2 in a near field desktop scenario as my computer audio driving original B&W 805 Nautilus. I find the SMSL to be fantastic in that use case. And in the comments section of one of his previous SMSL videos Tarun helped me with the decision to get the A2. Thanks Tarun!
I have modded P3ESRs on my desktop, driven by a full sized 90W class AB integrated amp. the Audio-gd Precision 1, and an Audio-gd R2R-11 DAC. They were preceded by an Aiyima A07 - surprisingly good sound for the incredibly cheap price - and before that, a PS Audio Sprout. In the end, I was willing to sacrifice desk space for clarity and refinement - the Aiyima A07 had plenty of scale and dynamics with a 48V power supply otherwise.
As my "office" system, which is the closest to a desktop system that I can think of, I use an S.M.S.L. DA-9 with Dali Spektor 2's and a Hiby FD1 as a DAC (connected via USB to the PC and via 2.5mm/XLR balanced to the DA-9). I had ELAC ELT7's before (~25 years old speakers) and they had more bass punch, but bass punch isn't really the no.1 prio in an office situation. The idea was to get a system that saves space and money and allows reuse of existing stuff (like the Hiby and the ELAC's) and still get a decent sound to entertain me in office. Works for me.
Oh I forgot some nice features. The S.M.S.L. DA-9 supports LDAC as does my Xaomi Redmi Note 9S. So I can stream from my phone to the Amp in 24/96, which sounds great. The speakers and the amp alone are less than €500 and with an LDAC compatible phone you get a nice little streamer setup. Small, easy to use (the amp even has a remote control, which is good, because in my case it sits on top of a cupboard) and at reasonable cost. I added a pair of Kanto S6 Speakers "stands" to solve the problem, that the speakers are about 2 meters above the ground (which is way above the ear height of a sitting person). I have connected it to the PC, because I like to use a parametric EQ to optimize the sound to my personal needs.
I decided to focus all my efforts into my main system for optimum SQ. I do have a Luxman Receiver with Elac Unifi UBR62 Reference speakers for sports radio in the office.
Thanks for the review! I think everyone should enjoy a complimentary near field desktop setup when they can. As suggested I'm providing my near field setup that is also used for headphone listening at my desktop: Questyle CMA 15 headphone amplifier and preamp DAC driving a pair of powered Tannoy Gold 5 speakers via XLR. I also have a powered sub under the desk ;-) The main source at this desktop position is my laptop via usb, secondary is phone via LDAC Bluetooth. One big benefit is ability to blow my brains out now and then without getting in trouble with the Mrs lol! Also a good solution for a late night listening session. Thanks! Michael
@@mimofi Hi Michael, this is a spam message from someone pretending to be me. They are using my photo. Please do not respond to them. I have reported it as spam to RUclips. I would never contact you in this manner to offer you a prize. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Great content as always! My system is: Intel NUC, to Denafrips Iris DDC, to Sony TA-ZH1ES Dac-headphone amp, to Peachtree Nova 300 integrated amp, to KEF R3 speakers. Most music listening is hi-res downloaded files from qobuz. Overall setup provides detail with weight to the sound.
@@aiofilms Only 1.5m wide but the R3's (sitting on the desk on slim concrete paving stones) are surprisingly good at nearfield listening. If I push the chair back a metre out from the desk and chill, it hits the sweet spot. Cheers
@@aaronhing4195 Thanks for the reply. My initial surprise or teasing actually came from the size of the R3s. They are not small or shallow on most deaktops we average Joe can afford. So I figued you must have a president's desk in a big CEO's workplace to host the system. That's not the "Desktop" I had in mind, hahaha.
@@aiofilms Ha. Ok, it is a large solid hard wood desk, but the working from home environment since 2020 has transformed the desktop audio experience, which goes to the topic that Tarun raised with his video. And yes, the R3s are deep at around 320mm and do dominate the desk, but in a good way 🙂
Desk top listening!... Hmmm.. Just not for me.. BUT, who knows.. Perhaps down sizing home in the future may cause me to revise needs... Hell, I may even need a headphone rig!!! ..... But it I'd always miss those moments when floorstanding loudspeakers/sub/s can effortlessly pressurise the room. Nicely presented content Tarun 👍🏻
My ideal set up for a desktop, taking value into account, would probably be close to what I have now. Currently I'm using an SMSL SA300 with a pair of Dali Spektor 1's. I'm using the internal usb dac and I can't really fault this set up for the price. I'm looking to experiment with adding a seperate USB dac in the future or maybe a different all in one solution altogether. I'd like to have the option of highpassing the speakers for use with a sub, just to see how the spektors respond to that. I have no need for a sub as my listening space is small and i sit close to the speakers, but im still curious. I'd love to use Spektor 2's instead of 1's, but desk space is limited.
Nicely done. It would seem the A2 would satisfy many in a desktop situation. I've gone further upscale, with an RME ADI-2 DAC fs, a Mytek Brooklyn Amp+ and a pair of Harbeth P3ESR XDs.
I really enjoyed this review allot and the diversity of products you are covering is very enjoyable to me as well. I appreciate the time you put into this channel thank you. My desktop set up pales in comparison to most here but its a work in progress allot of what I have learned has been threw knowledge gained on this channel/ CAM/and PSAudio that being said I have a Sabaj D5 DAC running into a xduoo MT 602 tube/preamp with vokshod Russian tubes rolled in with the Aiyima A07 w/sparkos op amps upgrade and 48v power supply upgrade and classic Mission 761 bookshelf speakers my sub is nothing speacial but I can set the crossover and gain manually. This was a project I started to try and outpace my home setup but that's not happening sounds great though.
My desktop set up comprises of the SMSL SU9 dac & the SMSL SH9 headphone amp. I'm no audiophile expert but in comparison to my previous systems (Schiit Modi & Magni followed by a similar sized pair of Topping devises that I can't remember the model No's of!) the SMSL's sound great through my Quad headphones. I always enjoy the content, even when it doesn't apply to me. Cheers... 👍
Good video as usual. I have an old pair of KEF C25s, a Vista Audio Spark and a Schiit Modi DAC. Sounds fine, but I really don't do much listening at my desk.
While not everyone would share my view regarding near field desktop solutions, I feel "The less clutter the better." I like a clean, clutter free solution, and don't want a bunch of electronic boxes on my desk. So I opted for a pair of powered Kanto YU6 speakers for my desktop, which have a built in class D amplifier. For my requirements, that's all that is needed. No external dac, or amplifer. Everything just rolled into one solution. When it comes to critical, more musical listening, I'll retreat to my dedicated listening room.
Tarun, excellent review as always! thanks so much for all you do. Top notch quality on each and every review. very concise, knowledgeable, and informative. looking forward to your Arcam SA10 review. Got the Audiolab 6000A on your recommendation last year to replace an Iota SA3. It has been a delight! just recently bought an Arcam SA10 for my second stereo setup and it has been very interesting comparing the Audiolab to the Arcam. Wonder if we will have similar conclusions....... thanks again.
Thank you my friend. Unfortunately, the 6000A went back a long time ago so I will only be able to offer a general comment as to how it compares with the SA10 using the SA3 as a common reference point. The review should be out soon 😊👍
Thank you for another interesting review. My desktop system would start with a single-ended tube (valve for you Brits) amp and a pair of relatively efficient speakers. I'm just one of those folks that really likes the sound of tubes.
I used to use a Nuforce (Optoma) DDA 120 for quite a while. It has nearly the same features and layout except for the DSP. I always found it to sound very clean and as you said „out of the way“. On the other hand it always was a bit too lean and had a tendency to sound boring because of missing dynamics. With the purchase of new speakers which need more oomph that became dramatically bad. So I had to change to an amp with more output power. That new amp (Atoll) is a classic class A/AB. Somehow I have the feeling that what I heard between those two amps is typical for the comparison of the actual status quo of analogue vs digital.
There's not much more to say than I concur Tarun with all of the above. As for my near-field setup, well with a Gryphon Diablo 300 and Wilson alexia's what is near field.😁🎧👍 Keep up the great work my friend.
Very informative review, I will be trying out the new PeachTree GaN1 which has the same digital input although very direct as it only accepts S/PDIF. It will be driving Sonus faber Lumina 1s which I am currently using in my desk top system
My recent experience with 3 powerful power amps (one actually a pair of Mono Blocs), in my small apt. was QUITE the learning experience! I could not believe the difference in sound quality experienced by just substituting different power amps. It was a WOW experience. I eagerly chose one (the most expensive 🤯), and finally sold those mono blocs at a GOOD price! Phew! I know LOTS more now and am REALLY enjoying the music. (Mercury Streamer is on the way from Pi2Designs w/I2S connection as my next audio upgrade experience!).
My main system is in the study where I work so I tend to use that and some headphones and an Ifi Zen DAC as an occasional alternative with music streaming through my computer. I’m tempted by some powered speakers, however.
Hi Exclent review as always ☺️ For ls50 meta.. Smsl or audio lab 600a or 8300 a? If the audio lab so the 8300 is better from the other wlth ls50? Thanks shay
Great review as always--the A2 sounds appealing for it's form factor on a desktop. I'm running a pair of KEF LS50s and a NuPrime IDA-8 integrated with a Denefrips ARES II DAC streaming from a PC (USB through a iFi iPurifier3). My systems sounds good but I'm looking to upgrade the NuPrime IDA-8 . Suggestions welcome.
I've got a Cambridge AXR100 amp SMSL M300 MKii dac Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition and ASW610 hooked to PC USB with an ifi Defender all isotek power cables/supra power block /QED reference full loom.
Current near field desktop setup is Quad S1 speakers (have the PSB Imagine Mini as well), Emotiva basx a-100 (with jumper installed to get 100 W for headphones), and Topping E30 dac. Locking for a different amp. SMSL VMV A1 or A2….. open for suggestions based on experience as well.
I happen to have 2 near-field systems : one with a RME ADI-2 DAC FS, acting as a volume control for TWO iLoud MTM active monitors with built-in DSP (XLR) cables, but I mostly use it with a Focal Headphone (either for my computer or a Yamaha CD-S300 acting as a CD transport or an iPod pass-through) . The other for a "B" studio for which I did not Want to spend a dîme : an SMSL DA-9 (sporting Infineon app chips) feeding a pair of superb Tiny applewood KEF IQ10 with coaxial UniQ drivers, and a Focal cube2 sub properly placed in this very small room. Feeding this second system (all second hand except for the DA-9) provides me with just as much enjoyment. I feed it with whatever I'm carrying along (DAC, Soundcard) or I use the conveniently provided Bluetooth... Those little amps have Indeed come a long way....
Your videos are so good! You are excellent at keeping my attention focused on the video and presentation and format is excellent. I must say, I cannot see myself buying this product over the RME ADI 2 FS for a desktop setup (I own the RME and its my 'ideal desktop setup'.) I do appreciate the fact you can hook passive speakers up to this - so for people with Buchardt MK2's this SMSL product would make sense. The DSP on the SMSL really sucks though, not even being able to control the frequency at which the bass + treble adjust at could cause resonance problems. So I suppose if the outputs on this amp are needed by the buyer then great, they will be happy with a great performing amp. However if they don't need those passive speaker outputs then I really can't see any reason to choose the SMSL over the RME ADI 2 FS due to the price difference. I'd be very happy to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks for the video !
Thank you Lewis. Very kind. The RME ADI FS has better sound quality that the VMV A2, as it should for the price. You should stick with it for use with active speakers 😊👍
Great video, Tarun. I really enjoy your reviews. I have a desktop set up of sorts in a smallish home office/bedroom. My laptop is connected to an Ifi zen dac v2 - Yamaha rx v-365 AV - q acoustics 3020 speakers. I've only recently got back into this hobby after 12 years of headphones + smartphones. With the children a bit older I can now let my hair down a bit more on the audio front! Perhaps you and the community here can give me some pointers in how I should upgrade? I think I need to upgrade the amp (the yahama is a 2009 model entry-level av) and then get a streamer. Then I'd be looking at speakers and eventually upgrade the if zen dac. Very much looking forward to enjoying the audiophile journey 😊
Thank you. I would tend to agree. I bet the amp is the weak link in the chain. There are so many good options these days. I would take a very close look at the Rega IO 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Nice one. I've had a look and it's now added to my shortlist, along with the Marantz PM6007. The Cambridge AXA35 looks interesting too. Decisions!
I don't know if perfect setup exits. But working my way up to one. Curently Denafrips Iris + Smsl M400 + Smsl Da9 driving a set of Jamo S803 + a Jamo S810 sub. Hoping to upgrade to Kef LS50 :)
Yo...British Audiophile! Really enjoy your videos please keep up the great work with one exception. Would it really kill you to give the prices in both pounds and dollars. With all due respect to England, this just in the world does not revolve the British pound. Just saying... Again fantastic work on your reviews and commentary.
Thank you. I do metric and imperial measurements but just the price in my domestic market. I would have to track pricing in other markets. I suppose I have to draw the line somewhere 😊
If you have Siri or Google just SPEAK what value in pounds and ask what pounds are in USD or in ANY known currency✅ It’s just that simple.. Or Bookmark a monetary Conversion Website, there’s literally 100s of them to choose from.. All it takes is a little effort on your part.. Just say how much is 750 pounds USD and instantly you’ll have the answer which is $924.67 as of today.. Each day it can change a few cents to a few dollars..
My desktop set up is a 20 years old Sony all in one micro Hi-Fi component system CMT-M100MD it included a cassette tape, CD player, MD, AM, FM, one Aux input and a pair of speakers, I am thinking to connect it with a rega P3 turntable by an external phono amp.
Maybe it's just me but I don't like the "coming up" intro section, I really don't like spoilers though haha, so I skip it. Really enjoy your videos in general though!
i miss integrated amps, there is something about having the volume knob on the amp itself. but its been years and i have move on. power amps are so enticing. For ideal desktop setup is am pretty close now, i only use digital sources so i have a minidsp shd studio as "preamp" and room correction. into dac's then into power amps for 10" stereo subwoofers and main MTM(5"woofers) speakers. with this i have small size gear on my desk and have dac's and power amps somewhere else. With full dsp control between speakers and subwoofers i get 20hz to 15khz linear response, i tried to build something better with hypex plate amps but the hiss noise i could not get used to. even tho it sounded better.
Do you run two external DACs with the SHD studio? I'm thinking of SHD for 2.2 integration with stereo pair of subs. I have a denafrips DAC I'd like to keep for mains, and using the internal DAC on the SHD for the subs. Biggest concern: the apparent variable output delay from r2r DACs FIFO buffers. Are you having any issues with your external DACs or are they at fixed delay that you could easily nullify using the SHD?
@@erics.4113 i run dual dac's if i run my passive speakers and subs. When i use my hypex plate amp it had dsp and dac inside to they are fed digital xlr(AES-EBU). i tried to hear a delay from my dac's(belcanto and arcam). could not get any delay to be big enough to be noticeable. the arcam dac has quite a few filter i could adjust and set to max it still was pretty low delay it added. Total delay from minidsp shd studio, amps and dac's is also low. its pretty instant from source to speaker output for me. the studio has delay i use, but only in small amounts and not to adjust for the processing delay.
@@sudd3660 interesting. Did you do any impulse response tests with the umik and SHD to determine what the delays were or did you mostly tune to ear? I don't have the practical experience, but I'm getting some reports that people are sensitive to delays as small as .5ms, but then I see specs on my subs that claim a 'low 7ms' delay, which they seem to imply is very good. I realize that the ultimate goal is to adjust the timing for the listening position, and not to reference to the gear itself, so maybe I'm thinking or rather overthinking about this in the wrong way. Did you do much listening with the DACs internal to the SHD? They apparently measure well. I'm curious to listen and compare with my denafrips. Ultimately I may be shooting myself in the foot a bit. I could like the colored sound of the denafrips, however I'll be sacrificing more precise time alignment since it's technology dictates a variable output delay within +/- a few ms on average according to some testing I've seen. On the other hand, the SHD seems to have a fixed output delay, albeit one that varies depending on whether you've enabled Dirac or not. I want my mains and subs to be in absolute lock step, but I also don't want to sacrifice timbre and tone that I like. I'm also considering hypex or purifi or a benchmark ahb2 but am concerned that a pure signal is maybe not what I actually like, and may prefer the fattened, distorted, colored harmonics of so-called lesser measuring gear.
@@erics.4113 there is some misunderstandings here, i own the shd studio, it has no dac or analog outputs. and i do not run dirac because i got awful results from it. at least compared to my own adjustments. my subs are diy and are passive, with my own power amp and dac, then i get exactly the same delay for all my speakers. i did some impulse test with rew and umik when i did a 2 way diy speaker, hypex plate amp was used for the crossover. but for subwoofer to main crossover i tuned by ear, i used a tone generator from google search and could hear the difference in every ms i added. real-time dsp adjusting is amazing. i actually got the purifi poweramp. and i think that the dsp settings you add will have more effect that the dac signature.
Interesting. I was curious about the SMSL products so I bought the AO200 some months back. Good reviews were aplenty and I thought (at the time) that I really needed to replace my desk-top integrated behemoth tube amp. Well, I have yet to even power up the SMSL ... let alone "use" it. After hearing this review and your comments relevant to a near-field application - I really should hook this unit up and play with the numerous settings it offers. The AO200 is/was considerably cheaper than the VMV A2 but reportedly uses a "good" chip(?) ... the Infineon MA 12070. It's all Class D Greek to me but I really should give it a listen and see how it fares against my EL34s. I should mention that the AO200 uses a balanced circuit and I found that particularly attractive. Thanks Tarun ... I will procrastinate no longer.
This would have been ideal when setting up my desktop system. I already have my main system in my office (Arcam Alpha 9 amp, Alpha 8 CD, Thorens TD160 turntable, Dali Oberon 3 speakers, SMSL Sanskrit 10 for streaming) but I need a desktop for work. So I purchased a second hand Rotel RA820BX amp and I have owned and loved the Mordaunt Short Avant 902i speakers before so bought some more and absolutely love them. My DAC is another Sanskrit. Sounds really good. Not as good as my main systems though 🤣🤣
I’m happy with my desktop setup of KEF ls50s and a Micromega MyAmp. The ls50s might be overkill for a desktop but their coaxial driver works great for near field listening and I don’t feel the need for a sub. Another great review Tarun!
Hi Tarun,, great to meet you at the hi-fi show, i am sure many people said hi to you so I don't expect you to remember, I was told about the A1 after I told the guys at Perla Acoustic I had the Quad 303. he said that it was so much better than my 303s, but what I will like to know is the A1 pure class A? and what is the A2 ? which of h two would you pick.. is the A1 a lovely warm detail amp? I have missions 720 n mark audio full range
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Afternoon Tauran, i hope all is well, I do like a warm sound, apparently it's detail as well, a nice combination, I am waiting for my recap mission 720 to arrive, that b interesting o hear, also a Marantz 65 cd player, which speaker did you like most at the show .. i listen to some bbcs last week at someone house, 5 pairs iI left in disappointment , there where nothing like the falcons
@@hamzatatta952 hard to tell much at a show but there were quite a few that sounded good. I did a show report on them 😊 ruclips.net/video/4C0GuJpLl5M/видео.html
Presently in a nearfield setup I have a Willsenton R8 (with upgraded tubes), a Schiit Freya+ (with upgraded input tubes), a Pontus II Dac coupled with the Iris DDC, a Bluesound Node v2 & Rel T7i with Triangle Genese on deck in a treated room and setting on a 96" Gladiator butcher block table (aka workbench) and iMac 27" for Internet streaming movies/TV. Anymore suggestions for a solid state amp? My wish list includes the Dali Menuet SE, Dynaudio Emit 20, Legend 100 or 200 series, or Watkins Gen 4 speakers..
Thanks for the question, Tarun. My nearfield system in the study is based around my erstwhile main system amp, an Audiolab 6000A. I'm constrained by where I have to place my amp and speakers -- Q Acoustics 3020i's, 6.69" x 10.94" x 11.10" (WxHxD). They and the amp rest on an IKEA IVAR higher shelf about 4' off the floor, above my head as I sit at the shelf underneath. This, with a slide-out keyboard sub-shelf acts as my desktop. I can't lower the upper shelf because there's a TV and monitor on the desktop. It sounds really rather good, but I have to have the speakers upside down with the tweeters aimed 10-15 degrees downwards at my ears. The soundstage is slightly above my head and I'd like to change that if I could. Maybe if I got smaller speakers at around £200 or less I could jury-rig something that would help. Do you, or does anyone else here have any suggestions? BTW, just for fun, I've tried my main system's Dali Menuet SE's and they sound better, but nowhere near as good as they do out in the open with a sub in the lounge. If I had money to burn, I'd get another pair for the study. Ah well, something as small or smaller than the Menuets might be a possibility. Or maybe there's some other useful suggestion...
So I wonder how this unit would handle a pair of Maggies-- even smaller ones like the LRS series. I've had to try multiple amps on my Magnepan 3.7's and in all cases it boiled down to traditional high current class A/B amps.
It will be interesting to hear your opinion on the Arcam SA10. I spent quite a bit of time with the bigger SA20 with a couple of different speakers and didn't get on with it at all. I found at low volumes in its class A mode it sounded good but when i turned it up i believe Arcam switch over to class G? it didn't sound that great to my ears , i wasn't to impressed with the build quality either especially when you compare it to something like an Audiolab 6000A that for the money its built extremely well.
I have a JDS Labs Element II which I used as Headphone/DAC/preamp (just because of that gorgeous knob) -> into Cambridge AXA25 for power and tone controls, KANTO YU passives on stands, and a Emotiva SE8 using the 60 HZ crossover to the main speakers. This is MORE than good enough...as somebody else commented, I also find near-field distracting, so I believe investing more on a desktop setup, aside from aesthetics, makes no sense for me. Cheers and great video.
As a very happy SMSL owner, I'm very glad to see so many reviewers, like yourself, giving their products good marks. They seem to aim squarely at the desktop market, and they have a lot to offer someone who enjoys near-field listening. Now, to answer your query: My "perfect" desktop system: - TEAC AI-301DA-X Integrated Amplifier (Amp, DAC, and headphone amp all in one unit) - TEAC PD-301-X CD Player - Ifi iFi Pro iDSD DAC/streamer/headphone amp - DALI Menuet SE speakers - REL T/5 subwoofer - Kanto SP9 speaker stands The TEAC and Ifi components are quite small, but powerful. You get a lot of performance for a very small bit of desktop real estate. The Kanto SP9 speaker stands are probably the most important item on this list, as I use them currently, and it's SHOCKING what a small 9" stand can do to greatly improve the sound of small speakers. There are a lot of room for substitutions on my list in regards to speakers, amps, DAC's and disk players, but the Kanto SP9's stay no matter what. For what might be a system just as good as the "perfect" system, at a much lower price point, I would consider the following: - Audioengine A5+ Plus Wireless Speakers (powered, 150 watts) - iFi NEO iDSD Desktop DAC, Hi-res Bluetooth Receiver, and Balanced Headphone Amplifier - Kanto SP9 speaker stands You would get a lot of BANG for your buck with this "value" system, while keeping components to a bare minimum. I don't specify a subwoofer, but one can certainly be added if the A5+ does not provide the bass you are wanting. Thanks again for another outstanding review.
A reviewer (in amazon ) said that the A2 needs a sub for freqs under 70hz since its speaker outs dont give freqs under 70hz. 70 is the lower the spkrs outs offer. he was using his old well known tower speakers and not getting any bass under 70hz. . no setting in the menu to fix this. he couldnt get the spkr outs to give freq under 70hz ( the lower setting). is that so? thanks.
Already have my perfect desktop system so will suggest a budget effort. £110 Fiio BTR5 DAC feeding fully balanced into a £200 SMSL DA-9 amplifier (50w @8ohms) running a a pair of £100 Dali Zensor Pico's (poor mans menuets).
Hey Tarun! Have you ever checked out products by Nuprime Audio? Formerly Nuforce. They make their own Class D modules and use a linear power supply in most of their amps. As you know, both aspects are quite rare. They have Pre's, Dac's, Amps(stereo and monoblocks), and a CD player. They have an integrated that is great for the money. It ranges from $1100 to $1350. It's called a Nuprime IDA-8(100watts into 8 and 4). YOU SHOULD REALLY CHECK OUT THAT AMP AND THEIR OTHER OFFERINGS. No other reviewers are talking about them, yet they offer tremendous performance for the money and a unique look too. Please do a review on some of their gear:):) I'd love to hear your opinion.
I do really enjoy that Tarun uses the ProAcs as a reference. I remember my first real "audiophile" speaker hunt back in the mid-80s with a limited budget. I ended up with the Spica TC50s which did a lot of things I cared about (midrange presence; soundstaging) really, really well. But then I made the mistake of hearing the ProAcs (don't remember the model number) and was reminded that I was "settling" with the Spicas because they hit my price point. The ProAcs will always be "the one that got away" for me. Sigh!
Looks good but thinking I'll be a Nationalist (like What Hifi lol) and go with Schiit at 9" (228mm to you cousins over the drink) with a Saga tube pre and the Aegir quasi Class A withn 20 watts (or 80 in mono).I just wish there Dacs at the lower price point had volume remote.
I'd love to know what you're input source was. If you used a dac and analog input your findings are worst case since you've forced an additional DAC ADC conversion
I enjoy subjective reviews of objectivists products. I hope you get a chance to review Topping PA5 and Topping LA90. The LA90 is Class AB which is a pleasant surprise.
Good review. What's the after sales support like for these? It's definitely something I've come to value in a product. I've also some serious build/component quality issues with some Chinese-made hifi too (including British names). Off-putting in itself, not least if no UK-based support.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Just a little thank you note for the continued excellence and clarity of your reviews. Being an 80+ year old audiophile and retired marine chemist I truly enjoy your reviews and particularly the technical revelations in the digital realm.
Thank you Frank. That is very kind and greatly appreciated 😊👍
Hi! My desktop setup: SMSL VMV A1, Piega TMicro 3, REL T Zero MK III. I rarely listen to music above the 10 volume level of the amplifier, as this amplifier really gives a lot of sound! I also have a more modest set for desktop placement: mini midrange Spotless Audio speakers - Seed 2.1. and an Aima A07 Pro amplifier.
Thank you for your professional reviews and your broad and wise view (and of course your hearing) on audiophilia. Your subscriber and attentive listener,
M.
The A1 is a cut above I suspect.
Was waiting patiently for this review..
Thank you Tarun!
Thank you my friend 😊👍
Thank you.
Well presented as always.
I recently came across the SMSL a300. There are a lot of positive reviews on this product.
Maybe at some point in the future, you can review it.
Thank you. I appreciate the suggestion 😊
Great review. Thank you…
I don’t do near field ever… no computer, no desks, just sitting back some 10’ and enjoying the music…
Thank you David 😊
As usual...really well done. I'm learning your descriptors & the comparisons to other components. You continue to be my dealer when no dealers are around! 😀
Thank you Steve. That is very kind 👍😊👍
Hello hope your well how detail is it in the treble and do like a warm sound ? I have an old mission 720 wondering how it well pair
Another great review from Tarun. My current desktop set up is the Chord Mojo 2, feeding an XTZ Edge A2-300, into EB Acoustics EB1 speakers. An extremely clean, open sound with a full yet tight bass.
Thank you Bart. Much appreciated 😊👍
I run as mono with xtz a 300 no extra power but there is just something special with the separation .
Hi Taran!!! I was using a pair of Rogers LS3/A5 with a Cayin L34 amp in a close distance listening setting 1.6 mts (5ft aprox) and i had to sent it to repair ,and as i didn't want to be without music ,I bought an VMV A1 (25 W per channel ) amp , and to make a long story short , I never connect back the Cayin ,to this day I prefer the VMV A1.
Thank you Daniel 😊
For those on an even tighter budget a more affordable "binovular sibling" has just been released, it's Sabaj's A30a amplifier. Sabaj is one of the other brands by the same mother company. It contains almost identical internals just put into a different enclosure and costs around 500 USD.
Thank you 😊
Do you know of anyone that's directly compared the two (actually listened to them)? It's quite hard to find much info on these amps online
Another excellent, thoughtful review - thank you, Tarun. A 100W amp that's best suited to desktop use seems to me an indication that something went askew with the A2's design priorities.
Thank you buddy. Good point. They appeal to people who have a tendency to chase specs. There is more to a great amplifier than basic measured performance 😊
Another comprehensive and concise review, with great information and comparisons. Thank you again for your time and effort sharing this with us all. My nearfield system is currently, smsl d300 DAC, Xduoo MT-604 headphone amp, Marantz AV8801 processor, Marantz MM 7025 amp to SVS Ultra bookshelf speakers .
Thank you Simon 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 You're very welcome Sir.
I just picked up a 20 year old amp (a Krell KAV 400xi integrated amplifier) to pair with a 50 year old speaker (a pair of JBL 4311 studio monitors). Oh mah gawd. It's not a refined sound, but it's raw, immediate and oodles of fun. I'm also using a sub sparingly to kick in a bit of the low end and I'm so enjoying this setup. I'm astonished as to how good an older setup like this sounds.
That is very cool 😎
Excellent intelligent review as usual. Most of all, your video editing skills are getting incredibly professional. Keep up the good work.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Hi Tarun, great review as usual. One of the things I appreciate about your approach is to always spend a little time on the architecture of the product you are reviewing. A bit nerdy, but for me, audio does not only have to sound good, it's design philosophy has to be agreeable with how I would hypothetically do it.
Purely as thought process, an ideal near field system for me would probably have 4" Fostex, Mark Audio or Tang-Band drivers in a modest base reflex box powered by a low output vintage receiver (Sansui 331/441 comes to mind), augmented by a small modern sub-woofer. As analog source I would use a vintage turn-table with a 10" platter (space saving) probably a Dual 1019. For digital content, to start with I would simply plug my Mac in to the Aux input of the receiver. But since Near-field is mainly for Computer use, I may grudgingly invest in a DAC.
Thank you Hugo. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
I use a pair of Ruark RM1's for my desktop (also double up as holiday / garden speakers). Thank you for another excellent review!
Thank you Clive 👍
HIVI D1090: digital in, Bluetooth in, analogue in digitized first, then digital amplification with DSP and then great drivers. All integrated in one speaker right and one slave speaker left. Incredible sound.
I use the Audiolab 8000A with separate streamer and DAC in the main system. Also a great amp!
Thank you for sharing 😊
Brilliant review Tarun can’t wait for your Arcam SA10 review as you were spot on about my Arcam’s CD player from the mid 90’s which has excellent analog out put compare to its Digital outputs
Thank you Atri 👍
Another in depth review tarun .interesting amplifier,I'm sure it will fit in well with some people's setups, I prefer the class A sound myself. Looking forward to another review soon, take care tarun.
Thank you Paul 😊
Thanks for this. I'm in Australia and was curious if you have any information about the SMSL AO300 released Sept. 2023? Has both USB and HDMI with front headphone jacks. There is no information about it on RUclips.
Its excellent fot its price. best sound connection is via usb
Here is my desktop audio system which I just LOVE.
1)Computer: PC and Mac (connected to DAC using USB audio (midi) cable).
2)DAC: RME ADI2DACFS (Connected to amplifier using XLR cable; connected to subwoofer using RCA cable)
3)Amplifier: SPL S800 (connected to speakers using banana speaker cables).
4)Speakers: KEF LS50 meta
5)Subwoofer: KEF KC62
Nice system. Thank you Joseph 😊
I can say, I had a very similar experience with SMSL DA9. Also very clear and detailed with nice tone, but no authority and scale 👍
I have the da9 too, i must agree while it sounds very clear and detailed, it lacks the punch when paired with my kef q350s for my desktop setup
Thank you for sharing 👍
just add a sub
Outstanding as always Tarun. My current desktop system is an SMSL SA300 with Klipsch R-14M's. I run Amazon Music or Tidal from my laptop into an ifi NANO IDSD BLACK LABEL DAC then into the SA300 and it sounds great. Keep up the great work.
Thank you Da Mayor 😊👍
Lovely review! Great work Tarun. One thing though, on SMSL official page it does mention they support native DSD up to DSD512. :)
Thank you, much appreciated. You have to scroll down to where they talk about the XMOS chip 😊👍
I've got an Auralic/Burson/ PrimaLuna/LS50 system in my study and tend to use that, but on my computer desk I still have an original Acoustic Energy Aego 1 sub- sat system with a Topping DX3 Pro DAC and it really sounds pretty damn good despite its age (the AE). It lived on my consulting room desk for years before I retired. It's had a lot of knocks but is built like a tank. A great buy.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Such great gear going into….LS50?? For that kind of cash one would imagine you’d get better speakers.
Well, thankfully I use my SMSL VMV A2 in a near field desktop scenario as my computer audio driving original B&W 805 Nautilus. I find the SMSL to be fantastic in that use case. And in the comments section of one of his previous SMSL videos Tarun helped me with the decision to get the A2. Thanks Tarun!
Thank you. It is a superb desktop amplifier. That is exactly how I would use it 😊👍
I have modded P3ESRs on my desktop, driven by a full sized 90W class AB integrated amp. the Audio-gd Precision 1, and an Audio-gd R2R-11 DAC. They were preceded by an Aiyima A07 - surprisingly good sound for the incredibly cheap price - and before that, a PS Audio Sprout. In the end, I was willing to sacrifice desk space for clarity and refinement - the Aiyima A07 had plenty of scale and dynamics with a 48V power supply otherwise.
Thank you for sharing 😊
As my "office" system, which is the closest to a desktop system that I can think of, I use an S.M.S.L. DA-9 with Dali Spektor 2's and a Hiby FD1 as a DAC (connected via USB to the PC and via 2.5mm/XLR balanced to the DA-9). I had ELAC ELT7's before (~25 years old speakers) and they had more bass punch, but bass punch isn't really the no.1 prio in an office situation.
The idea was to get a system that saves space and money and allows reuse of existing stuff (like the Hiby and the ELAC's) and still get a decent sound to entertain me in office. Works for me.
Oh I forgot some nice features. The S.M.S.L. DA-9 supports LDAC as does my Xaomi Redmi Note 9S. So I can stream from my phone to the Amp in 24/96, which sounds great. The speakers and the amp alone are less than €500 and with an LDAC compatible phone you get a nice little streamer setup. Small, easy to use (the amp even has a remote control, which is good, because in my case it sits on top of a cupboard) and at reasonable cost. I added a pair of Kanto S6 Speakers "stands" to solve the problem, that the speakers are about 2 meters above the ground (which is way above the ear height of a sitting person). I have connected it to the PC, because I like to use a parametric EQ to optimize the sound to my personal needs.
Thank you for sharing 😊
I decided to focus all my efforts into my main system for optimum SQ. I do have a Luxman Receiver with Elac Unifi UBR62 Reference speakers for sports radio in the office.
Thank you Jeff 😊
Thank you for this well produced video.
Thank you John 😊👍
Thanks for the review!
I think everyone should enjoy a complimentary near field desktop setup when they can. As suggested I'm providing my near field setup that is also used for headphone listening at my desktop: Questyle CMA 15 headphone amplifier and preamp DAC driving a pair of powered Tannoy Gold 5 speakers via XLR. I also have a powered sub under the desk ;-) The main source at this desktop position is my laptop via usb, secondary is phone via LDAC Bluetooth. One big benefit is ability to blow my brains out now and then without getting in trouble with the Mrs lol! Also a good solution for a late night listening session.
Thanks!
Michael
Thank you Michael 😊
So what do I win ?
@@mimofi Hi Michael, this is a spam message from someone pretending to be me. They are using my photo. Please do not respond to them. I have reported it as spam to RUclips. I would never contact you in this manner to offer you a prize. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Great content as always!
My system is: Intel NUC, to Denafrips Iris DDC, to Sony TA-ZH1ES Dac-headphone amp, to Peachtree Nova 300 integrated amp, to KEF R3 speakers. Most music listening is hi-res downloaded files from qobuz. Overall setup provides detail with weight to the sound.
You must have a huge desktop, hahaha.
Thank you Aaron. Much appreciated 😊👍
@@aiofilms Only 1.5m wide but the R3's (sitting on the desk on slim concrete paving stones) are surprisingly good at nearfield listening. If I push the chair back a metre out from the desk and chill, it hits the sweet spot. Cheers
@@aaronhing4195 Thanks for the reply. My initial surprise or teasing actually came from the size of the R3s. They are not small or shallow on most deaktops we average Joe can afford. So I figued you must have a president's desk in a big CEO's workplace to host the system. That's not the "Desktop" I had in mind, hahaha.
@@aiofilms Ha. Ok, it is a large solid hard wood desk, but the working from home environment since 2020 has transformed the desktop audio experience, which goes to the topic that Tarun raised with his video. And yes, the R3s are deep at around 320mm and do dominate the desk, but in a good way 🙂
Another very interesting video, keep up the good work
Thank you Richard 😊👍
Desk top listening!... Hmmm.. Just not for me.. BUT, who knows.. Perhaps down sizing home in the future may cause me to revise needs... Hell, I may even need a headphone rig!!! ..... But it I'd always miss those moments when floorstanding
loudspeakers/sub/s can effortlessly pressurise the room.
Nicely presented content Tarun 👍🏻
Thank you Marcus 😊
My ideal set up for a desktop, taking value into account, would probably be close to what I have now. Currently I'm using an SMSL SA300 with a pair of Dali Spektor 1's. I'm using the internal usb dac and I can't really fault this set up for the price. I'm looking to experiment with adding a seperate USB dac in the future or maybe a different all in one solution altogether. I'd like to have the option of highpassing the speakers for use with a sub, just to see how the spektors respond to that. I have no need for a sub as my listening space is small and i sit close to the speakers, but im still curious.
I'd love to use Spektor 2's instead of 1's, but desk space is limited.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Very much enjoyed your review!
Thank you Dean 😊👍
Nicely done. It would seem the A2 would satisfy many in a desktop situation.
I've gone further upscale, with an RME ADI-2 DAC fs, a Mytek Brooklyn Amp+ and a pair of Harbeth P3ESR XDs.
Thank you for watching and sharing Richard. That is a very nice desktop rig 😊
I really enjoyed this review allot and the diversity of products you are covering is very enjoyable to me as well. I appreciate the time you put into this channel thank you. My desktop set up pales in comparison to most here but its a work in progress allot of what I have learned has been threw knowledge gained on this channel/ CAM/and PSAudio that being said I have a Sabaj D5 DAC running into a xduoo MT 602 tube/preamp with vokshod Russian tubes rolled in with the Aiyima A07 w/sparkos op amps upgrade and 48v power supply upgrade and classic Mission 761 bookshelf speakers my sub is nothing speacial but I can set the crossover and gain manually. This was a project I started to try and outpace my home setup but that's not happening sounds great though.
Thank you for watching and sharing Victor. Much appreciated 😊👍
My desktop set up comprises of the SMSL SU9 dac & the SMSL SH9 headphone amp. I'm no audiophile expert but in comparison to my previous systems (Schiit Modi & Magni followed by a similar sized pair of Topping devises that I can't remember the model No's of!) the SMSL's sound great through my Quad headphones. I always enjoy the content, even when it doesn't apply to me. Cheers... 👍
Thank you Nigel. I appreciate that 😊
Well done! I have a very simple desktop setup in my office. Macbook connected to an RME ADI-2 DAC with Hifiman Sundara headphones.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Good video as usual. I have an old pair of KEF C25s, a Vista Audio Spark and a Schiit Modi DAC. Sounds fine, but I really don't do much listening at my desk.
Thank you my friend 😊
While not everyone would share my view regarding near field desktop solutions, I feel "The less clutter the better." I like a clean, clutter free solution, and don't want a bunch of electronic boxes on my desk. So I opted for a pair of powered Kanto YU6 speakers for my desktop, which have a built in class D amplifier. For my requirements, that's all that is needed. No external dac, or amplifer. Everything just rolled into one solution. When it comes to critical, more musical listening, I'll retreat to my dedicated listening room.
Great solution for the money. Thank you for sharing 👍
Tarun, excellent review as always! thanks so much for all you do. Top notch quality on each and every review. very concise, knowledgeable, and informative. looking forward to your Arcam SA10 review. Got the Audiolab 6000A on your recommendation last year to replace an Iota SA3. It has been a delight! just recently bought an Arcam SA10 for my second stereo setup and it has been very interesting comparing the Audiolab to the Arcam. Wonder if we will have similar conclusions.......
thanks again.
Thank you my friend. Unfortunately, the 6000A went back a long time ago so I will only be able to offer a general comment as to how it compares with the SA10 using the SA3 as a common reference point. The review should be out soon 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 great! looking forward!
I think this or the A400 will pair up amazingly with my Yamaha NS-1000M speakers. Thanks for the detailed review.
Thank you 😊
Very informative Tarun.
Thank you buddy 👍
Thank you for another interesting review.
My desktop system would start with a single-ended tube (valve for you Brits) amp and a pair of relatively efficient speakers. I'm just one of those folks that really likes the sound of tubes.
Thank you buddy 😊
Love this channel and I don't even have a hi-fi
Greatly appreciated. Praise doesn’t come higher than that 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 can you recommend a budget system for someone with a new home. Something that works with my TV?
@@redpandacheese Q Acoustics M20. You should check out my review 😊
ruclips.net/video/0NzHVkcUKUQ/видео.html
I used to use a Nuforce (Optoma) DDA 120 for quite a while. It has nearly the same features and layout except for the DSP. I always found it to sound very clean and as you said „out of the way“. On the other hand it always was a bit too lean and had a tendency to sound boring because of missing dynamics. With the purchase of new speakers which need more oomph that became dramatically bad. So I had to change to an amp with more output power. That new amp (Atoll) is a classic class A/AB. Somehow I have the feeling that what I heard between those two amps is typical for the comparison of the actual status quo of analogue vs digital.
Thank you for sharing 😊
My desktop PC system: Tannoy mini autograph, a 9 watts single-ended AudioNote kit one amplifier, Topping E30 DAC; it sounds very nice.
Thank you Ross 😊
There's not much more to say than I concur Tarun with all of the above. As for my near-field setup, well with a Gryphon Diablo 300 and Wilson alexia's what is near field.😁🎧👍
Keep up the great work my friend.
Thank you buddy. That is some system 😊👍
Great review as usual!!
Thank you buddy 👍
Very informative review,
I will be trying out the new PeachTree GaN1 which has the same digital input although very direct as it only accepts S/PDIF.
It will be driving Sonus faber Lumina 1s which I am currently using in my desk top system
Thank you Michael 😊
My recent experience with 3 powerful power amps (one actually a pair of Mono Blocs), in my small apt. was QUITE the learning experience! I could not believe the difference in sound quality experienced by just substituting different power amps. It was a WOW experience. I eagerly chose one (the most expensive 🤯), and finally sold those mono blocs at a GOOD price! Phew! I know LOTS more now and am REALLY enjoying the music. (Mercury Streamer is on the way from Pi2Designs w/I2S connection as my next audio upgrade experience!).
Thank you Bob 😊
For a minute o thought you digitized yourself.
Another excellent review
Thank you Doug 😊
My main system is in the study where I work so I tend to use that and some headphones and an Ifi Zen DAC as an occasional alternative with music streaming through my computer. I’m tempted by some powered speakers, however.
Thank you 😊
Hi
Exclent review as always ☺️
For ls50 meta.. Smsl or audio lab 600a or 8300 a? If the audio lab so the 8300 is better from the other wlth ls50?
Thanks shay
Thank you. I would go for the 8300 👍
Great review as always--the A2 sounds appealing for it's form factor on a desktop.
I'm running a pair of KEF LS50s and a NuPrime IDA-8 integrated with a Denefrips ARES II DAC streaming from a PC (USB through a iFi iPurifier3). My systems sounds good but I'm looking to upgrade the NuPrime IDA-8 . Suggestions welcome.
I'm also considering swapping out the LS50s for Dali Menuet SE, thinking the Menuet's would have better tone and a little more warmth.
Thank you Kyle. The Menuet SE won’t be a dynamic but will have a warmer tone and should reveal more textures in the midrange 😊
Currently, near/midfield. PSI A25m mastering monitors and Prism Callia DAC. Might switch out the PSI's for something a little smaller later in life.
Thank you for sharing 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 well you did ask ha
I've got a Cambridge AXR100 amp SMSL M300 MKii dac Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition and ASW610 hooked to PC USB with an ifi Defender all isotek power cables/supra power block /QED reference full loom.
Thank you for sharing Shelly 😊
Current near field desktop setup is Quad S1 speakers (have the PSB Imagine Mini as well), Emotiva basx a-100 (with jumper installed to get 100 W for headphones), and Topping E30 dac. Locking for a different amp. SMSL VMV A1 or A2….. open for suggestions based on experience as well.
Depends on the sound you want. Warm = A1, analytical =A2. Both good options for a desktop 😊
I happen to have 2 near-field systems : one with a RME ADI-2 DAC FS, acting as a volume control for TWO iLoud MTM active monitors with built-in DSP (XLR) cables, but I mostly use it with a Focal Headphone (either for my computer or a Yamaha CD-S300 acting as a CD transport or an iPod pass-through) . The other for a "B" studio for which I did not Want to spend a dîme : an SMSL DA-9 (sporting Infineon app chips) feeding a pair of superb Tiny applewood KEF IQ10 with coaxial UniQ drivers, and a Focal cube2 sub properly placed in this very small room. Feeding this second system (all second hand except for the DA-9) provides me with just as much enjoyment. I feed it with whatever I'm carrying along (DAC, Soundcard) or I use the conveniently provided Bluetooth... Those little amps have Indeed come a long way....
Thank you for sharing 👍
Your videos are so good! You are excellent at keeping my attention focused on the video and presentation and format is excellent. I must say, I cannot see myself buying this product over the RME ADI 2 FS for a desktop setup (I own the RME and its my 'ideal desktop setup'.) I do appreciate the fact you can hook passive speakers up to this - so for people with Buchardt MK2's this SMSL product would make sense. The DSP on the SMSL really sucks though, not even being able to control the frequency at which the bass + treble adjust at could cause resonance problems.
So I suppose if the outputs on this amp are needed by the buyer then great, they will be happy with a great performing amp. However if they don't need those passive speaker outputs then I really can't see any reason to choose the SMSL over the RME ADI 2 FS due to the price difference. I'd be very happy to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks for the video !
Thank you Lewis. Very kind. The RME ADI FS has better sound quality that the VMV A2, as it should for the price. You should stick with it for use with active speakers 😊👍
Great video, Tarun. I really enjoy your reviews.
I have a desktop set up of sorts in a smallish home office/bedroom. My laptop is connected to an Ifi zen dac v2 - Yamaha rx v-365 AV - q acoustics 3020 speakers. I've only recently got back into this hobby after 12 years of headphones + smartphones. With the children a bit older I can now let my hair down a bit more on the audio front!
Perhaps you and the community here can give me some pointers in how I should upgrade? I think I need to upgrade the amp (the yahama is a 2009 model entry-level av) and then get a streamer. Then I'd be looking at speakers and eventually upgrade the if zen dac. Very much looking forward to enjoying the audiophile journey 😊
Thank you. I would tend to agree. I bet the amp is the weak link in the chain. There are so many good options these days. I would take a very close look at the Rega IO 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Nice one. I've had a look and it's now added to my shortlist, along with the Marantz PM6007. The Cambridge AXA35 looks interesting too. Decisions!
For my desktop sluiten I use the active Edifier S880DB speakers...great sound for nearby listening
Thank you for sharing Edwin 😊
Man the stubble was really cool, but...? Love the Meneut's sound and its looks are awesome.
Thank you Jeff. I was just being lazy and didn’t shave 😊
I don't know if perfect setup exits. But working my way up to one. Curently Denafrips Iris + Smsl M400 + Smsl Da9 driving a set of Jamo S803 + a Jamo S810 sub. Hoping to upgrade to Kef LS50 :)
Thank you for sharing 😊
Yo...British Audiophile! Really enjoy your videos please keep up the great work with one exception. Would it really kill you to give the prices in both pounds and dollars. With all due respect to England, this just in the world does not revolve the British pound. Just saying... Again fantastic work on your reviews and commentary.
Thank you. I do metric and imperial measurements but just the price in my domestic market. I would have to track pricing in other markets. I suppose I have to draw the line somewhere 😊
If you have Siri or Google just SPEAK what value in pounds and ask what pounds are in USD or in ANY known currency✅ It’s just that simple.. Or Bookmark a monetary Conversion Website, there’s literally 100s of them to choose from.. All it takes is a little effort on your part.. Just say how much is 750 pounds USD and instantly you’ll have the answer which is $924.67 as of today.. Each day it can change a few cents to a few dollars..
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks for your response. Quick question for you where are the majority of your subscribers located?
@@canjo7301 it is a pretty decent spread 😊
My desktop set up is a 20 years old Sony all in one micro Hi-Fi component system CMT-M100MD it included a cassette tape, CD player, MD, AM, FM, one Aux input and a pair of speakers, I am thinking to connect it with a rega P3 turntable by an external phono amp.
Thank you James 😊
Maybe it's just me but I don't like the "coming up" intro section, I really don't like spoilers though haha, so I skip it. Really enjoy your videos in general though!
Thank you for the feedback 😊
i miss integrated amps, there is something about having the volume knob on the amp itself. but its been years and i have move on. power amps are so enticing.
For ideal desktop setup is am pretty close now, i only use digital sources so i have a minidsp shd studio as "preamp" and room correction. into dac's then into power amps for 10" stereo subwoofers and main MTM(5"woofers) speakers. with this i have small size gear on my desk and have dac's and power amps somewhere else.
With full dsp control between speakers and subwoofers i get 20hz to 15khz linear response, i tried to build something better with hypex plate amps but the hiss noise i could not get used to. even tho it sounded better.
Thank you Sudd 😊
Do you run two external DACs with the SHD studio? I'm thinking of SHD for 2.2 integration with stereo pair of subs. I have a denafrips DAC I'd like to keep for mains, and using the internal DAC on the SHD for the subs. Biggest concern: the apparent variable output delay from r2r DACs FIFO buffers. Are you having any issues with your external DACs or are they at fixed delay that you could easily nullify using the SHD?
@@erics.4113 i run dual dac's if i run my passive speakers and subs.
When i use my hypex plate amp it had dsp and dac inside to they are fed digital xlr(AES-EBU).
i tried to hear a delay from my dac's(belcanto and arcam). could not get any delay to be big enough to be noticeable.
the arcam dac has quite a few filter i could adjust and set to max it still was pretty low delay it added.
Total delay from minidsp shd studio, amps and dac's is also low. its pretty instant from source to speaker output for me.
the studio has delay i use, but only in small amounts and not to adjust for the processing delay.
@@sudd3660 interesting. Did you do any impulse response tests with the umik and SHD to determine what the delays were or did you mostly tune to ear? I don't have the practical experience, but I'm getting some reports that people are sensitive to delays as small as .5ms, but then I see specs on my subs that claim a 'low 7ms' delay, which they seem to imply is very good.
I realize that the ultimate goal is to adjust the timing for the listening position, and not to reference to the gear itself, so maybe I'm thinking or rather overthinking about this in the wrong way.
Did you do much listening with the DACs internal to the SHD? They apparently measure well. I'm curious to listen and compare with my denafrips. Ultimately I may be shooting myself in the foot a bit. I could like the colored sound of the denafrips, however I'll be sacrificing more precise time alignment since it's technology dictates a variable output delay within +/- a few ms on average according to some testing I've seen. On the other hand, the SHD seems to have a fixed output delay, albeit one that varies depending on whether you've enabled Dirac or not. I want my mains and subs to be in absolute lock step, but I also don't want to sacrifice timbre and tone that I like. I'm also considering hypex or purifi or a benchmark ahb2 but am concerned that a pure signal is maybe not what I actually like, and may prefer the fattened, distorted, colored harmonics of so-called lesser measuring gear.
@@erics.4113 there is some misunderstandings here, i own the shd studio, it has no dac or analog outputs. and i do not run dirac because i got awful results from it. at least compared to my own adjustments.
my subs are diy and are passive, with my own power amp and dac, then i get exactly the same delay for all my speakers.
i did some impulse test with rew and umik when i did a 2 way diy speaker, hypex plate amp was used for the crossover.
but for subwoofer to main crossover i tuned by ear, i used a tone generator from google search and could hear the difference in every ms i added. real-time dsp adjusting is amazing.
i actually got the purifi poweramp. and i think that the dsp settings you add will have more effect that the dac signature.
Très bonne vidéo explicative.
Merci beaucoup mon ami 👍
Je m’en suis commandé 1. Merci à vous.
Interesting. I was curious about the SMSL products so I bought the AO200 some months back.
Good reviews were aplenty and I thought (at the time) that I really needed to replace my desk-top
integrated behemoth tube amp. Well, I have yet to even power up the SMSL ... let alone "use" it.
After hearing this review and your comments relevant to a near-field application - I really should
hook this unit up and play with the numerous settings it offers. The AO200 is/was considerably
cheaper than the VMV A2 but reportedly uses a "good" chip(?) ... the Infineon MA 12070. It's all
Class D Greek to me but I really should give it a listen and see how it fares against my EL34s.
I should mention that the AO200 uses a balanced circuit and I found that particularly attractive.
Thanks Tarun ... I will procrastinate no longer.
I have been impressed with some of the more accessible SMSL stuff. I would be surprised if the AO200 is in their sweet spot 😊
This would have been ideal when setting up my desktop system. I already have my main system in my office (Arcam Alpha 9 amp, Alpha 8 CD, Thorens TD160 turntable, Dali Oberon 3 speakers, SMSL Sanskrit 10 for streaming) but I need a desktop for work. So I purchased a second hand Rotel RA820BX amp and I have owned and loved the Mordaunt Short Avant 902i speakers before so bought some more and absolutely love them. My DAC is another Sanskrit. Sounds really good. Not as good as my main systems though 🤣🤣
Thank you for sharing 😊
Thanks for this nice review. As you reviewed the A1 as well, which would you recommend for near field setup ?
Thank you. Both are good but very different sounding amps 😊
Desktop "do it all" setup : Mulidine new Allegretto, Rotel A11 Tribute, SMSL Su8, Naim CD5X, SMSL SP200 (headphone amp)
Thank you CC 😊
Looking forward to your review of VMWs D2. :)
I am sure I will get to it in time 😊
I’m happy with my desktop setup of KEF ls50s and a Micromega MyAmp. The ls50s might be overkill for a desktop but their coaxial driver works great for near field listening and I don’t feel the need for a sub. Another great review Tarun!
Thank you Bryan. Coaxial designs can be great in the nearfield 👍
Hi Tarun,, great to meet you at the hi-fi show, i am sure many people said hi to you so I don't expect you to remember, I was told about the A1 after I told the guys at Perla Acoustic I had the Quad 303. he said that it was so much better than my 303s, but what I will like to know is the A1 pure class A? and what is the A2 ? which of h two would you pick.. is the A1 a lovely warm detail amp? I have missions 720 n mark audio full range
Hi Hamzat, thank you for saying Hi at the show. The A1 is not pure class A but high bias class AB. It has a warm sound though 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Afternoon Tauran, i hope all is well, I do like a warm sound, apparently it's detail as well, a nice combination, I am waiting for my recap mission 720 to arrive, that b interesting o hear, also a Marantz 65 cd player, which speaker did you like most at the show .. i listen to some bbcs last week at someone house, 5 pairs iI left in disappointment , there where nothing like the falcons
@@hamzatatta952 hard to tell much at a show but there were quite a few that sounded good. I did a show report on them 😊
ruclips.net/video/4C0GuJpLl5M/видео.html
Presently in a nearfield setup I have a Willsenton R8 (with upgraded tubes), a Schiit Freya+ (with upgraded input tubes), a Pontus II Dac coupled with the Iris DDC, a Bluesound Node v2 & Rel T7i with Triangle Genese on deck in a treated room and setting on a 96" Gladiator butcher block table (aka workbench) and iMac 27" for Internet streaming movies/TV. Anymore suggestions for a solid state amp? My wish list includes the Dali Menuet SE, Dynaudio Emit 20, Legend 100 or 200 series, or Watkins Gen 4 speakers..
Hi Don, depending on what sound you want I would look at the Exposure 2510 and the current Atoll amps 😊
Tell me where to get the firmware for it or how to disable SUB CUTOFF???? To avoid cutting the frequency, stand for speakers
Thanks for the question, Tarun.
My nearfield system in the study is based around my erstwhile main system amp, an Audiolab 6000A. I'm constrained by where I have to place my amp and speakers -- Q Acoustics 3020i's, 6.69" x 10.94" x 11.10" (WxHxD). They and the amp rest on an IKEA IVAR higher shelf about 4' off the floor, above my head as I sit at the shelf underneath. This, with a slide-out keyboard sub-shelf acts as my desktop. I can't lower the upper shelf because there's a TV and monitor on the desktop.
It sounds really rather good, but I have to have the speakers upside down with the tweeters aimed 10-15 degrees downwards at my ears. The soundstage is slightly above my head and I'd like to change that if I could.
Maybe if I got smaller speakers at around £200 or less I could jury-rig something that would help. Do you, or does anyone else here have any suggestions? BTW, just for fun, I've tried my main system's Dali Menuet SE's and they sound better, but nowhere near as good as they do out in the open with a sub in the lounge. If I had money to burn, I'd get another pair for the study. Ah well, something as small or smaller than the Menuets might be a possibility. Or maybe there's some other useful suggestion...
Thank you John. A pair of satellite speakers with a well positioned compact subwoofer may be the solution 😊
So I wonder how this unit would handle a pair of Maggies-- even smaller ones like the LRS series. I've had to try multiple amps on my Magnepan 3.7's and in all cases it boiled down to traditional high current class A/B amps.
That is their reputation 🙂
The number one attribute in an amplifier I look for is whether it provides palpable imaging and soundstage. You might want to include this in future.
I normally do mention that 😊
hey Tarun, can you review the cambridge audio CXA81 and CXN v2? would love to hear your opinions on them
I hope to, soon 😉
It will be interesting to hear your opinion on the Arcam SA10.
I spent quite a bit of time with the bigger SA20 with a couple of different speakers and didn't get on with it at all.
I found at low volumes in its class A mode it sounded good but when i turned it up i believe Arcam switch over to class G?
it didn't sound that great to my ears ,
i wasn't to impressed with the build quality either especially when you compare it to something like an Audiolab 6000A that for the money its built extremely well.
Thank you. I believe the SA10 is just a straightforward class A/B 😊
I have the SMSL AO300. Is this a upgrade?
I ahavent tried the A0300 😊
I have a JDS Labs Element II which I used as Headphone/DAC/preamp (just because of that gorgeous knob) -> into Cambridge AXA25 for power and tone controls, KANTO YU passives on stands, and a Emotiva SE8 using the 60 HZ crossover to the main speakers. This is MORE than good enough...as somebody else commented, I also find near-field distracting, so I believe investing more on a desktop setup, aside from aesthetics, makes no sense for me. Cheers and great video.
Thank you for sharing FF 😊
As a very happy SMSL owner, I'm very glad to see so many reviewers, like yourself, giving their products good marks. They seem to aim squarely at the desktop market, and they have a lot to offer someone who enjoys near-field listening.
Now, to answer your query:
My "perfect" desktop system:
- TEAC AI-301DA-X Integrated Amplifier (Amp, DAC, and headphone amp all in one unit)
- TEAC PD-301-X CD Player
- Ifi iFi Pro iDSD DAC/streamer/headphone amp
- DALI Menuet SE speakers
- REL T/5 subwoofer
- Kanto SP9 speaker stands
The TEAC and Ifi components are quite small, but powerful. You get a lot of performance for a very small bit of desktop real estate.
The Kanto SP9 speaker stands are probably the most important item on this list, as I use them currently, and it's SHOCKING what a small 9" stand can do to greatly improve the sound of small speakers. There are a lot of room for substitutions on my list in regards to speakers, amps, DAC's and disk players, but the Kanto SP9's stay no matter what.
For what might be a system just as good as the "perfect" system, at a much lower price point, I would consider the following:
- Audioengine A5+ Plus Wireless Speakers (powered, 150 watts)
- iFi NEO iDSD Desktop DAC, Hi-res Bluetooth Receiver, and Balanced Headphone Amplifier
- Kanto SP9 speaker stands
You would get a lot of BANG for your buck with this "value" system, while keeping components to a bare minimum. I don't specify a subwoofer, but one can certainly be added if the A5+ does not provide the bass you are wanting.
Thanks again for another outstanding review.
Thank you Ron. I appreciate you watching and sharing 😊👍
A reviewer (in amazon ) said that the A2 needs a sub for freqs under 70hz since its speaker outs dont give freqs under 70hz. 70 is the lower the spkrs outs offer. he was using his old well known tower speakers and not getting any bass under 70hz. . no setting in the menu to fix this. he couldnt get the spkr outs to give freq under 70hz ( the lower setting). is that so? thanks.
I don’t believe that is correct 😊
Already have my perfect desktop system so will suggest a budget effort. £110 Fiio BTR5 DAC feeding fully balanced into a £200 SMSL DA-9 amplifier (50w @8ohms) running a a pair of £100 Dali Zensor Pico's (poor mans menuets).
That is great. Thank you Andrew 😊👍
I run a BTR5 into a DA-9 sometimes. Really nice, compact desktop system.
@@arthurkillen396 thank you 😊
Hey Tarun! Have you ever checked out products by Nuprime Audio? Formerly Nuforce. They make their own Class D modules and use a linear power supply in most of their amps. As you know, both aspects are quite rare. They have Pre's, Dac's, Amps(stereo and monoblocks), and a CD player. They have an integrated that is great for the money. It ranges from $1100 to $1350. It's called a Nuprime IDA-8(100watts into 8 and 4). YOU SHOULD REALLY CHECK OUT THAT AMP AND THEIR OTHER OFFERINGS. No other reviewers are talking about them, yet they offer tremendous performance for the money and a unique look too. Please do a review on some of their gear:):) I'd love to hear your opinion.
ruclips.net/video/qoDNqNc5C78/видео.html
Thank you Ryan. I am familiar with the brand and hope to get to them in time 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Awesome! Thank you for your response:)
Perhaps they will gain some scale and authority when matched with an active sub to put out more low frequency energy
That would help at lower frequencies 😊
I do really enjoy that Tarun uses the ProAcs as a reference. I remember my first real "audiophile" speaker hunt back in the mid-80s with a limited budget. I ended up with the Spica TC50s which did a lot of things I cared about (midrange presence; soundstaging) really, really well. But then I made the mistake of hearing the ProAcs (don't remember the model number) and was reminded that I was "settling" with the Spicas because they hit my price point. The ProAcs will always be "the one that got away" for me. Sigh!
Thank you Michael. I hope you scratch that itch some day 😊
Looks good but thinking I'll be a Nationalist (like What Hifi lol) and go with Schiit at 9" (228mm to you cousins over the drink) with a Saga tube pre and the Aegir quasi Class A withn 20 watts (or 80 in mono).I just wish there Dacs at the lower price point had volume remote.
Cool 😎
I'd love to know what you're input source was. If you used a dac and analog input your findings are worst case since you've forced an additional DAC ADC conversion
Thank you 😊
Supprisingly, we found out that SMSL match very well with Elac Debut and Unifi series. As interested or fun, you may also give them a try too, cheers.
Cool 😎
I enjoy subjective reviews of objectivists products. I hope you get a chance to review Topping PA5 and Topping LA90. The LA90 is Class AB which is a pleasant surprise.
Thank you Sean 😊👍
🤗 TARUN WE ARE HAPPY TO HANGON TO SEE 👀 HOW YOU GOT ON 😁😎👍😍😍😍
I appreciate that 😊👍
Do you interest AIYIMA amp?
Yes, please send me your email address 😊
Good review. What's the after sales support like for these? It's definitely something I've come to value in a product. I've also some serious build/component quality issues with some Chinese-made hifi too (including British names). Off-putting in itself, not least if no UK-based support.
SMSL and Topping seem to be quite responsive but I guess time will tell 😊
Thanks
Thank you too 😊