So many great options out there if you can get away with more than one box SMSL DA9 amzn.to/3xXBYtI SMSL SU8s amzn.to/35Wtur3 Ifi Zen Phono amzn.to/3diphCa SMSL SA300 amzn.to/3h43PC0 Project Phono Amp amzn.to/3wTC2L4 Loxjie A30 amzn.to/2UDWNwa Aiyima A07 amzn.to/3zYAOA8
For the price, the form factor, build quality, versatility for the large majority of the public, its outright simplicity, and For those for whom a few hundred dollars don't mean much, and who don't want to fool with gear the Sprout is very hard to beat.
I guess my question is in what manner do you think the alternatives sound better than the Sprout? What are the specific attributes that make them “sound better” than the Sprout? Thanks!
Love the honesty and straight forward assessment. The Sprout is not for me, but it's a product I understand. Simple, clean, compact, fully featured. I've found with stacks of gear they can become distracting. I can end up spending more time tweaking features and rearranging gear than just listening to music. The custom stack will always be better bang for your buck. But simple all-in-wonder can really help me focus on the music.
Dude, you're the best on affordable audio I've ever seen, and I have a background in electronics, dated, but a good foundation. Your suggestions were just what I needed because I was not getting the sound that I wanted specifically listening to vintage albums, like Dylan's debut 6 eye etc. You got me in the right direction at a cost that I could afford. Rarely do I ring the YT bell for all videos, but did do for your channel. Also sent my kids (in their 30s) link to your channel. Thanks!!!
I purchased the Fosi Audio BT30D stereo integrated amp sometime back and use it to drive every bookshelf speaker I have. It has outputs for passive and active subs and controls for sub frequency, volume, treble and bass. It's tiny but full-featured with Bluetooth 5.0 and 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms. At $90, it's a real bargain. It is strictly analog but works and sounds great with any speaker set I pair it with. The JBL Studio 530 cannot go super loud but at peak volume sounds terrific with no distortion. The Klipsch RP600M sounds wonderful at less than peak volume. I don't need to pay $700 for what the Fosi already gives me at less than $100.
Just ordered some Scorpion Audio Speaker Isolation Mounts for my new Elac Reference DBR62s that arrived yesterday. Thank you so much for the recommendation. I used your code to get 4% off and got the 1% Pride Month discount. I can't believe they're selling a pack of eight of these for next to nothing!
i applaud PS audio releasing a, more budget product and hope they keep going down that road. To be honest, I think eventually high end audio electronic companies will eventually go out of business as cheaper alternatives get better as the tech gets cheaper. But I think its harder then one would think, to make a good product at a budget. For example, anyone can put together a good sounding system, with unlimited funds, however limit it to a thousand dollars or so.
@@cdelapaz5 I agree. I got my Sprout100 for $499 and I can't see anything that rivals it (or at least surpasses it) in that price range. While the Sprout is now $699...it will be finding stiffer competition at the higher price, but is still a great "higher end" option.
@@phantasm1004 -- That's a good unit and conveniently versatile, but it's seriously power-deficient compared compared to other low-cost desktop solutions. Of course that's not necessarily problematic depending on speaker sensitivity and how much volume and/or headroom you require.
I know this is an old video. This and a pair of B&W 705s worked very well in my RV. Everything had to fastened down and take up lillte room The 705s were mounted so the top of the woofer waqss at ear level which gave them a nice sound. The streamer and DAC was in a cabinet which worked just fine. When room is at a premium every inch of space matters.
Props to Randy on this one going against the fancy audiophile companies that put garbage inside a fancy, heavy, machined box and charge ridiculous money for huge profits and mediocre sound quality. Let's help grow this channel. Randy is the voice that the audio industry needs.
Well, the insides of the Sprout aren't garbage at all. But they are ICE modules, according to reviewers, which are well regarded. The Sprout would be a decent value at $399, shipped. Add $100 for the box and PS snob appeal, $100 more for Paul's nice house, and another $100 to build his recording studio.
@@jimshaw899 a pc board with surface mount components that cost pennies is absolutely the cheapest way to go. There is nothing HiFi about this approach. It's no different than mass produced throw away consumer electronics.
@@stevesmith3033 Agree to disagree. What IS the exact relationship between cost and 'HiFi'? [That is a rhetorical question that doesn't demand or want an answer, here] Some of the most costly electronic equipment I've ever seen as an electrical engineer is SMT on printed wiring boards.
@@jimshaw899 Electronics is a broad term. We're talking specifically about audio amplifiers and I'm talking about parts cost. Surface mount and pc board is the absolute cheapest in cost so where's the rest of the money going? Is it an innovative, ground breaking product with an incredible amount of R&D? If not, then you're paying for a cheap amplifier in a fancy box and a whole lot of profit.
I’ve been thinking about the sprout for a long time, especially how it sounds, it’s kinda relief I didn’t get it. I’m stock here with my 1999 50 pounds old school Yamaha amp and I got the feeling it’s going to be really challenging for me to find a replacement. I have the ta100 my self in my room and it’s not even close to the sound of the Yamaha. It’s hard to be an “audiophile “
Who knew?! Thanks for all the great insights. I'm an aging old school audio guy (tubes), with no experience with any amps on the market within the last 25 years, so this is some useful info if my kids or friends ask what they should get.
Thanks for sharing. I was in the market for a monitor speaker like Klipsch or Edfier, but I have 3 pairs of B&W bookshelf in the storeroom and a balanced Cambridge DAC. This video answered my question. I usually play flac jazz music on my Pioneer or Astel&Kern DAP
I am very fond of my Sprout 100. It definitely sounds better than my Denon AVR. The only use of single ended inputs I use is for the phono input. All other listening is via the optical or Bluetooth.
I think for a person that wants a simple one box system, the Sprout100 is a great option, but if you like changing components to mix and match, then the separate route would be better. I think I made a great decision to buy the Sprout100 as an entry into hifi, sure these days there are great products at a very competitive price from China and budget audio companies, but when the Sprout100 was released, the price to performance ratio was much better. I have upgraded to a separates system, but it may have been a big step matching components for a complete beginner One thing that annoyed me was that there was no indicator for audio volume
Just bought the sprout, before seeing this video. Paid $4 extra for UPS 2 day. 3 days later, not so much as an email saying it shipped. Some google play shipping APP QR code is about the only feedback. Doesn't appear to be a free app. And not going to install an APP on my PHONE anyway. My $300 NAD 316BEE v1 died a week+ ago. It would have trouble turning on for a while. It often took multiple attempts. And a recent storm had it constantly power off over and over, sounding like dripping water, so it's unplugged now. My $1.5K minnie maggies needed "something". I don't normally impulse buy, but I guess I did for the sprout. Most similarly propaganda'd things were twice the price.
I've bought PS Audio products in the past. I've also bought Bose products in the past. Both are badly overpriced and overrated. Live and learn. Thanks for the honest review, Randy.
As a Sprout100 owner (2nd system in my den) I disagree with your assessment of the sound/performance of the Sprout. I do agree there are always option to everything. But the Sprout has a soundstage and presence I have not heard in other pieces. My 2 cents.
I’m glad you like yours. I never said it sounded bad. I simply think there are better sounding options that are cheaper. I’m very fortunate to be able to listen to so many different products. The sprout is still unrivaled as to what it is. Nothing else can do everything that it can do in one piece of equipment.
@@cheapaudioman I hear ya man. One of the reasons I subscribed to your channel was your simple, honest assessments of what you hear. And your quest to find high performance at reasonable prices (a valiant effort in this world of marketing and hyperbole!). I have been through various receivers, a few used integrateds, but nothing has come close to my Sprout in terms of soundstage and resolution (to a point.). I own a few PS Audio higher end components as well and they are superb. Carry on with your quest Cheapaudioman, I'm with ya.
@@cheapaudioman Stellar Gain Cell Dac/pre...That's one of my PSA pieces and it is really a nice piece of kit. Not cheap, but soooo worth it. Like you said, Paul McGowan knows what he's doing. and no, $1700 isn't bad for the performance.
Honest review here thank you. These are damn expensive in the UK like £800 (1100US$) where something like the IOTAVX SA3 is only £400 with better connectivity. Hell could even do the IOTAVX monoblock stack for £700. Although that doesnt have the small form factor of the Sprout.
Awesome video, new subscriber here, your honesty and no glam approach has made you one of my favorites. Another product i will reveal, bang for the buck (ive bought 3) and have and had alot of high end stuff, the amp that is a steal is the little chinese nobsound 150x150 watts bluetooth amp if bluetooth is for you, or i think you can get the non bluetooth version, roughly $120-140 new, if you want it to basically never clip under almost any load get the little tube preamp (around 35-60 bucks) to go along with it and you will be really happy, and for less than $200.
@@tallpaull9367 Did you ever give consideration to the Arcam SA10 or 20 ? I know the 20 is more powerful and uses class g technology. I know they don't include bluetooth like the 6000a does.
@@steventsimtsos4029 I sold the Audiolab and bought a PecanPi streamer and Topping PA5. I use Volumio and Tidal Connect, great setup, great sound. Also installed an extra set of XLR jacks and a set of RCA jacks on PecanPi (for subwoofer and another amp). Have a BT receiver (Balanced) on line2 of PA5.
I still use my PSAudio Digital Link III (one of the first DACs to have USB, I think). It sounds great. And I have learned a lot from Paul's videos. But most of his cool products are way out of my price range. And the sprout is, at bottom, as you said, an overpriced garden variety class D amp.
Hi Randy. What is the current sound quality champ for integrated in the "cheapaudioman" world - even if its the highest priced unit you've demo'd? That would pair well with an XLS encore?
I really like mine but I do admit that I probably don't know as much as randy or have very much to compare it to. I don't think you can get everything in 1 package like this from anyone else, close but not quite, even the power supply is built in. All that said, I do look forward to getting some more gear as time goes on and see how it compares, thanks randy!
Ya I went into this knowing there would be compromises. Convenience, portability, aesthetics and 1 upping all my coworkers with their stupid jbl bluetooth speakers on their desks are all also important to me, not the best way to go but there are benefits I guess.
Yes; “fine” makes people rush right to a company’s website (with credit card in hand) to immediately wipe out available stock of a reviewed product. Same with “lifestyle”.
I’m kinda eagerly awaiting the new Emotiva preamp. Apparently they are redoing the terrible remote, tuner, something with a crossover, upped the power on the unit that has an amp, and other things they said in the website’s podcast. They hope to get them out the end of July I think. Apparently the headquarters is an hour from my house, so you know, buy local. Man I drank a lot of coffee this morning, and I’m ready to talk about stuff.
Outstanding as always Randy! I bought an SMSL SA300 after your review and love it. The best $140 I've spent in years. Thank you and keep up the great work.
This is a typical Lifestyle product. That's fine, but at the cost of soundquality. Perhaps that's an offer one makes to cramp it in a small box. Many are blinded by a high-end company creating a 'budget' amp, it must be excellent. Well, it's not by far. The internal DAC performs, nicely put, mediocre, so does the phono stage. 100Watts @ 4 Ohm? Nope, it's about 80 Watts. Many complain about the amp running hot (to touch) and thermal shutdowns. Maybe they solved some of it problems, but that doesn't solve its mediocre soundquality and interface problems. Volumecontrol is/was insane slow. It comes with bassboost on by default, why? Your alternative suggestions outperform the Sprout by far, so thank you for the suggestions. 🙌
@@stephc4427 That's OK, we all have our preferences and that's what counts. I owned and own also quite some gear and good speakers, but it couldn't convince me at all. But, like I said, it's all subjective ofcourse.
Yep, your right! I have a SMSL 300, with a iFI ZEN DAC, paired with Paradigm Monitor Atoms, and a Def Tech sub on my desktop, it totally rocks and sounds fantastic! Added the Zen for MQA, and the headphone out. I have a second similar SMSL set up for my bedroom TV. Blows away any sound bar remotely close to the price!
The S.M.S.L. DA9... Maybe, a good idea for those, who already have an audio interface, like the MOTU M2 or the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, and also want the option to listen, with a pair of passive speakers!
I've been tossing up between the Sprout 100 MkII with KLH Model 5's (or Klipsch The Sixes) + sub or a Hegel H95, a pair of Magnepan LRS + sub and an external crossover to take the bass frequencies out of the LRS and hand them solely to the sub. I've heard really good things about both pairings, so I'm going to have to try to demo them both to decide whether one is right for me.
1) Optical coax connectors are digital. You weren't wrong. 2) Dear "Old" Cheapaudioman: Paul is 73 as far as I know. You look 25 years younger. Are you sure you are old? :)
Ok. For those of us who already own, and frankly enjoy, the Sprout 100, what would you recommend adding to it to make it perform better? I’m certainly not going to stop using it but if I can improve the sound quality that’d be great!
Definitely turn on the bass boost unless you're gonna crank it past 3/4 volume, I typically bluetooth to mine and use my phone eq to put a nice smile on the curve. I have also used the usb input into my phone and I don't think it sounds too much better, mostly just louder, so the bluetooth dac process must be decent, especially considering it uses sbc. I'm gonna play around with this as just an amp and try feeding it with a different dac, once I get one. I do almost regret buying it, but the overall package is so nice looking and convenient, even the power supply is built in so there's no extra brick to bother with. I know you can do somewhat better for sound quality for the price but this does really do it all, imho...
@@Brian_Romska the other thing to remember, is that when this came out, all of the reviews were extremely positive. At 56 years old, I’m not sure I could tell the difference of an amp anyway. Speakers, yes, amp, not so sure..:
Just built a listening room on a budget as my main is in the living room and was trying to make it look and sound good on a budget : smsl M100 + Kenwood 1977 vintage amp (total cost of 300$) and I'm really pleased with the result....that ESS9018 is a great compliment to the warmth of vintage.
I've only heard the SMSL DA-9 of those amps you've described Randy. Turn up the volume of the DA-9 to 50 , listen, and then tell me what you think. In addition, the JDS Labs Atom as a preamp combined with the Behringer A800 amp will put some very serious whoop@ss over the DA-9. A little more expensive, of course, but well worth it.
I've been unable to find that deal at Thomann. My mistake I think. Sweetwater has them for $249 though. The A800 sounds better not because of higher power but because of better midrange warmth, clarity and detail.
It’s a great product. The funny thing about customer service is that I don’t recall one time having to contact customer service for any of my hifi pieces. Stuff I’ve had for 30 years sitting in a garage and it still works. Crazy. Actually SMSL and ifi have incredible customer service as well.
Hey I just had to re-subscribe and hit the bells for notifications. I don't know why the RUclips admins are just removing subscribers from certain channels....makes no sense to me
i thought paul said they weren't continuing the sprout line. the Sprout product was his sons baby but Paul said he didn't like how much it sacrificed to fit everything in one box, and didn't think it represented what PS audio stood for.
Avoid PSAudio Strata. The built-in streamer does not work. PS Audio NEVER RESOLVED THE STREAMING SOFTWARE ISSUE SINCE BETA TESTING, AND KNOWINGLY RELEASED THE FAULTY PRODUCT. The unit will continuously require resetting which over the long term will damage it. And you will not get any assistance from the Colorado manufacturer.
The Aimya that Randy reviewed is a beast. I have the JBL 507s and it pushes them really well. Since you have the zen ifi dac, I would either pick up a Douk p1 pre or if you have a few more bucks, get the nobsound tube pre off Amazon for $280 and get mullard tubes.... or the recommendations that Randy recommended. I have the smsl m300 and would want more power for the JBL (sounds great though). The Aimya is seriously powerful and impressive despite the price. The iota that reviewers keep speaking about would also be a great option with the jbl. Here is a few links of options that would work www.amazon.com/your-orders/pop?ref=ppx_yo2_mob_b_pop__np_8_pp&orderId=113-2102205-2912233&lineItemId=mjqlsuoosmnouny&shipmentId=DxmWXG3fj&packageId=1&asin=B07TJS2DBT www.amazon.com/dp/B07F3FDX7C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_7F1P7ZT0VJJF1YPAT04G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/ www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5PNGLW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_BPMGVYMSHC8SQD27JYEA Haven't heard the loxjie a30 but believe it to be superior to the smsl 300 www.amazon.com/dp/B08J7Z8TN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_A7ACDV297N2A8CCBJ3AC
@@ufarkingicehole The thing is, I had been considering the JBLs but thought I may have found something else to consider. Then I found the 530’s on sale at the JBL website. I got them for $280 delivered. At that price I couldn’t pass them up. I have the, hooked up to a Pioneer receiver, in a bad location and they sound good so far. I am in the middle of things and will be putting them in a better spot soon. Since I love the IFI so much, I just figured with a clean amp, the Zen Can might sound really good through the 530’s. Hopefully, in the next few weeks I will have everything set up better, for a main listening set up. The 530’s and the Pioneer are in my bedroom right now.
@@davdidit6 i did the same thing except with the 570s. Apparently the 530s and 570s are very similar. I have tried a dozen different components with them to include some really expensive stuff. The best so far.. Cambridge cxr200 receiver Smsl m400 Dac Elac 3010 sub These speakers shine with drums and electronica. Chocolate Chip Trip (A Randy go to) really showcase these well. Electronica, bands like Radio head, and a few others work really well with these. I've also tried a ton of speakers over the last several months. I like these better than the emotiva zeros (loved but upper mids are really missing something) and I actually I like them better than the elac 2.0 unifi 52. The only speakers I've had that just outright best these have been Polk Lsim 705s but the price isn't comparable. My next pair of speakers will be DIY. I'm awaiting Randy's review of the upgraded DIY kits. Its a journey!!
Thank you for saving me $699. Thought about getting this to match the Elac DBR62 since other people mentioned its a good match. You didn't sound to impressed, so Im not buying it.
I tried a Marantz NR1200 on my Elac Debut 2.0 b6.2 and it just didn’t have the muscle to really make them sing. Currently have a Marantz pm6006 i got for $425 open box at music dot com that amp claims only 45 at 8 ohm but pushes the speakers WAY harder than the NR1200 claiming 75 watts at 8 ohm. But now I’m already bored wanting to move to a pm7000n or pm8006 and kef q350s. Being an audiophile is a curse i liken to my former opioid dependence!
If you're obsessed with audio gear, try and keep it below $500 each. This audiophile stuff can add up to thousands and thousands of dollars and you have only one pair of ears.
@@agustinduenas5902 I would build upon that and say use that budget money to try gear on the opposite ends of the spectrum to figure out exactly what you want. Then do your research and make an informed purchase on something nicer that will last you a long time.
I always feel skeptical about more expensive brands that release cheaper product. The hope is that they take what theyve learned from the better products, but typically they don’t want to undercut they’re prices. And to be honest, they may not know how to make a cheaper product, or want to dedicate resources and time to the cheaper line.
Good point I think. Size of company, resources available, size of production runs etc. effect product costs and margins. For me, PS Audio is more competitive in higher end. Can be good and unique for more money.
Take it from an Electrical Engineer who works at a company that makes tiered products... many of the circuits and components that perform the core functions are shared between the tiers. This is how companies keep costs down, actually. There are huge benefits to having shared components and shared designs that outweigh most benefits of intentionally designing something "cheap". Now, of course, I don't know what PS Audio does, nor am I in the audio industry, but that's been my experience.
Just buy a blue tooth speaker thay sound great I have 3 sound rooms Thousands of bucks spent over a life time and I hear these toys that sound good at a low volume thy trick your ears.
Thank you for the advice. Your channel is fantastic. Your review of the Cambridge mini XL speakers gave me the confidence to pull the trigger on them, and I am enjoying them. I was looking for a small, nice-looking affordable bookshelf speaker and they fit the bill perfectly. My next purchase will be an amp or receiver - And as with the bookshelves my better half would prefer a small footprint. The amp and the Mini XLs will be in our living room The amp will be used to play music via cdayer, Bluetooth, and a turntable (that has a built in preamp). So, the loxjie A30 may be the thing. Anyway thanks again!
Good advice. For $700 you can do a lot. A lot of people on the forums say they've had reliability issues with certain PS Audio products. Way back I had to send my PS preamp all the way to California where they were located on several occasions. I remember a 3 month + wait before they shipped it back and the volume control didn't feel right when you turned it after that. That's still a mystery to me. A cheap Onkyo receivers phono section beat the PS preamps phono section; the Onkyo was modified however. Some vintage major Japanese brand integrateds phono section would have beaten the crap out of it, which you can pick up for $100 to $300 sometimes used. Which ones. I'm not telling until I think I've found enough of them. You have to like Paul's videos. The Sprout was designed from scratch by Paul McGowan's son.
So many great options out there if you can get away with more than one box SMSL DA9 amzn.to/3xXBYtI
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/35Wtur3
Ifi Zen Phono amzn.to/3diphCa
SMSL SA300 amzn.to/3h43PC0
Project Phono Amp amzn.to/3wTC2L4
Loxjie A30 amzn.to/2UDWNwa
Aiyima A07 amzn.to/3zYAOA8
Uncle cheap audio, which speakers (around 4 to 6k) would go well with the smsl DA9?
For the price, the form factor, build quality, versatility for the large majority of the public, its outright simplicity, and For those for whom a few hundred dollars don't mean much, and who don't want to fool with gear the Sprout is very hard to beat.
Agreed, I bought an SMSL that had the A/C adapter dead on arrival. Both the unit and the remote are built extremely well.
i had mine for about 5 months. paired with a nice elac speakers. its perfect for my needs for my pc. nice and small
I guess my question is in what manner do you think the alternatives sound better than the Sprout? What are the specific attributes that make them “sound better” than the Sprout? Thanks!
That's why I enjoy this channel ... Honesty!
Love the honesty and straight forward assessment. The Sprout is not for me, but it's a product I understand. Simple, clean, compact, fully featured. I've found with stacks of gear they can become distracting. I can end up spending more time tweaking features and rearranging gear than just listening to music. The custom stack will always be better bang for your buck. But simple all-in-wonder can really help me focus on the music.
Dude, you're the best on affordable audio I've ever seen, and I have a background in electronics, dated, but a good foundation. Your suggestions were just what I needed because I was not getting the sound that I wanted specifically listening to vintage albums, like Dylan's debut 6 eye etc. You got me in the right direction at a cost that I could afford. Rarely do I ring the YT bell for all videos, but did do for your channel. Also sent my kids (in their 30s) link to your channel. Thanks!!!
I purchased the Fosi Audio BT30D stereo integrated amp sometime back and use it to drive every bookshelf speaker I have. It has outputs for passive and active subs and controls for sub frequency, volume, treble and bass. It's tiny but full-featured with Bluetooth 5.0 and 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms. At $90, it's a real bargain.
It is strictly analog but works and sounds great with any speaker set I pair it with. The JBL Studio 530 cannot go super loud but at peak volume sounds terrific with no distortion. The Klipsch RP600M sounds wonderful at less than peak volume. I don't need to pay $700 for what the Fosi already gives me at less than $100.
Just ordered some Scorpion Audio Speaker Isolation Mounts for my new Elac Reference DBR62s that arrived yesterday. Thank you so much for the recommendation. I used your code to get 4% off and got the 1% Pride Month discount. I can't believe they're selling a pack of eight of these for next to nothing!
Did I just watch The Roast of Sprout? Good or Bad, Randy is the man that will let us know. Thank you for your honesty Randy.
i applaud PS audio releasing a, more budget product and hope they keep going down that road. To be honest, I think eventually high end audio electronic companies will eventually go out of business as cheaper alternatives get better as the tech gets cheaper. But I think its harder then one would think, to make a good product at a budget. For example, anyone can put together a good sounding system, with unlimited funds, however limit it to a thousand dollars or so.
@@cdelapaz5 I agree. I got my Sprout100 for $499 and I can't see anything that rivals it (or at least surpasses it) in that price range. While the Sprout is now $699...it will be finding stiffer competition at the higher price, but is still a great "higher end" option.
@@stonefree1911 -- Nothing "rivals it" in what respect?
@@phantasm1004 -- That's a good unit and conveniently versatile, but it's seriously power-deficient compared compared to other low-cost desktop solutions. Of course that's not necessarily problematic depending on speaker sensitivity and how much volume and/or headroom you require.
@@phantasm1004 -- If it meets your requirements, that's what matters. The context for my comment was what else is available for the same money.
Peace.
I was thinking about these when I saw GR Research's new DIY desktop speaker kit... Glad they are still making these.
I know, 200 bucks with the flat pack, did I hear that right? I’m really curious how it sounds in a small room. I built the mom encores, and love them
@@cdelapaz5 Yeah.. $199.. Kinda hard to pass up... Even though I do not need more speakers...
MTM encores,,, stupid autocorrect
@@jordesign Do not need more speaker? My brain can comprehend what you just said, haha
I know this is an old video. This and a pair of B&W 705s worked very well in my RV. Everything had to fastened down and take up lillte room The 705s were mounted so the top of the woofer waqss at ear level which gave them a nice sound. The streamer and DAC was in a cabinet which worked just fine. When room is at a premium every inch of space matters.
Props to Randy on this one going against the fancy audiophile companies that put garbage inside a fancy, heavy, machined box and charge ridiculous money for huge profits and mediocre sound quality. Let's help grow this channel. Randy is the voice that the audio industry needs.
Well, the insides of the Sprout aren't garbage at all. But they are ICE modules, according to reviewers, which are well regarded. The Sprout would be a decent value at $399, shipped. Add $100 for the box and PS snob appeal, $100 more for Paul's nice house, and another $100 to build his recording studio.
@@jimshaw899 a pc board with surface mount components that cost pennies is absolutely the cheapest way to go. There is nothing HiFi about this approach. It's no different than mass produced throw away consumer electronics.
@@stevesmith3033 Agree to disagree. What IS the exact relationship between cost and 'HiFi'?
[That is a rhetorical question that doesn't demand or want an answer, here]
Some of the most costly electronic equipment I've ever seen as an electrical engineer is SMT on printed wiring boards.
@@jimshaw899 Electronics is a broad term. We're talking specifically about audio amplifiers and I'm talking about parts cost. Surface mount and pc board is the absolute cheapest in cost so where's the rest of the money going? Is it an innovative, ground breaking product with an incredible amount of R&D? If not, then you're paying for a cheap amplifier in a fancy box and a whole lot of profit.
@@stevesmith3033 Blindingly brilliant. Never would have thought of that.
I'd rather have a Yamaha WXA-50. Lower power, but has Musiccast streaming. I use a WXC-50 preamp with a tube amplifier and it works great.
Randy, straightforward assessment. Loves your candour
I’ve been thinking about the sprout for a long time, especially how it sounds, it’s kinda relief I didn’t get it. I’m stock here with my 1999 50 pounds old school Yamaha amp and I got the feeling it’s going to be really challenging for me to find a replacement. I have the ta100 my self in my room and it’s not even close to the sound of the Yamaha. It’s hard to be an “audiophile “
I have been comparing to my old Yamaha (70W) and haven't found better under $1000.
Mr.McGowen gotta be throwing darts at your picture. With that said, your most likely spot on. Job well done, keep up the good work!
Paul is always claiming the Sprout is 100w per channel but always neglects to mention that is at 4 ohms.
I never fully trusted the guy. Always too smiley and nice. I don’t trust those kinds.
He is great at doling out loads of marketing nonsense
Of course he claims stuff, he has to justify the prices so that the guys who buy It can justify It to their wives.
Bravo. Glad to hear a review that keeps the proper perspective and keeps sound quality and value first. A real honest cheap audio point of view.
Who knew?! Thanks for all the great insights. I'm an aging old school audio guy (tubes), with no experience with any amps on the market within the last 25 years, so this is some useful info if my kids or friends ask what they should get.
Thanks for sharing. I was in the market for a monitor speaker like Klipsch or Edfier, but I have 3 pairs of B&W bookshelf in the storeroom and a balanced Cambridge DAC. This video answered my question. I usually play flac jazz music on my Pioneer or Astel&Kern DAP
Ps audio products are outstanding...not cheap but well made
Not much of a sprout review is it.
I am very fond of my Sprout 100. It definitely sounds better than my Denon AVR. The only use of single ended inputs I use is for the phono input. All other listening is via the optical or Bluetooth.
I would go with a Rega IO + Topping E30.
Plus the Rega is made in England...
The Sprout is made in China
Just swapped my sprout for a Rega io, wouldn't swap back. Did want to try the SMSL VMV A1 but I had a hard time finding any one with UK stock
@@d2kno I would have chosen the Rega also.
I think for a person that wants a simple one box system, the Sprout100 is a great option, but if you like changing components to mix and match, then the separate route would be better.
I think I made a great decision to buy the Sprout100 as an entry into hifi, sure these days there are great products at a very competitive price from China and budget audio companies, but when the Sprout100 was released, the price to performance ratio was much better.
I have upgraded to a separates system, but it may have been a big step matching components for a complete beginner
One thing that annoyed me was that there was no indicator for audio volume
Better Value Audio Man!!! Bang For Your Buck Audio Man!!!
Just bought the sprout, before seeing this video. Paid $4 extra for UPS 2 day. 3 days later, not so much as an email saying it shipped. Some google play shipping APP QR code is about the only feedback. Doesn't appear to be a free app. And not going to install an APP on my PHONE anyway.
My $300 NAD 316BEE v1 died a week+ ago. It would have trouble turning on for a while. It often took multiple attempts. And a recent storm had it constantly power off over and over, sounding like dripping water, so it's unplugged now. My $1.5K minnie maggies needed "something". I don't normally impulse buy, but I guess I did for the sprout. Most similarly propaganda'd things were twice the price.
I've bought PS Audio products in the past. I've also bought Bose products in the past. Both are badly overpriced and overrated. Live and learn.
Thanks for the honest review, Randy.
As a Sprout100 owner (2nd system in my den) I disagree with your assessment of the sound/performance of the Sprout. I do agree there are always option to everything. But the Sprout has a soundstage and presence I have not heard in other pieces. My 2 cents.
I’m glad you like yours. I never said it sounded bad. I simply think there are better sounding options that are cheaper. I’m very fortunate to be able to listen to so many different products. The sprout is still unrivaled as to what it is. Nothing else can do everything that it can do in one piece of equipment.
@@cheapaudioman I hear ya man. One of the reasons I subscribed to your channel was your simple, honest assessments of what you hear. And your quest to find high performance at reasonable prices (a valiant effort in this world of marketing and hyperbole!). I have been through various receivers, a few used integrateds, but nothing has come close to my Sprout in terms of soundstage and resolution (to a point.). I own a few PS Audio higher end components as well and they are superb.
Carry on with your quest Cheapaudioman, I'm with ya.
I was actually looking at their DAC/preamp for $1700. I’ve been doing this too long when I looked at that and thought…. $1700 isn’t too bad…
@@cheapaudioman Stellar Gain Cell Dac/pre...That's one of my PSA pieces and it is really a nice piece of kit. Not cheap, but soooo worth it. Like you said, Paul McGowan knows what he's doing. and no, $1700 isn't bad for the performance.
I don’t doubt Paul McGowan. I doubt that my ears can appreciate his execution while I know my wallet can depreciate the moola.
I'm running a TC 754 and a Crown xls 1002. At $570 Canadian $! Rocks my world.
Nice, have been waiting for this one 👍
You can add a 4 input to 1 output switch box for $12.99 from Amazon to the Aiyima.
There you go
Honest review here thank you. These are damn expensive in the UK like £800 (1100US$) where something like the IOTAVX SA3 is only £400 with better connectivity. Hell could even do the IOTAVX monoblock stack for £700. Although that doesnt have the small form factor of the Sprout.
Enjoyed this review! What is next in line to roast? Love the honesty.
Love all the options
Awesome video, new subscriber here, your honesty and no glam approach has made you one of my favorites. Another product i will reveal, bang for the buck (ive bought 3) and have and had alot of high end stuff, the amp that is a steal is the little chinese nobsound 150x150 watts bluetooth amp if bluetooth is for you, or i think you can get the non bluetooth version, roughly $120-140 new, if you want it to basically never clip under almost any load get the little tube preamp (around 35-60 bucks) to go along with it and you will be really happy, and for less than $200.
@C.A.Man you need to review Audiolab 6000A and do comparisons
I second that comparison 👍
I ended up buying a 6000A, pretty sure the Sprout can’t really compete with it, 6000A is great, recommend
@@tallpaull9367 Did you ever give consideration to the Arcam SA10 or 20 ? I know the 20 is more powerful and uses class g technology. I know they don't include bluetooth like the 6000a does.
@@steventsimtsos4029 I sold the Audiolab and bought a PecanPi streamer and Topping PA5. I use Volumio and Tidal Connect, great setup, great sound. Also installed an extra set of XLR jacks and a set of RCA jacks on PecanPi (for subwoofer and another amp). Have a BT receiver (Balanced) on line2 of PA5.
How about compare the sprout to other all in one D class like the Nad, SMS, Yamaha wxa.
I still use my PSAudio Digital Link III (one of the first DACs to have USB, I think). It sounds great. And I have learned a lot from Paul's videos. But most of his cool products are way out of my price range. And the sprout is, at bottom, as you said, an overpriced garden variety class D amp.
Awesome video I miss your speaker Saturday shoot out sir
You have become my favorite.
Thank you for the info
0:25 Finally the real questions get asked.
Loved the Family Guy reference too..
Love the YutanI T-shirt
Hi Randy. What is the current sound quality champ for integrated in the "cheapaudioman" world - even if its the highest priced unit you've demo'd? That would pair well with an XLS encore?
Kudos for the "Alien" inspired t-shirt...
Go Randy. Nice one. It's redreshing to get a real honest opinion, instead of the usual BS Audio hype.
Picked up a Rega io for $600ish + Schiit Modi.....pretty happy into a pair of Elacs
I really like mine but I do admit that I probably don't know as much as randy or have very much to compare it to. I don't think you can get everything in 1 package like this from anyone else, close but not quite, even the power supply is built in. All that said, I do look forward to getting some more gear as time goes on and see how it compares, thanks randy!
Ya I went into this knowing there would be compromises. Convenience, portability, aesthetics and 1 upping all my coworkers with their stupid jbl bluetooth speakers on their desks are all also important to me, not the best way to go but there are benefits I guess.
Interesting vid, I don’t do Bluetooth in the house, but I like you’re alternates to the sprout
Short and sweet
PS Audio is an audio snobbery company gone bad. That's why I like this channel so much
You would know snobbery as a card carrying expert, huh?
@@stephc4427 oof
Straight shootin’. Love it.
I love the Alien shirt.
The Sa300 is a great product, great value.
Tried the sprout … returned it. It was 600 at the time. 699 is way too much.
Same here
still have mine. keeping it. main reason. its small for a desktop setup. plus the headphone amp is pretty good. so far so good.
Paul McGowan's next ad campaign, "My audio products sound FINE!🤔🤫😂🤣🤯🥶
Yes; “fine” makes people rush right to a company’s website (with credit card in hand) to immediately wipe out available stock of a reviewed product. Same with “lifestyle”.
The Sprout 100 is out of stock until fall of 2021. Randy, you da man!😊
Paul, likes to bash Rotel in favor of his Spout. LMAO 😜😵💫🤮🤣
Very good! Thank you!
I’m kinda eagerly awaiting the new Emotiva preamp. Apparently they are redoing the terrible remote, tuner, something with a crossover, upped the power on the unit that has an amp, and other things they said in the website’s podcast. They hope to get them out the end of July I think. Apparently the headquarters is an hour from my house, so you know, buy local. Man I drank a lot of coffee this morning, and I’m ready to talk about stuff.
I have the ifi Zen phono. It’s awesome and looks good
Outstanding as always Randy! I bought an SMSL SA300 after your review and love it. The best $140 I've spent in years. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Would love to see you do a comparison of the SVS Prime Wireless Soundbase and the Sonos Amp. Both are high powered amps and full featured streamers
I can’t recommended the SVS as a streamer. It used Play-Fi and it’s plagued with latency issues
in the end of the world with that sprout, my technics SB-F1 and my phone or laptop and everything will be ok
This is a typical Lifestyle product. That's fine, but at the cost of soundquality. Perhaps that's an offer one makes to cramp it in a small box.
Many are blinded by a high-end company creating a 'budget' amp, it must be excellent. Well, it's not by far. The internal DAC performs, nicely put, mediocre, so does the phono stage. 100Watts @ 4 Ohm? Nope, it's about 80 Watts. Many complain about the amp running hot (to touch) and thermal shutdowns. Maybe they solved some of it problems, but that doesn't solve its mediocre soundquality and interface problems. Volumecontrol is/was insane slow. It comes with bassboost on by default, why?
Your alternative suggestions outperform the Sprout by far, so thank you for the suggestions. 🙌
The Sprout sounds superb. I have owned alot of gear both current and past and this component sounds excellent with good speakers and sources.
@@stephc4427
That's OK, we all have our preferences and that's what counts. I owned and own also quite some gear and good speakers, but it couldn't convince me at all. But, like I said, it's all subjective ofcourse.
Yep, your right! I have a SMSL 300, with a iFI ZEN DAC, paired with Paradigm Monitor Atoms, and a Def Tech sub on my desktop, it totally rocks and sounds fantastic! Added the Zen for MQA, and the headphone out. I have a second similar SMSL set up for my bedroom TV. Blows away any sound bar remotely close to the price!
If you have something plugged into the USB port, the optical port is disabled. I chased that one for a while until I RTFM.
If you're not concerned with balanced outputs, how much better is the S.M.S.L SU-8s than the Topping D50s?
The S.M.S.L. DA9... Maybe, a good idea for those, who already have an audio interface, like the MOTU M2 or the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, and also want the option to listen, with a pair of passive speakers!
I've been tossing up between the Sprout 100 MkII with KLH Model 5's (or Klipsch The Sixes) + sub or a Hegel H95, a pair of Magnepan LRS + sub and an external crossover to take the bass frequencies out of the LRS and hand them solely to the sub. I've heard really good things about both pairings, so I'm going to have to try to demo them both to decide whether one is right for me.
Hegel H95. I've got one. Love it.
Gotta love Family Guy! Informative, compliment sandwich review. Nice job 👍
Got one of those remotes for the Raggy. Not fond of it. The volume control seems to be reluctant. Harder to use than it could be.
1) Optical coax connectors are digital. You weren't wrong.
2) Dear "Old" Cheapaudioman: Paul is 73 as far as I know. You look 25 years younger. Are you sure you are old? :)
Ok. For those of us who already own, and frankly enjoy, the Sprout 100, what would you recommend adding to it to make it perform better? I’m certainly not going to stop using it but if I can improve the sound quality that’d be great!
Definitely turn on the bass boost unless you're gonna crank it past 3/4 volume, I typically bluetooth to mine and use my phone eq to put a nice smile on the curve. I have also used the usb input into my phone and I don't think it sounds too much better, mostly just louder, so the bluetooth dac process must be decent, especially considering it uses sbc. I'm gonna play around with this as just an amp and try feeding it with a different dac, once I get one. I do almost regret buying it, but the overall package is so nice looking and convenient, even the power supply is built in so there's no extra brick to bother with. I know you can do somewhat better for sound quality for the price but this does really do it all, imho...
@@Brian_Romska the other thing to remember, is that when this came out, all of the reviews were extremely positive. At 56 years old, I’m not sure I could tell the difference of an amp anyway. Speakers, yes, amp, not so sure..:
Thanks Randy for your review of the Sprout 100. This wasn't on my radar but this reminds me of "Move along folks, nothing to see here."
@cheapaudioman can I use that with a powerd sperker?
Worth the opening joke let alone all the rest!!
Just built a listening room on a budget as my main is in the living room and was trying to make it look and sound good on a budget : smsl M100 + Kenwood 1977 vintage amp (total cost of 300$) and I'm really pleased with the result....that ESS9018 is a great compliment to the warmth of vintage.
I've only heard the SMSL DA-9 of those amps you've described Randy. Turn up the volume of the DA-9 to 50 , listen, and then tell me what you think. In addition, the JDS Labs Atom as a preamp combined with the Behringer A800 amp will put some very serious whoop@ss over the DA-9. A little more expensive, of course, but well worth it.
I was looking to make sure the Behringer A800 was still available. Thomann has them for $185. A truly great deal.
I've been unable to find that deal at Thomann. My mistake I think. Sweetwater has them for $249 though. The A800 sounds better not because of higher power but because of better midrange warmth, clarity and detail.
Good comparisons one thing for PS audio is the customer service but agree not the best value.
It’s a great product. The funny thing about customer service is that I don’t recall one time having to contact customer service for any of my hifi pieces. Stuff I’ve had for 30 years sitting in a garage and it still works. Crazy. Actually SMSL and ifi have incredible customer service as well.
Hey I just had to re-subscribe and hit the bells for notifications. I don't know why the RUclips admins are just removing subscribers from certain channels....makes no sense to me
Any chance of a review of entry level onkyo , yamaha and pioneer amps?
I would love to but they’re hard to find in stock and those companies don’t seem interested in working with smaller channels like my own.
Swapped my desktop Sprout for separate Dac and a Rega io amp
i thought paul said they weren't continuing the sprout line. the Sprout product was his sons baby but Paul said he didn't like how much it sacrificed to fit everything in one box, and didn't think it represented what PS audio stood for.
Avoid PSAudio Strata. The built-in streamer does not work. PS Audio NEVER RESOLVED THE STREAMING SOFTWARE ISSUE SINCE BETA TESTING, AND KNOWINGLY RELEASED THE FAULTY PRODUCT. The unit will continuously require resetting which over the long term will damage it.
And you will not get any assistance from the Colorado manufacturer.
Ok, I’ll be first. I just got the SMSL M300 mk2, purchase just justified….
The SMSL M300mk2 is a fabulous DAC 👍
Anything like the Aimya that has a remote? I got the Ifi Zen Dac and love it. Want to find some power for JBL Stage 530 speakers, with the Ifi.
The Aimya that Randy reviewed is a beast. I have the JBL 507s and it pushes them really well. Since you have the zen ifi dac, I would either pick up a Douk p1 pre or if you have a few more bucks, get the nobsound tube pre off Amazon for $280 and get mullard tubes.... or the recommendations that Randy recommended. I have the smsl m300 and would want more power for the JBL (sounds great though).
The Aimya is seriously powerful and impressive despite the price.
The iota that reviewers keep speaking about would also be a great option with the jbl.
Here is a few links of options that would work
www.amazon.com/your-orders/pop?ref=ppx_yo2_mob_b_pop__np_8_pp&orderId=113-2102205-2912233&lineItemId=mjqlsuoosmnouny&shipmentId=DxmWXG3fj&packageId=1&asin=B07TJS2DBT
www.amazon.com/dp/B07F3FDX7C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_7F1P7ZT0VJJF1YPAT04G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/
www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5PNGLW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_BPMGVYMSHC8SQD27JYEA
Haven't heard the loxjie a30 but believe it to be superior to the smsl 300
www.amazon.com/dp/B08J7Z8TN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_A7ACDV297N2A8CCBJ3AC
@@ufarkingicehole thank you
@@davdidit6 anytime! Enjoy your 530s!
@@ufarkingicehole The thing is, I had been considering the JBLs but thought I may have found something else to consider. Then I found the 530’s on sale at the JBL website. I got them for $280 delivered. At that price I couldn’t pass them up. I have the, hooked up to a Pioneer receiver, in a bad location and they sound good so far. I am in the middle of things and will be putting them in a better spot soon. Since I love the IFI so much, I just figured with a clean amp, the Zen Can might sound really good through the 530’s. Hopefully, in the next few weeks I will have everything set up better, for a main listening set up. The 530’s and the Pioneer are in my bedroom right now.
@@davdidit6 i did the same thing except with the 570s. Apparently the 530s and 570s are very similar. I have tried a dozen different components with them to include some really expensive stuff. The best so far..
Cambridge cxr200 receiver
Smsl m400 Dac
Elac 3010 sub
These speakers shine with drums and electronica.
Chocolate Chip Trip (A Randy go to) really showcase these well. Electronica, bands like Radio head, and a few others work really well with these.
I've also tried a ton of speakers over the last several months. I like these better than the emotiva zeros (loved but upper mids are really missing something) and I actually I like them better than the elac 2.0 unifi 52. The only speakers I've had that just outright best these have been Polk Lsim 705s but the price isn't comparable. My next pair of speakers will be DIY.
I'm awaiting Randy's review of the upgraded DIY kits.
Its a journey!!
And what do you think about the Topping MX3?
awesome T-shirt
How does the sound compare to the new Bluesound streamer amp?
FINE.
Thank you for saving me $699. Thought about getting this to match the Elac DBR62 since other people mentioned its a good match. You didn't sound to impressed, so Im not buying it.
Those ELACS need way more power and headroom if you want the best out of them. The sprout won't give you that.
Unless you're strictly using this near field, maybe, I really do like mine.
I tried a Marantz NR1200 on my Elac Debut 2.0 b6.2 and it just didn’t have the muscle to really make them sing. Currently have a Marantz pm6006 i got for $425 open box at music dot com that amp claims only 45 at 8 ohm but pushes the speakers WAY harder than the NR1200 claiming 75 watts at 8 ohm. But now I’m already bored wanting to move to a pm7000n or pm8006 and kef q350s. Being an audiophile is a curse i liken to my former opioid dependence!
If you're obsessed with audio gear, try and keep it below $500 each. This audiophile stuff can add up to thousands and thousands of dollars and you have only one pair of ears.
@@agustinduenas5902 I would build upon that and say use that budget money to try gear on the opposite ends of the spectrum to figure out exactly what you want. Then do your research and make an informed purchase on something nicer that will last you a long time.
nice t shirt btw :)
I always feel skeptical about more expensive brands that release cheaper product. The hope is that they take what theyve learned from the better products, but typically they don’t want to undercut they’re prices. And to be honest, they may not know how to make a cheaper product, or want to dedicate resources and time to the cheaper line.
Good point I think. Size of company, resources available, size of production runs etc. effect product costs and margins.
For me, PS Audio is more competitive in higher end. Can be good and unique for more money.
Take it from an Electrical Engineer who works at a company that makes tiered products... many of the circuits and components that perform the core functions are shared between the tiers. This is how companies keep costs down, actually. There are huge benefits to having shared components and shared designs that outweigh most benefits of intentionally designing something "cheap". Now, of course, I don't know what PS Audio does, nor am I in the audio industry, but that's been my experience.
Just buy a blue tooth speaker thay sound great I have 3 sound rooms Thousands of bucks spent over a life time and I hear these toys that sound good at a low volume thy trick your ears.
REVIEW THE LOXJIE A30!!!
It's coming soon
Hey buddy I’m thinking of getting the SML SA300 for my wife. She has a iPhone 11. Would the Bluetooth work with the SA300
Yes. It would work in SBC mode.
@@cheapaudioman Thank you very much buddy. Have a great weekend
How does the Topping MX3 compare to the amps you mention here?
Topping is a bit thin especially using the included DAC. Overtly analytical. Loxjie A30
Is a much better sounding option.
Thank you for the advice. Your channel is fantastic. Your review of the Cambridge mini XL speakers gave me the confidence to pull the trigger on them, and I am enjoying them. I was looking for a small, nice-looking affordable bookshelf speaker and they fit the bill perfectly. My next purchase will be an amp or receiver - And as with the bookshelves my better half would prefer a small footprint. The amp and the Mini XLs will be in our living room The amp will be used to play music via cdayer, Bluetooth, and a turntable (that has a built in preamp). So, the loxjie A30 may be the thing.
Anyway thanks again!
Good advice. For $700 you can do a lot. A lot of people on the forums say they've had reliability issues with certain PS Audio products. Way back I had to send my PS preamp all the way to California where they were located on several occasions. I remember a 3 month + wait before they shipped it back and the volume control didn't feel right when you turned it after that. That's still a mystery to me. A cheap Onkyo receivers phono section beat the PS preamps phono section; the Onkyo was modified however. Some vintage major Japanese brand integrateds phono section would have beaten the crap out of it, which you can pick up for $100 to $300 sometimes used. Which ones. I'm not telling until I think I've found enough of them. You have to like Paul's videos. The Sprout was designed from scratch by Paul McGowan's son.