Yup, I like that idea.....additionally I'd like Creative to do a gaming version of such a thing so that it would also do Creative's version of 7.1 Virtual Surround (whilst it also applies the PEQ at the same time), as well as all the stuff you mentioned.....but we can't have everything & we're getting very niche with my idea!
Can this be used as a preamp?--rca outputs to power amp?This is a review and detailed measurements of the Sabaj A20d 2022 balanced stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $420.
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The new revision is very attractive and stylish. It belies its low cost. I like the colorful display and clear indicators. Headphone amplification is included and is output in both 1/4 and 4.4 mm. Note that the latter is not balanced and is simply there for compatibility (which I appreciated).
Back panel is what you expect:
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A remote control is also provided. I like using the unit and my only wish was for acceleration support in volume control. Otherwise it takes a bit too long to go from one extreme to another.
Sabaj A20d 2022 DAC Measurements
Performance is exceptional using both balanced and unbalanced output even after bringing the levels down to nominal:
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It lands the A20d comfortably in our top 20 best DACs:
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Dynamic range goes with that:
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Performance keeps improving up to maximum output level:
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Multitone performance is exceptional:
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Linearity is perfect:
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IMD is excellent as well although we see a hint of famous ESS DAC signature:
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Jitter is exemplary with all three inputs:
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Note that I have refined this test to have less noise. So be careful in comparing it to past reviews although difference is not large.
Filter performance is the usual:
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Using the default Fast Linear, THD+N performance is superb across full audible band:
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Sabaj A20d 2022 Headphone Amplifier
I was very pleased to see so much output in this combo:
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With no clipping, what you hear is the headphone distortion and not the amp (at 32 ohm and higher). This is plenty of power to drive 95% of the headphones out there to very loud levels.
50 mv output is very good and above average:
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So even sensitive IEMs should be good to go.
As noted, the amp only clips at impedances below 32 ohm. Performance otherwise is excellent:
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Sabaj A20d 2022 Headphone Listening Tests
I started with my everyday Dan Clark Stealth and was so pleased to see the A20d drive it with ease. Only at maximum volume did I hear some crackling but that was above comfort already. The sound was dynamic, detailed and just a delight. I saw no need to test with headphones with less drive requirement than the Stealth. You have my promise that it will blow your socks off!
Conclusions
Sabaj A20d 2022: a formula driven to perfection. Don't know what else to say. In every test and every angle, performance is incredibly good -- often at state of the art. Combine that with unique good looks and you have an easy winner.
It is my absolute pleasure to recommend the Sabaj A20d 2022 revision.
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As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
I suppose you tried another USB-C to USB-C cable? Something with the impedance and the clock lock maybe...
I would contact support and ask. Assuming your cable and source are good, it seems you have a defective unit.
W/ a phone?? Try more devices. Pretty sure it is a USB-OTG host/peripheral negotiation issue (see similar issues reported here for the DO100).
I've tried multiple cables that works with all other USB-C units I've got, and yes they transfer data. It's not strictly charging cables. The source is a MacBook Air M1 2020 and the latest iPad Mini 6 which both have USB-C only. I did try with a Windows laptop too which didn't work either (USB-C to USB-C). The fan it pretty noisy on the Windows laptop so I wouldn't use it a source anyways so I didn't bother looking for drivers, Since the last post mentioned phone; using a iPhone as source with the USB camera adapter works very well too, but the idea was to use the iPad Mini 6 (which I just bought as well for this purpose) and the MacBook as sources connected with a USB-C to USB-C cable, which doesn't work unfortunately (usually it's "plug and play"), but using a USB-C to USB-A cable does with a USB-A to USB-C adapter at the end. If a USB C - USB A - USB C cable existed it would be perfect so you wouldn't need two cables connected with USB-A in between to get USB-C to USB-C. It may be the host/perheriphal negotiation as mentioned (sounds likely) which would be understandable too if a phone was source. However I have never had any issues hooking up my MacBook to other USB-C devices.
I would love a "gaming" centered dac/amp around a 9038 pro with a powerful amp surround sound etc even if it ends up being a little pricey. That would never happen since creative makes more money selling cheapo units to the masses
It seems at the most basic level that it should work when connected over USB-C with no excuses. I see nothing in the owner's manual or website description that says you should be experiencing this issue. Your gear seems like it has a defect. Hard to speculate here, you should contact customer service.
I wish everything would move to USB-C and would be powered over USB-C or able to power connected devices like a laptop.
But if the customer bought a USB-C product to hook up to their USB-C devices.
I would say if you really like the DAC, get it replaced or repaired. Sorry, but a workaround for a manufacturing defect or other issue on one of the key interfaces isn't OK. The USB-C interface isn't a wild unsolved frontier.
It's not something to be "repaired", nor is it defective. I think the design is intentional.
There are other ways to limit power to connected devices over this interface. Also, no powered devices are expected to be attached to this USB-C, it is a DAC input, that argument doesn't hold water. If it is intentional, I can't imagine why.
You could easily attach an Android device with USB-C to USB-C to this if it was able to do so. How do you think small portable DACs are powered? By the phone.
Yes, you can hook up as you describe. No, it doesn't require the USB-C limitation you just invented to explain why the interface doesn't work for users who do have USB-C, and expected USB-C connectivity.
You could also own the product, troubleshoot a product, or ask the Engineers why before claiming it defective, yet that seemed to be missed on your end. I only mentioned a possibility, since I'm working just fine here and enjoying the DAC.
You didn't read my post, I mentioned defect is possibility too. I specifically said to bring it up with customer service. From the outset of my posts. You should read what I wrote. See below for instance. Please read more carefully!
Also..
What does USB Input mean? Nowhere does it claim that it isn't USB-C compatible to a USB-C device. If you ship a device with USB-C connection, and claim USB connectivity, it should work with that interface. I would like to hear if this is expected operation, or if there is an issue, or an oversight in the manual. These do need to be cleared up for sure. If the manual needs to be changed to say it has limited USB-C connectivity then it needs to say that.
