Protomartyrdom
Member
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2021
- Messages
- 24
- Likes
- 35
Some considerations disregarding sound.
Reliance on remote control for basic functions like changing gain is a pretty bad choice and an immediate disqualifier. A fancier looking but less practical A90, while also being more expensive. The stepped relay is really the only worthwhile improvement. The LED volume display is definitely better looking than the super dated blue and green WindowsXP-like displays on the competing SMSL stuff, but looks tacked on with little respect for the preexisting design, is bound to age poorly design wise (why is it slanted? bad SP200 vibes going on here), and just a totally unnecessary possible point of failure in an headphone amp. The OG A90, while not being a beautiful looking amp or anything, looks more elegant and better put together, while also having very functional PHYSICAL SWITCHES.
Hopefully the next A90 iteration (A90SE?) or the rumored Singxer "SA-2" will finally get it right (just give me an SA-1 with front gain switch and stepped relay volume, no needless stupid shenanigans like displays and remote dependency).
Reliance on remote control for basic functions like changing gain is a pretty bad choice and an immediate disqualifier. A fancier looking but less practical A90, while also being more expensive. The stepped relay is really the only worthwhile improvement. The LED volume display is definitely better looking than the super dated blue and green WindowsXP-like displays on the competing SMSL stuff, but looks tacked on with little respect for the preexisting design, is bound to age poorly design wise (why is it slanted? bad SP200 vibes going on here), and just a totally unnecessary possible point of failure in an headphone amp. The OG A90, while not being a beautiful looking amp or anything, looks more elegant and better put together, while also having very functional PHYSICAL SWITCHES.
Hopefully the next A90 iteration (A90SE?) or the rumored Singxer "SA-2" will finally get it right (just give me an SA-1 with front gain switch and stepped relay volume, no needless stupid shenanigans like displays and remote dependency).