Dac/headphone amp to Quad power amp

[Deleted member 58421]

Hello!

I have been perusing for a few years but yet to sign up, until now.

I have been a long time hifi enthusiast and have worked in the industry. I have had the privilege to listen to some reasonably high-end equipment and have also owned some rather nice gear at times.

A few months ago I acquired some early 90’s Wharfedale 3-way speakers. At the time I was using a Denon receiver to test them because my main system was active. I was really impressed with the sound. Having sold my main hifi to fund house renovations I am trying a different route…

I am picking up a lovely (British made) Quad 909 in a couple days and have decided to pair it with, well, initially I am going to try the Sabaj D5, because of the price point and availability. Although I am likely to try a Topping alternative too.

I have been dubious about going down the road of such a combination but it has intrigued me. I often say to my children to get them to try something new, “how do you know you like ice cream”, well obviously it’s because they tried it.

Hoping I love the combination as much as ice cream! Maybe even more so…

 

[MacCali]

Hello!

I have been perusing for a few years but yet to sign up, until now.

I have been a long time hifi enthusiast and have worked in the industry. I have had the privilege to listen to some reasonably high-end equipment and have also owned some rather nice gear at times.

A few months ago I acquired some early 90’s Wharfedale 3-way speakers. At the time I was using a Denon receiver to test them because my main system was active. I was really impressed with the sound. Having sold my main hifi to fund house renovations I am trying a different route…

I am picking up a lovely (British made) Quad 909 in a couple days and have decided to pair it with, well, initially I am going to try the Sabaj D5, because of the price point and availability. Although I am likely to try a Topping alternative too.

I have been dubious about going down the road of such a combination but it has intrigued me. I often say to my children to get them to try something new, “how do you know you like ice cream”, well obviously it’s because they tried it.

Hoping I love the combination as much as ice cream! Maybe even more so…

I’ve been in this hobby for two years, and I am still young-ish. Love the hobby extremely much.

I hope you enjoy everything you get or try. But one thing I have learned is with so many variables and such little money it’s a difficult task dealing with audio. As you may know switching out one piece of equipment can change everything. The possibilities are endless hope you find the sweet spot!

 

[Deleted member 58421]

I’ve been in this hobby for two years, and I am still young-ish. Love the hobby extremely much.

I hope you enjoy everything you get or try. But one thing I have learned is with so many variables and such little money it’s a difficult task dealing with audio. As you may know switching out one piece of equipment can change everything. The possibilities are endless hope you find the sweet spot!

For what it’s worth you really don’t need a lot (subjective I know) of money to enjoy good sound quality.

Here’s an initial 2cents on hifi for anybody…

Try to have a listen to some 3-way speakers if you’ve only ever had 2-way. Ideally of a well regarded model.

Buy second-hand if you like changing things around and you won’t lose too much money.

Don’t spend loads on cables, again, buy second hand. The mark-up from manufacture to retailer is significant. They do make a difference (I’m not after an argument here). Yes, you can hear significant differences even in USB cables, and sometimes none at all.

Positioning of equipment, yourself, and the room probably has the most significant impact on overall sound quality.

 

[Deleted member 58421]

So I have tried both the D5 and the A20d, and have made a decision.

Both have excellent transparency within my system. I am hearing music on every single track I know that I have never heard before.

D5.

I prefer everything about the look of this unit except for the screen.

I prefer the type b usb of this compared to the type c of the A20d.

Updates look a little complicated to me.

Much heavier than the A20d, which I like.


A20d

I really like he screen on this unit, I can see it from my sofa easily.

More portable. I can see myself taking it upstairs at night for headphone listening.

Although I can’t hear a difference, it measures better.

Colour matches slightly better with the quad amp, not too bothered about that though.

£70 more expensive than the D5. I don’t think it should be.


Overall verdict.

If the D5 had the screen of the A20d it would be no contest for me, however since it doesn’t I’ve gone for the A20d and have the additional bonus of Bluetooth.