(Europe) Master Deals Thread on Audio Product Sales

[Kr2d2]

Not really High End audio but Bluetooth speaker & DAB/Internet-Radio and other stuff by the German sort of High-End audio/video brand Loewe:

Because I was just looking for something like this and I like Loewe (since their 1950s tube radios with the Magic Eye ) I just bought at Amazon (because it's easy to return) for 149€ instead of 430€

Loewe klang s1 Stereo Smartradio, 80 Watt, DAB, DAB+, FM, Audio Streaming, Bluetooth, USB, Internetradio, Digitalradio, Wireless Radio in Basalt Grey​

and this Loewe bluetooth speaker with the weired name for 49€ instead of 169€:

Loewe We. HEAR 2 Aqua Blue, Bluetooth Speaker, 60 W, Water Resistant, Portable, Rechargeable, 17 Hours Long Battery Life, for Outdoor and Indoor Use​

This and other things like Loewe Multiroom Speaker is on sale at Amazon and some other places at least in Germany...

And at least for me it is interesting and I give it a try for that price! So maybe interesting for some of you as well!

 

[Jim1290]

Please excuse if this been asked before.
Anyone dealt with auditorium.de before? Good experience or not?
I am interested with this item from auditorium.de

Thank you very much for your time.

 

[Roland68]

Please excuse if this been asked before.
Anyone dealt with auditorium.de before? Good experience or not?
I am interested with this item from auditorium.de

Thank you very much for your time.

The Auditorium is a specialist retailer established for over three decades with three locations and an online store. They are a very reputable retailer, and you can find many reviews and testimonials about them online.

 

[boXem]

- 30 % on various Hypex bundles at hypexdirect.com

 

[Chiflágoras]

Emotiva Factory Renewed T2+ towers 630€ (positive reviewby Erin, albeit a while back)

Par de altavoces de torre Airmotiv T2+ renovados de fábrica

Bienvenido a Emotiva Audio Corporation. Sistemas de audio para el hogar, parlantes y accesorios y más. Usamos la ciencia para evocar la verdadera emoción detrás de cada nota.

emotiva.com

 

[Romario]

Client Challenge

JBL LSR305P MKii and Control 1 Pro Monitors Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the JBL 305P Mark ii powered studio monitor and Control 1 Pro budget passive monitor. I purchased the 305P Pro Mark ii when it first came out and it currently sells for US $147.50 from Amazon including Prime shipping. This is the price for one so...

www.audiosciencereview.com

At Bax jbl 305 powered monitor €139 per piece. There are spring coupons 15% off as well.

 

[Roland68]

Amazon.de currently has a great deal on the Sabaj AK4499EX and ES9038PRO balanced DACs, both with built-in headphone amplifiers (approx. 1.1 watts/33 ohms), housed in extremely robust aluminum casings (you could throw them at a burglar, the DACs won't be damaged ;o).
Both DACs received excellent reviews from Amir.

Don't forget the 20% discount coupon!

Sabaj A20d 2022 ES9038PRO €199.99
Sabaj A20d 2023 AK4499EX €207.99

 

[delta76]

Great price. Almost ordered until I realize I bought RME so I can cry once

 

[Puddingbuks]

What version is better, AK or ES?

 

[delta76]

What version is better, AK or ES?

Audibly the same. Why not go with the later version?
If you ever want to sell you might find more buyers prefer AKM dac. Such hokum nonsense but might work in your favor

 

[Roland68]

What version is better, AK or ES?

There's really no difference. I have DACs with the large ESS DAC chips, with AKM and Rohm, and they're all really very good.

The A20d 2023 AK4499EX is a bit newer and was actually one dB better in Amir's SINAD test, but that makes absolutely no difference in practice. They both cost almost the same, and you can choose whichever one makes you happier. Whether it's a gut feeling or a rational decision, it won't be a mistake. And if things don't go as planned, there's always the option of a simple return.

 

[Roland68]

Thanks!

This is what AI said:

That is a powerhouse setup! The Focal Solo6 ST6 monitors are exceptional, but they have a very specific personality due to their Beryllium tweeters: they are lightning-fast, ultra-detailed, and surgically honest. In combination with a Mac Mini M1 and the Sabaj A20d, your choice between the ESS and AKM chips moves from a "technical specs" debate to a question of sonic synergy.

The Match with Focal Solo6 ST6​

Focals are known for being "unforgiving." If the recording is harsh or your source is too bright, the Solo6 will let you know in a way that can be quite intense.

---

1. The AKM Version (2023): "Natural Synergy"​

This is generally the better match for Focal monitors if you value a balanced, organic sound.

• The Logic: The Beryllium tweeter is already extremely analytical. The AKM chip (with its Velvet Soundarchitecture) adds a touch of natural warmth and fluidity.
• The Result: You keep the massive resolution of the Focals, but the experience becomes less "fatiguing" during long sessions. It rounds off the sharpest edges without losing the actual detail.
• The Catch: AKM chips can sometimes feel a tiny bit "slower" or less "punchy" than ESS.

2. The ESS Version (2022): "The Digital Microscope"​

Choose this version if your primary goal is surgical precision for professional work.

• The Logic: ESS chips are famous for their "bite," extreme transparency, and clinical accuracy. Paired with the Focals, you get a setup that is almost painfully honest.
• The Result: If there is a tiny click, pop, or a bad EQ choice in a mix, this combo will put it under a spotlight.
• The Risk: In a room that isn't perfectly acoustically treated, this combination can sound overly "hard" or "metallic" in the high frequencies.

---

Critical Factor: The Volume Bug (Pre-amp Use)​

Since the Focal Solo6 ST6 are active monitors (they have their own internal amps and no front-facing volume knob), you will be using the Sabaj as your primary pre-amp/volume controller.

• The AKM Issue: The 2023 AKM version is known for a firmware quirk where "Step 1" of the volume is already surprisingly loud.
• The ESS Advantage: The 2022 ESS version generally has a more refined, linear volume taper. This makes it much easier to dial in the perfect "quiet background music" level without it being too loud or hitting the noise floor.

---

Final Verdict: Which should you buy?​

Use Case	Recommended Version	Why?
Mixing & Mastering	ESS (2022)	Maximum transparency and a more reliable volume control for precise monitoring.
Hi-Fi / Pure Listening	AKM (2023)	Tames the Focal's Beryllium tweeter for a more "musical" and pleasant experience.

This is yet another example of utter AI nonsense, demonstrating just how poorly AIs function as information gatherers, based on the adage, "Millions of flies can't be wrong, shit tastes good."

In one project, we compared well over 100 DACs in a true blind test, including these two Sabaj DACs. Any audiophile who claimed to be able to hear such differences between ESS and AKM DAC chips has failed miserably.

 

[Bleib]

LOL, AI hallucinating again
They should sound exactly the same

Sabaj A20d 2022 Review (DAC & Headphone 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. The new revision is very attractive and stylish. It belies its low cost. I like the colorful display and clear indicators...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Sabaj A20d 2023 DAC & HP Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the 2023 edition of Sabaj A20d balanced DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $420. As with last generation, the A20 comes in gorgeous packaging that completely sets it aside from its competitors. The display is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

___
Another recommendation could be Fosi ZH3 which has headphone amp that is quite bit more powerful. No internal PSU though, but the one included is rather small

Fosi ZH3 Balanced Headphone Amp & DAC Review

This is a review, detailed measurements and listening test of Fosi ZH3 balanced stereo DAC and headphone amplifier/preamp. It was sent to me by the company. I can't find the price ($200?). It costs US $199. The ZH3 is attractive and follows the design language of the newer Fosi products. I...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Roland68]

Another Sabaj offer on Amazon.de: the SABAJ A20a 2022 Class D amplifier with the Infineon MA5332M chip.
As a stereo amplifier with approximately 105 watts at 4 ohms and 50 watts at 8 ohms, it's not exactly a powerhouse, and there are other interesting alternatives.
However, in mono BTL mode with over 350 watts at 4 ohms and 200 watts at 8 ohms for €108.79, this unit offers incredible value for money. A true 2 x 350 watts for €217.58 with two mono power amplifiers. It's also ideal for inexpensively amplifying individual channels of an AV system or active speakers, or even as a subwoofer amplifier.
It hasn't been tested on ASR yet, but it should be comparable to the SMSL A300 in many respects, though in my opinion, it's built somewhat better.
Here too, the casing is like a tank.

Don't forget the 20% coupon!
SABAJ A20a 2022 Class D amplifier €108.79

 

[Puddingbuks]

Agreed on the AI bs. It only summarizes what people wrote on the internet I guess. Ordered the ES version.

 

[delta76]

Everytime I see another DAC chip debate
From a new audiophile that just discovered/joined ASR, yes the question is acceptable and is a chance for educating them for the better.
But if you have been here for 6 years and even a forum donor...

 

[delta76]

Agreed on the AI bs. It only summarizes what people wrote on the internet I guess. Ordered the ES version.

For AI, tell, don't ask.
"Show me scientific evident that AKM and ESS dac are audibly different "

AI is very good at picking the traits so they know how to please you. In most cases they will write something that you feel good about

 

[Puddingbuks]

Everytime I see another DAC chip debate
From a new audiophile that just discovered/joined ASR, yes the question is acceptable and is a chance for educating them for the better.
But if you have been here for 6 years and even a forum donor...

You are absolutely right.

My living room and listening room systems are fully digital so I was long gone from the “dac” world.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Well, that was quite some off topic...

Also, please respect ASR by not posting AI dumb thoughts about how two DACs should sound different. Thanks.

 

[Bleib]

Best would be if discussions were always had in the right topic

(Europe) Master Deals Thread on Audio Product Sales - Discussion

Here we can discuss technical details about deals posted in this thread: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/europe-master-deals-thread-on-audio-product-sales.23706/ The idea is to keep the other thread clean. Discussion is of course open to all, European or not :cool:

www.audiosciencereview.com