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New product - SMSL AO300

It's possible. I think VadimBN is right (message #477). But I don't feel like opening the device's case yet.
 
It's possible. I think VadimBN is right (message #477). But I don't feel like opening the device's case yet.
Can't you just ground it from the back outside the case?
 
Can't you just ground it from the back outside the case?
The twin brother of SMSL AO300 - Loxjie A40 has such a possibility. But not AO300 itself. Unless you connect the ground wire to one of the screws holding the case together.
 
I'm considering the AO300 & I have some questions for owners out there (no conjecture please):
1. Early on there was criticism of remote control operation. If the remote is used daily/hourly about 8ft away is the criticism still true?
2. Have the early audible bugs been sufficiently addressed by Aiyima thru software updates?
3. How has the reliability been? Have there been any hardware failures/returns during this first year.
Thanks in advance!
 
I'm considering the AO300 & I have some questions for owners out there (no conjecture please):
1. Early on there was criticism of remote control operation. If the remote is used daily/hourly about 8ft away is the criticism still true?
2. Have the early audible bugs been sufficiently addressed by Aiyima thru software updates?
3. How has the reliability been? Have there been any hardware failures/returns during this first year.
Thanks in advance!
I use it every day on my desktop connected with USB to my Windows PC. 100% reliability for me, using it for 6 months now. It sound very transparant and shows every detail.
For music it sounds better then the Wiim AMP. I can only recommend it for USB PC or SPDIF connection. For HDMI the Wiim AMP (pro) is better.
Maybe wait for the new WiiM AMP PRO with the new chip? ( It is out now i think)
Als the new Mission 778X is a very good small amp. (600€)

My setup: Realtek ALC4080 -> USB -> SMSL AO300 -> Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 + SVS SB-1000 PRO

On my channel you can find some small tests with the SMSL AO300
 
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I'm considering the AO300 & I have some questions for owners out there (no conjecture please):
1. Early on there was criticism of remote control operation. If the remote is used daily/hourly about 8ft away is the criticism still true?
2. Have the early audible bugs been sufficiently addressed by Aiyima thru software updates?
3. How has the reliability been? Have there been any hardware failures/returns during this first year.
Thanks in advance!

1. Wiim remote better, topping worse.
2. I do not hear audible bugs.
3. It's been used daily in different systems for months without failure.

I think this is an underrated device but I'd probably get a Wiim amp instead next time.
 
1. Wiim remote better, topping worse.
2. I do not hear audible bugs.
3. It's been used daily in different systems for months without failure.

I think this is an underrated device but I'd probably get a Wiim amp instead next time.
Thanks, my dilemma, I already have an Echo Link streamer controlled from a Fire tablet, a system that works really well for Amazon Music Unlimited & Bluetooth radio stations. By Topping I assume you mean the E30 II or E30 ll Lite? I'd read its remote is finicky, a PITA, that is my alternate solution together with an existing power amp. Thoughts?
 
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So it's really just the remote that's the issue?

Maybe that's your question in a new thread, "which is the best headphone/desktop DAC remote?" It's not topping or SMSL I think.

What about the echo amp?
 
I've been using it every day since I got it in January to drive headphones and speakers without issue. Big upgrade and logical next step up from the Fiio K5 Pro it replaced. The only thing I would have liked is physical controls to switch between the different inputs and outputs. It does take time to go through the menus whereas with a physical switch I could do it in milliseconds.
 
So it's really just the remote that's the issue?

Maybe that's your question in a new thread, "which is the best headphone/desktop DAC remote?" It's not topping or SMSL I think.

What about the echo amp?
I assume the Echo Amp is old tech, the AO300 is latest tech with the right mix of features at a reasonable price, that's why I'm attracted to it.

Which is the best desktop DAC amp with a well functioning remote?

I believe: Aiyima, Loxjie, Fosi, Douk, Nobsound come out of the same factory. I'm unsure about SMSL & Topping. Why is remote operation often so bad?
 
Hello, guys.
My unit suddenly stopped working.
I opened it up an discovered some fried chip. Can't see the markings.

Could you, please, make a photo of yours?
It's beside the smsl print.
Thanks in advance.
 

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Hello, guys.
My unit suddenly stopped working.
I opened it up an discovered some fried chip. Can't see the markings.

Could you, please, make a photo of yours?
It's beside the smsl print.
Thanks in advance.
Wich volume are you using on the AO300 normal?

IMG_0744.jpeg
 
I've just ordered an AO300 so seeing a fried chip is disconcerting. Is the unit within warranty? If not, has SMSL responded? Have other AO300 or A300 owners experienced failures?

Please keep us in the loop with discussions with SMSL, thanks!
 
I've just ordered an AO300 so seeing a fried chip is disconcerting. Is the unit within warranty? If not, has SMSL responded? Have other AO300 or A300 owners experienced failures?

Please keep us in the loop with discussions with SMSL, thanks!
I use mine every day at volume level 35 and it is a great device. Have bought it in the beginning of this year. Not a single problem.
 
Actually, I think it`s kinda my fault. I couldn't see that coming, but the unit failed after I switched off some old half-DIY DAC of mine without switching off the ao300 first, and the DAC gave some spike of voltage to its rca output.

Still, if anyone could make the photo of the chip, so that the markings are visible?
 
I think the AO300 is very fine, I have it in continuous operation, I don't turn it on and off, the screen goes to sleep, it is on its own, it consumes almost nothing, it doesn't light up, it doesn't heat up, but it is still available when it receives a signal. The volume is usually a stable 30 on it (I rarely change it), this can be assigned by the source (TV or whatever). Two Magnat Signature 703 Dynamic 3-Way Shelf Speakers and a Jamo SUB 210 subwoofer are connected to it. This is more than enough for everything, almost too much, and there is even plenty to spare.

So, what's the remote like? - It's not a very exciting question, because it almost doesn't need to be used.
What is the amplifier like? - Stable and brutal.
Sound? - Everyone will find what suits them.
Connections? - It should be enough in today's world, only the phono is missing (not for me :))
Software? - Well, something could be added to this, but the current official version is acceptable.
 
My AO300 arrived yesterday from Auins Hifiman on Amazon. It took 10 days to arrive (as predicted) via USPS, was perfectly packed & new as advertised. I checked operation (optical, coax, Bluetooth) on headphones before installing in my HiFi. Bluetooth connected perfectly to my MP3 player (SanDisk clone). The speaker terminals are sturdy. The remote works well (my biggest concern). I selected DIRECT & a SLOW filter. I've only listened on speakers (Q-Acoustics 3050) briefly & everything sounds good. I've heard no unusual noises as reported here with early units. I'll listen closely later. At $231 price paid, this has to be one of the greatest bargains in HiFi.
 
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The RAW-HA1 is improved over the AO300 with a new UI (but small icons) & a brightness control, that is nice. There is no information on the new Infineon chip? Has SMSL fixed the remote FN button operation? Does HDMI include CEC yet? It's only available in black finish (my AO300 is silver). It still does not have side ventilation holes, like the Loxjie A40, to keep internal temperatures lower. Will probably be subject to teething problems (eventually fixed in SW) just like the AO300.
The AO300 will probably go on sale on Black Friday at a bargain price. Has anyone noticed how few Amazon reviews exist for the AO300? With all the attention given to Aiyima, Fosi, Douk etc the SMSL AO300 & Loxjie A40 appear to be lost in the crowd. I know it took me several weeks of research to discover the AO300.
 
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