New SMSL AL200 Intergrated Amplifier

[vrobec]

I got the AL200 before a few weeks. I like it very much. Comparing it to Harman Kardon HK680 it sounds crisper, the imaging is, I think better than HK680 does. The highs are good, the mids too, and I say the bass is very good. On first listening it seems the HK is better in lows, but after a few songs I felt mudier, and not that defined as the AL200. The inbult DAC is also very good, on pair with AK4493 DAC's I have (SU-1, Sanskrit 10thg MKII). The speakers in test are: JBL 4311, L110A and L19A.
I compared it to Marantz 2216, 2230 and Tandberg TR200 too. I think the AL200 wins here again. There are details which I hear on AL200.
I have to say there is a quiet pop when changing inputs, but this is nothing you need to worry about. The playback is flawless.
For this money I can say go for it and you wont be dissapointed. This is the best amp+dac combo right now.
PS: Sorry for my English

 

[dangermouse]

PS: Sorry for my English

No worries. Whoever started the thread can't even spell "Integrated".

 

[Kagemusha]

I got the AL200 before a few weeks. I like it very much. Comparing it to Harman Kardon HK680 it sounds crisper, the imaging is, I think better than HK680 does. The highs are good, the mids too, and I say the bass is very good. On first listening it seems the HK is better in lows, but after a few songs I felt mudier, and not that defined as the AL200. The inbult DAC is also very good, on pair with AK4493 DAC's I have (SU-1, Sanskrit 10thg MKII). The speakers in test are: JBL 4311, L110A and L19A.
I compared it to Marantz 2216, 2230 and Tandberg TR200 too. I think the AL200 wins here again. There are details which I hear on AL200.
I have to say there is a quiet pop when changing inputs, but this is nothing you need to worry about. The playback is flawless.
For this money I can say go for it and you wont be dissapointed. This is the best amp+dac combo right now.
PS: Sorry for my English

Thanks for the input, I want o buy this or the loxjie A40, but there is not much reviews on that A40. Is only for desktop.

 

[vrobec]

My SMSL AL200 stopped working today. We are listening web radio when it became quiet. I tried all the inputs and unfortunately no sound. I bought this unit on 12th november 2023.

 

[tc2007]

That sucks. Hope you get a replacement under warranty.

 

[vrobec]

That sucks. Hope you get a replacement under warranty.

I contacted hifigo. Will see what they say. Warranty is 1 year according to their website.

 

[goremotel]

Are there any AL200 owners here that have used it connected to an LG TV via its optical port and could they please write about their experience?

I was determined to buy this unit for my passive speakers, until I found several threads & posts from people complaining that a lot of DACs/amps have issues when used with LG TVs (audio dropouts/stuttering) via optical.

I've read that this mainly (or possibly only?) happens with ESS Sabre DAC chips; some manufacturers released custom firmware for their products which fixed the issue. Some DACs have a DPLL setting which can be tweaked to fix the issue.

I've found posts confirming that AKM DACs don't have problems with LG TVs, but I can't find info on whether units with Cirrus DAC chips, like the AL200, have problems with LG TVs or not.

Edit: I found it for a good price, so I ordered it and will report back if it works with my LG C3 using the optical port.

 

[Toslink]

I've not used it with the LG TV, but I liked mine so much I encouraged a relative to get one to replace a failed 20-year-old JVC receiver used for audio in a secondary part of their home. The music source is a BOSE music streamer with optical out, and it's been working solidly for one year. I'd think the LG TV will perform much the same.

 

[Cypress]

looks stronger ,how is the max outpower?

 

[Yersinia Bestmate]

Are there any AL200 owners here that have used it connected to an LG TV via its optical port and could they please write about their experience?

I was determined to buy this unit for my passive speakers, until I found several threads & posts from people complaining that a lot of DACs/amps have issues when used with LG TVs (audio dropouts/stuttering) via optical.

I've read that this mainly (or possibly only?) happens with ESS Sabre DAC chips; some manufacturers released custom firmware for their products which fixed the issue. Some DACs have a DPLL setting which can be tweaked to fix the issue.

I've found posts confirming that AKM DACs don't have problems with LG TVs, but I can't find info on whether units with Cirrus DAC chips, like the AL200, have problems with LG TVs or not.

Edit: I found it for a good price, so I ordered it and will report back if it works with my LG C3 using the optical port.

So did it work?

 

[funkyblue]

I've been using an SMSL AL200 amplifier paired with Q Acoustics 3010i Bookshelf speakers, connected to my PC via USB to access my extensive FLAC library. The sound quality is exceptional, striking the perfect balance between price and performance. It's the best audio experience I've ever had!

 

[Jimster480]

Was this ever measured anywhere? It looks like the performance they are claiming is much worse than that of the Fosi V3 Mono or any of the other newer TPA based amps?

 

[pl4w]

Was this ever measured anywhere? It looks like the performance they are claiming is much worse than that of the Fosi V3 Mono or any of the other newer TPA based amps?

I owned 2 MA5332MS-based amplifiers including the SMSL AL200 and both would run into protect at (very) loud volume when driving my floor standers.

Have had 2 TPA3255-based since (Aiyima A07 MAX and a Fosi ZA3 currently) and couldn't run them into protect in the exact same configuration.

Definitely not scientific but on the realistic side of things, I'm staying with the 3255s. Besides, we have proper measurements for a bunch of them.

 

[Jimster480]

I owned 2 MA5332MS-based amplifiers including the SMSL AL200 and both would run into protect at (very) loud volume when driving my floor standers.

Have had 2 TPA3255-based since (Aiyima A07 MAX and a Fosi ZA3 currently) and couldn't run them into protect in the exact same configuration.

Definitely not scientific but on the realistic side of things, I'm staying with the 3255s. Besides, we have proper measurements for a bunch of them.

A07 MAX is an insanely good value. Unfortunately it has no triggers or XLR input. I bought the 2x Fosi v3 Mono w/ the 48v single PSU.
I'm going to be driving Klipsch RP-8000F Gen II, but my DAC (SMSL SU-8S) already has a preamp and remote. So I wasn't happy that the amp has another volume control, and no way for it to go into standby (which is just like the Fosi V3 Stereo I guess).