I won't mention the stories of coins on head shells, removing clumps of fluff and dust from needles and licking head shell connections(to get a decent signal so time coded vinyl would work) from my vinyl DJ days then hahaha
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New SMSL PA200 GaN Fet amplifier
Thanks for that. So based on specs, PA200 is complete garbage compared to LA90. Practically every single parameter is better in LA90, except for power output.
Roland68
Major Contributor
I am very excited about measurements and experiences with the new PA200.
As a stereo amplifier, its price is very close to the Sabaj A30a, which delivers over 2 x 200 watts at 4 ohms and with which there are already good experiences, even in comparison to much more expensive amplifiers.
If you have devices with digital outputs, you can also save on a high-quality DAC with the A30a.
As a mono amplifier with measured 1 x 400 watts at 4 ohms, the SMSL A300 costs less than half.
As a stereo amplifier, its price is very close to the Sabaj A30a, which delivers over 2 x 200 watts at 4 ohms and with which there are already good experiences, even in comparison to much more expensive amplifiers.
If you have devices with digital outputs, you can also save on a high-quality DAC with the A30a.
As a mono amplifier with measured 1 x 400 watts at 4 ohms, the SMSL A300 costs less than half.
kemmler3D
Master Contributor
1 XLR input only, am I missing something?
Otherwise will be keen to see the measurements, iirc the last GAN amp Amir tested was just ok.
Otherwise will be keen to see the measurements, iirc the last GAN amp Amir tested was just ok.
Roland68
Major Contributor
Balanced XLR input for mono mode.
Then only works as a mono power amplifier without volume control, i.e. full power.
Danieru Senpai
Member
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Hello everyone, has anyone found a review of this unit yet?
I’m planning on upgrading from my budget MR4’s to proper speakers later this year and basically landed on getting mono blocks for future proofing. This PA200 seem like a decent unit for the price.
I find it odd that there’s zero reviews on the major websites like Amazon, also zero reviews on YouTube and it’s been available for around a month already.
I’m planning on upgrading from my budget MR4’s to proper speakers later this year and basically landed on getting mono blocks for future proofing. This PA200 seem like a decent unit for the price.
I find it odd that there’s zero reviews on the major websites like Amazon, also zero reviews on YouTube and it’s been available for around a month already.
Roland68
Major Contributor
Are these amplifiers actually available yet?
Measurements will show whether the PA200 is really good in terms of price/performance, if Amir tests it.
For half the price or less, you can also get the A300, which delivers 1 x 400 watts into 4 ohms in bridged mode (218 into 8), measured power.
The technical data that SMSL specifies for the A300 and the PA200 differ only very slightly (THD+N 0.004/0.003 and SNR 103 dB/109 dB). In stereo mode, the 10 dB worse channel separation of the PA200 is noticeable (75 dB instead of 85 dB).
The use of GaN FET transistors only means that these transistors are a little more efficient and thus the heat generation can be reduced somewhat with the same power. But that was not a problem before.
As a stereo amplifier, it is not much cheaper than the now very proven Sabaj A30a with 2 x 206/103 at 4/8 Ohm, which should be sufficient for most speakers.
Danieru Senpai
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Well, it’s available on Amazon for $419 sold by “SMSL official store” and 2 day shipping. It’s been listed for weeks with 0 reviews.
Haven’t bought one myself because I don’t have an immediate use for it, just weighing my options for a proper speaker system upgrade later this year.
D
Deleted member 72219
Guest
Was able to take advantage of various coupons and discounts (combination of ~$40 coupon from SMSL store, ~$40 in Ali Express Coins, and ~$60 in various Ali Express coupons) and ordered a pair brand new from SMSL's Ali Express store for under $700US shipped, so hopefully can recoup most of what I spent in the event I don't love it. Will first try out just a single unit with RCA input, and then if I like it, I would open the second one and try them as monoblocs using XLR inputs. If I am not a fan of how a single sounds via RCA, then I will simply resell both units.
-Ed
-Ed
Danieru Senpai
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Looking forward to your impressions!
D
Deleted member 72219
Guest
I plan on it, at least the outside. Will decide once I have it in hand if I'm willing to pop it open for internal shots as well, but I've not opened any amps in the past that didn't have reason to (like swappable internal componentry).
-Ed
I ordered one also, should be here Sunday, I would like a b200 but two of these would be more power in mono than two b200's.
D
Deleted member 72219
Guest
Yes, this is my perspective as well, having not had a pair if B100s work out for me.
-Ed
I have a 4-channel Hypex NC502MP Amplifier on order but who knows when that will show up.
D
Deleted member 72219
Guest
Who's building it?
I had an IOM Ultra (NC252MP), but the pop when powering on or off kind of annoyed me so I gave it to my dad. He just leaves things on 24/7.
-Ed
Oh yeah buckeye!
D
Deleted member 72219
Guest
D
Deleted member 72219
Guest
In the process of sending them all over. I ordered a pair and only one of the two has shipped so far. I ordered from SMSL’s own AliExpress store.
-Ed
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