It's just the THX module with proper power supply / inputs outputs from what I see. Hard to botch it unless they somehow end up with crap/fake components.Looks like a great product from SMSL again, that will produce many headaches for more..."traditional" audiophile companies...ahem. @amirm , are you planning to retest a retail version, could this be a little bit of a "golden sample" situation, or are we not considering that?
I know what HDR photography is. Here is an early morning shot of Mt. Rainier using that:
View attachment 35117
I just don't have the time or inclination to do that with some audio box.
I agree. I own and like SMSL products, but if it is not in production it's just a step up from vaperwareAs good as these prototypes are, and as much as we look forward to them, we really need to concentrate on things that can actually be bought. In the lists and charts of all the gear, I'm thinking that prototypes ought not to be listed. Or if they are, at least marked with a different colored bar to show that they are not actual production, off the shelf, units.
I am very glad SMSL is sharing products for early review. But it's not a real product if no one can buy it.The massdrop THX review came out with one of the first batches. The march audio review was of a pre-release item, the E1DA 9038S was too as far as I know. Heck, Khadas sent in a tone board before anyone knew about them or their boards. What's the big deal?
@SMSL-Mandy people are currently on holiday (chinese golden week), details about release will surely follow soon. The product was announced not even 3 weeks ago. What exactly are we even complaining about..??
Edit: the SMSL comment there explains that the SMSL P1, the amplifier counterpart for the D1, will not be using THX AAA, but will be balanced in/out. Probably another discrete solution like the Gustard H20 et al.
They sent it in before Chinese holidays. Item arrived so ASR review is already out now, the product release will be soon. Can't have everything in this world I still don't see the problem. People can not buy it for now, same thing with the Monoprice THX 887, I saw little people complain there...I am very glad SMSL is sharing products for early review. But it's not a real product if no one can buy it.
Does this mean this amp is actually not balanced and XLR Output is there just for convenience, like Massdrop's CTH?XLR Output ("balanced") - Same power and distortion
Yes, it's just the connector. No additional power whatsoever. Just for convenience so you can use various cables with this amp.Does this mean this amp is actually not balanced and XLR Output is there just for convenience, like Massdrop's CTH?
$750 for that performance with balanced inputs would be just fine. And if they could offer a combo with a 110dB, XLR pre/DAC (M500 or whatever's current) at $999, they'd sell tons of them.This terrific little headphone amp is proof that competition spurred by this site will bring prices down on better and better products, including regular amps. However, regular amps obviously require physically larger and more expensive parts. Still, seems like maybe $500-$750 is doable in a few years for a 100w stereo amp with 110db SINAD.
lol it's a cool option for younger folks or folks who like gaming. can be some other lightning effect for more sophisticated folksPls no RGB lightning.
As for [USER=9701 said:@ohtoulouz[/USER]
I sometimes get a better listening experience seeing the spectral analyzer on my RME DAC. This question can only be answered by you, as the performance metrics would deem both devices to be at vanishingly low levels of distortion and noise (though the amp section isn’t the literal best on the Sabaj D5, I simply couldn’t hear a difference when I tested it). If you need insane enough power to blow some drivers, then sure adding one of these amps with the Sabaj will toss you into verified inaudible territory of distortion. And also if you like to placebo yourself into things, I suppose you will have an enhanced experience resting easy you have one of the best amps and DACs ever tested in your home.
But for a general opinion barring al I’ve said. I doubt it would enhance your listening experience if you listen at moderate levels.