Sabaj A20d 2023 DAC & HP Amp Review

[Lero]

I really think im in love with the design AND the performance....only thing is: is power gonna be enough ? but i think 99/100 will blow my brain.

 

[Koeitje]

Does Sabaj make a black version? I think their designs look solid, but silver just isn't for me.

 

[maty]

[ 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 ]

Sabaj A20d 2023 High Res USB Audio DAC & Headphone AMP AK4191+AK4499EX

Sabaj A20d 2023 High Res USB Audio DAC & Headphone AMP: Unleash the Power of Exceptional Audio Discover the ultimate audio experience with the Sabaj A20d 2023 High Res USB Audio DAC & Headphone AMP. This groundbreaking product combines state-of-the-art technology, unrivaled performance, and...

hifi-express.com

 

[maty]

SABAJ A20d 2023 Version, AK4499EX Chip Audio Decoder Headphone Amplifier, Bluetooth MQA, Bluetooth 5.0 APTX/USB/I²S/Optical/Coaxial Input, Native DSD512 and 32-bit/768KHz
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C7K3TNT5 - 489.99€

 

[totti1965]

THat's not the case. The noise floor in my FFT is lower and hence shows the extra harmonics. Stereophile tests simply hide those.

The dCS Rossini offers the „richer“ sound for the richer guys - it is that simple!

 

[tonybarrett]

Trivial, I know, but what’s with all the random fonts on the unit. Looks like a school concert flyer.

 

[Joachim Herbert]

The Sabaj A20d uses the ti 6120 as headphone amp. What is the output impedance, as the ti chip usually goes as high as 9 ohms?

Edit: I see a lot of claims about 0 ohms, so it seems they worked around ti limitations.

Does Sabaj make a black version? I think their designs look solid, but silver just isn't for me.

 

[maty]

AKM AK4499EX

Same as Topping E70 Velvet

Measurements of Topping E70 VELVET DAC - L7Audiolab

台式设备 随着"三小强"中SMSL和Gustard都推出了自己的4499EX解码器，拓品的研发总让我感觉是不是有点滞后？不过随着我拿到这台 Topping E70 VELVET 我打消了疑虑，拓品还是他家的老样子……

www.l7audiolab.com

I can see better measurements than Sabaj. But 503 € at Audiophonics. Without headphone amp.

TOPPING E70 VELVET DAC AK4499EX XMOS XU316 Bluetooth 5.1 aptX Adaptive LDAC 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Silver - Audiophonics

With the E70 Velvet, Topping offers a new version of the excellent E70 DAC featuring the new AK4499EX high-end digital-to-analog conversion chip from AKM. For the rest, it takes the excellent technical basis of its elder brother...

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[JayGilb]

Amir,
Thank you for another excellent review.

 

[renaudrenaud]

Trivial, I know, but what’s with all the random fonts on the unit. Looks like a school concert flyer.

Was waiting for this.

Next step is someone asking for EQ in the box.

After that someone will point RME has EQ, then we will compare the cost of this unit with the RME, and then the debate about the warranty will open and then bla bla bla.

 

[milosz]

Thanks for the review. It is a great performing DAC with an ok industrial design, but it does not compare to dCS.
I don't care it sounds the same.

When you say "it does not compare to dCS" I don't know what you mean. In what way is in not comparable? Can you clarify this statement? Thanks

 

[milosz]

I see that you said that this was "Sabaj A20d balanced DAC and headphone amplifier" but I don't see how one would connect balanced headphones to the amp- are the 1/4" and 1/8" jacks 4-conductor balanced connectors?

 

[mdsimon2]

THat's not the case. The noise floor in my FFT is lower and hence shows the extra harmonics. Stereophile tests simply hide those.

Including this test for comparison purposes is a great idea. Are you using the same FFT length as Stereophile for this test?

Michael

 

[BALKAN_RAKIA]

There are handles on the front. In case anyone wants to pick 21x20x6cm device with two hands.

 

[mdsimon2]

Nice performance but I find the Sabaj form factor absolutely hideous.

Michael

 

[Laniciffo]

I understand the need to pursue good engineering but I do think that putting it above all other design goals, considering that most home noise floor is way above these numbers, can be a hindrance. Where is the trigger. Topping and the likes understood and introduced this feature in latest models. When I bought my DAC this is one of the base features I was looking for. Who has the power to go hunting for all these remotes or have a remote with endless macros.

To work around this problem, one can also use a 'master / slave' power strip.
These things monitor the power consumption on the master's socket and power the slave sockets only if the master is working.
The slaves do not work more than the master, so I think there is no issue with ethics and politics in that case.
These devices are great with PCs too : the display, printer, speakers, etc... all power up as soon as the pc starts or exits standby mode.
My strip has a potentiometer to define the power consumption threshold. That was useful in one case.

Edit : alas, I fear that no company manufactures (yet) this kind of strips with a power conditioner ;-)
Maybe I should start a new business and get rich.

 

[Chilli]

This is the 3rd version of the a20d. Well done, Sabaj. This company is plugging away at it solidly.
I've had the 2022 version for about a year and it works solidly and without a hitch. I've really enjoyed using it every night from the apple tv and now it's on my main system collecting ldac or cd transport duties.
It looks better in real life and the handles are a cute feature. The ui is simple and easy to use. Sabaj makes good gear at affordable prices.

 

[sonci99]

Nice review! The comparison with Rossini dCS is really fun!
I just bought this dac.

 

[AndreaT]

Wonderful review. I have been puzzled by the extreme high cost of dCS DACs and your review shows how at a small fraction of the dCS cost, a common guy like me can enjoy better sound. Thank you Amir!

 

[Gadgety]

Love the replication of Stereophile's test procedure enabling the comparison to the DCS Rossini.