Sabaj A20h Balanced Headphone Amplifier Owner's Thread

[ninetylol]

I just wish the A20h would have a preamp function aswell. I got a Topping DX1 at the moment and would like to add a preamp for convience. A10h is just a a bit better in the amp department but A20h would be a huge upgrade (no preamp though :/)

 

[GPJ]

Great to hear. I've had a IFI stack previously connected single ended without issues. It was first by reading reviews by Amir and forum posts I learned about balanced connections and ground loops.

So I was a bit nervous going the SE route would give me trouble, since I use my PC as source but everything is connected to the same outlet.

FWIW, I have purchased a dozen of these modern dacs and amps over the past few years and haven't had a single issue with ground loop when using the RCA's. All have been quiet as a mouse. The only time I encounter ground loop is with my older transformer vinyl gear. As I said, all of the newer SS stuff has been bulletproof.

I don't find performance to be any different between SE and XLR audio wise, but I do like the advantage XLR gives when trying to drive my HE6se planars. 4V input into the amp can help quite a bit.

 

[Veri]

I just wish the A20h would have a preamp function aswell. I got a Topping DX1 at the moment and would like to add a preamp for convience. A10h is just a a bit better in the amp department but A20h would be a huge upgrade (no preamp though :/)

Just an idea, if you use the 6.3mm single ended headphone out, you could use the 4.4mm pentaconn out to something like active speakers using a cable like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WSRRN1X

Not exactly the most beautiful set-up but it should work fine. If you really need dedicated rca/xlr pre outs I guess better to look at a more pricy amp.

 

[GPJ]

Pretty good suggestion Veri, and the A20h is perfect for that with the outputs on the back.

 

[ninetylol]

Just an idea, if you use the 6.3mm single ended headphone out, you could use the 4.4mm pentaconn out to something like active speakers using a cable like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WSRRN1X

Not exactly the most beautiful set-up but it should work fine. If you really need dedicated rca/xlr pre outs I guess better to look at a more pricy amp.

I guess that would work, but since this is not intended would it be actually working right? Like impedance factors, different line signal etc.

 

[Veri]

I guess that would work, but since this is not intended would it be actually working right? Like impedance factors, different line signal etc.

A desktop amp's balanced out can be used this way with no issues, sure. Output impedance is also comfortably low since it's a headphone out
(Note I specify desktop because a dongle like an E1Da for example has no connection to ground for it to work properly, on A20h: no problem).

 

[GPJ]

Yesterday I received my A20h. Verdict? Excellent! Currently $101 at Amazon.

I had a good listen with Dan Clark Aeon RT into XLR jack. DO100 hooked to it by XLR.

Only needed low gain and -20dB for incredible performance. This is probably the most resolving setup I've used to date. Astounding value!

 

[DomieMic65]

not many reviews but for the price seems no brainer..

 

[Jarlaxle]

not many reviews but for the price seems no brainer..

Indeed mine arrived yesterday. Haven't used them too much but they sounded just a bit hazier than my sp400 otherwise almost indistinguishable.

 

[Dunring]

I've currently got the DO200 and an A20H amp and did some testing with RCA as well, and couldn't hear any hiss when turned up to full volume. It takes more volume wheel to get there with single ended but the A20H has so much power on the XLR/4.4 balanced connects it won't be a problem. It has much less power on the 6.35mm single end though. I have a heavily overclocked gaming system, and if possible always use optical if there's noise problem. I have a Febsmart USB 2 port card away from the video card as well for a silent noise floor. Just pause a song and turn the volume way up, if you don't get a hiss then, you're good.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Oh about the noise floor, I tested it with a sensitive iem. low gain was similar to sp400 but high gain was much more noisier. No suprises there though, sp400's gain settings are so close that virtually you don't need to change them ever.

 

[DomieMic65]

Indeed mine arrived yesterday. Haven't used them too much but they sounded just a bit hazier than my sp400 otherwise almost indistinguishable.

SP400?

 

[Jarlaxle]

SP400?

Smsl

 

[DomieMic65]

I find it in UK HiFi express store but I'm located in EU .. does anyone know about the taxes?
Thnx!!

 

[Veri]

I find it in UK HiFi express store but I'm located in EU .. does anyone know about the taxes?
Thnx!!

Hifi-express should have all taxes covered. At least for EU export, I'm sure they have a UK process as well. Could mail them just to be sure but they should.

 

[DomieMic65]

Hifi-express should have all taxes covered. At least for EU export, I'm sure they have a UK process as well. Could mail them just to be sure but they should.

Thank you! Just did…

 

[Jarlaxle]

Thank you! Just did…

Did you check amazon?

 

[DomieMic65]

Did you check amazon?

No.. they still sell it 119$

 

[Jarlaxle]

No.. they still sell it 119$

I ordered from Amazon and it came from germany (I live in Turkey) that's why I asked.

 

[DomieMic65]

I ordered from Amazon and it came from germany (I live in Turkey) that's why I asked.

I’ll check in Amazon de too… thank you!!