Sabaj A30a announced

[Toku]

did you test the PO100 Pro?

Yes, I also bought and tested the PO100 Pro.
The operating situation is the same as PO100 AK.

 

[ohnonotagain]

The AO200 has a MA12070 chips which I know very well, I have the Sabaj A20a 2019 (double MA12070) and a friend with the Topping PA3s, I can tell you that the A30a is far ahead.

Having lusted after the A30a for a while, eventually I gave in and bought one to replace the Loxjie D30 and SMSL DA-9 on my desk. Overkill maybe, but it was worth the upgrade. I think the word I'd use to describe the sound is "precise" - compared to the DA-9, I perceive everything coming through more clearly, especially when there's a lot going on. That holds true even when hooked up to some of the smallest, weediest speakers in my collection, a pair of Technics SB-F1mk2s. Is my perception real, and if so, is that the AX5689 doing its post-filter feedback magic, or is it just that it's a beefier amp? I don't know, but I want to find out.

 

[Katsuchiyo]

@peterwen

I too would like a new version of the firmware with cutoff at 50hz and 60hz.

With a cutoff of 70hz, it's still good and I believe according to the cutoff diagram on the site, the cutoff is around 32db per octave , which is excellent.

I listened to an electronic musical piece with a lot of bass, and it was unbelievable the power with the sub. But my speakers could be cut lower, at least at 60hz.

I just recieved my Sabaj A30A, however I also need cutoff at 50 hz (which my former amp had, which was perfect with my sub). Any update here if its available with other firmware?

 

[GiBo61]

I just recieved my Sabaj A30A, however I also need cutoff at 50 hz (which my former amp had, which was perfect with my sub). Any update here if its available with other firmware?

It's about six months we are asking for a new firmware on this and other forums with a few and simple improvements and bug fixing. One representative of Sabaj is following this thread (user "peterwen", the on who opened this thread) but unfortunately we never had a feedback from the company. My recommendation is: buy the Sabaj A30a if you think that is the amp you need based on the features it currently has, just forget about it if you need new features or bug fixing

 

[ampguy]

It's supposed to be 17w without music.

Mine with an ambient temperature of my listening room at 18.5 celsius, the case is barely warm for a moderate volume.

This is kind of a deal breaker for me, as I would likely just use it for amplification, not DAC. 17W idle is only slightly less than many of my Class A/B amps that I'm trying to move from.

 

[linuxfan]

I would likely just use it for amplification, not DAC.

In the scenario you describe, a full-digital-amplifier such as the A30a is not the right choice, IMO.
I suggest you consider the Sabaj A20a 2022 instead. You might also consider two Sabaj A20a's, each in monoblock configuration.

Edit: or single/dual SMSL A300. Same class-D amplifier chip as A20a - MA5332.

 

[linuxfan]

The STA350B amplifier chip has been around for some time, without raising too much excitement, but I see that the A30a is getting high praise.
Is this implementation of the STA350B significantly better than earlier ones?
For a digital front-end to the STA350B I think ST Microelectronics recommends their own STA309A chip, but the A30a uses Axign AX5689 instead. Is this AX5689 controller the magic ingredient?

 

[ModDIY]

Several years ago, I owned the STA516BE on a Sure Electronics board, was dubbed Gremlin by a member on a German forum. It played quite well, but I sold it afterwards.

Axign have designated amps with specific output amp usage. So Sabaj just had to apply the recipe and use the STA516BE like SMSL and JBL did.

The Gremlin vs the A30a...no comparison possible, Axign makes all the difference.

While the STA516BE defaults to a T-amp type controller (like the Gremlin with old T-Amp or ST STA309A).

 

[ModDIY]

 

[Hawksley]

It's not super clear from the documentation I've read but does this, in fact, support DSD64(DoP) through optical or coaxial?

 

[ohnonotagain]

It's not super clear from the documentation I've read but does this, in fact, support DSD64(DoP) through optical or coaxial?

It may not be in searchable text documentation, but it is mentioned in this image that's to be found on Sabaj's website. TL;DR: yes, both.

 

[ohnonotagain]

A curious thing about the USB input on the A30a: when connected to the USB-C port (using the provided USB-C->USB-A cable and a USB-A->USB-C adapter) on my M1 Mac Mini, the Mac won't detect the A30a after waking from sleep. Unplugging and reconnecting it won't work; only rebooting the Mac works.

Connecting the A30a to a USB-A port works just fine. Posting in case any Mac users encounter this issue.

 

[f022y]

I purchased the SABAJ A30a Hi-Fi Professional Integrated Power Amplifier in December 2022, because of the Thomas & Stereo Review, and I am absolutely delighted with what this amplifier has to offer. After extensive use over the past few months, I feel ready to give a detailed and honest review.

Firstly, the design and finish of the A30a is outstanding. The aluminum alloy CNC machining process gives the amp a solid and sturdy feel, while the anodizing process adds a luxurious touch. The color display is easy to read, and the operating system is intuitive and user-friendly, making operating this amp a breeze.

The built-in EQ modes and treble/bass adjustment functions are another plus. They allow the sound to be precisely tailored to the characteristics of the speakers used and the type of music. Distortion is extremely low at just 0.0008%, contributing to remarkably clear sound quality.

I use the A30a with my Dynaudio Audience 72 and ELAC Debut Reference speakers and the sound is just amazing. My player is a WiiM Mini Streamer via Toslink or PC via USB from only High-res sources. The openness, transparency, stage, and dynamics offered by this amp are exceptional. It's a pleasure to hear the nuances and details of my favorite recordings that I hadn't noticed before. Since I'm getting enough bass from my speakers, I can't comment on how the SUB output works. Some users complain that the frequency response cannot be adjusted lower than 70 Hz.

The A30a's PFFB feedback technology and AXIGN TECHNOLOGY are top-notch and contribute significantly to the outstanding sound quality. They enable the output signal to be corrected accurately and quickly, ensuring that the loudspeakers always receive the optimum signal.

Another important aspect I would like to emphasize is the fully digital chain of the audio signal, made possible by the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal technology.

PWM technology, also known as switching amplifier technology, is particularly advantageous as it allows for efficient and precise control of the audio signal. In PWM, the signal is converted into a series of pulses whose width (or duration) is proportional to the amplitude of the original signal. This enables efficient signal transmission with minimal power loss.

The benefits of this technology are particularly evident when looking at the complete digital chain of audio signals offered by the A30a. This means that the signal remains fully digital from input to output, which significantly improves the sound quality.

First, since the signal remains digital, there is less room for signal loss or distortion. This results in clearer and more precise reproduction of the audio signal.

Second, PWM and digital signal processing allow the amplifier to control the audio signal more efficiently and precisely. This results in improved dynamic performance and an extended frequency response.

Third, AXIGN TECHNOLOGY's digital feedback loop, which provides a full audio spectrum after the output filters, greatly improves the overall performance of the Class D amplifiers. It solves performance problems that traditional class-D amplifiers might have in audio reproduction and brings to market a product that enables most speakers to perform at their best and takes the reproduction of the original recording to a new benchmark level for consumer audio amplifier.

In other words, the SABAJ A30a's fully digital chain and PWM technology contribute significantly to the excellent sound quality of this amplifier, making it a top choice for any music lover or audiophile.

Overall, the SABAJ A30a is a high-quality, powerful amplifier that is definitely worth its price, if not in a four-figure league. It combines first-class technology with excellent design while delivering perfect sound quality.

 

[ModDIY]

I purchased the SABAJ A30a Hi-Fi Professional Integrated Power Amplifier in December 2022, because of the Thomas & Stereo Review, and I am absolutely delighted with what this amplifier has to offer. After extensive use over the past few months, I feel ready to give a detailed and honest review.

Firstly, the design and finish of the A30a is outstanding. The aluminum alloy CNC machining process gives the amp a solid and sturdy feel, while the anodizing process adds a luxurious touch. The color display is easy to read, and the operating system is intuitive and user-friendly, making operating this amp a breeze.

The built-in EQ modes and treble/bass adjustment functions are another plus. They allow the sound to be precisely tailored to the characteristics of the speakers used and the type of music. Distortion is extremely low at just 0.0008%, contributing to remarkably clear sound quality.

I use the A30a with my Dynaudio Audience 72 and ELAC Debut Reference speakers and the sound is just amazing. My player is a WiiM Mini Streamer via Toslink or PC via USB from only High-res sources. The openness, transparency, stage, and dynamics offered by this amp are exceptional. It's a pleasure to hear the nuances and details of my favorite recordings that I hadn't noticed before. Since I'm getting enough bass from my speakers, I can't comment on how the SUB output works. Some users complain that the frequency response cannot be adjusted lower than 70 Hz.

The A30a's PFFB feedback technology and AXIGN TECHNOLOGY are top-notch and contribute significantly to the outstanding sound quality. They enable the output signal to be corrected accurately and quickly, ensuring that the loudspeakers always receive the optimum signal.

Another important aspect I would like to emphasize is the fully digital chain of the audio signal, made possible by the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal technology.

PWM technology, also known as switching amplifier technology, is particularly advantageous as it allows for efficient and precise control of the audio signal. In PWM, the signal is converted into a series of pulses whose width (or duration) is proportional to the amplitude of the original signal. This enables efficient signal transmission with minimal power loss.

The benefits of this technology are particularly evident when looking at the complete digital chain of audio signals offered by the A30a. This means that the signal remains fully digital from input to output, which significantly improves the sound quality.

First, since the signal remains digital, there is less room for signal loss or distortion. This results in clearer and more precise reproduction of the audio signal.

Second, PWM and digital signal processing allow the amplifier to control the audio signal more efficiently and precisely. This results in improved dynamic performance and an extended frequency response.

Third, AXIGN TECHNOLOGY's digital feedback loop, which provides a full audio spectrum after the output filters, greatly improves the overall performance of the Class D amplifiers. It solves performance problems that traditional class-D amplifiers might have in audio reproduction and brings to market a product that enables most speakers to perform at their best and takes the reproduction of the original recording to a new benchmark level for consumer audio amplifier.

In other words, the SABAJ A30a's fully digital chain and PWM technology contribute significantly to the excellent sound quality of this amplifier, making it a top choice for any music lover or audiophile.

Overall, the SABAJ A30a is a high-quality, powerful amplifier that is definitely worth its price, if not in a four-figure league. It combines first-class technology with excellent design while delivering perfect sound quality.

Hello @f022y and welcome to the forum.

You have summarized exactly what I hear with the Sabaj A30a combined with my Focal Chora 826 speakers and my bookshelf Lambic V2 (Wavecor speakers).

As I explained a few months ago to an acquaintance, the sound combined with my speakers is simply incredible with an image that on certain recordings is the width of the listening room.

A breathtaking soundstage as long as everything is well staged and precise with very advanced dynamics. Forget the prejudices in relation to an FDA amp.

 

[Punchy_Power_Cat]

Well, with all the praise Amir measured this thing (kind of) and it would do 90-95db SINAD. Very good, but it is not state of the art anymore. There are amps for less or equal money with better performance now.

 

[ModDIY]

SINAD ...ok snif snif !!!

 

[rochefort]

Well, with all the praise Amir measured this thing (kind of) and it would do 90-95db SINAD. Very good, but it is not state of the art anymore. There are amps for less or equal money with better performance now.

Are you referring to Amir's test of the SMSL VMV A2?
Anyway, putting aside the probably good integrated DAC, what options "for less or equal money with better performance" do you have in mind?

 

[f022y]

Well, with all the praise Amir measured this thing (kind of) and it would do 90-95db SINAD. Very good, but it is not state of the art anymore. There are amps for less or equal money with better performance now.

While it's true that SINAD measurements can provide a useful metric for evaluating the performance of audio equipment, it's also important to remember that they're not the only factor to consider. In fact, once you cross a certain threshold (some argue around 90-95 dB SINAD), the differences in distortion and noise become inaudible to most listeners in typical listening scenarios. The overall listening experience is affected by a multitude of other factors, including the quality of the source material, the acoustics of the listening environment, and the characteristics of the speakers themselves.

The weakest link in the audio chain tends to determine the overall system performance. In many cases, this is likely to be the speakers. If a speaker system has a SINAD of 95 dB, for instance, having an amplifier with a higher SINAD won't improve the overall system SINAD.

I also appreciate your recommendation as @rochefort what kind of Amp + DAC you have in mind for equal or less $500 which would outperform the A30a. I instantly would buy it for my home office.

 

[f022y]

Hello @f022y and welcome to the forum.

You have summarized exactly what I hear with the Sabaj A30a combined with my Focal Chora 826 speakers and my bookshelf Lambic V2 (Wavecor speakers).

As I explained a few months ago to an acquaintance, the sound combined with my speakers is simply incredible with an image that on certain recordings is the width of the listening room.

A breathtaking soundstage as long as everything is well staged and precise with very advanced dynamics. Forget the prejudices in relation to an FDA amp.

Thanks for the welcoming, you are right since the A30a I love the FDA amp too. I think it is the future of HIFI, but I can be wrong. There are some other brands like NAD and Technics which use PWM modulation, but at another price point.

 

[Gret_as]

https://www.smsl-audio.com/upload/portal/undefined/SMSLUSBAudioDriver.zip Latest v5.58 XMOS Drivers for SMSL & Sabaj.