Sabaj A30a announced

[Roland68]

Hello all in this thread,
this is my first post in ASR forum. I have read the whole thread and convinced me to try the Sabaj A30a.

Source is a raspberry pi 5 running KODI. The output of A30a will feed Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 speakers.

My current setup is:
RPi 5 -> DIY DAC with ESS9023 (with linear supply) -> Passive preamp with Tribute inductive volume control -> Orelle SP-100 (British made rare power amp from 2008) -> AA Sierra-1 (with nrt upgrade) speakers. I am not going to use a subwoofer.

This setup sounds very good, has good resolution and soundstage. What I am missing is higher resolution and more width and depth in the soundstage.
Have tried various DACs and amplifiers (class AB and D). Only my friend's Parasound high-end preamp/poweramp with an Oppo CD player was able to provide a considerable improvement.

So, I ordered the A30a yesterday, in hope that will improve things. If it doesn't, but is comparable to my current system, at least it will fix the clutter in my living room.

Looking forward to receiving the Sabaj. I have bad luck with receiving DOA products. I hope to receive a unit in good working order...

I'm really looking forward to your impressions.
Do you know that your future setup will only consist of RPi 5 (USB) -> Sabaj A30a -> AA Sierra-1?

 

[dizzzy]

Different amps or DACs will not change this (unless they are significantly non-transparent).

Better speakers, EQ, and room treatment are the most significant contributors to sound quality. So if you want to make changes start there. Given that the speakers seem to be excellent already, EQ and/or room treatment might be a good bet.

Thank you for your reply.
I will use your suggestions, since the room is not ideal.
My wife will not be very happy about the room treatment. EQ, you mean with miniDSP UMIK-1 and REW for example?
Do you know if I can do it on the RPI side (I run KODI on Libreelec Linux)?

 

[dizzzy]

I'm really looking forward to your impressions.
Do you know that your future setup will only consist of RPi 5 (USB) -> Sabaj A30a -> AA Sierra-1?

Yes, that's it. I have all my music on an external HD on the RPi, no streaming. I will just add my TV on the Sabaj optical input.

 

[voodooless]

EQ, you mean with miniDSP UMIK-1 and REW for example?

Sure, but your Pi can also do that:

Do you know if I can do it on the RPI side (I run KODI on Libreelec Linux)?

You should be able to do that somehow:

Equalizer, mixing control for audio device (external USB) - LibreELEC Forum

I have a 6 channel external USB audio device (5.1?), which is a generic no-name brand, with SPDiF in/out, front, rear, center/bass out with a line & mic-in. It works without trouble or any extra needed driver on both Raspberry PI 3b and Intel i5…

forum.libreelec.tv

or via CamilaDSP, but not sure how well that integrates with KODI or Libreelec

 

[dizzzy]

Sure, but your Pi can also do that:

You should be able to do that somehow:

Equalizer, mixing control for audio device (external USB) - LibreELEC Forum

I have a 6 channel external USB audio device (5.1?), which is a generic no-name brand, with SPDiF in/out, front, rear, center/bass out with a line & mic-in. It works without trouble or any extra needed driver on both Raspberry PI 3b and Intel i5…

forum.libreelec.tv

or via CamilaDSP, but not sure how well that integrates with KODI or Libreelec

Thank you.
I am looking into that right now. I think CamillaDSP is the best way to go. I also found that moode audio for RPi has CamillaDSP integrated in the OS.
That way I can create room correction filters with REW and just import them in Camilla DSP. Only cost is the UMIC-1 for around 100€.
Again, thank you for pointing me into that direction.
While waiting for Sabaj I will experiment with room correction.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Is this still a good and reliable amplifier in 2024/2025?
And does this it have a good high pass filter for the subwoofer connection to take the load of the main speakers when a active sub is connected?

This amp has many similarities with the Marantz Model M1, both are digital amps.

 

[Roland68]

Is this still a good and reliable amplifier in 2024/2025?
And does this it have a good high pass filter for the subwoofer connection to take the load of the main speakers when a active sub is connected?

This amp has many similarities with the Marantz Model M1, both are digital amps.

What does that have to do with 2024/2025?
Good and reliable amplifiers with good measured values and good performance have been around for over 20-30 years, see e.g. NAD (NAD C 320BEE and NAD 2200 tested here, among others).

The Sabaj A30a is based on a new technology in which the signal path is completely digital and is only converted to analog directly at the output transistors via PWM.
The M1 from Marantz is based on the same chip, Axign AX5689, as the A30a, but with different features and performance. The A30a has a measured 206 watts per channel at 4 ohms (peak 228 watts), so the performance of the M1 is significantly lower. Marantz probably deliberately reduced the performance so as not to create competition in-house for the other more expensive amplifiers. I cannot say whether this also has sound limitations.
The M1 has fewer universal digital connections (e.g. no USB input or SPDIF Coax), but it does have HDMI eARC and network. There is also Heos if you want to use it.

I also stayed with the A30a over much more expensive amplifiers, as well as the PA5/PA5 II. You can find similar reports and comparisons in this thread, but that is of course subjective.
I am not aware of any failures or a tendency towards them with the A30a. It has been running smoothly for me for over 1 1/2 years, even during very stressful tests and high performance.
The filter for the subwoofer is based on a standard DSP chip from ST, as used in many smaller AV devices. However, the lowest crossover frequency is 70 Hz.

History shows that all companies can be affected by failures, regardless of whether they are old, proven, small, large, etc., so any prediction about durability/reliability is no more than looking into a crystal ball.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

What does that have to do with 2024/2025?
Good and reliable amplifiers with good measured values and good performance have been around for over 20-30 years, see e.g. NAD (NAD C 320BEE and NAD 2200 tested here, among others).

The Sabaj A30a is based on a new technology in which the signal path is completely digital and is only converted to analog directly at the output transistors via PWM.
The M1 from Marantz is based on the same chip, Axign AX5689, as the A30a, but with different features and performance. The A30a has a measured 206 watts per channel at 4 ohms (peak 228 watts), so the performance of the M1 is significantly lower. Marantz probably deliberately reduced the performance so as not to create competition in-house for the other more expensive amplifiers. I cannot say whether this also has sound limitations.
The M1 has fewer universal digital connections (e.g. no USB input or SPDIF Coax), but it does have HDMI eARC and network. There is also Heos if you want to use it.

I also stayed with the A30a over much more expensive amplifiers, as well as the PA5/PA5 II. You can find similar reports and comparisons in this thread, but that is of course subjective.
I am not aware of any failures or a tendency towards them with the A30a. It has been running smoothly for me for over 1 1/2 years, even during very stressful tests and high performance.
The filter for the subwoofer is based on a standard DSP chip from ST, as used in many smaller AV devices. However, the lowest crossover frequency is 70 Hz.

History shows that all companies can be affected by failures, regardless of whether they are old, proven, small, large, etc., so any prediction about durability/reliability is no more than looking into a crystal ball.

Thanks for the feedback about the amp. I am just looking for an amp with this specs and with a good subwoofer crossover.
I remember on year ago when i wanted to buy this amp there where problems with the main volume and the subwoofer volume not matching. Is this been fixed by now?

 

[Roland68]

Thanks for the feedback about the amp. I am just looking for an amp with this specs and with a good subwoofer crossover.
I remember on year ago when i wanted to buy this amp there where problems with the main volume and the subwoofer volume not matching. Is this been fixed by now?

As far as I know, this has been working since the last official update.
However, this is a fundamental problem that you have with almost all amplifiers, AVRs and active crossovers if no volume-dependent calibration of all speakers involved is carried out.
But since the trend is moving towards digital crossovers and other adjustments before D/A conversion anyway, this amplifier is of course ideal for this.

 

[GiBo61]

Is this still a good and reliable amplifier in 2024/2025?
And does this it have a good high pass filter for the subwoofer connection to take the load of the main speakers when a active sub is connected?

This amp has many similarities with the Marantz Model M1, both are digital amps.

There are objects that I have purchased that I hate, others that I am indifferent to, others that I love. The Sabaj A30a amplifier is definitely one of those I appreciate the most. I've had it for exactly two years now and I've never had any problems (every now and then there are sudden electrical blackouts in my apartment, however the Sabaj doesn't seem to suffer any consequences so far). For less than €500 I believe it is impossible to find something better in terms of features and performance. I like minimalist look of the Sabaj and its solid and clean construction. I won't dwell on the quality of the sound which I obviously appreciate but I expect it to be indistinguishable from that of other equally competent amplifiers. As for the cutoff frequency for the subwoofer, I find 70 Hz optimal for my bookshelf speakers (Elac Vela BS403). For the Elac Carina 247.4 towers I also own this cutoff frequency is a little too high. Having connected the Sabaj to a Wiim Ultra streamer, I use the latter as a preamplifier and manage the connection with a Martin Logan subwoofer from the Wiim (the crossover frequency on the Wiim can be set up down to 30 Hz). In conclusion I find that the Sabaj A30a + Wiim Ultra are a perfect match for a total cost of just over €800. The Marantz M1 could be a valid alternative, however the Heos software cannot in the slightest compete with that of Wiim devices (I have a Denon DRA800H with Heos software and I find it absolutely inadequate, with practically non-existent updates).

 

[Mike_Trueman]

There are objects that I have purchased that I hate, others that I am indifferent to, others that I love. The Sabaj A30a amplifier is definitely one of those I appreciate the most. I've had it for exactly two years now and I've never had any problems (every now and then there are sudden electrical blackouts in my apartment, however the Sabaj doesn't seem to suffer any consequences so far). For less than €500 I believe it is impossible to find something better in terms of features and performance. I like minimalist look of the Sabaj and its solid and clean construction. I won't dwell on the quality of the sound which I obviously appreciate but I expect it to be indistinguishable from that of other equally competent amplifiers. As for the cutoff frequency for the subwoofer, I find 70 Hz optimal for my bookshelf speakers (Elac Vela BS403). For the Elac Carina 247.4 towers I also own this cutoff frequency is a little too high. Having connected the Sabaj to a Wiim Ultra streamer, I use the latter as a preamplifier and manage the connection with a Martin Logan subwoofer from the Wiim (the crossover frequency on the Wiim can be set up down to 30 Hz). In conclusion I find that the Sabaj A30a + Wiim Ultra are a perfect match for a total cost of just over €800. The Marantz M1 could be a valid alternative, however the Heos software cannot in the slightest compete with that of Wiim devices (I have a Denon DRA800H with Heos software and I find it absolutely inadequate, with practically non-existent updates).

Yeah, there are not many integrated apmlifiers with full subwoofer bass management. It is made more for AV recievers and music streamers these days

I only found these integrated amps with a crossover for the main speakers and a subwoofer connection, they are rare.

• Sabaj A30a 550€
• Outlaw RR2160MkII 1000€
• Parasound NC 200 Integrated 1000€

 

[GiBo61]

Yeah, there are not many integrated apmlifiers with full subwoofer bass management. It is made more for AV recievers and music streamers these days

I only found these integrated amps with a crossover for the main speakers and a subwoofer connection, they are rare.

• Sabaj A30a 550€
• Outlaw RR2160MkII 1000€
• Parasound NC 200 Integrated 1000€

Wiim Amp Pro ($379) is another option if 60W on 8 Ohm and 100 on 4 Ohm are enough for you. You can find Amir's review here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-pro-streaming-stereo-amplifier-review.57257/

 

[0rangutan]

I received my A30a a few weeks ago and added a subwoofer to it today.
I have to say I am very impressed. This has replaced an Eversolo DAC-Z8 feeding a Topping PA5 II and sounds just as good for a lot less money - enough to fully fund the subwoofer. My desktop setup is sounding the best I have ever had it.
Thanks to all who contributed to this thread, leading me to the purchase.

 

[mx2]

Has anyone compared the A30A to the LA90?

 

[KL....]

This area is for internal processing/filtering/adjustment only. It has absolutely nothing to do with what we commonly refer to as "DSP" here.
If you look closely, the Axign AX5689 is of course an extremely specialized DSP chip with a PWM output, 8 ADCs, digital input and digital output.

The menu reproduces 1:1 the tables from the data sheet for all sound settings and sub. This is more than just a coincidence.

Sorry to say it like that, but that is absolutely wrong.
You noticed it and changed something in your text.
However, it seems that Sabaj and SMSL also did not understand the concept of the Axign AX5689.
The Axign AX5689 is a closed system that only has 4 relevant transfer points. Digital input, digital output, PWM output and ADC input.
The use of a DSP in front of the AX5689 was specifically planned by Axign and thought through to the end. 2-4 of the ADCs can be used to feed in analog signals and output them digitally to the external DSP, so that externally supplied analog signals can be processed in exactly the same way as digital ones.
Axign did a really great job and if Sabaj and SMSL had understood the concept behind it, then there wouldn't be a mediocre PCM1804 implanted in the two devices.

And just as a note, how should the AX5689 know or notice that a DSP chip is working in front of it?
How was this chip supposed to recognize whether the digital audio data of the piece of music came directly from the studio or was changed with a DSP?

@Roland68, hopefully I have everything listed (well), have a read of the following, your thoughts would be appreciated….

Negatives….

• a30a cannot be connected to Subs via the speaker terminals, due to a grounding/shorting issue/architecture.
• The Subs crossover range options only go from 70-160Hz, which is unfortunate. This range needs to be 20-160Hz because this option acts as a high-pass to the Main Speakers and a low-pass to the Subs, at the selected option.
• With the a30a SW connection to Subs, it does not work for passive Subs because it is a SW Line Out connection, not a Power Out connection. Also, does this mean that powered Subs would really need to have the same or similar gain as the a30a?
• Does this mean, with SW Line Out connection, the a30a Amp and Subs need to have the same or similar Gain, so that their SPL remain the same or similar at various Volume Settings. Good/very good/fabulous Full Range Speakers should overcome this issue, with no Subs used.
• Analogue signals run through the ADC/PCM1804 chip rather than directly to the Power/AX5689 chip which you have suggested, is much higher quality. You have suggested that it possible to connect Analogue signal directly to the Power/AX5689 chip? If yes then input impedance and attenuation would need to be considered, wouldn’t they? If the STA309A controls attenuation then a Pre/Buffer would be needed and have a volume control, wouldn’t they? Can all this be done, simply?
• Multiple Analogue inputs would need a selector Pre/Buffer (possibly quality unpowered Transformer component or powered SS or Valve component) in front of the one Analogue input.

Positives….

• Acts as a DAC with minimal Signal translation/transition. No other DAC required.
• Acts as a Pre with good Digital volume control. No other Pre required.
• Good range of Digital inputs… fabulous.
• Affordable cost.
• If the Digital volume is done by the Power/AX5689 chip then perhaps Analogue input can be connected directly to the Power/AX5689 chip.
• The various posts/etc indicate that it sounds very good.
• This unit could be called a ClassD Integrated Power DAC/Amplifyer?

 

[Roland68]

@Roland68, hopefully I have everything listed (well), have a read of the following, your thoughts would be appreciated….

Negatives….

• a30a cannot be connected to Subs via the speaker terminals, due to a grounding/shorting issue/architecture.

But this has always been a mistake made by manufacturers who do not separate and insulate the connection terminals; it is cheaper and messier.
With most Class D amplifiers, the connections must not have any contact with each other or with ground; this is due to the circuit. The concept of Class D is only a little over 65 years old, so perhaps the various Class D concepts have not yet reached some subwoofer manufacturers.

• The Subs crossover range options only go from 70-160Hz, which is unfortunate. This range needs to be 20-160Hz because this option acts as a high-pass to the Main Speakers and a low-pass to the Subs, at the selected option.

You just have to live with what you have. There is a small AV DSP chip from ST installed, and this frequency range is fixed and cannot be changed. Above 20 Hz would also be pointless, above 40-50 Hz would be ideal.

• With the a30a SW connection to Subs, it does not work for passive Subs because it is a SW Line Out connection, not a Power Out connection. Also, does this mean that powered Subs would really need to have the same or similar gain as the a30a?

1. A passive sub should be connected to the speaker outputs of the amplifier with its own passive subwoofer crossover, or should have its own amplifier. This has absolutely nothing to do with the A30a or any other amplifier.
2. The A30a has a preamp output for an active subwoofer. I have never seen an active subwoofer where the volume cannot be adjusted.
This also has nothing to do with the A30a or any other amplifier.

• Does this mean, with SW Line Out connection, the a30a Amp and Subs need to have the same or similar Gain, so that their SPL remain the same or similar at various Volume Settings. Good/very good/fabulous Full Range Speakers should overcome this issue, with no Subs used.

Adjusting the sub has already been answered.
Why full-range speakers??? How are they supposed to solve a problem?
If you want to work without a subwoofer but still want a deep bass range, then you need large speakers with at least 3 or 4 ways.

• Analogue signals run through the ADC/PCM1804 chip rather than directly to the Power/AX5689 chip which you have suggested, is much higher quality. You have suggested that it possible to connect Analogue signal directly to the Power/AX5689 chip? If yes then input impedance and attenuation would need to be considered, wouldn’t they? If the STA309A controls attenuation then a Pre/Buffer would be needed and have a volume control, wouldn’t they? Can all this be done, simply?

The PCM1804 is good, but I have seen better implementations than in the A30a.
But that's just complaining, it's better than most devices. If you need a higher quality analog input, then get an E1DA Cosmos ADC, you'll hardly find anything better.
You can't change anything on the A30a, at most you can hack the i2s area. For everything else you need both a new board and programming.

• Multiple Analogue inputs would need a selector Pre/Buffer (possibly quality unpowered Transformer component or powered SS or Valve component) in front of the one Analogue input.

For additional analog inputs, you only need a switch without any additional components. Physically, it is no different than if you plug the cables directly.

Positives….

• Acts as a DAC with minimal Signal translation/transition. No other DAC required.
• Acts as a Pre with good Digital volume control. No other Pre required.
• Good range of Digital inputs… fabulous.
• Affordable cost.
• If the Digital volume is done by the Power/AX5689 chip then perhaps Analogue input can be connected directly to the Power/AX5689 chip.
• The various posts/etc indicate that it sounds very good.
• This unit could be called a ClassD Integrated Power DAC/Amplifyer?

The A30a is not a DAC and does not have a DAC implemented.
The AX5689 generates an analog voltage via PWM using transistors (PWM -> voltage conversion).

Back to the topic of subwoofer outputs on amplifiers.
In 95 - 98% of all cases, a subwoofer output is only an emergency solution.
A digital DSP is much better, with much deeper options for intervening in the signal, e.g. via FIR filters, in order to then output the digital signal to amplifiers such as the A30a, regardless of whether it is for passive or active speakers or subs.

 

[KL....]

There is a small AV DSP chip from ST installed, and this frequency range is fixed and cannot be changed. Above 20 Hz would also be pointless, above 40-50 Hz would be ideal.

Yes, although 20 or 30Hz would be nice to separate music and movies. With full range speakers where for music set at 20 or 30Hz would be nice so that the sub only adds to the speakers and not takes over, where for movies (and some music) 30 or 40 or higher would be nice. All from the remote which is quite nice.

But it is fixed by this small AV DSP chip from ST which suggests that it is not possible....

 

[KL....]

A passive sub should be connected to the speaker outputs of the amplifier with its own passive subwoofer crossover

This suggests that a passive sub should be no issue for the a30a when connected in parallel with the main speakers, at the speaker outputs.... good

It would appear that active/powered Subs should only be connected to the a30a SW output.... is that correct? If yes then the 70-160Hz limitation needs to be taken into consideration, doesn't it?

 

[KL....]

The PCM1804 is good, but I have seen better implementations than in the A30a. But that's just complaining, it's better than most devices. If you need a higher quality analog input, then get an E1DA Cosmos ADC, you'll hardly find anything better. You can't change anything on the A30a, at most you can hack the i2s area. For everything else you need both a new board and programming.

Ah ok. Can analogue be connected directly to the Power/AX5689 chip for the a30a? If yes, is volume controlled by the AX5689 or the DSP chip behind it? Does the the DSP chip convert everything to DSD then delivers it to the AX5689 chip?

 

[KL....]

The A30a is not a DAC and does not have a DAC implemented.
The AX5689 generates an analog voltage via PWM using transistors (PWM -> voltage conversion).

Yes, not a DAC although, the a30a as a unit/component, is Power DAC/Amplifyer like, in the sense, but in a Digital Pre/ClassD Power way.... Digital in/Analogue out. Nice to see an old, newer way....