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SMSL AD18: subjective impressions

SEKLEM

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This is a subjective review and comparison of the SMSL AD18 integrated DAC/amplifier. This item was purchased from a private party. I do not have any measurement implements so what follows are my opinions. I will try to be as impartial as I can.

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I am still surprised by how much these manufacturers can cram into such a petite package. Despite being so small the display is fairly useful and easy to read (at least the center is). The ability to change the display color and brightness is a nice touch as well. The panel appears to be of the TFT variety, so unless you’re looking at the display straight on the display image quality suffers due to aggressive contrast changes. As a consequence I typically have the brightness set to level 3 (it goes up to 9) most of the time.

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Connectivity is diverse enough for a desktop solution. The only full size input is “optical 2”. A bit curious that the mini optical is in the same port as the subwoofer output as well as the coaxial SPDIF input. I’m not fond of mini jacks, especially not 3.5mm triple purpose ones. Hopefully one SPDIF optical input is sufficient for those of you who wish to use the subwoofer output. The AD18 also has a single 3.5mm AUX input as well as a Micro USB to function as a desktop DAC. The binding posts are uncomfortably tiny and feel very cheap. They are all but identical to the ones found on the Topping PA3 I reviewed last month. They are very close together, so be careful with banana plugs or bare wire. I made sure to strip just enough insulation from speaker wire to get contact.

Connecting power for the first time there was a significant spark between the unit and the AD18’s DC inlet and the terminal end. When setting up for this review it happened again. It may be harmless, but from now on I will run all wiring to a switched off power strip until I'm ready to give it power.

While on the topic of power, the PSU appears to be grounded. The PA3 came with a larger Topping branded PSU, but no ground. The AC mains power cord that came with the Topping was also quite thin. Both the AC mains cable and DC cable with the SMSL appear to have more insulation.

Comparing some of the features of the AD18 with the DX3 Pro and it’s immediately apparent the AD18 is meant to be a crowd pleaser. The AD18 includes bass and treble adjustments as well as several preset EQ modes. I’ve not given much attention to these settings other than to acknowledge their existence, however each EQ setting appears to have a unique sound. The Topping DX3 Pro has different output filters but discerning audible differences between them is a challenge for my ears.

The AD18 and DX3 Pro both feature Bluetooth. The AD18 utilizes 4.2 where the DX3 Pro utilizes 5 and allows APTX if you can take advantage of it. I take issue with the DX3 Pro because the Bluetooth receiver remains active and will still paired with my iPhone even while in standby. I don’t know if Topping has a firmware patch for this, but they should. The SMSL AD18 gains points for not having a needy Bluetooth receiver.

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Since my last review I made a few changes. I’ll be using Boston Acoustics VR-M60 bookshelf monitors, which were compared favorably to Paradigm’s Studio 20 (whichever version was available around that time). I decided that it was too laborious to cannibalize my main entertainment system for doing these tests. The Vandersteen’s are also pretty laid back speakers, where the Boston’s are much more forward. That should lend them to be more revealing of upstream differences.

As before mentioned, I do not have any measurement equipment, not even an SPL meter. I did my best to level match by ear and I used a Niles speaker/amp switch which I operated during this comparison. Needless to say, this comparison was not blind.

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I started my test using an Apple TV 3 feeding the DX3 Pro’s optical input. I connected two male to dual female y-adaptors to the outputs and set the DX3 Pro’s output to variable. One pair of RCA cables connected to the Topping PA3 and a RCA-3.5mm adaptor to the SMSL AD18’s AUX input.

After level matching I began the comparison with Rebecca Pidgeon’s “Spanish Harlem” from Chesky’s Demo program. The track has fine detail the vocals are dynamic. Immediately I encountered a problem, the AD18’s right channel had a high pitched ringing sound. In order to match the PA3’s max gain the volume on the AD18 was set to 52, just 8 clicks from its max. I considered this could be a fault of the input or some kind of interference or noise from the power supply. In order to see if I could replicate the noise with another source I pulled out my CD player. Making no other changes other than connecting the CD player in lieu of the Apple TV via optical, even with the same cable, the noise went away. Later on in my testing I tried to reconnect the Apple TV, the noise came back. Bummer, the music I had planned to use for the comparison I could not use.

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Relying on the relics of past, round discs with holes in the center, with a silver colored surface that is read by bouncing light off of it. Dave Matthews Band’s “Some Devil” has some rich sounding instrumentation though Dave’s slight raspiness can sound harsh at times. I skipped around the album while instantaneously switching between the AD18 and PA3 and was unable to tell the two apart. I made the decision to swap out the PA3 for the B&K 125.2 and still, indiscernible.

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Just played track #1 on this album. The drums are visceral and loud. The AD18 handled it surprisingly well, but I pressed it little far and got some clipping. No big surprise, the B&K powered through this track without any signs of stress, but that’s not really fair to the AD18.

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Norah Jones, what Hi-Fi shop doesn’t have this CD somewhere on it’s premises? Another dynamic voice like Rebecca above, I chose Nightingale to make this comparison. Well, guess what? Boring comparison, no discernible difference between the AD18 and the B&K for my part.

I connected the Apple TV to the AD18’s optical input briefly and there was no high pitched ringing sound. I also briefly connected the CD player’s coaxial output to the DX3 Pro which was feeding the PA3 at the time, and the optical output of the same CD player to the AD18. After level matching I was unable to discern audible differences.

In not so dramatic conclusion, it appears to be a good amp. Unless you have a golden ear or difficult to drive speakers this could be a good DAC/amp to use in an office or small room. I wouldn’t use it to crank bass heavy EDM or rap, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it cannot play as loud as you would like 98% of the time. You can save space and money by getting a product like this and putting most of your budget toward speakers, room treatments, or active EQ implementation which stand to benefit your listening far more than getting a DAC with 20dB better SINAD.

Edit: If anyone should have anything they'd like to add or critique I'd very much like to hear your thoughts.
 
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Lafayette

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Thanks for the great review. I picked up my own SMSL AD18 from SMSL's ebay page for $80.00. I'm using it with a pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1's for my desktop. I previously was using some Logitech speakers, so I don't have a lot of experience with better tier equipment, but I've been comparing the SMSL with the Yamaha RN-803 and a Denon X1400H.

I have to say that I find it difficult to hear a real difference between those three. I purchased a Creative Sound Blaster X AE-5 to get away from using the MOBO DAC and that was more of an audible improvement. At this point I think I'll end up keeping the SMSL and returning the Yamaha and Denon, since I like having a volume knob at arms reach versus using a control. Part of me wants to see if there would be a difference if I purchased a separate amp and DAC, but I think with what I've experienced I'm not sure if there's value in potentially spending $600.00 or so when the little AD18 sounds great to me.

But getting new gear is fun...
 

daftcombo

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SEKLEM

SEKLEM

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Thanks for your review!




That recalls what @amirm found about channel imbalance : https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...w-and-measurements-of-smsl-ad18-dac-amp.7325/
What puzzles me is : how come you got rid of that by changing the source still staying in optical to the DX3 then RCA? Isn't optical unable to carry ground issues?

I'm not sure. The only thing I changed was the source. Definitely peculiar. I did forget to mention that the noise was persistent even with music paused on the Apple TV. I don't know that we're going to get an answer without someone else doing a hands on with measurement equipment, which is unlikely to happen anytime in the foreseeable future.
 
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SEKLEM

SEKLEM

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Thanks for the great review. I picked up my own SMSL AD18 from SMSL's ebay page for $80.00. I'm using it with a pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1's for my desktop. I previously was using some Logitech speakers, so I don't have a lot of experience with better tier equipment, but I've been comparing the SMSL with the Yamaha RN-803 and a Denon X1400H.

Well you have very nice speakers now, so you have a better basis than the typical Best Buy customer for what does and does not sound good.

I have to say that I find it difficult to hear a real difference between those three. I purchased a Creative Sound Blaster X AE-5 to get away from using the MOBO DAC and that was more of an audible improvement.

Am I to understand that you're using the AE-5's DAC and you're running analog output from there to the AD18? Have you tried using the DAC on board the AD18? If so, how do they compare in your observation?

At this point I think I'll end up keeping the SMSL and returning the Yamaha and Denon, since I like having a volume knob at arms reach versus using a control.

If have no need for another sound system and this is for nearfield only, I can certainly understand why you wouldn't need the larger receivers.

Part of me wants to see if there would be a difference if I purchased a separate amp and DAC, but I think with what I've experienced I'm not sure if there's value in potentially spending $600.00 or so when the little AD18 sounds great to me.

Diminishing returns may set in quick for you. In the evaluation above there wasn't a appreciable difference that I could hear between the SMSL AD18 (approximately $150 retail) and the Topping DX3 Pro / B&K 125.2 combo (approximately $1000 retail) until I pushed the limits of output beyond the AD18's comfort zone, which was pretty loud. If you're looking to improve, you should look at active EQ and room treatments. Active equalization is the next big step I will be taking.

But getting new gear is fun...

Agreed. I've been having some good fun with these micro wonders.
 

Lafayette

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Am I to understand that you're using the AE-5's DAC and you're running analog output from there to the AD18? Have you tried using the DAC on board the AD18? If so, how do they compare in your observation?

I was actually wrong regarding using the AE-5's DAC I apologize. It turns out the Sound Blaster software was applying some EQ (apparently after installation of the software it just applies certain settings), which did not sound so bad to my ears. Now I'm wondering if there's an option to bypass the DAC on the SMSL to use the Sound Blaster. Just to see if there's any difference with no EQ being applied. I'm guessing if I hooked it up from the soundcard to the Aux it would work? I tried doing that before I left for work today and there was a electronic buzz that got louder as I turned up volume but I didn't really have enough time to investigate further. Maybe that idea was completely wrong.

Sorry about my ignorance, this is all new to me.
 
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SEKLEM

SEKLEM

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I was actually wrong regarding using the AE-5's DAC I apologize. It turns out the Sound Blaster software was applying some EQ (apparently after installation of the software it just applies certain settings), which did not sound so bad to my ears. Now I'm wondering if there's an option to bypass the DAC on the SMSL to use the Sound Blaster. Just to see if there's any difference with no EQ being applied. I'm guessing if I hooked it up from the soundcard to the Aux it would work? I tried doing that before I left for work today and there was a electronic buzz that got louder as I turned up volume but I didn't really have enough time to investigate further. Maybe that idea was completely wrong.

Sorry about my ignorance, this is all new to me.

The buzz is probably a ground loop. You would have to isolate it or stick with using the AD18’s DAC.
 

Indica

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This AMP is in my cart currently, yet, I wonder if the " I wouldn’t use it to crank bass-heavy EDM or rap" would affect my enjoyment, as I enjoy my heavy bass in a lot of rap I listen to.
 
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SEKLEM

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This AMP is in my cart currently, yet, I wonder if the " I wouldn’t use it to crank bass-heavy EDM or rap" would affect my enjoyment, as I enjoy my heavy bass in a lot of rap I listen to.

Really dependent on your speakers. I’m using Klipsch RP-160Ms on mine now, which are very efficient. They play plenty loud and have significant bass in my room.
 

Indica

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Really dependent on your speakers. I’m using Klipsch RP-160Ms on mine now, which are very efficient. They play plenty loud and have significant bass in my room.

Looking at a pair of paradigms monitors SE atoms which have a rating of 89db vs the RP-160Ms 96db, do you think the AD18 would be alright to push these speakers?
 

Wes

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you can level match with a voltmeter on the speaker terminals - use a test tone
 

Indica

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you can level match with a voltmeter on the speaker terminals - use a test tone
I'm a complete noob, would you by chance be willing to explain or point me in the direction to do research?
 

Wes

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not sure what research you mean

Do you own a multimeter? If not, they cost about $10 for the cheapest, which may be accurate enough for this purpose.

You can get test tones (sine waves) off of the internet - not sure what freq. to tell you to use but 1 kHz or 4 kHz are starting points.

You then play the tone while measuring the voltage at the speaker terminals for the two components. you can mark the volume knob setting to make them both equal.

Your asst. will then swap the components, and match levels (you could go out of the room while they do that) and you then do a regular A/B/X test - use both short segments, repeated say 20 times. If you get 19 guesses right ya got something.
 
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SEKLEM

SEKLEM

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Looking at a pair of paradigms monitors SE atoms which have a rating of 89db vs the RP-160Ms 96db, do you think the AD18 would be alright to push these speakers?

Previously had Peachtree DS4.5s on it which are rated 85dB. It never begged me to turn them up. They played loud enough for light sfuff, but they sounded more compressed. That doesn’t surprise me considering the stark difference between the two speakers.

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