RandomEar
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I just happended to stumble upon THD+N data @ 4 Ω for the AO200, published by Aoshida. SMSL isn't even displaying this data themselves on their AO200 page. They only show results for 8 Ω. Obviously, I can't check whether the data is correct and actually belongs to the AO200. But I thought I'd put together a quick graph, comparing the performance to other amps of somewhat similar power. The results look plausible to me.
DISCLAIMER: The data shown below is shamelessly stolen from different sources (including ASR reviews, if available) using Web Plot Digitizer. As the measurements were performed by different operators sometimes also using different or unknown analyzers, they may not be 100% comparable. All data shown is for the worst channel of a stereo setup, in case both were given in the source.
From the graphs, it looks like SMSL managed to push the noise down by one order of magnitude on the AO200 when compared to the DA-9. Power is very similar on these two amps. The Topping PA5 and Hypex NC122MP-based amps perform better concerning THD+N and power - at slightly higher price points. Some AO200 THD+N numbers (for 1 kHz, 4 Ω):
DISCLAIMER: The data shown below is shamelessly stolen from different sources (including ASR reviews, if available) using Web Plot Digitizer. As the measurements were performed by different operators sometimes also using different or unknown analyzers, they may not be 100% comparable. All data shown is for the worst channel of a stereo setup, in case both were given in the source.
From the graphs, it looks like SMSL managed to push the noise down by one order of magnitude on the AO200 when compared to the DA-9. Power is very similar on these two amps. The Topping PA5 and Hypex NC122MP-based amps perform better concerning THD+N and power - at slightly higher price points. Some AO200 THD+N numbers (for 1 kHz, 4 Ω):
- Min(THD+N) = 0.0026% @ 47.3 W
(This is the global minimum and also the point, where distortion takes over. From my understanding, this is what @amirm would quote as power.) - 63.9 W @ THD+N = 0.1%
- 75.4 W @ THD+N = 1%
- 98.4 W @ THD+N = 10%
(I guess this is what SMSL refers to when advertising the amp as "90 W". Let's call it "creative marketing".)
There's a high-pitched sizzling/crackling noise coming from the amp itself, when not muted. And it generates a similar sound from the speakers. Too bad - already the second SMSL product I received that has issues right out of the box.
