This is a review and detailed measurements of the SONCOZ stereo class AB power amplifier. It was sent to me by the company about 5 or 6 months ago and costs US $1099.
As you see, the unit comes in gorgeous packaging with custom and VU meters befitting of some of the highest end audio products of 1980s when such feature was popular. The meters also seem to have acceleration and autoscaling as they seem very responsive during my testing. But as you see, one is pegged to max. This only happened when there was no cable attached to that input (it only affected the meter, I measured and nothing comes out of the amp that way). Company says this problem was found and is fixed.
The unit feels extremely sturdy and heavy for its size (medium). Back panel sports high quality connectors and a trigger input:
Notice the rounded over heatsinks so they don't tear your skin open as you lift the unit. Really, this is A+ execution.
In use, the unit only got warm despite me pushing it a lot. It may get warmer if you left it on longer though.
If you are new to these reviews, please watch my video on understanding amplifier measurements.
SONCOZ SGP1 Amplifier Measurements
As usual we start with our dashboard:
I like the sensible gain of not too high, not too low (you need 2.5 volt for max power). SINAD of 106 dB easily lands in our top tier category of all amps tested:
Dynamic range is superb:
As is distortion with multitone:
Same for 19 and 20 kHz:
Frequency response is one of the flattest I have seen:
Crosstalk was excellent:
Unlike some other compact amplifiers, we have plenty of power, matching company spec:
Finally, here is our sweep vs frequency:
I asked the company about the 20 Hz response and I am told this was an issue with the loading of the switchmode power supply and it has since been fixed. Otherwise, performance is once again superb.
The amp was essentially ready to go on power up:
I like to see less than 1 mv pop on/off noise:
Conclusions
What a delightful product from SONCOZ: it nails both aesthetics and performance at the same time. The gorgeous VU meters give the SGP1 style and functionality while the traditional class AB delivers extremely low noise and distortion with lots of power. We have had amplifiers with such performance characteristics but not with this much power. I feel regret in not testing this amplifier sooner.
It is my pleasure to recommend SONCOZ SGP1 amplifier. It is a model of how you deliver a product to both please the ear and the heart!
Weight 8 Kg
Rated Out Power 240Wx2@4,120Wx2@8
SNR 130 dB, A-Wt., 20 ~ 20k Hz
THD+N < -110 dB (< 0.0003%), A-Wt., 20 ~ 20k Hz
Output Current 8.5A Peak Output Current per Channel
Output Voltage 95 Vpp Peak -to-Peak Output per Channel
Output Configuration Bipolar 4-Parallel Push-Pull per Channel
Frequency Response +0.12dB @82; +0.13dB @42,@20~20kHz
Crosstalk -145~-120dB
Input Sensitivity 2.5Vrmsor28dB
Input Impedance 20kΩ
Environmental 0C to 50 "C Ambient Temperature; Up to 80% Humidity, Non-condensing
-----------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
As you see, the unit comes in gorgeous packaging with custom and VU meters befitting of some of the highest end audio products of 1980s when such feature was popular. The meters also seem to have acceleration and autoscaling as they seem very responsive during my testing. But as you see, one is pegged to max. This only happened when there was no cable attached to that input (it only affected the meter, I measured and nothing comes out of the amp that way). Company says this problem was found and is fixed.
The unit feels extremely sturdy and heavy for its size (medium). Back panel sports high quality connectors and a trigger input:
Notice the rounded over heatsinks so they don't tear your skin open as you lift the unit. Really, this is A+ execution.
In use, the unit only got warm despite me pushing it a lot. It may get warmer if you left it on longer though.
If you are new to these reviews, please watch my video on understanding amplifier measurements.
SONCOZ SGP1 Amplifier Measurements
As usual we start with our dashboard:
I like the sensible gain of not too high, not too low (you need 2.5 volt for max power). SINAD of 106 dB easily lands in our top tier category of all amps tested:
Dynamic range is superb:
As is distortion with multitone:
Same for 19 and 20 kHz:
Frequency response is one of the flattest I have seen:
Crosstalk was excellent:
Unlike some other compact amplifiers, we have plenty of power, matching company spec:
Finally, here is our sweep vs frequency:
I asked the company about the 20 Hz response and I am told this was an issue with the loading of the switchmode power supply and it has since been fixed. Otherwise, performance is once again superb.
The amp was essentially ready to go on power up:
I like to see less than 1 mv pop on/off noise:
Conclusions
What a delightful product from SONCOZ: it nails both aesthetics and performance at the same time. The gorgeous VU meters give the SGP1 style and functionality while the traditional class AB delivers extremely low noise and distortion with lots of power. We have had amplifiers with such performance characteristics but not with this much power. I feel regret in not testing this amplifier sooner.
It is my pleasure to recommend SONCOZ SGP1 amplifier. It is a model of how you deliver a product to both please the ear and the heart!
Manufacturer PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
Dimensions 350*260*125mmWeight 8 Kg
Rated Out Power 240Wx2@4,120Wx2@8
SNR 130 dB, A-Wt., 20 ~ 20k Hz
THD+N < -110 dB (< 0.0003%), A-Wt., 20 ~ 20k Hz
Output Current 8.5A Peak Output Current per Channel
Output Voltage 95 Vpp Peak -to-Peak Output per Channel
Output Configuration Bipolar 4-Parallel Push-Pull per Channel
Frequency Response +0.12dB @82; +0.13dB @42,@20~20kHz
Crosstalk -145~-120dB
Input Sensitivity 2.5Vrmsor28dB
Input Impedance 20kΩ
Environmental 0C to 50 "C Ambient Temperature; Up to 80% Humidity, Non-condensing
-----------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
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