SONCOZ SGP1 Stereo Amplifier Review

[staticV3]

Voltage needed for max power -- can someone show the math for how this is calculated?

Taking Amir's 1% THD+N numbers:


sqrt(242W*4Ω)*10^(-21.5dB/20dB)≈2.62Vrms

 

[CleanSound]

Saw this review on Amazon. Only one review, but reliability issues like Topping and SMSL. Not sure if I can jump into the ocean just yet.

 

[JSmith]

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.

This is most welcome, I may end up buying this just to check out the nice meters... cheers for the results.


JSmith

 

[Labjr]

I'd expect more power for the money from a company like Soncoz. And actually wouldn't buy anything from them that doesn't have a proven track record.

 

[dfuller]

The internal build overall looks good. A shame there isn't a huge amount of current capacity for transients. 250W/ch at 4R should be enough for almost anything, but you never know.

 

[Peternz]

Not interested in experimental products with issues that may or may not have been fixed.

 

[ta240]

Read carefully:


Both meters work as expected when listening to audio.
Only when nothing is connected to the Amp's inputs, one meter is pegged at max.
Furthermore, the company has since identified the issue and fixed it.

Minor problem but how did nobody notice it in the testing process? They never plugged their amps in with no source attached? And they 'fixed it' in future models, not current ones.

 

[amirm]

Minor problem but how did nobody notice it in the testing process? They never plugged their amps in with no source attached? And they 'fixed it' in future models, not current ones.

It was variability in one part. They tightened the spec for it.

 

[GXAlan]

Saw this review on Amazon. Only one review, but reliability issues like Topping and SMSL. Not sure if I can jump into the ocean just yet.

It’s tough to know without a true reliability database. $1K gets you in the range of vintage Bryston and Boulder amps, which at least have a track record of performance — but you also don’t know if you have used up the 30 years of longevity in the previous 30 years.

 

[audiotron]

Worth every penny! Thanks for the review.

 

[CleanSound]

It’s tough to know without a true reliability database. $1K gets you in the range of vintage Bryston and Boulder amps, which at least have a track record of performance — but you also don’t know if you have used up the 30 years of longevity in the previous 30 years.

True.

My original plan was to get a Nord. The modules it uses has known reliability, so does the products that the company assembles.

I may just stick to my original plan. Yes, it's gonna cost more than double. . .but known reliability and more power. AND. . .a full 430mm case.

 

[tmtomh]

You will not hear annoying hiss like you do with many of the Class Ds.

In my experience, comparably priced Class D amps are generally dead silent, even in high-gain mode.

 

[CleanSound]

In my experience, comparably priced Class D amps are generally dead silent, even in high-gain mode.

None of the Hypex and Purifi have any hiss. They are DEAD silent.

 

[eeMGee]

Any chance to see the PowerCube/reactive load tests?

 

[GianDi]

The power stages look to be beautifully made and they have incorporated a shielded custom SMPS. So the problems of hum and mains noise are virtually absent. The mains artifacts are at least 30dB below a decent performing traditional linear supply.

Well built SMPS makes difference.
Old-school linear power supply, heavy and costly, are dead.
Will be a new era for fully class A design?

 

[Bleib]

NAD should take note, this is how you make a more attractive amp

 

[restorer-john]

Old-school linear power supply, heavy and costly, are dead.

That's the thing actually. They never die. That's why brands like McIntosh, Accuphase etc use giant, super high quality and very costly transformers.

You also can have huge dynamic capability by choosing your linear supply correctly.

SMPS supplies are perfectly valid and when well designed, they offer a lightweight, low cost solution at the expense of complexity and long term reliability. This amplifier looks to be a nice combination at a competitive price.

 

[fredoamigo]

No, class AB is not dead! . If there had been a "brige" option to go mono, a pair would already be on order..

 

[CleanSound]

NAD should take note, this is how you make a more attractive amp

No way, that thing looks better than this?

There is a reason why North American and European brands cost more, because they actually invest in proper industrial design.

 

[TonyJZX]

worth buying if you do it thru audiofonics since they carry the can

also the bridge mode would be fairly useless given they only work with 8 ohm loads