SMSL AO200 MKII amplifier review and A300 comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2024
- SMSL AO200 MKII is an integrated amplifier at $249. Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
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SMSL A300 review: • SMSL A300 - great amp ...
00:00 Intro
00:13 About AO200 MKII
00:45 Connectivity
01:43 Features
03:41 Sound
05:00 vs SMSL A300
10:17 Other Comparisons
10:48 Internal DAC
12:23 Final Thoughts
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scene stuff: / srba_iiwi
Test system:
Eversolo DMP-A6: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEh...
Gustard R26 DAC: bit.ly/3XLyNCF
Acoustic Invader AMP and PREAMP (Fulcrum version): acousticinvader.com/
Spirit Wind Speakers
KEF LS50 speakers: amzn.to/2ztRg0s
Head-Fi:
Topping A90D: bit.ly/3Mrk0KY
Verum 1: www.verum-audio.com/store
Goldplanar GL2000: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkW...
AKG K702: amzn.to/3TSlnUF
#hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Great review. Thanks for including the A300 in the comparison. Good perspectives. Much appreciated.
really useful reviews and comparisons of affordable gear, appreciate it, keep it up!
Finally these companies are starting to listen to us. They are starting to infuse their dacs and amps with more musicality, with a smoother tonal balance. Never mind flat-line specs. We are not machines. Our hearing isn't flat-lined. Thank you for another good review.
Nice review, I have two A300 amps in mono block mode (from when they first came out, took a chance) driving my Magnepan LRS panels, I have to say sounds great. I had know idea they would work but they do, no problem driving the them and no heat to speak of. My Naim pre/power amp got so hot driving the LRS hence why I swapped it out.
Great reviews always, love your channel, honest and on point, keep up the great
reviews
Thank you
Excellent presentation
I was waiting for your review on this amp.
Thank you for this review. I like SMSL products and I’m going to buy this based on your review.
Great channel!
Wonderfully insightful review. Thank you
Nice review -- much enjoyed. And thanks for the heads up about Ofir Atar; I haven't heard him before.
My friend, I appreciate the consistency of descriptive impressions in your subjective listening, while being seemingly quite objective in your critical evaluation comparing components across various brand lines. I would like to share with you something I became aware of when trying to use the SMSL A300 amplifier as a power amplifier. I found that by setting the volume level to "52", the unit out puts at unity gain. I experienced this when using the pre-outs on an Integra Pre/Pro and a Marantz AVR. This resulted in a much better sound than when using the A300 as an integrated amplifier. This may also be applicable to the AO200 MK2, and when connected to your Acoustic Invader preamplifier, you may be surprised to what you might find. Of course YMMV. If you try it, I would love to know how it turned out for you. Keep up the good work.
Can you explain in detail what he did.
Good review and comparison, thank you.
Love watching you! You are one of the VERY few reviewers I trust! Thank you 😁👍😁
I love these little SMSL amps. For budget or secondary systems these work great. Unless I am listening critically, they sound just as good as much more expensive amps. I especially love these with older speakers like my Boston Acoustics A100s that sound great but are not super resolving that don't really require the most refined amps.
100% right on review! I've had mine for a couple months, and totally love it.
it is very impressive, particularly the sennheiser
Just purchased these two products (ao200mk2+su-1) after watching this video. Hope to have the same excitement and experience as you. Big thanx for everything you do. PS Liked and subscribed! 👌🏼😏
Great review web page as well. Impressive and thank you!
Very helpful review.
Great review as always.
Just bought 2 a300 units as I'm planning to use those as monoblocks for my power hungry big tower speakers, i hope that they will do the job power wise .
Will use a good quality external dac :)
How are they treating you? :)
And what ohms are your speakers?
Great review
my first pass experience with this amp is that it was more "open" or spacious, but it seemed just a tad harsh at the top end, when compared with my da9. There was a fine line between "ohhh it's so sparkly!" and "ow!" with this amp, which was frustrating. To be fair, I do have ongoing trouble with amps that present a brighter high end, as for example I tried the highly recommended topping pa7 plus and omg that thing gave me an almost instant earache - wayyyyy to bright for me. I found the pa7 was downright "screechy". Sent it straight back.
I do still have this amp as I bought it on Amazon's extended christmas return period, so I'm going to unpack it and try it one more time before I decide whether I will send it back.
As always, love your reviews - thank you!
Hey thanks for the good video again,
i'm using a C200 for 1 year now and i'm very happy with it. Now i need an amp for my speakers.
Would you (if the budget is below 300€) use the C200 as a DAC when using the AO200 MKII / A300 or maybe something completely different for around 300€?
Keep up the good work!
Great review as always... 👍
What dac would you prefer ? if I like bright sounding, analytical, precise, cold presentation, quick/fast timing, lean & tight in bass, clarity, spacious, extend in high, airiness maybe realy lightup with strong light sounding thats ok...
Is original topping E30 or topping D50S is nice to go to? Or another dac...?
Sory my english bad... 🙏
Thanks!
I appreciate your knowledge and review. This is what i was looking for. I expect to purchase the MKII soon.
Thanks for this. I'm curious if you have any information about the SMSL AO300 released Sept. 2023? Has both USB and HDMI with front headphone jacks. There is no information about it on TH-cam.
I would love to know how this amp compares with a cheap class a/b like a Cambridge audio AXA25
Great video...
Would the SU1 DAC be beneficial on the A300 while using the Bluetooth function?
Cheers!
Excellent
Great review, thanks so much for your excellent content.... do you know of a good preamp that would allow for 2 or 3 RCA inputs (from a DAC and a Phono preamp for example) that would allow me to select input channels, change the volume, and output to a subwoofer and a pair of Active speakers (via xlr) that have built in amps?
Can the cross over for the sub preout be adjusted on the SMSL AO200 MKII?
Can you review the new model smsl ao300? Planning to buy that one.. it has dac and head phone amp. Thanks
I am happy with the AO300!
SMSL should make real strong poweramp - no volume, no display, no dac... thanks Srboljub for your work👍
I am very interested in this SMSL amp but I currently have an AB one. I'm not entirely sure if it would be an upgrade, maybe just try it out.
Would you consider going to the MKII from the original as a meaningful sidegrade? My only problem with the original AO200 is that it sounds a bit too aggressive and harsh at the top end - which seems to have been addressed with the MKII.
I bought A300 because of your recommendation. 🎉
@iiWiReviews
You really need to try the new CAYIN RU7! and compare it with MOJO 2. It is an improvement over the RU6 and it is a 1bit dac which is rare.
hey, what do you mean to use SMSL SU-1 as external dac for ao200 mkII? to repleace ao200 mkII usb inputs? please explain, SU-1 has 3 didgital inputs and one analog outputs, do you mean to use SU-1 for usb dac and sanding analog signal via rca to AO200 MKII?
I have dac that has 2.5mm trrs balanced output can I connect it to xlr balanced of ao200mkii?
Hello and thanks for the review. Do you have any plan on reviewing the SMSL AO300?
Would be awesome!
THANKS SRBJ 🙏😎👍💚💚💚
I have an AO200 and DO200 stack that I’m selling. I picked up a Cambridge AXR100 and really love the warm/full sound. I would like something that sounds similar in a smaller package like the SMSL/Topping gear for my gym setup
That's what AB class amplification gets you. A small D class amp like SMSL cannot compare.
rega brio will have that lush class AB sound (possibly even richer than axr100) but will also have relatively smaller footprint.
@@mykeldg Something that size would be good I just wish it had a sub out. I really don’t want to be stuck with line level if possible.
Is it good for home theatre ?
Can you review SMSL VMV A1 please? 😁 (class A biased integrated)
Thank you so much for the reviews, I got my A300 a couple of months ago because of your review, I love it, I can invest a little more in a DAC than the SU-1, what would be the next step up DAC, to match the A300?
To be honest here, SU-1 is so good that nothing before Topping E70 velvet or SMSL SU-9 pro feels like a proper upgrade... And with A300 I really think that SU1 is a perfect match.
@@iiWiReviews SU-1 it is then, thanks 🙏
@@iiWiReviews Even better than SMSL Sanskrit 10th mkiii ?
Great review!
Since yesterday I have the AO200 MK2 combined with the DO300 DAC. Still connected with RCA, Topping XLR cables are coming.
So for most of the time I'm using the combo with Bluetooth as source, just started with CDs.
I think it's a very good amp, certainly for price and looks. But it brings me to two new questions ....
Do I have to buy better loudspeakers .... I have Sony SS LA 300ED now, on stands. 😏
Is the DAC in my 20 years old Marantz DV8300 still better than the SMSL DAC .., 🤔😜
@@milkyway270 I was thinking about Sony SS - HW1.
I womder how would this compare against burson funk soundwise ....
Did buy the first AO200 because of good reviews but sold it soon because of sonic deficits (like you pointed out). The DSP did tamper with highs and lows but not the mids that were so desperately needed. I assume the DSP options are still the same? Sad that manufacturer never listen to their clients.
Can you please review the unsung SMSL SA400 if possible? Its somehow an underrated integrated that sounds fantastic with the right speakers.
There's a new model from SMSL -- it's called the AO-300 (confusing because of the similar name) -- and it has both a subwoofer output and a headphone amp. I think the chipsets are the same.
Really nice. The full package - 2.1 ch, headphone amp 6.35mm and 4.4mm. And it has a single HDMI input, sacrificing optical. Price is double that I'd AO200 however, that I have seen.
@@DeepishMoog I've had an AO300 since shortly after posting my comment but I live in Cambodia and the speakers that I bought to match with it are stuck in customs.
Hi iiWi, I had ordered Hidizs S9 Pro years ago after watching ur review of it and u praised it a lot at that time but it sounded thin, bright, shrill, not natural, I sold it off. Recently bought Ibasso DC03 Pro and DC04 Pro, both are miles better than Hidizs glary shrill ESS sound ;) may be u like bright thin sounding equipment like ESS generally is, not sure but just saying. Sound is subjective anyway.
So it is important for all the viewers online to know what kind of sound the reviewers prefer and their reviews may be based on that or else people might mistake the review. Nothing against u iiWi, ur very good, just saying in general for all reviewers
I'm sorry for that. If I can ask, for reference point, what it was used with?
@@iiWiReviews I used it with Sony, AKG headphones, didn't sound good, it sounded okay with another very warm sounding headphone. That ES9038Q2m implementation in that dongle just pushes upper mids and treble unnaturally. Anyway thank you for ur reviews iiWi. I appreciate it
Hi can you review CAYIN RU7 1BIT and compare it to MOJO 2 Thanks!!!
Can i put a kef q350 on this ao200mkii
Balanced input in ao200 mk2 is better more than a few percent between smsl a300 rca input. listen carefully input xlr in smsl ao200 mk2 and you will hear much better sound than in smsl a300 rca input.
Would you recommend the smsl ao200mkii with an smsl su1 dac or a smsl a300 with an smsl su1 dac ?
AO200 MKII if budget allows.
I love my A300...sold my Sabaj A10a
is anyone compare smsl a300 to sabaj a20a 2022?
i have a20a now, considering buying a300, then put my a20a to my theater's central speaker amp
How would something like this compare to say the Rega Brio 2017?
Also su-1 is really good it can trade blows with dacs costing in the thousands and even better if you cryo freeze the su-1 it makes it sound God like. Su-1 owners you're welcome for that tip.
may i know how u do it?
I ordered an SU1 to try it out. However, SMLS have no info about this DAC on their web site. It's weird.
I need yo know more about that!! Can You share more info?
Cryo freezing any electronic improves its performance. In audio it improves nearly every audio aspects. Many companies offer this service and high end audio companies have been doing it to their products for years. I did it to my smsl su-1 and instantly noticed a wider soundstage it also sounded slightly more clear and the highs were better also warmer. Also it was improved in every other area I just noticed right away those areas I mentioned. Also after a day or two of constant burn in it improved slightly more. Google cryogenic audio improvements there's alot. Musicians also veto freeze instruments which led to it sounding better. Read the science behind it something about it changes the metal,etc.
*cryo
I happen to have the A300 as wel as the AO200 mk II.
I hear a significant difference betreden bith; the AO200 mk II has a bit more dynamic impact AND has more depth, cleaner soundstage and beter bass control. I suppose this has to do with the more avances power supply of the AO200 MK II.
Does this have high pass filter like a300?
I have the same question !
Thx for the review
That should sound good. 👍
As we say:
"to have it its allways better then to need it."👍
An integrated amp is technically supposed to have an analog preamp circuit…a power amp with a passive volume control is considered a flex amp…but these Class D amps with DSP volume control? Not sure what they are called 😀
The lack of balanced input (and that nice volume knob) on A300 prevented me from buying it, so I went for DA9 earlier this year. I'm super happy with it and don't feel like upgrade in the same price point and looks is justifiable. But if SMSL would to make a nicer higher end class-D amp, then definitely. So waiting for MKIII. ;)
Other than that, Topping PA5 is 2 years old now (and a device with 50% chance of malfunction), so it would've made more sense to compare it to Topping PA7 Plus, and why not, Topping LA90. But of course, I understand the constraints. Thanks for another great review!
PA7 plus review is coming soon. 😉
@@iiWiReviewsHi, will this amplifier be good for Kef R300? I'm afraid that the high tones may be too sharp?
A300 sounds better than the DA9
@@ufarkingicehole That may very well be the case. However, if balanced connection is a priority (which A300 lacks), that impacts the buying decision. Also, the question is whether it's worth it to upgrade from one ~$250 SMSL amp to another. And the simple answer is no.
I have the original AO200. This unit renders the WIFI inoperable when turned on. I hope the MKII version corrects that.
Hi, when AO300?
SMLS AL200 is new one, without stupid balanced inputs/otputs.
My understanding is that the XLR inputs are NOT true fully balanced ones. Any info otherwise on that?
The specs don't list if the ratings are 160W(4 ohms) at 1kHz or for ex 160W (4 ohms) 25Hz-20Khz. I'm guessing it's only rated at using 1Khz, not the full 25Hz-20KHz. That's a shame. Can anybody confirm?
Damn need some cash! Daddy needs a new amp.
A 300 FTW (got one 😇)! 💪
Why aren't manufactures putting an HDMI port on these amps? Is this 1993?
Ao300 has hdmi.
smsl ao300 is out
I just purchased an A300 not that long ago and will probably be replacing it, simply because the controls in general and the volume know in particular are terrible. They're basically unusable in low light.
Sorry to hear that, what are you going to get instead?
Just glue a knob to the jog dial. Super glue works.
Probably the AO200 MKII going off of this review.@@lovehorses2669
Topping and SMSL make up more than one fourth of these reviews. 🤔
He reviews what he gets. If those companies are the only one giving him gear to review you can't blame him.
Also alot of the gear we take advantage of he can't get where he lives.
Sad, if true.
These chifi gear has evolved to be more than great. At these prices points & phased upgrade option help out budding audiophiles as well as owners who want their 2nd or 3rd system. Nothing can beat the space saving! Consistent Super review.
25.01.2024 SMSL AO200 MKII
€£160 on Amazon be quick ..
I have both
The 0200 seems better built with xlr
The a300 sounds better
Now I have to try the mk2 and the latest Fosi
I did not like this amp. Sounded tinny on top regardless of eq.
I have dac that has 2.5mm trrs balanced output can I connect it to xlr balanced of ao200mkii?
I have dac that has 2.5mm trrs balanced output can I connect it to xlr balanced of ao200mkii?
I have dac that has 2.5mm trrs balanced output can I connect it to xlr balanced of ao200mkii?
Yes you can, you just need to find a cable with 2.5mm TRRS on one end, and two XLRs on the other. AliExpress is where I would look for it.
@@iiWiReviews ok ✅ tanks