Hi Guys
I recently came across the SMSL AO200 amplifier, and it seems like a perfect match for my need. But unfortunately, it is not available in India. So I checked with the Headphonezone; they replied that it is available with one of the sellers, and the approximate pricing would be between 28k to 32k.
Is it worth the price? Are there any other options at a lower price?
It is for my desktop setup. Currently, I'm using the Fosi Bt20A amp, and my speakers are Micca RB42. I'll upgrade the speakers soon and plan to buy speaker stands.
Thanks
I haven't used the SMSL A0200 but do have something similar to it from the same stable viz. the SMSL DA9. From reviews online, I understand that they sound more alike than different.
It is a very good desktop amp for the price with a clear, detailed and dynamic performance which has managed to sound good with every speaker thrown at it irrespective of the budget (lets not be unreasonable here). Speakers that I tried with it were the Missions LX-2 Mk-ii, PSB Alpha P5, Boston Acoustics A26, KEF Q350, Klipsch RP600M, Wharfedale Evo 4.2 and Quad S-5. It managed to drive every speaker to extremely loud volumes while sounding composed which is to say they can drive just about anything.
Other stand out features are first and foremost, the compact form factor - it simply beggars belief that something so compact can be this explosive! Mind you, unlike some other older compact amps including its own sibling in the SMSL DA8S which i also own, the DA9 does not possess a massive power brick. The power supply is inbuilt in the DA9, hence adding less to the clutter.
Bluetooth and XLR connectivity are a welcome addition. In fact, due to its compact form factor combined with its BT capabilities, I have successfully deployed it in the bedroom without opposition. Considering that the SMSL AO200 has a USB input, it does sound to be the perfect desktop solution.
Having said all of the above, I still prefer the sound of my Marantz PM6006 which sounds meatier in the midrange and has a slightly warm sound. If space is not an issue, it is my go to amp in the budget. Though much more coloured compared to the SMSL DA9, it has a certain sonic character which most people find pleasant. I would also consider the PM6006 to be more featured and better value than the SMSL DA9 which is rather sparse on connectivity, no doubt owing to its small form factor.
+1 for this. The M20 HD is a very good active speaker. It is retailing for 40k now and watch for any sales, as a few of our forum members grabbed it for 33k or so and it is a steal for the price. For that price you are getting a good speaker, amp, DAC and Bluetooth capability.
Tagging
@DB1989 as he is using it and can comment upon the sound quality.
Having said all of the above, i would consider the Q Acoustics M20HD to be the best system below 50K. Its SQ simply cannot be outdone for the said budget.
It has a very well judged presentation that sounds good in both an untreated as well as treated room. And this attribute is what makes it a winner in my opinion.
While it is not the detail retrieval king, it compensates with a very well rounded sound across the frequency spectrum at all volumes whereas most loudspeakers driven through amps devoid of a loudness feature sound lacklustre at low decibels (do i suspect an active DSP?).
There are also other good active speakers like Kali LP6/LP8, Edifiers, JBL 306/308s, Presonus, etc. Search through the forum with the mentioned product names, and you will find a lot more info and suggestions.
I would recommend steering clear of them as they have a typically brighter sound compared to home loudspeakers which, though not bad at all, can be a bit fatiguing. I quite enjoy it but I've found other people to be not as welcoming of the sound.
