SMSL SA-98E Stereo Amplifier Discussions | Drop (formerly Massdrop)

Nov 19, 2019

A854

Douk Audio makes a few units that have Bluetooth that would make a nice add-on to any amp lacking that ability. Check out the Nobsound preamps and selectors: http://doukaudio.com/little-bear-4-in-3-out-audio-selector-box-bluetooth-receiver-passive-preamp-p0076.html

http://doukaudio.com/nobsound-hifi-bluetooth-50-stereo-preamp-home-audio-preamplifier-128-level-relay-aptx-ll-p0195.html

Nov 19, 2019

Nov 17, 2019

Since there are a lot of questions about the 10% THD (which did alarm me too at first glance), I'll share what I know and think since I was interested in this amp because it was only a couple bucks more than the SMSL SA-36A Pro (or even cheaper depending where you buy from). The 10% THD is at the amp's rated max load, and will be much lower at lower loads. From my reading around and research, I've learned that these TDA chips are usually rated at around 1% THD at >78% loads, which would be 2 x >125 watts @ 4 ohms. My thoughts? These are perfect for driving 120 watt @ 4 ohm or lower speakers at very low THD, especially at this price. SMSL is usually good quality and have a pretty decent reputation within the online community, so I don't see there being a better amp at this price, especially since at a couple bucks lower the next best thing is the SMSL SA-36A Pro (0.01% THD at 2 x 25 watts @ 4 ohms). The TDA7492PE chip SMSL SA-36A Pro uses is rated at 10% THD at 2 x 57 watts @ 4 ohms. My basic math here tells me that the SA-36A Pro will not get even close to similar levels of THD as the SA-98E at the same load levels. If the TDA7492PE is >0.01% THD at 2 x 25 watts @ 4 ohms (this is roughly 44% of the TDA7492PE max wattage), maybe this amp's TDA7498E will have a >0.01% THD at around 2 x 70 watts @ 4 ohms. This is just my opinion so feel free to take it with a grain of salt, but I think there's pretty concrete evidence that you won't find any amp near as good at this price range, at least with SMSL level or better build quality. I've already canceled my SA-36A Pro amp order which I found on sale for roughly 40 bucks, because for 25 bucks more this seems like a way better deal, especially since my monitor audio radius 45 speakers only need 25-50 watts @ 8 ohms per channel.

(Edited)

Nov 17, 2019

Typhoon859

133

Nov 17, 2019

Wait, wth? 10% THD? Is that correct?..

Nov 17, 2019

Nov 18, 2019

Follow up: I found the data sheet for the Tripath chip the tp-22 uses, it has 10% thd at 117 watts, so it basically marginally better than the TDA7492 chips being used in the SA36/50 amps if we just go by specs/THD, but that would still put this SA-98E way above it. I don't think you could go wrong with the tp-22 if you don't need a lot of power, it will still sound very good but if it's priced similar to this I'd get this SA-98E instead.

Nov 18, 2019

Typhoon859

133

Nov 18, 2019

Thanks a lot man :)

Nov 18, 2019

Nov 17, 2019

Can anyone who's purchased this from Drop verify what power supply is included? I've read on other boards that it actually came with a 36v and others have received 32v. Also, what is the amperage spec? Has anyone tried this amp with Magnepans?

Nov 17, 2019

Nov 17, 2019

I'll add that Parts Express say they ship it with the 36V 4A power supply though it appears people have received the 36V 5A supply. It would seem silly to receive a 32V supply and not get the full rated power. Which is it, Drop?

Nov 17, 2019

222

Nov 17, 2019

THD=10%? Distortion city

Nov 17, 2019

222

Nov 18, 2019

Hmmm... not sure why the specs didn’t list that... unless I missed it (which could be the case).

Nov 18, 2019

Nov 18, 2019

It's not listed for some reason. Had to do research on the TDA chip that's used in the amp, and other similar chips. The most concrete thing I'm able to tell is that it's much more superior than the SMSL SA-36A Pro which uses a much lesser TDA chip that can handle only 2 x 57 watts @ 4 ohms at 10% THD even though it's rated at less than 0.01% THD at 2 x 25 watts @ 4 ohms so I'm sure the SMSL SA-98E can handle much higher wattage at much lower THD, not sure why they decided only to list it's THD at it's highest load, I'm guessing they just didn't want to bother with the extra work of having to test it.

Nov 18, 2019

wcbrewster

Nov 17, 2019

I'm not an audiophile so excuse this question but why no remote? Can one be adapted?

Nov 17, 2019

ItsMeDrav

Nov 17, 2019

wcbrewster

Its just a straight “high power” amp designed to be used at a desktop within reach or with a Dac that supports remote control. No remote can be used directly with it, but you can use a dac with remote and control volume on the dac. I use mine with topping d50sfor example and it works great with it. For convenience, go with ad18 but if you need more power get this and a dac with a remote.

Nov 17, 2019