I've been using SMSL AD18 for two and a half years, driving SONY SSCS5 speakers on my desk via USB from Windows 10/Spotify. I wanted to see if a more powerful desktop amp would do it better and it certainly does! I based my purchase of the Aiyima on limited reviews of this unit, many reviews on the Aiyima A07 which uses the same amplifier chip. With this amplifier, the music is more airy, open and of high quality. Size and weight, it's about 3 times more than SMSL. It looks more industrial and simple, unlike the SMSL which is more sophisticated with an LED display. While SMSL heats up, Aiyima stays cool. So far I've used USB and BT, both inputs work great. I have a problem. With SMSL, my music never gets interrupted and always runs smoothly. With Aiyima, my music very rarely stuttered for a very brief moment and then continued playing. Want to know if others are having the same problem? This applies to both BT and USB. If I haven't had this issue and it persists, for my particular application the Aiyima A08 is a clear winner over the SMSL AD18 at a lower price point.
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