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Hong Kong, North Las Vegas
1 Level
730 Review
47 Karma

Review on Experience Superior Sound Quality With SMSL Audio SAP-8 Headphone Amplifier In Black/Silver/Gold by Ardy Espinoza

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Great Compact Class A Headphone Amp

Nice build quality, and smooth turning volume knob. The Circuit board is nicely laid out.It would be great if the manual came with a schematic.I use this amp on my computer with Audio Technica ATHm50x headphones and connect it with a pair of Audioquest Anaconda RCA interconnects. This setup gives me a reference-quality listening experience. The other thing that really makes this amp come alive is to ditch the stock 1A power adapter in favor of one with more amperage.There was a noticeable improvement with a 1.5A supply and a further improvement with a 3A supply.I really enjoy the ability of this setup to resolve crisp drum transients while simultaneously reproducing silky smooth nuances of the music. Also, great bass and smooth treble with this setup.XLR inputs make it useful as wired In-Ear-Monitors or headphones on stage for live sound.IMHO, an excellent value. You'd need to pay 4 - 6 times as much to get any significant improvement.Try one!

Pros
  • Exceptional Sound Accuracy
Cons
  • May not be durable over time - with a plastic construction, the SAP-8 may be prone to wear and tear over time, requiring costly repairs or replacements