Introducing the SMSL PA200 Gallium Nitride Power Amplifier - Now Available on Apos Audio

Dec 20, 2024 at 11:07 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 15
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Hi all,

We're excited to share a new product from SMSL: the PA200 Gallium Nitride Power Amplifier. Gallium nitride transistors are a newer semiconductor technology that can switch signals at higher speeds and with fewer losses than traditional silicon components. By reaching switching frequencies up to 1MHz, the PA200 supports tighter control over the audio waveform, helping notes hold their natural shape instead of becoming smeared or dulled.

Product highlights 
  • Advanced gallium nitride transistor design for refined, stable sound
  • Switchable stereo and mono modes for flexible speaker configurations
  • Audiophile-grade components and safety circuits
  • Low distortion (0.003%) and high SNR (110dB max)
  • Gold-plated RCA and XLR inputs
  • Wide frequency response and dynamic range
  • Comfortable power output that supports challenging speakers
Specs
  • Dimensions: 8.66in x 1.81in x 6.89in (220mm x 45.9mm x 175mm)
  • Weight: 3.17lbs (1.44kg)
  • Inputs: RCA, XLR
  • Outputs: Speaker right, speaker left
  • Input sensitivity (stereo): 0.68Vrms/22kΩ
  • Input sensitivity (mono): 2.1Vrms/22kΩ
  • Output power (stereo): 4Ω, 160Wrms x2 | 8Ω, 85Wrms x2
  • Output power (mono): 4Ω, 400Wrms x1 | 8Ω, 250Wrms x1
  • THD+N: 0.003%
  • SNR: 109dB
  • Channel separation: 75dB
  • Standby power: <0.5W
  • Power consumption at normal volume: 40W
SMSL The PA200 Power Amp.jpg
 
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Dec 22, 2024 at 3:57 AM Post #2 of 15
The quoted width of this unit is given as 220mm.

The quoted width of the matching CD Player is given as 200mm.

Yet in a photo featuring both (and also the matching DAC) they all appear to be the same width.

?
 
Dec 24, 2024 at 11:12 AM Post #3 of 15
@Apos Audio Seems like this could potentially be a great low cost option for Modhouse Tungstens. What's the power output and Vrms at 155 ohms?
 
Dec 25, 2024 at 2:48 AM Post #4 of 15
@Apos Audio Seems like this could potentially be a great low cost option for Modhouse Tungstens. What's the power output and Vrms at 155 ohms?
Hi there,
We understand that it’s common for individuals with high-impedance headphones to consider using speaker amplifiers to drive them. However, SMSL does not recommend using this power amplifier with headphones. Their recommendation is to use it exclusively with 4–8 ohm speakers to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential damage to the equipment.
 
Apos Audio Free Shipping, Lowest Price Guarantee, Apos 2nd Year Warranty and 45-Day Return Policy on all carried products. Check out Apos Ensembles, Apos Specials, and Apos Certified products. Stay updated on Apos Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Dec 25, 2024 at 2:56 AM Post #5 of 15
Hi there,
We understand that it’s common for individuals with high-impedance headphones to consider using speaker amplifiers to drive them. However, SMSL does not recommend using this power amplifier with headphones. Their recommendation is to use it exclusively with 4–8 ohm speakers to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential damage to the equipment.
Thanks for responding asap. Its curious why this was posted on Head-Fi if it isn't suitable for headphones.
 
Dec 26, 2024 at 3:20 PM Post #6 of 15
Thanks for responding asap. Its curious why this was posted on Head-Fi if it isn't suitable for headphones.
I am relatively new to the forum...but why a small speaker amp or speaker products should not interest people on Head-fi? I am open to learn about any form of desk-sized audio equipment after all...

Hi all,

We're excited to share a new product from SMSL: the PA200 Gallium Nitride Power Amplifier. Gallium nitride transistors are a newer semiconductor technology that can switch signals at higher speeds and with fewer losses than traditional silicon components. By reaching switching frequencies up to 1MHz, the PA200 supports tighter control over the audio waveform, helping notes hold their natural shape instead of becoming smeared or dulled.

Product highlights 
  • Advanced gallium nitride transistor design for refined, stable sound
  • Switchable stereo and mono modes for flexible speaker configurations
  • Audiophile-grade components and safety circuits
  • Low distortion (0.003%) and high SNR (110dB max)
  • Gold-plated RCA and XLR inputs
  • Wide frequency response and dynamic range
  • Comfortable power output that supports challenging speakers
Specs
  • Dimensions: 8.66in x 1.81in x 6.89in (220mm x 45.9mm x 175mm)
  • Weight: 3.17lbs (1.44kg)
  • Inputs: RCA, XLR
  • Outputs: Speaker right, speaker left
  • Input sensitivity (stereo): 0.68Vrms/22kΩ
  • Input sensitivity (mono): 2.1Vrms/22kΩ
  • Output power (stereo): 4Ω, 160Wrms x2 | 8Ω, 85Wrms x2
  • Output power (mono): 4Ω, 400Wrms x1 | 8Ω, 250Wrms x1
  • THD+N: 0.003%
  • SNR: 109dB
  • Channel separation: 75dB
  • Standby power: <0.5W
  • Power consumption at normal volume: 40W
SMSL The PA200 Power Amp.jpg
@Apos Audio any news about when the matching DAC will be released?
 
Dec 26, 2024 at 10:08 PM Post #7 of 15
I am relatively new to the forum...but why a small speaker amp or speaker products should not interest people on Head-fi? I am open to learn about any form of desk-sized audio equipment after all...


@Apos Audio any news about when the matching DAC will be released?
Hi there,
As of the moment, we don't have that information but we will let everyone know once there is a matching DAC for this newly launched speaker amp from SMSL.
 
Apos Audio Free Shipping, Lowest Price Guarantee, Apos 2nd Year Warranty and 45-Day Return Policy on all carried products. Check out Apos Ensembles, Apos Specials, and Apos Certified products. Stay updated on Apos Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/aposaudio https://www.instagram.com/aposaudio/ https://apos.audio/ contact@apos.audio
Dec 26, 2024 at 10:38 PM Post #8 of 15
Thanks for responding asap. Its curious why this was posted on Head-Fi if it isn't suitable for headphones.
.... there may be those on Head-Fi who are looking for loudspeaker-ended systems to complement their 'personal' audio systems. If a firm known for 'personal' audio gear has (introduces) 'room-based' audio gear, why not post on Head-Fi? 🤷🏻‍♂️
 
Dec 27, 2024 at 12:12 AM Post #9 of 15
.... there may be those on Head-Fi who are looking for loudspeaker-ended systems to complement their 'personal' audio systems. If a firm known for 'personal' audio gear has (introduces) 'room-based' audio gear, why not post on Head-Fi? 🤷🏻‍♂️
It is fine of course since we now know this product doesn't work with headphones. However, without any additional explanation before my inquires there was a general assumption that likely many Head-fiers would have from reviewing this thread that the equipment posted on Head-Fi would actually work with headphones.
 
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Dec 27, 2024 at 12:17 AM Post #10 of 15
It is fine of course since we now know this product doesn't work with headphones. However, without **any additional explanation before my inquiries** there there was a general assumption that likely many Head-fiers would have from reviewing this thread that the equipment posted on Head-Fi would actually work with headphones.
** Apos is rather clear that PA200 is a loudspeaker amplifier. 🤷🏻‍♂️
 
Dec 27, 2024 at 1:21 AM Post #11 of 15
** Apos is rather clear that PA200 is a loudspeaker amplifier. 🤷🏻‍♂️
As Apos already acknowledged above, many of us here are using loudspeaker / power amplifiers to power hard to drive headphones like Susvaras and Tungstens.

However, they were not clear in their initial post that this particular power amplifier cannot fulfill the primary purpose of this website - driving headphones.
 
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Dec 27, 2024 at 3:44 AM Post #12 of 15
SMSL should keep this design signature. One of the best designs that I've ever used, not only in Audio but in all electronics.
Alienware looking Sci-Fi design, isn't it?

I'm owning D400Pro and H400 which have a same design as this, and they look gorgeous than the photos.
Good to see that the new 'D200' DAC also kept the legacy of D400pro.

I don't doubt about the SMSL's sound. Along with Topping, they are always better than the average. Not as raw/original as the Topping ones, but a 'bit' more transparent and smooth which makes it better at long & easy listening.
 
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