Singxer SA-1 / Balanced Amplifier Fully Discrete Class A - beyond THX 888 ?!

[Lolito]

Hey Lachlan, you are #1 already, so why try harder?

 

[Middy]

A notice for any Chord Qutest owners, even though i did a check (i think i did it right) i got hold of Chord support to double check and there isn't any chance of DC offset on the RCA out.
"Alot of work went into making sure it didn't".. So the Bypass bridging jumpers mod is ok.

Free SQ for all yerrr

The same should be done for your DAC supplier if in any doubt...

Good luck

Dave

 

[Loquah]

Hey Lachlan, you are #1 already, so why try harder?

Always looking to learn and improve, Lolito

 

[quawn0418]

Always looking to learn and improve, Lolito

Really good and in depth review, I’ve seen quite a few of your reviews, really nice stuff brother.

 

[Lolito]

Always looking to learn and improve, Lolito

Ok

 

[Loquah]

Ok

Damn, thought I'd scrubbed that photo of me from the internet...

 

[J Mirra]

Always looking to learn and improve, Lolito

Loquah in your video you mention even if you use RCA from your DAC to the SA-1 the sound quality is the same as XLR in.
Does the RCA go on to use the balanced internals of the amp?

I am using single ended cable on my HD800 from what you say I would benefit from using an XLR cable even though I am using RCA from my RCA only DAC.

I am thinking about doing this now, can you or anyone else that is in my situation tell me how much difference I am likely to hear, thank you.

 

[Middy]

Damn, thought I'd scrubbed that photo of me from the internet...

I see what you mean about the Z switch.. But while you're here thanks for your work. Anyone adding to the community and creating extra perspective is a lovely thing. Just hope you have fun doing it.

I saw the Sparkos OP amps researching and I wondered if they could work here in the singxer, with effort...Bursons seem for flavour, was thinking Sparkos if they add detail.
Not a simple mod in a singxer as SMT.
Working in electronics theres characteristics the Chinese engineers chose for their TI op amps. But thats later...and a Mr sparko conversation. Wishing i could end game off his Headamp..$$$$

A day + in the units starting to dial in.

Shame you never tried the jumper mod... but you can only judge a virgin unit for a fair comparison...

Good luck and keep up the good work..

Dave

 

[Alex May]

Does the RCA go on to use the balanced internals of the amp?

I am using single ended cable on my HD800 from what you say I would benefit from using an XLR cable even though I am using RCA from my RCA only DAC.

I am thinking about doing this now, can you or anyone else that is in my situation tell me how much difference I am likely to hear, thank you.

Yes, RCA do use the balanced internals of the amp. Zeos talked about that in his review of the SA-1, specifically at 14:20. He expressed his belief that there is no appreciable difference between a balanced and unbalanced connection from the DAC if the amp itself has a balanced architecture anyway. Especially if the cables are short and of good quality. He didn't hear the difference in his system. But some people here actually can... unless it's some placebo effect. If you listen in your HD800 or Arya, you probably can distinguish a better channel separation if your DAC is balanced. I guess it depends on your configuration where hundreds of factors may or may not create that difference. If you can buy a balanced outputting DAC, why not. If you can't, don't stress about that.

 

[J Mirra]

Yes, RCA do use the balanced internals of the amp. Zeos talked about that in his review of the SA-1, specifically at 14:20. He expressed his belief that there is no appreciable difference between a balanced and unbalanced connection from the DAC if the amp itself has a balanced architecture anyway. Especially if the cables are short and of good quality. He didn't hear the difference in his system. But some people here actually can... unless it's some placebo effect. If you listen in your HD800 or Arya, you probably can distinguish a better channel separation if your DAC is balanced. I guess it depends on your configuration where hundreds of factors may or may not create that difference. If you can buy a balanced outputting DAC, why not. If you can't, don't stress about that.

I will probably buy an XLR for my HD800, thank you for letting me know.

 

[Middy]

Mine just felt a little louder, but ones an OEM 6.3mm the other a custom with 4pin xlr. Let us all know what you think if you do on those lovely cans you have..

 

[J Mirra]

Mine just felt a little louder, but ones an OEM 6.3mm the other a custom with 4pin xlr. Let us all know what you think if you do on those lovely cans you have..

In Loquah video he mentions the a wider width in the sound stage, better clarity, separation etc when using XLR to the headphones.
Do you not find that at all Middy? only a loudness difference you mention there.

 

[Loquah]

I see what you mean about the Z switch.. But while you're here thanks for your work. Anyone adding to the community and creating extra perspective is a lovely thing. Just hope you have fun doing it.

I saw the Sparkos OP amps researching and I wondered if they could work here in the singxer, with effort...Bursons seem for flavour, was thinking Sparkos if they add detail.
Not a simple mod in a singxer as SMT.
Working in electronics theres characteristics the Chinese engineers chose for their TI op amps. But thats later...and a Mr sparko conversation. Wishing i could end game off his Headamp..$$$$

A day + in the units starting to dial in.

Shame you never tried the jumper mod... but you can only judge a virgin unit for a fair comparison...

Good luck and keep up the good work..

Dave

Thanks Dave!

I don't know if the SA-1 uses any op-amps - it shouldn't because it's a discrete design based on the marketing I think.

I will come back around at some point to try the jumper mod I expect

 

[joseG86]

Thanks Dave!

I don't know if the SA-1 uses any op-amps - it shouldn't because it's a discrete design based on the marketing I think.

I will come back around at some point to try the jumper mod I expect

Please do try the DC mode

 

[Middy]

In Loquah video he mentions the a wider width in the sound stage, better clarity, separation etc when using XLR to the headphones.
Do you not find that at all Middy? only a loudness difference you mention there.

I am still burning in not even 2 days new but that was my original thought on a quick test after i saw that excellent review... i had the 4 pin xlr from my old OPPO ha1 4 amps ago..

I cant yet say for sure as a recommendation... even at the best of times... i just post with thoughts and hope it helps people or confirm thier thoughts. My SA1 is changing and still sounds a little wonky as its settling and me learning its secrets. I am the opposite of an expert just helpful..
If you can afford a custom anyway and keeping the 800 then only you can know if it was worth it.. The trap we are all in but some lucky reviewers who can play with lots of kit...
Ill try again to see if it makes a difference and not just the increased loudness to my ears... swapping My Ether Hirose cables.

Hopefully others have both on thier headphones and can comment

Cheers and apologies
Dave