[Alex May]

But I saw plenty of reviews that mention that the Burson Soloist 3x performance would be a whole other beast. Especially when it comes to soundstage

Burson I believe definitely has wider soundstage then SA-1.

Actually, quite opposite. The Singxer SA-1 has wider soundstage than the Burson Soloist, although the Soloist has more depth and layering to the front, a hair more detail, and a more analytical sound albeit very dynamic. The Singxer SA-1 is smoother and a bit richer but not far behind in terms of detail. IDK, I wasn't impressed by the Soloist, especially given the price. Frankly, I had a hard time trying to distinguish it from my THX 789... Yes, there is a difference, layering, depth, dynamics and what not but... not so that I can justify the price.

 

[550591]

Actually, quite opposite. The Singxer SA-1 has wider soundstage than the Burson Soloist, although the Soloist has more depth and layering to the front, a hair more detail, and a more analytical sound albeit very dynamic. The Singxer SA-1 is smoother and a bit richer but not far behind in terms of detail. IDK, I wasn't impressed by the Soloist, especially given the price. Frankly, I had a hard time trying to distinguish it from my THX 789... Yes, there is a difference, layering, depth, dynamics and what not but... not so that I can justify the price.

Some people say the Singxer SA1 doesn't sound that much better than a Smsl ho200 or a Schiit Magnius.

Or headphones.. they don't hear much of a difference from a iPad Vs a headphone amp. No difference between balanced and unbalanced.

Yet other people are blown away by the difference.

So often I'm torn between is one person blowing the difference out of proportion or is the other person just not able/willing to afford something better?

So I guess I have just go compare it myself

The Burson is expensive and probably not that much better than something cheaper but it looks like a quality product. Expect the Singxer most of the topping and Smsl China amps just don't look that good to me. And seem to have their issues.

 

[xtiva]

Actually, quite opposite. The Singxer SA-1 has wider soundstage than the Burson Soloist, although the Soloist has more depth and layering to the front, a hair more detail, and a more analytical sound albeit very dynamic. The Singxer SA-1 is smoother and a bit richer but not far behind in terms of detail. IDK, I wasn't impressed by the Soloist, especially given the price. Frankly, I had a hard time trying to distinguish it from my THX 789... Yes, there is a difference, layering, depth, dynamics and what not but... not so that I can justify the price.

hey thanks... just read review from Passion for sound he agrees with you... might have to get that Soloist again from my friend and listen to it again but little disapointed so far with SA-1, only had it on for less than 60 hours but hasn't got much better... actually it got a little warmer with more bass than when I first got it... soundstage has also widened a little but still too narrow & shallow for my liking...

The Burson is expensive and probably not that much better than something cheaper but it looks like a quality product. Expect the Singxer most of the topping and Smsl China amps just don't look that good to me. And seem to have their issues.

It indded is well made, at least for amp itself can't say same for the remote control.. actually Singxer, Topping and SMSL are very well made and personally like these flick switch over button switch..

Anyway my quest for value for money headphone amp probably ends here for sometime.....

Have ordered Sparkos Aries instead to compliment my main amp.... but was fun journey nevertheless

 

[hottyson]

Singxer? I haven't had any issues with yet. Seems well made.
Topping? This likely the worst brand out there. Topping is made like garbage and that is an insult to garbage.
SMSL? Not the best, but not the worst. My SP200 suffers from a poor quality 1/4 inch headphone jack, but everything else seems good.

 

[dstarr3]

Yeah, I've never heard a good thing about Topping build quality.

SMSL, I don't recall ever hearing anything about their build quality, one way or the other. I guess in this case, no news is probably good news.

But yeah, no, Topping has a horrible reputation as far as build quality.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Some people say the Singxer SA1 doesn't sound that much better than a Smsl ho200 or a Schiit Magnius.

Or headphones.. they don't hear much of a difference from a iPad Vs a headphone amp. No difference between balanced and unbalanced.

Yet other people are blown away by the difference.

So often I'm torn between is one person blowing the difference out of proportion or is the other person just not able/willing to afford something better?

So I guess I have just go compare it myself

The Burson is expensive and probably not that much better than something cheaper but it looks like a quality product. Expect the Singxer most of the topping and Smsl China amps just don't look that good to me. And seem to have their issues.

Now take this for what it's worth as I am still getting around to getting my Singxer. I do have a lower Burson, the playmate 2 and while I do like it, I have found that throwing a set of SparkOS opamps in it made it so much better! I love it now, and probably the only reason I have held of a bit on the Singxer!

Cheers!!

 

[Shoulon]

Any recommendations for a higher watt sound signature SA-1?

This amp is phenomenal on my Diana Abyss V2 but it requires me to be at 2/3 volume which I'm not a huge fan of.

 

[ra990]

Any recommendations for a higher watt sound signature SA-1?

This amp is phenomenal on my Diana Abyss V2 but it requires me to be at 2/3 volume which I'm not a huge fan of.

The volume pot on this is not linear, most of the power is in that last 1/4 bit. Don't be afraid to max it out, it doesn't mean you need more power.

 

[Mozbach]

The volume pot on this is not linear, most of the power is in that last 1/4 bit. Don't be afraid to max it out, it doesn't mean you need more power.

Wondering how SA1 does with less sensitive Hifiman planars.. does the SA have headroom, given one is already at 3pm for reasonable listening levels

 

[Qhao]

Wondering how SA1 does with less sensitive Hifiman planars.. does the SA have headroom, given one is already at 3pm for reasonable listening levels

With arya stealth in low gain low z i used it around 11 to 12

 

[rjacko01]

I have no issue with the hifiman he6se although I do have the volume knob quite high & high gain also. Depends on how high you like to listen really, there is a feeling that if you really wanted to max out you might run out of steam, but it would be far beyond comfortable listening for me..

 

[dstarr3]

I mean, I rock my AKG Sextett on my Singxer all the time. I balanced-modded my Sextett and I have to crank the volume up around 2 or 3 o'clock, but the Singxer can do it justice.

 

[Voxata]

hey thanks... just read review from Passion for sound he agrees with you... might have to get that Soloist again from my friend and listen to it again but little disapointed so far with SA-1, only had it on for less than 60 hours but hasn't got much better... actually it got a little warmer with more bass than when I first got it... soundstage has also widened a little but still too narrow & shallow for my liking...



It indded is well made, at least for amp itself can't say same for the remote control.. actually Singxer, Topping and SMSL are very well made and personally like these flick switch over button switch..

Anyway my quest for value for money headphone amp probably ends here for sometime.....

Have ordered Sparkos Aries instead to compliment my main amp.... but was fun journey nevertheless

I'd recommend Jot2 if you are looking for a bit more of an engaging bottom end and some SET warmth. It's warmish, but the detail still shines through.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Any recommendations for a higher watt sound signature SA-1?

This amp is phenomenal on my Diana Abyss V2 but it requires me to be at 2/3 volume which I'm not a huge fan of.

Your Dac should be able to push 4or 5 volt to Singxer. Which is means, in this case Singxer is a really powerful amp, and will produce more power needed for Diana V2.

Non-linear volume control (which is great for IEM or sensitive headphone) make listening volume may around 1-3 o'clock for Diana V2 (if you like to listen loud), but actually Singxer still have plenty power left.

 

[Lovebox]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a worthwhile upgrade to the Singxer with similar characteristics?