[crabdog]

Based on the AK4497EQ, the SDA-2 supports 384kHz, native DSD512. Class A balanced headphone output power 3480mW @30ohms.

This thing is a beast and I've been really enjoying it for the last few weeks. It sounds boss as a standalone unit but I've also been using the XLR out to my Feliks Audio Echo amp. Looking forward to hearing impressions from others who have it.

 

[Tachikoma]

I've had a unit for a while, it has a somewhat warmish sound and seems competitive with my old Parasound DAC-2000. The Singxer is slightly more detailed but loses out a little on tonal density, but it took me a while to identify these differences. The remote is rather handy, and the preamp seems to operate in the analog domain (you can hear a tick when switching between fixed and preamp output), which is a bit safer than a purely digital volume control.

Wish the headamp had a gain switch for IEMs, it is powerful but it definitely isn't for IEMs.

 

[crabdog]

I've had a unit for a while, it has a somewhat warmish sound and seems competitive with my old Parasound DAC-2000. The Singxer is slightly more detailed but loses out a little on tonal density, but it took me a while to identify these differences. The remote is rather handy, and the preamp seems to operate in the analog domain (you can hear a tick when switching between fixed and preamp output), which is a bit safer than a purely digital volume control.

Wish the headamp had a gain switch for IEMs, it is powerful but it definitely isn't for IEMs.

You're right, it's not really ideal for sensitive IEMs but it sings with all the headphones I've tried.

 

[crabdog]

I just posted my SDA-2 review here. I will add it on Head-Fi in a couple of days as well.

 

[crabdog]

Did anyone else end up getting one of these? I'm really happy with the performance and sound. Even the unbalanced output sounds great with most of my headphones but the balanced out does sound slightly better to my ears.

 

[ostewart]

I've recently got one of these and it's great, powers the HE-500 with ease. Compared to the Topping DX7 Pro is does lean towards a slightly warm tonality with excellent detail throughout. It also works well as a pre-amp and DAC only, I'm using it as a DAC into the HiFiMAN Jade II system via balanced cables, and using pre-amp out to fine tune the volume as the steps on the Jade II amp are quite large in volume.

 

[Grumpy Old Git]

I've recently got one of these and it's great, powers the HE-500 with ease. Compared to the Topping DX7 Pro is does lean towards a slightly warm tonality with excellent detail throughout. It also works well as a pre-amp and DAC only, I'm using it as a DAC into the HiFiMAN Jade II system via balanced cables, and using pre-amp out to fine tune the volume as the steps on the Jade II amp are quite large in volume.

I have just replaced my Marantz HD-DAC1 with the SDA-2. Now the Marantz is a great performer, but the SDA-2 just edge's it for me.
A shade more clarity and separation, cymbals sound more realistic, steel stringed acoustic guitars have more presence.
Certainly not a 'day and night' difference (IMHO) and Marantz owners should not lose any sleep over it, but enough for me to sell my HD-DAC1 on and keep the Singxer.
I own a pair of Mrspeakers Alpha Primes, they sound fantastic whit the Marantz HD-DAC1, but even better with the Singxer SDA-2, especially in balanced mode.

 

[crabdog]

I have just replaced my Marantz HD-DAC1 with the SDA-2. Now the Marantz is a great performer, but the SDA-2 just edge's it for me.
A shade more clarity and separation, cymbals sound more realistic, steel stringed acoustic guitars have more presence.
Certainly not a 'day and night' difference (IMHO) and Marantz owners should not lose any sleep over it, but enough for me to sell my HD-DAC1 on and keep the Singxer.
I own a pair of Mrspeakers Alpha Primes, they sound fantastic whit the Marantz HD-DAC1, but even better with the Singxer SDA-2, especially in balanced mode.

I'm listening to my SDA-2 as I type this. I really enjoy the tonality and resolution. Curious to see how it will compare to the DX7 Pro when I get it next week.

 

[Grumpy Old Git]

It would be interesting to see your opinion of the SDA-2 vs DX2, I look forward to you posting on this.
I'd like to know how the SDA-2 compares to the Naim V1 DAC?

 

[Gangstel]

How SDA-2 is compared to Yulong and Audio GD similar DACs?

 

[crabdog]

How SDA-2 is compared to Yulong and Audio GD similar DACs?

I only have the Yulong Canary II which isn't really in the same class as the SDA-2. I can tell you the SDA-2 has a more robust, muscular sound to it and improved separation but for the price, the Canary II is outstanding.

I just received the Gustard A18 yesterday and can't wait to see how that compares to the SDA-2 when I get home from work this evening.

 

[Cat Music]

I only have the Yulong Canary II which isn't really in the same class as the SDA-2. I can tell you the SDA-2 has a more robust, muscular sound to it and improved separation but for the price, the Canary II is outstanding.

I just received the Gustard A18 yesterday and can't wait to see how that compares to the SDA-2 when I get home from work this evening.

Is the sound appreciation of the Singxer SDA-2 you referenced based on its Dac mode? or when used with your built-in amplifier?

 

[crabdog]

Is the sound appreciation of the Singxer SDA-2 you referenced based on its Dac mode? or when used with your built-in amplifier?

I was thinking mainly of the headphone amp when I wrote that. In terms of pure DAC mode, I feel the SDA-2 performs extremely well for the price. Its presentation is slightly musical but still very transparent and honest. It has a nice 3D presentation and good resolution.

 

[KingFiercer]

I just received the Gustard A18 yesterday and can't wait to see how that compares to the SDA-2 when I get home from work this evening.

I'm very interested in this comparsion. Is A18 on the same level as Singxer? And does it have the same fascination and musicality?
For example I like fullness of bass and midrange of Topping's D70 a bit more, but dynamics and HF definition of A18 are better. I wonder is SDA-2 have fuller bass and midrange than A18.

 

[crabdog]

I'm very interested in this comparsion. Is A18 on the same level as Singxer? And does it have the same fascination and musicality?
For example I like fullness of bass and midrange of Topping's D70 a bit more, but dynamics and HF definition of A18 are better. I wonder is SDA-2 have fuller bass and midrange than A18.

To be honest, I've only used it with active monitors so far. Over the coming days I'll test it with some headphone amps and passive speakers. Considering the A18 doesn't have a headphone amp I have high expectations for the DAC functionality. I will say the display is a bit weird; the bitrate is in large text and the volume is tiny. Normally it's the other way around.