Foreword
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Usually I test Bluetooth speakers and headphones. Today I want to talk about my experience with the Mini Amplifier SA-60 from SMSL.
Here I will supply later a video, the sound quality is limited by my old speakers.
Nevertheless, the video should be heard with good headphones or an adequate HiFi system please be sure to make the frequency range between 50Hz and 20kHz is also reproduced in full.
Many Thanks!
Technical Specifications
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SMSL SA-60
- 25,6cm x 19,2cm x 7cm
- 2x 60W music power max.
- Operating voltage 18V to 24V
- Weight 880gr
Design and packaging
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The amplifier is supplied in a neat held in blue-white color folding carton. Inside is the amplifier and its power adapter together with small manual, also in German. By means of precisely tailored interior protection is the amplifier from damage during transport almost insensitive. I rate this the amplifier with the golden faceplate, which looks very classy in my opinion. The consistently rounded Controls let memories of analog amplifiers 20 years ago arise. Speakers can be connected to the back as well-known of adult amplifiers rotating banana jacks. Using 3.5mm jack is on the front an audio source can be connected and on the back of this function has been realized with RCA jacks, which is common also in hi-fi area. All in all, I like the design of the amplifier very good!
Handling and function
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For the handling can not say much. In principle, at the amplifier all self-explanatory except for the switch between the signal input and the rear to the front.
The status display by colored LED are also not self-explanatory. An information on the amplifier would be helpful at this point. For example, as a removable sticker on the top or bottom of the amplifier in addition to the minimalist manual.
Otherwise, the basic operation is but slightly out of hand, the operation does not differ from that of other adult amplifier.
Total me the handling and operation and documentation is worth 4 stars.
The Sound
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Unlike as with Bluetooth speakers here the sound is highly dependent on the connected speakers, so that this be taken into account when assessing needs ..
Once the speakers are connected, the amplifier is turned on and a signal is present, you can hear the amplifiers operate on a first small base volume.
That sounds not spectacular and I wondered immediately how much there probably still is. Since I usually rather portable speakers famous with maximum 20W power, some of which are even greater than the amplifier, I was set to the maximum achievable volume of Bluetooth speakers. Use the rotary knob on the right side, I then courageously raises the volume and was then very surprised. The volume is much higher than for the portable devices. My old reactivated compact systems speakers are well controlled. Sonically, I am with the speakers of course, not in the high-end sector, but this set is far more potent than most small computer speaker systems, which also beat least 50 to book. Even with my discarded speakers I hear here clear treble, clear mid-range and a decent bass foundation, which said here honestly limiting the speaker themselves down and I am not able to judge how good the bass may be with other loudspeakers.
There is a circuit for sound optimization which engages discreet enough, in my view, to perceive it but not destroying the previously good sound.
Even at higher volumes I have nothing to complain about sound.
At the maximum, there is, of course, distortion, but I have also in my much more powerful 5.1-system.
Amplifier is to operate at the limit anyway does not make sense, because the properties are not optimized for this operating range.
At the sound and the power it gives to the SMSL SA-60 faulted. From me therefore full 5 stars!
Extra
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"Complain" Some customers that no 24V power supply beiligt and so also the specified performance can not be provided.
Certainly, a system not more energy can be taken out as is supplied.
But it is stated in the amplifier that 2x 60W music power are maximum available.
The amplifier itself is designed so that it can be operated between 18V and 24V.
Moreover, even the operation with my 12V battery is still possible, of course, the power does not reach far to the identification data.
The integrated power supply is well implemented from electrotechnical view.
Whether the few percents lower power are ever directly perceivable I can not judge, because I simply direct A / B comparison is missing.
Operation with the enclosed power supply is functioning flawlessly, and it can be expected, especially since the manufacturer explicitly this area guarantees possible operating voltage between 18V and 24V indicates as permitted no problems regarding electrical incompatibilities.
Conclusion
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The SMSL SA-60 impressed by the high-quality workmanship and its performance.
We particularly enjoyed the sound optimization and the ability to supply two entrances me a signal.
The information about the states indicated by the LED I'd like to want to see on the device itself as a tooltip.
Also with regard to the more than reasonable selling price I forgive this mini amplifier 5 Stars!
