Monolith M5100 X bit.ly/3Pf3iPP SMSL A300 (Apos) bit.ly/3YDrui1 SMSL A300 (Amazon) amzn.to/45r2eh4 Enter to Win free hifi! subscribe, like, follow me instagram.com/cheapaudioman and fill out this form forms.gle/w6qbPKGPFGUKiasX9 Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK
@kennethjrgensen2087
Жыл бұрын
my beloved old Rotel RA-980BX died and needed a new integrated amp. I bought the smsl A300 and was not disappointed. it is paired with a whafledale diamond 220 and a whafledale 10" sub. A low budget setup, but I think it's fantastic for the price. thanks for the super review from Denmark
@cbayardelle
Жыл бұрын
I’m using the smsl a300 to drive elac ub5’s with 85 db sensitivity & a dip down 3.7 ohms, the imaging & soundstage are excellent. When I look at my 50 lbs adcom 555 ll amp & the smsl I can’t believe what I’m hearing from the a300, it doesn’t sound like a class d amp The amp doesn’t fall apart. & the bass is tight even on my magnepans
@ufarkingicehole
8 ай бұрын
I have mine connected to unifi 2.o and it sounds better than anything else I have tried with it. I have expensive gear to include class a and ab but this amp is another diamond in the ruff
@mikeoliver5811
Жыл бұрын
Nice comparison! Super excited to hear your thoughts on the Heco's though. Just scooped up an Amazon warehouse deal on a set. Listened for the last eight hours straight (except for time to switch records) with zero fatigue. First speaker I've ever had that long a season with because, like you, I have some sibilance issues. Can't wait to hear your impressions. And, congrats on the forthcoming 200k.
@josephstark4944
Жыл бұрын
I have an SMSL SA300/M500 stack, and an AO200/DO200 stack. I also have the Loxjie A30. None of them come close to my Cambridge AXR100.
@tonymolina7744
Жыл бұрын
Enjoyed this review. Considering where you started you are one smooth cat now. Idea? A speaker elimination episode where you pick older speakers you recommended, why you don’t now, and what your replacement for it is. That way it will catch up your audience on what you don’t and do recommend now. I bought the Sonys and Fluance XL8S which I like better, but just a few months ago picked up the Elac Uni-Fi UB5 that I love. All recommended by you, but older stuff.
@Simon_Hawkshaw
Жыл бұрын
Judging by the size difference in this comparison, I guess the answer would be in the implementation, desktop, or room. I would like to think, or certainly hope, A/B, would be 'better ', but the proof would be in the pudding.😂 Thanks for taking the time to make this and share it with us all. Take care brother.
@gregmatula9749
Жыл бұрын
Great comparison! Had a similar experience with bass delivery/control between my fosi amp and my crown amp I think it's class h not sure. I kind of thought if I upgraded the power supply of the fosi it might cure it but maybe not.
@ryanschipp8513
Жыл бұрын
Give Nuprime Audio class D amps a shot. The successor was Nuforce Audio. Been making their own class d power modules since the early 2000's. I honestly feel you KZitem reviewers are missing the boat not talking about them or looking into them. They absolutely do not fall apart at High volumes.
@realmotoX
Жыл бұрын
SMSL has an AO300. Could this be one of the amps you could review in the near future?
@tomprowda9581
Жыл бұрын
I have a Hypex Ncore NC252 power amp with a Topping DX7s DAC/headphone amp. My previous rig was an extreme high end setup with Spectral electronics and Wilson speakers. I was expecting the Topping/Hypex rig to be barely tolerable until I could get something better but I've been continually astounded and pleased with the sound quality of this combo. One of the main complaints I have with Class D amps is the power ratings from the manufacturers are, um, generous, which means the true RMS power is quite a bit less than what the manufacturer specifies. The Hypex is rated at 150 watts/channel but I think it's actually closer to something like 60 watts/channel. It will produce more power but the distortion goes up considerably so it's best to not stress it. It does sound great in my small room though. I also have an Aiyma chip amp that sounds decent but not in the same league as the Hypex, IMO. And I don't even remotely believe that amp is 100 watts/channel
@jordanrussell345
10 ай бұрын
The newer NCx500 solves this RMS issue in spades.
@ufarkingicehole
8 ай бұрын
I have tried literally dozens of these chifi amps and most have been OK at best. I have also heard some of the newer Hypex and Ncore amps as well. The smsl a300 will have you looking at the more expensive amps a lot differently
@stedmaster
Жыл бұрын
Does the A300 let you run a sub at the same time while having the highpass set to 0, or does it only come on when you turn on the high pass 1 cross over?
@vinylmonster4907
11 ай бұрын
absolutely nothing online about the newly released SMSL AO300 by Aoshida - would be nice to see someone jump on the opportunity to be first!
@cbayardelle
10 ай бұрын
The smsl a300 were just reviewed, they put out 103 watts at 4 ohms, & an incredible 403.4 watts bridged. But They don’t have any headroom.
@c0uchsl0uch
6 ай бұрын
Would the monolith M2100X power my BIC RTR1530 the same as my Onkyo tx-nr6100 receiver? Onkyo rated at 100 x 2 and that's how many speakers are connected
@joeyrdz1
7 ай бұрын
I have the Emotiva TA1 integrated amplifier powering Klipsch R-820F floor speakers. I feel I need more power. Will the Monolith M2100X be good powering the Klipsch R-820Fs with the Emotiva TA1 preamp outputs?
@jamesswilleyamericasaudito7017
Жыл бұрын
I have an oskaloosa 675 paired with altec voice of the theater speakers set up in a quad configuration! Just superb!!
@Feliciano12v
Жыл бұрын
Oooh Heco... I can't wait for that one. Compare with UB52's please.
@ilanspiro1645
Жыл бұрын
The a300 is a superb little unit, especially for the $150 i paid... actually $300.. bought 2 :for using those in mono configuration
@ryanchappell5962
Жыл бұрын
I notice that my fosi V3 seems to fall apart when I listen loud for a while. Makes me wonder what the limiting factor is. Power supply? (Using fosi 48v) cooling? (Maybe some thermal paste would help)
@dustindaigle7433
Жыл бұрын
How would I use two amps at once? I have multiple small Chinese amps and I am interested in combining another amp and adding another set of bookshelf speakers.. thanks in advance I’m new to the home audio game.
@kokikarposh2
11 ай бұрын
Hi guys i bought my first record player and i bought also the kef Q350s and im having a hard time what amp should i buy any suggestions ? (Price range up to 500€)
@thornwithin6195
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful review Randy! I'm still curious of the A300 in Bridge mode. My favorite AMP so far is Emotiva A2! 🍻 my friend!
@rosscuzick7759
4 ай бұрын
I’ve watched so many videos. Subed today.
@louismozdzen7238
Жыл бұрын
When reviewing amplifier, you cannot just focus on wattage, which is the least important spec. You need to consider signal to noise ratio (S/N) harmonic distortion (THD), damping factor and sensitivity. You may not always hear the difference, but a class AB amp will always out preform a class D amp.
@gbmwaz
11 ай бұрын
"always" not true
@jordanrussell345
10 ай бұрын
This is patently false. 10 minutes of reading on ASR will show this. This may have been true a decade or two ago but not anymore. The future is now.
@nathanberger618
Жыл бұрын
I think I will wait on the Geshelli speaker amp!
@JonMoralesLA
Жыл бұрын
The SMSL has a sound mode (SDB) that’s worth turning on if not a must to turn on to get the best sound out of it. Direct mode on the A300 sounds so flat and boring without the SDB turned on. That being said, it’s very difficult at home to A/B test amps but I’m so far not too convinced I want to keep my A300 vs my old Arcam A/B amp. My Geshelli J2 DAC is arriving today and I’m going to do more testing with how the A300 does with a great DAC vs my existing setup.
@Hiluxtaco
Жыл бұрын
Nice review! I would love to know how they compare when hooked up to some really good floorstanding speakers.. ✌️
@eddihaskell
11 ай бұрын
I am hooking mine up later today to 2 old but in perfect shape Linn Espeks. They are almost 4 feet high and are 4 ohm impedence. I will let you know. I have been using a Music Hall 15.3 integrated amp, which is a great component, and rated 75 watts per channel for 4 ohm speakers. but I need more "juice". It is proving sound to a 600 square food room . I plan to use my Music Hall as a pre-amp.
@Hiluxtaco
11 ай бұрын
@@eddihaskell Thanks for the reply!
@joseluiszanotti9209
Жыл бұрын
which amp recommend for less than 300USD for desktop use?
@TheMikenorcal
6 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
Thank you, my friend!
@zardoz2627
Жыл бұрын
I'm looking at the Monoprice 300-Watt (150w RMS x2) Studio Audio Amplifier (Class D Bridgeable) for $169.99 - Bridged = 500 watts RMS (1000 watts peak) into a 4‑ohm load. For a DIY sub.
@silkhead44
Жыл бұрын
Paired the A300 with Kef Q150's...what a marriage
@user-mw9bt7tr3h
11 ай бұрын
Плохо играет?
@carlsitler9071
Жыл бұрын
We know your answer as you use Emotiva the most. My BasX was on sale for $300.
@mikelanier5617
Жыл бұрын
I have the BasX 5x100 and an XPA 5x200 and sold my more expensive Parasound amps too. Love the extra power and headroom the XPA5 puts out, but the BasX is more than fine for most speakers ❤ I do run an SMSL class D amp on the patio speakers and it's really nice for the application 👍
@carlsitler9071
Жыл бұрын
@@mikelanier5617 Cool. My man cave/listening room is small so 150 watts x 2 to the MTMs and 400 watts to the quad 15s is plenty. I'd love the XPA monoblocks. I have a Class D in the livingroom on my Mirage OM-9s and it is fine (Aiyima A07). I have a Marantz SR7500 but don't use the surround as I watch less than one movie a week. Let the good tunes roll.
@SlotHits777
Жыл бұрын
the monolith has high sustained power, runs circles around AMSL on power
@primalscream46
12 күн бұрын
Would you recommend these as maybe an inexpensive way in to mono blocks?
@endrizo
Жыл бұрын
have you reviewed the smsl VMV class D model A2 ?? thanks
@scottypalmer2158
11 ай бұрын
I'm seriously thinking about an a300 purchase. Still waiting on the Dayton APA150 review.
@bengleason508
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Randy
@jlm8699
11 ай бұрын
Randy. Love your presentation.. Q.. what coffee ya drinkin' ?
@cheapaudioman
11 ай бұрын
Boring. Folgers
@harrykain285
Жыл бұрын
When describing the sound of the song eulogy by tool,you said it was korn,lol
@meddlepf
Жыл бұрын
So my mid 90's Pioneer A605-r needs repairing and definitely sounds better than the Rotel RA-06 that I'm currently using. Speakers are Paradigm Monitor 9 (also mid 90's) which are sublime. Question is do I get the A605-r repaired or do I get the SMSL AL200?
@eddihaskell
11 ай бұрын
I would repair and update the Pioneer integrated amp if you can do so for $300 or under. You may need some easy refurb, such as new capacitators which are not expensive. Find an old fashioned repair shop with someone who knows what they are doing. Nothing beats the 90's mid-high range amps or even receivers -- they were very well made then. They are hard to find for sale in the USA, but I see some listings for about $200 worldwide -- without knowing what condition they are in. If you are the original owner of the Pioneer, and know for example that it has been well taken care of, and sounded good, do not give it up.
@meddlepf
11 ай бұрын
@@eddihaskell yeah I've had it from new. Going to get it fixed and get a new DAC (SMSL DL200). Should be sweet then. Thank you for responding.
@JoeGrantski-ir6lt
Жыл бұрын
How do we find the Google form to fill out for your contest of 200 thousand subscribers?
@mikabless2574
3 ай бұрын
What about b&w 685 gen 1 ?
@dougnbodie
Жыл бұрын
Do you have a vid on a comparison between speaker classes?
@tenehaglendening9246
Жыл бұрын
What's your opinion on crown amps? I use one to run my front channels. Ive been looking at monolith amps. Just curious how the crown compares. Thanks in advance.( I have two monolith 15"thx subwoofers. I really enjoy them)
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
I have a drive core amp. With a little eq I liked it. Was a little grainy and not as dynamic as I liked. Powerhouse though
@d.r.martin6301
Жыл бұрын
I have an XLS1000, purchased almost 13 years ago. It's quite clean, neutral, a bit cold. But not harsh; honest, I would say. It works to my liking, with my ARC SP9II. If you want warmth and romance, then it's not for you.
@TriAmpHiFi
11 ай бұрын
@@d.r.martin6301 Don't be so quick with the ".....not for you". Your Crown XLS1000 is 215Wpc of class D power. Of course it's not "warmth and romance" and who would want it to be? That's not the power amp's job. All Crowns are not class D. So if your looking for warmth, choose a Crown with a massive copper torodial & pretty fair capacitors such as the XLi line. The smallest is the underrated XLI800 (see Williston amp dyno test) which sells for $327 brand new or often less. It is rated at 200Wpc & even includes balanced inputs. Moreover, put a tube preamp, like a Freya with NOS valves, before the Crown class A/B and the sound will get warm & toasty right quick. Reggae, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
@chrisnunya7171
Жыл бұрын
Class A/B all the way! 👏🏼👏🏼
@SyzygyNoon
Жыл бұрын
Class D has its place, and we all know why, but I will bunk with you on this.
@j.m.w.5064
Жыл бұрын
Not with this price and size difference.
@shipsahoy1793
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I’d rather have a higher linearity amplifier that would by default have lower efficiency. I’m not that big on high efficiency amps or speakers, unless you really need to save weight and some space. I used Class D amplification with my electric bass guitar rig for convenience.
@Audiomainia2310
Жыл бұрын
Anyone who proclaims themselves to be a true audiophile knows Monolith amplifiers are private labeled by ATI - a California manufacturing company well known for the quality of their products. Leave class D amps where they belong - on subwoofers. "Neither one is better"? What's in your coffee.
@jonathanmoore8886
Жыл бұрын
@@Audiomainia2310 Sure. Whatever you say. You're the only real audiophile
@ryanjofre
Жыл бұрын
Both are better. I have a 3 channel JBL car amp with class A/B for the front components for the sound quality win and class D for tons of efficient power for the rear sub.😱
@LucienBill
Жыл бұрын
I thought I had already subscribed: I wasn't! It's done!
@bingdong8571
11 ай бұрын
Ive never seen a speaker shaped like a monolith. Opportunity there for monolith
@sukimtk
Жыл бұрын
how does fosi v3 compare ?
@andersdahlgren2723
14 күн бұрын
Don’t know but had two za3 bridged and the sound sucked compared to A300. But I do like that detailed sound and the black floor behind. Maybe Fosi it good if you like the “analog” sound.
@sHAPKOMAHs
Жыл бұрын
Smsl a300 or yamaha as300 ?
@netscrooge
Жыл бұрын
Don't forget headphone amps. If your living situation prevents you from cranking the volume way up, a powerful headphone amp has plenty of power to drive efficient speakers.
@iikatinggangsengii2471
10 ай бұрын
yeah used dac+amps for many speakers, they mostly work just fine for desktop pc use
@larrygaines7462
Жыл бұрын
Class d above 70hz(fmod),monoblock tpa3255, dayton plate subwoofer amp 500w. Douk preamplifier ,# bang for buck. Sound stage needs new tweeters.
@larrygaines7462
Жыл бұрын
My monoblocks like 8ohm loads and I listen above 100db, (auto installer,designer since 1972.)
@SyzygyNoon
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@eeyorebill04
Жыл бұрын
You linked to the 5 channel version of the monolith
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
You have to click on the two channel option. It’s the same link
@gregmatula9749
Жыл бұрын
By Randy's description if you plan on using a powered subwoofer the class d amp would be superior. Very intriguing.
@cgm246
7 ай бұрын
All the Monolith M X100 series Amps are on sale with code BIG25, except the M5100X
@kenanderson2216
Жыл бұрын
Amps should be a dollar/watt just like car stereos. For 1/2 way decent stuff. IMO. Whatever that's worth. LOL
@HappyHighwayman
Жыл бұрын
What does it even mean for a Class D amp to "fall apart"? What does "organic" sound mean?
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
Organic means it sounds like the instrument.
@OMDF01
Жыл бұрын
@@cheapaudioman Nah, it sounds like what it is: bs.
@bpalpha
Жыл бұрын
With the Emotiva BasX A2 at only $100 more, it's probably a better purchase than the Monoprice. A lot more watts coming from the A2.
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
I can’t disagree with you on that one
@SyzygyNoon
Жыл бұрын
I don’t remember you actually saying you got the Emotiva Airmotiv A1’s, but I know you wanted them. Seems like you got them. Maybe?
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
Yeah. I bought them. Too good of a deal to pass up
@ediarapi2213
Жыл бұрын
Why don’t you review some Arendal speakers sir cheap ?
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
They never asked me to
@1GREATDANE
Жыл бұрын
🎙 Burr Brown Chip Set all the way or Acoustic Research or Luxman R114 / R115 & R117 for 2 Channel and Vintage AR 48 or Vintage Wharfedale Linton 2's... Advent Maestro's and Your DONE 👌
@whocares0503
Жыл бұрын
No SMSL A1 Class A biased amp? HUM....
@lehsu
Жыл бұрын
How do you think the SMSL AO200MKII would sound compared to these two amps?
@gbmwaz
11 ай бұрын
AO200 MKI sounds better
@nchw68
Жыл бұрын
The problem with the small amps on Amazon and such is the power brick will likely fail in a few years. I have a dead power brick from a SMSL A2 that I left plugged into an outlet for several years but didn't use and it died. Instead of buying another cheap power brick from Amazon I turned to the electronics suppliers (Mouser, Digikey, Newark) and found a replacement power brick at Newark. It wasn't easy finding one though because they have so many types with varying voltage/amp outputs and plug styles and a lot of them are not stocked. You really have to pay attention to the plug style - 2.1mm x 5.5mm vs 2.5mm x 5.5mm and some have terminal block connections for medical or bench use.
@eddihaskell
11 ай бұрын
The Monoprice is not a "small" amp. It weighs about 25 pounds, and is about 17 inches wide - the size of most low "audiophile" amps. I am buying one and will test it. I need a new amp and I feel the same way about Class D small amps that you describe.
@nchw68
11 ай бұрын
The SMSL amp had less than 5 hours of light use but I left the power supply plugged in for several years without using the amp and the PSU died anyways. Pathetic quality these power bricks have. The amps are not a bargain at all when you factor in the trash PSU. I expect the Monoprice amp will have much better longevity.
@jamesminotto8036
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!!
@user-db8hs6dy4m
9 ай бұрын
The DAC in the A300 is mediocre at best. With a good DAC, it sounds several classes better.
@psyphonyxaudio
Жыл бұрын
Ex-queezzze me? .. Baking powder? .. Did you say you can Bridge the Monolith into 1 channel at 300 watts?.. (but likely at 8ohm minimum? ) Hhhmmmmmmm - I have to look into this .
@gbmwaz
11 ай бұрын
SMSL AO200 sounds better then A300
@randybehenna3081
Жыл бұрын
Afternoon Randy
@MarkShank
Жыл бұрын
Class A/B vs Class D in a Battle Royale
@HappyHighwayman
Жыл бұрын
I have listened to 2 Yamahas, 1 Aiyima, some Marantz Monoblocks, and a 2 channel Crown amp and I have found they all sound IDENTICAL regardless of power. I am not saying these guys make stuff up but I've never heard any of this stuff they claim like one amp has a specific "sound" or this amp has better bass. I think it's kind of BS at this point. Do you think an amp mfg tells its engineers to "make it sound a certain way"?
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
In your case I’d buy the cheapest one that has enough power. Thanks for watching. I’d check out the Sony two channel for about $150 vs the Fosi audio v3 for about $80 and see if you hear a difference. To me they are on opposite ends of the spectrum. The more products I listened to the more I started to hear differences. Can be hard sometimes. And the differences are sometimes very subtle
@HappyHighwayman
Жыл бұрын
@@cheapaudioman Thanks! Love your videos
@jman8368
Жыл бұрын
I can hear it clearly
@chrisAclaes
Жыл бұрын
Yeah. Any two competently built amps are likely difficult to distinguish.
@SyzygyNoon
Жыл бұрын
Did you just (as of this recording) get a haircut?
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
Yes
@SyzygyNoon
Жыл бұрын
@@cheapaudioman We are both due for a beardcut. Not because we must. Only because we can…and probably should.
@jayhyde7987
Жыл бұрын
Not a fan of Kurt ... Or band
@arianshahrokh1439
6 ай бұрын
Poor video imo.
@cheapaudioman
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment
@grhaggerty
Жыл бұрын
A budget A/B will beat an expensive class D
@100popsongs
Жыл бұрын
Laughable
@jonsays3762
Жыл бұрын
KZitem is unfortunately currently broken. Subbing your channel puts your Prime Day Stream in my queue six times a day. Here's an upthumb, anyhoot. I'll try subbing again in a few more days. edit: what's your method for leveling matching? curiosity gets the better of me!
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
That video gets pushed more than it should. I literally don’t understand why. It was a live stream. Never understood why that video got picked up by the algorithm.
@cheapaudioman
Жыл бұрын
And I level match with a db meter on my phone sometimes with a rear tone and sometimes my music and sometimes my ear. Depends. It’s far from perfect
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