[RDavidson]

It has been a couple of weeks since swapping from my Klipsch RP600 MIIs to the Dynaudio Evoke 10 and I have to say this combination is excellent! The Dyns have a significantly more detailed and open top end at the expense of bass depth (they’re smaller than the Klipschs). The Nilai has excellent detail and clarity across the board, but doesn’t sound “dry” or clinical to me, unlike some class D amps of yore and T-amps. One concern I had with this combination is bass output at low volumes, yet the Nilai seems to let go of the bass notes even in this scenario. Of course a little bit of EQ would help flesh the bass out more, but overall I’m satisfied with the results. Because my room is small, I’m sure I’m getting a bit of boundary reinforcement too.

In all, I have to say (again) I’m surprised and impressed. Could I live with just this amp and give up my Pass and First Watt amps? Yes, of course I could. I’m certain that many would be more than happy with the Nilai. It’s truly excellent. That said, there are still qualities with the Pass creations (particularly regarding the SIT-4) that will keep them in my rotation. I bought the Nilai as a summer amp after all. That base is now covered. I’m quite happy with it, particularly given its modest price!

[wushuliu]

The new GaN amps like the Laiv monoblocks seem to have finally crossed the rubicon and are on par with the best SS amps.

I have the new SMSL PA-X GaN amp ($699) and am in shock at the performance. I just ordered a second one to go dual mono. Based on the reviews I've seen it's not far behind the Laiv. The era of the TPA-based amps as the budget champs are over IMO.

[nc42acc]

Is it $600 better than the Douk A5?

I have the new SMSL PA-X GaN amp ($699) and am in shock at the performance. I just ordered a second one to go dual mono. Based on the reviews I've seen it's not far behind the Laiv. The era of the TPA-based amps as the budget champs are over IMO.

[wushuliu]

Is it $600 better than the Douk A5?

I don't own a Douk A5 but I'm well acquainted with the TPA amps as I was the first person to bring their sonic qualities to light (anyone remember the Dayens Ampino?), so I feel confident in saying *IMO* the SMSL will most certainly be better. I'm not saying the SMSL is 'great for the money', it's just great period.  Whether you prefer the presentation of the Douk is another story as we all have our preferences.

I have had my biases against companies like Topping and SMSL but lately they are pulling away from the 'measurements are the only thing that matters' model and are now cranking out some really really good ****.

[nc42acc]

I look forward to reading more about your listening sessions and further analysis of the SMSL. Thanks

I don't own a Douk A5 but I'm well acquainted with the TPA amps as I was the first person to bring their sonic qualities to light (anyone remember the Dayens Ampino?), so I feel confident in saying *IMO* the SMSL will most certainly be better. I'm not saying the SMSL is 'great for the money', it's just great period.  Whether you prefer the presentation of the Douk is another story as we all have our preferences.

I have had my biases against companies like Topping and SMSL but lately they are pulling away from the 'measurements are the only thing that matters' model and are now cranking out some really really good ****.

[fredgarvin]

I have the new SMSL PA-X GaN amp ($699) and am in shock at the performance. I just ordered a second one to go dual mono. Based on the reviews I've seen it's not far behind the Laiv. The era of the TPA-based amps as the budget champs are over IMO.

I just saw Tharbamar review the SMSL VMV A1 Pro GAN amp, he really likes it. It's a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than the PA-X and features 85 watts at 8 ohms. He compared it favorably to his favorite Accuphase,  running them as monoblocks.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I do not doubt that this amp sounds good.  My issue is repair.  I prefer to buy gear that is repairable here in the U.S. and known to be reliable.

[RDavidson]

I do not doubt that this amp sounds good.  My issue is repair.  I prefer to buy gear that is repairable here in the U.S. and known to be reliable.

Yep, I definitely can appreciate this sentiment. It may mean paying more, versus some imported gear (mostly from East Asia), but when problems arise there’s A LOT to be said about domestic customer service. Thankfully, with the Nilai, everything is modular and user-replaceable…as one should expect from a “modules in a box” amplifier.

[Fidel Costar]

Hi, I have a Marantz PM-KI Ruby integrated amp for sale.  It is about 4 years old.  It will be a collectors item.  It was Ken Ishiwata's (the Grand Master designer for Marantz) last design and build. 

Strange kind of guy, Ken Ishiwata. Some years ago, I met him in a hi-fi show in Brussels - Belgium. Only thing he said to me was "Yes, I know Ken Kessler".... 

[rojo]

Best class D that I've heard lately is the Axign GaN based. Heard it on a dev board from MPS and it was MAGICAL. I'd put it right up with a hypex or purifi that have been tuned for a palatable distortion. Class-D is to the point now that you could probably assemble your own system and save some cash. Even a dev board, find somebody willing part with an older infineon 12070 or 12040 dev board, build your own. Even an older TI dev board would be great, 0.05% THD+N in the right place is pretty awesome. They keep Fosi in business.

[Jon L]

There is no debating personal, subjective preferences. If you prefer certain types of distortion, much like certain people like dollops of A-1 steak sauce on Wagyu beef, that's your prerogative.

LOL.  I almost fell off my chair reading this because just last night, I cooked the most sumptuous Japanese wagyu steak and dabbed a bit of A-1 sauce (of course, modified by some nice horseradish and ketchup)!

Audiophiles today are sitting in embarrassment of riches.  IMO class D amplifiers have become "good enough" at such affordable prices that transparent amplification is no longer the bottleneck of a system, especially when compared to the elephant in the room, e.g. the listening room and speakers 

[FullRangeMan]

I could suggest this new release from SMSL for $555.
Also opinions are welcomed.
https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/s-m-s-l-pa400-power-amplifier?_pos=2&_sid=e9eb9eb60&_ss=r

[Jeff_From_Michigan]

I could suggest this new release from SMSL for $555.
Also opinions are welcomed.
https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/s-m-s-l-pa400-power-amplifier?_pos=2&_sid=e9eb9eb60&_ss=r

Not an opinion, but a question: What is the purpose of that round knob?

Thanks in advance!

[rooze]

I was on the Starkrimson tour over on Steve Hoffman's forum and had a pair of Orchard Audio Starkrimson 25 monos at home for a week. They sounded very good - detailed, dynamic, quiet, good presentation overall but a little too neutral for my tastes. A warmer tube linestage upstream would certainly help, but unfortunately I mistimed things and mine was sold a few weeks prior to receiving the amps.

My reference for years was the Veloce Audio Saetta, a hybrid battery powered design with 6h30 input tube and a Hypex power module. I think the new Ganfet amps have improved upon the old Hypex/ICE designs quite considerably in terms of detail and resolution, but I'm not convinced they have the musicality to go toe-to-toe with a good tube amp.

[FullRangeMan]

Not an opinion, but a question: What is the purpose of that round knob?

Thanks in advance!

Navigate on the parameters at the screen.

[JakeJ]

Or read.