SMSL Panda DAC and Headphone Amplifier Set Discussions | Drop

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SMSL Panda DAC and Headphone Amplifier Set

Audiophile

FULL DISCUSSION

JGalt

Mar 9, 2016

Where are the frequency response specs? The distortion and noise floor specs ... all missing! We can't hear it online so without these we are shopping blind (or deaf so to speak!).

Mar 9, 2016

Uberchurl

Mar 9, 2016

JGaltHere are the specs on the PHA headphone amp: http://www.shenzhenaudio.com/smsl-sanskrit-pha-pro-hifi-headphone-amplifier.html

Mar 9, 2016

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Uberchurl

Mar 9, 2016

JGaltHere are the specs on the Pro-B DAC: http://www.shenzhenaudio.com/smsl-sanskrit-pro-b-ak4490eq-32bit-384khz-dsd-dac-asynchronous-bluetooth-4-0.html

Mar 9, 2016

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JGalt

Mar 9, 2016

UberchurlThanks for this but still missing frequency response ... BTW the distortion, channel separation and SNR specs are incredible (whomever is in charge of the website has specifications spelled incorrectly - NBD).

Mar 9, 2016

fjrabon

456

Mar 10, 2016

JGalthave you ever seen frequency response specs for a decent amp that didn't measure flat from 20Hz to 20 kHz?

Mar 10, 2016

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JGalt

Mar 10, 2016

fjrabonWell ... Yes. And as far as specs for amplifiers are concerned there is something called CAF (Common Amplifier Format (and CLF for loudspeakers for that matter): http://www.avnetwork.com/entry/common-amplifier-format-helps-integrators-cut-through-bad-specs/962 Slew rate is one that makes a world of difference in the sound. And what is sound? Clear yet not harsh highs, smooth yet not muddling mid-range and tight deep bass without being swampy ... remember when the producer said "Less Orangey, more round"? Transient response, inherent noise ... are all important specs in addition to the standard 20Hz - 20KHz standard (which by the way, almost all pieces in the reproduction chain can claim but what does the chart look like? Is the response more than 3db down between 38 and 18HZ and above 18KHz? And I have heard "flat" 20Hz to 20KHz sound sterile and not so musical. For example, a Neumann microphone is NOT FLAT. It has a signature sound that most find enhances what's in the room. If I'm recording a great player on a stradivarius in a neutral room I want more of a flat mic whereas if I am recording a female vocalist that is having rouble cutting through a dense track, I'll want something like a Neumann M149. Yes, I agree you have to hear it but there are few dealers that stock such products (tube amplifiers and such) so we can't hear it first. We have to rely on owners to tell us and yes, the specs. As a result, being able to return products if they don't sound good to us is VERY important. Believe me, I don't want the hassle of having to return products and I don't buy a bunch and return the ones I don't like. I'm trying to do as much homework as I can before making my decision. As are we all. Finally ... In the immortal words of Christopher Walken: "More cowbell").

Mar 10, 2016