Firstly I would like to thank Singxer for sending me this sample for review.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
PC > SDA-2 > HiFiMAN HE500 / multiple IEM’s / Final D8000 and more.
TV > SDA-2 > Rotel RB-06 > B&W 606
Tech Specs:
Sample rate supported by each input interface:
PCM: 44.1KHz,48KHz,88.2KHz,96KHz,176.4KHz,192KHz,352.8KHz,384KHz
DSD: 2.8 MHz (DSD64) – DoP,native
5.6 MHz (DSD128) – DoP,native
11.2 MHz (DSD256) – DoP,native
22.5792 MHz (DSD512) – native
Bit width: Up to 32 bit over I2S output
Up to 24 bit over S/PDIF
Output level (0dBFS):
PCM: RCA single-ended output is 2V RMS, XLR balanced output is 4V RMS
DSD: RCA single-ended output is 1.8V RMS, XLR balanced output is 3.6V RMS
Output impedance: 22 ohms (RCA single ended) / 44 ohms (XLR balanced)
Frequency response: 20-20kHz +/-0.2dB
Signal to noise ratio: 125dB
Distortion characteristics:
THD+N (1kHz, 0dBFS) 0.00025% at fs=44.1Khz (PCM)
THD+N (1kHz, 0dBFS) 0.00030% at DSD256
Dynamic response (1kHz, -60dBFS) 125dB
Left and right channel separation >125dB
Balanced output noise floor: 2.2uv RMS
Amp balance maximum output power 3480mW@30Ω, 0dBFS
Load power
30Ω 3480mW
75Ω 1640mW
150Ω 920mW
300Ω 440mW
600Ω 220mW
Distortion of the amp balanced output, 0dBFS, fs=44.1Khz (PCM)
75Ω load THD+N -105dB
600Ω load THD+N -110dB
SINGXER SDA2 AK4497 Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC)
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
The SDA-2 comes in a pretty plain brown cardboard box with the branding on the outside, but open this up and you’ll find the SDA-2 very well held in place with foam inserts and the accessories tightly packaged around the edge. The item is very well protected during shipping, but the packaging is quite plain and simple, not an issue in my opinion though.
The build quality is excellent, it is hefty and feels solid. The inputs feel great, the outputs too and everything just feels built to last on it. I honestly cannot fault a single bit of the build quality, it is quite industrial looking which I actually like.
Accessory wise you get a high quality USB cable and a power cable, along with the remote control. Enough to keep most happy and everything you need is included.
Usage:
The SDA-2 is a DAC/Amp/Pre-Amp, it has digital only inputs (coax, optical, USB, I2S and AES) which should cover most peoples bases. It has a 4-pin balanced XLR headphone output on the front, along with a 6.3mm unbalanced headphone socket. On the back you have both XLR and RCA outputs for using it as a pure DAC or as a DAC/Pre-Amp. There are 3 buttons on the front that control the digital filters (SHARP, SLOW, S‐sharp, S‐slow, NOS or Low‐dispersion), Pre or Fixed output from the rear outputs, and the input.
It’s pretty easy to figure out how all of it works, and I have found it to be very “plug and play” with everything I use. The OLED screen shows the relevant information and is easy to read, the remote works well and is great if you are integrating the SDA-2 into a home hifi system.
Sound:
The SDA-2 uses the AKM4497EQ DAC chip and most are led to believe this is a smoother sounding DAC chip over the ESS equivalent, but to me it all comes down to implementation. The Topping DX7 Pro is the main competitor in this price range, and it has a slightly more clinical approach to representing your music, whereas the SDA-2 is no-less detailed, but it doesn’t put a focus on making you concentrate on every fine detail as much. The SDA-2 is incredible effortless and refined in its presentation, more in line with products like the Element M, with a tiny hint of smoothness that doesn’t detract from the overall balance, nor does it hinder the detail retrieval.
I would not say the SDA-2 is warm, nor is the DX7 Pro cold, but they are slightly different levels of neutral. The DX7 Pro leaning towards a more analytical sound, and the SDA-2 towards a more natural and expansive sound. One point I will note is that the SDA-2 is not very good with IEM’s, there is some background hiss that can be problematic with sensitive monitors, but plug in some full size headphones and you get incredible performance. It drives the HE500 with ease and grace, offering up a controlled yet refined sound that is effortless and enjoyable whilst still detailed.
It’s equally at home in my hifi setup, bringing the same attributes to the table, with a clean and black background. It doesn’t have as many features as the Element M, but in sound it comes close with a similar presentation, being wide and smooth. Where the Element M succeeds is with higher resolving capabilities that you would expect for the price difference.
The more time I spend with the SDA-2 the more I come to appreciate it’s sound, the DX7 Pro wants to grab your attention with all the detail and super flat sound. The SDA-2 instead wants you to sit back and listen to the music with a certain refinement that enables you to just enjoy the music.
Conclusion:
Singxer have done a brilliant job at making a technically sound, and musically enjoyable DAC/Amp with a great set of features along with solid build quality. If you are not worried about using it with IEM’s, I can highly recommend this unit for an all-in-one device. It is equally at home in a hifi system being used as the DAC or DAC/Pre-Amp.
Sound Perfection Rating: 9/10 (not suitable for IEM’s, but a very refined sounding DAC/Amp)