Интегральные усилители — SMSL DA-9

The DA-9 is a compact Bluetooth integrated amplifier from the Chinese brand SMSL, styled in the same matte black aluminium as the SU-9 DAC and SH-9 headphone amplifier so that the three can be stacked as one desktop system. The body is machined by CNC and anodised, and it originally sold for USD 249.99 in the United States. SMSL has since discontinued the model.

Key specs that matter

Two Infineon MA12070 chips, based on the MERUS architecture that differs from conventional class D designs, deliver 2 x 50 W into 8 ohm, 2 x 90 W into 4 ohm and 2 x 150 W into 2 ohm, with an efficiency of up to 92%. THD+N is 0.003%, the signal-to-noise ratio is 111 dB and channel separation reaches 96 dB. Input sensitivity is 250 mV and input impedance is 47 kohm. The unit draws 40 W in normal use and 0.5 W in standby, which meets the European ErP2 low standby rule. It measures 187.5 x 154 x 40 mm and weighs 0.96 kg.

Engineering and use context

SMSL describes the DA-9 as fully balanced from the input to the speaker terminals. Level control uses the NJW1194 volume IC from the Japanese firm NJRC instead of an analogue pot. The internal supply is a medical-grade module with a large, low-leakage switching transformer, rated for 300 W of instantaneous power, so no external adapter is needed. The Bluetooth 5.0 receiver supports aptX. A colour LCD shows the selected input and volume, and the front knob doubles as a menu navigator. Built-in settings include adjustable bass and treble, EQ presets named Direct, Tone, Bass, Super Bass, Rock, Soft and Clear, the SDB mode patented by SMSL that applies loudness compensation based on the Fletcher-Munson curves, a soft clipping option and display brightness control. The supplied remote also operates the SU-9 and SH-9, and the box holds a power cord and an external Bluetooth antenna. Three rubber feet support the case.

Pairing

With a single balanced XLR input and a single RCA input at the back, the DA-9 can take a DAC with either output type, and the XLR link keeps the balanced path intact. A subwoofer pre-out allows a 2.1 system with a powered subwoofer. Because the power rating rises into 2 ohm, the amplifier tolerates low-impedance bookshelf speakers, while its compact case suits a desk or a small shelf beside a computer.

Alternatives

The SMSL AO200 is another MA12070-based integrated amplifier from the brand, adding a USB input to the XLR, RCA and Bluetooth options.