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SMSL SA-98E: What is the dark magic?!?!

fredgarvin said:
Nice. I read elsewhere in another forum that this is a surprisingly good sounding amp. He compared it favorably to his Pioneer m-22. I did see that the Nobsound has a slightly different cap and transistor setup, instead of that big output cap.

Click to expand...

Interesting indeed. Now of course I want both to compare. Price is similar and I wonder what other differences there are. Actually they look pretty similar aside from what you noted. Here's the schematic for those who can interpret & compare:

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How accurately does it relate to the photo(s)? Anyone? I'm an architect not an EE
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lattiboy said:
That’s insane! Can’t be right, can it?
Click to expand...

We live in a time of miracles, sort of. Our Chinese friends are also selling this 'study copy' of the Dartzeel NHB-108,
for approximately 1/27th the MSRP of the real thing. (Since we're not supposed to quote actual costs in this forum!)
Of course, even that is a hefty chunk of change for a bit of a crapshoot with after-sale customer service = nil.

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EDIT: Put it in its own thread http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/krell-1969-hood.794345/
 
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Does anyone have experience with the basic ebay TDA7498 boards? Looks like there are a few minor variations:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TDA7498-2-Channel-2X100W-Digital-Stereo-Power-Amplifier-Board-Module-DC-8-32V-K/222536808992?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

This one has RCA in instead of the 3 pin connector

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/DC-14-34V-TDA7498-Class-D-Digital-Power-Amplifier-Board-2x100W-Automotive-Car/282380224072?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

This one adds the jack for the PS so is pretty much plug and play

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TDA7498-2-100W-High-Power-Class-D-Two-channel-Audio-Digital-Amplifier-Board/132180250647?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

There is even a BT version (I assume 7492 is a version of the 7498)

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TDA7492P-Bluetooth-4-2-CSR-Audio-Receiver-Digital-Amplifier-Board-2x50W/112227904785?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

That last one does lack the features you get on the 3116 BT board, USB reader, SD reader, remote, FM or BT antenna.
 
Raynald said:
Does anyone have experience with the basic ebay TDA7498 boards? Looks like there are a few minor variations:


http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TDA7492P-Bluetooth-4-2-CSR-Audio-Receiver-Digital-Amplifier-Board-2x50W/112227904785?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

That last one does lack the features you get on the 3116 BT board, USB reader, SD reader, remote, FM or BT antenna.
Click to expand...

I have the last one, I use it to power my garage speakers. Using a 19.5v laptop psu on it, powering a pair of BIC dv62
 
I use it solely for the bluetooth, it sounds better than any standalone bluetooth speaker. I've had friends comment that it sounds really good. The speakers I'm powering with it are sitting on top of storage cabinets in the garage though. But the way I'm using it, definitely no critical listening has ever been done with it. Only for background music while I do stuff in the garage.
 
fredgarvin said:
Nice. I read elsewhere in another forum that this is a surprisingly good sounding amp. He compared it favorably to his Pioneer m-22. I did see that the Nobsound has a slightly different cap and transistor setup, instead of that big output cap.

Click to expand...
This appears to use bipolar transistors, the other mosfets.
 
Raynald said:
Does anyone have experience with the basic ebay TDA7498 boards? Looks like there are a few minor variations:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TDA7498-2-Channel-2X100W-Digital-Stereo-Power-Amplifier-Board-Module-DC-8-32V-K/222536808992?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

This one has RCA in instead of the 3 pin connector

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/DC-14-34V-TDA7498-Class-D-Digital-Power-Amplifier-Board-2x100W-Automotive-Car/282380224072?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

This one adds the jack for the PS so is pretty much plug and play

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TDA7498-2-100W-High-Power-Class-D-Two-channel-Audio-Digital-Amplifier-Board/132180250647?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

There is even a BT version (I assume 7492 is a version of the 7498)

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TDA7492P-Bluetooth-4-2-CSR-Audio-Receiver-Digital-Amplifier-Board-2x50W/112227904785?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

That last one does lack the features you get on the 3116 BT board, USB reader, SD reader, remote, FM or BT antenna.
Click to expand...

Not TDAs.. but really like the Chinese IR2092 boards out like these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Assembled-...227593?hash=item2caa919109:g:RYgAAOSw7ThUfDgn
 
bigx5murf said:
I've wondered what type of power supply you use with something like that. I figured you'd need two 48v switching or two toroidals. Also, what would you use as a preamp?
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Yes - or a typical linear supply with +/- rail voltages can work. Which makes the IRS boards suitable as class D replacement boards in class A/B amps.
 
It seems like that might be the best deal for the SA-98E, is that right? I haven't it for under $100 shipped.

And, has anyone done a comparison vs. the TPA3116 amps? That is what I am using now.
 
bubba42 said:
It seems like that might be the best deal for the SA-98E, is that right? I haven't it for under $100 shipped.

And, has anyone done a comparison vs. the TPA3116 amps? That is what I am using now.
Click to expand...

I'd be interested too. I have the 98E, but I am looking to pickup the Nobsound Dual TPA3116 for $50. I hardly ever put the 98E above 6 o'clock as it's so damn loud. Thinking maybe dual chips would be a better sound, even at a lower power output.
 
I have the single and dual chip 3116 by breeze/nobsound. So far I don't hear a difference, so I might recommend the single chip, as I can barely move the volume knob on the dual chip, plus it pumps out music with the volume off, which annoys me a bit.

I am really interested to compare the TPA3116 amps with the TDA7498 based amps.
 
The 7498 from what I've read compares favorably with the 311x, with differences leaning towards personal preference. But TI has improved on these amps with the new TPA32XX series that have been around for about a year now. The TPA3250, 3251, 3245, and 3255. I think there's another one low-powered like the 311X. Lots of discussion happening about them elsewhere. The 3250 (50W), 3251 (175W-4ohm oriented), and 3255 (8ohm oriented) are available on Ebay. All are available from TI (if you can score the 50% discount). If you love the 311X, etc. you will be even more impressed. For the first time I can say although I'm sure I will eventually try other amps, I could live with my 3251 as my only amp. TI has really thrown the gauntlet down on audiophile performance (for the masses).
 
I got the SA-98E and I have to say I am disappointed with the amount of hiss on the amp. Significantly more than my TPA3116-based amps. It does seem to have a bit more bass, but the hiss.
 
Interesting. I wonder if you got a bad one. If it's really audible I'd consider sending it back.

Can't stand issues with the 'noise floor'!
 
I don't know what I can do, I got it from Massdrop. Do you all not hear a hiss at all? Even with your ear near the speaker?
 
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