SMSL SA-36A PLUS vs SMSL SA-36A PRO

[thrillernight]

Is there anybody who used SMSL SA-36A Plus model? Which one I should prefer SMSL SA-36A Pro or Plus?

SPECIFICATIONS OF SMSL SA-36A PLUS:
Output power(4ohm): 30W *2
Amplifier IC: TPA3118
Bluetooth version: 3.0/4.0/4.1
Power consumption: 22W
Standby power: 0.5W
Input: BT/USB Audio/U-Disk/TF card/3.5mm
Output: banana jack
Power supply: 24V
Color: Black/Sliver
Net weight :approx. 322g.
Gross weight: 748g

Thanks in advance

 

[Konzentr8]

Unless you absolutely need bluetooth / tf card functions then go for the Pro but be aware that many sites like Amazon and e bay list it as having a TPA 31I8 chip when unless its old stock ( pre late 2015 ) then despite the description it will have a a TDA 7492 PE chip .
Remember also power is rated @ 10 % THD .
If you use the forum search function there are lots of posts regarding the SA 36 .
Some sellers still list it Tripath its not that went out of production years ago .


edit if it's a 31I8 it will have a power rating of 12 - 24 v shown under the dc in a 7492 PE will have 12 - 15 v

 

[thrillernight]

Thanks for the reply. In the description plus version has 30W *2 power but pro 20W *2. Does it make any difference? Prices are very close on these products.

 

[Konzentr8]

30 watt is stretching it a bit the 3118 chip should put out around 25 watts using a 24 v supply but remember thats into 4ohm @ 10 % THD . A more realistic figure would be around 11-12 watts at low distortion . In the real world the 7492 PE is about the same . Another thing to bear in mind the 3118 tends to " pop " speakers when powered on/off.
My personal choice would be the Pro don't get too influenced by the power quotes .
What equipment are you planning to connect it to ?
Another option would be the Smsl SA 50 which isn't that much more at around GBP 50 and will give about 20 real watts into 8 ohm at low distortion.

 

[irribeo]

I don't think the PLUS will "pop" looking at pcb pictures, power is 30w 8ohm 1% thd,
40 w 8 ohm 10% thd, using a 24v psu and if pcb can get heat away quick enough

 

[Konzentr8]

30 watts @ 8 ohm with 1% thd using a 3118 really ?

 

[irribeo]

Does it seem too much ? 🙂

 

[Konzentr8]

I was just looking at TI 's spec 's for the 3118 claims 30 w @ 8ohm for the 3118 D2 chip on a daul layer pcb with no heatsink. I'm surprised 🙂 no thd given though .

 

[Konzentr8]

edit i just saw the graph 's still surprised 🙂

 

[irribeo]

SMSL tpa3118 could be 1% thd at 10 watt 4 ohm if SMSL is much worse than TI EVM, dualchip 3116 chinese ampboard is >1% thd at 1 watt I believe 🙂

 

[Konzentr8]

I'd like to see a real world test using bass heavy music of the Smsl attemping to match those TI figures, i suspect it would end in a " disco inferno " 🙂

 

[irribeo]

Music is a lot easier signal than sinewave, it should do very well.

SMSL Plus pcb shows some parts connected to sdz pin 2 and to mute pin 12, I think they added anti-pop

 

[Konzentr8]

Anti pop is a good move that was always the thing that put me off the old 3118 pro version .

 

[hifix]

I have a 36a Pro (TPA3118) and the turn off pop is a real shocker. I'm not too sure that one could call that particular amp retail ready (esp considering the very nice sounding and pop free 36a).

 

[thrillernight]

Thank you all for the replies. I'm very new on this, so im not sure if I understand you completely. Should I go with Plus or Pro?

 

[Konzentr8]

Simply put do you need bluetooth ? If not then i would pick the pro personally , what are your speaker's ?
The latest model has " pop " suppression btw .

 

[irribeo]

If "pop" turns you off, Plus might be better choice, but I haven't seen reviews yet. I do know buying the Pro will most likely get you a tda7492, not a tpa3118.

 

[Konzentr8]

I have yet to see an accurate description on any sellers site regarding the SA 36 since the " new " model was released . Most use a mixture of all 3 models . The only sure way to tell , other than opening ,is by the power supply rating shown on the back 2020 - 12 -14 v / 3118 - 12 - 24 v / 7492 pe 12 - 15 v you can't trust the photos on sellers sites either as they show various models . Until you actually get one it's a lottery although the 7492 pe seems to be the one most receive now unless someone has old stock available ( unlikely ) .

 

[Konzentr8]

If your concerns relate to more watts = more volume then it's not quite that simple . In the " real " world in a nearfield environment then ten watts is more than enough . As an example my SA 36 7492 pe model used with 89 db w/m 8 ohm speaker's at a distance of 3 metres were more than loud enough at ten o'clock on the volume dial. More watts in general just allow more headroom for dynamic peaks and reduce the chances of clipping . It 's a bit more complicated but i'm trying to keep it simple.
Tell us your source and speakers and maybe we can advise a bit more .

 

[thrillernight]

Thanks for suggestions 🙂 I probably wont need bluetooth so if I can find it with 3118, I will pick pro. I will use my TV and computer as a source and maybe my phone. I dont have any speakers right now, Im thinking to buy some budget speakers after the amplifier.