s.m.s.l DA-9

Jay's Iyagi found the amplifier dead silent even at elevated volume, praising its clean sound and lack of audible frequency attenuation. Tharbamar likewise heard a clean, natural and accurate presentation with impressive detail and separation for the money, although HiFi Turtle found it less resolving than much costlier hardware and noted some Bluetooth treble harshness.

Tharbamar describes a natural, accurate balance with clean mids, smooth high-frequency extension and strong vocal reproduction. Cheap Audio Man found the DA-9 outstanding with its EQ engaged, especially the SDB mode, but felt direct mode could sound somewhat flat or typical of Class D amplification.

The DA-9 is specified at 50 watts into 8 ohms, 90 watts into 4 ohms and 150 watts into 2 ohms, with reviewers highlighting its unusually accommodating 2-ohm rating. HiFi Turtle reported no shortage of power even with Focal Sopra No.2 speakers, while Jay's Iyagi found it could fill a room to very high levels and preserve the Fine F500's dynamics.

Tharbamar heard very good space between instruments, supporting an open and separated presentation. Cheap Audio Man also heard improved clarity, instrument separation and some added soundstage width through the balanced inputs, though he was less certain of a major imaging change.

Tharbamar describes a solidly built enclosure and a crisp, attractive display, while Cheap Audio Man also regarded the updated display as a meaningful improvement over the DA-8. HiFi Turtle found the small five-way binding posts accepted standard banana plugs without issue, although their compact size is a practical compromise.

The DA-9 combines balanced XLR and RCA analogue inputs, a subwoofer output, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, and eight selectable EQ modes including a direct setting. Its internal power supply and improved front display add everyday convenience, while the absence of onboard digital inputs, DAC functions or network streaming keeps it focused on analogue and Bluetooth use.

At roughly $225-$250, reviewers repeatedly characterize the DA-9 as unusually strong value: Tharbamar calls it a great buy, and Jay's Iyagi calls it an absolute steal and among the best bang-for-buck amplifiers available. Jay's Iyagi even preferred its overall performance and noise floor to a $1,000 Marantz in his comparison, while Cheap Audio Man considered it an improvement over the preceding DA-8.