SMSL AMAZING $260 Integrated Amplifier!! Review!

United States of Analog | September 18, 2023

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🎙️ Early Video Analysis

What is this video about?

This video is a review of the SMSL AL200 integrated amplifier, which costs $260. The host Bob discusses his experience with this Class D amplifier, covering its features, build quality, and value proposition in the budget audiophile market. He frames it within the context of audiophile culture and the search for components that “punch above their weight.”

What gear, products, or brands are discussed?

• SMSL AL200 integrated amplifier [00:00:25]: $260, Class D, 85 watts x2 into 8 ohms or 165 watts x2 into 4 ohms, includes MQA decoding, EQ presets, multiple inputs (optical, USB, coax, RCA analog), headphone output, weighs 4 pounds
• Technics 70 watt digital amplifier [00:03:26]: Used as comparison for power output accuracy
• Fozzy V3 power amp [00:04:54]: Recently released, mentioned as another product that exceeds quality expectations in its category
• First edition PlayStation 1 [00:01:01]: Mentioned humorously as potential replacement for $6,000 CD player

What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?

• The SMSL AL200 has changed his perception of what “fun-fi” (a term he created) can be [00:02:09]
• The amplifier feels genuinely powerful and the power specs seem accurate, unlike some other budget products [00:03:26]
• Build quality exceeds expectations for the price category – feels heavy and solid [00:03:15]
• The unit transcends quality expectations from other gear in this category and is “something you can be proud to own” [00:04:55]
• The interface is user-friendly, taking only about 10 minutes to get comfortable with [00:05:24]

Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?

• Warning about managing expectations in the audio hobby and being realistic [00:00:38]
• Caution about all the “crazy stuff” you’ll encounter about components that punch above their weight [00:01:17]

Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?

• Self-deprecating admission about trying to use outdoor extension cords as speaker cable and a PlayStation 1 as a CD player: “Guilty as charged your honor” [00:01:12]
• Joke about audiophiles with ultimate systems being “guys with no kids or child support” [00:01:38]
• Philosophy that buying an endgame system immediately lacks “sport” – “Most of us are searchers. We enjoy the hunt” [00:01:54]
• Dismissive attitude toward digital filters: “if you want to get your digital hands dirty. I don’t.” [00:05:14]

Summary

In this opening portion of the review, host Bob introduces the SMSL AL200 integrated amplifier as a $260 Class D unit that has exceeded his expectations for budget audio gear. He begins with a humorous discussion of audiophile culture, acknowledging the tendency to chase bargains and components that perform above their price point, while admitting to some questionable experiments of his own like using extension cords as speaker cables.

Bob presents the AL200 as a well-built, feature-rich amplifier that challenges preconceptions about budget components. He details its specifications including 85 watts per channel, MQA decoding capability, multiple digital and analog inputs, EQ presets, and quality internal components from reputable manufacturers like JRC and Infineon. The physical design is compact but solid, weighing four pounds with no heat issues during extended use.

The host emphasizes that this amplifier represents what he calls “fun-fi” – affordable gear that doesn’t compromise on quality or features. He praises its user interface, build quality, and suggests it transcends typical expectations for products in this price category. The review appears to be building toward a very positive assessment, with Bob clearly impressed by the value proposition and performance he’s experienced so far.

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⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis

What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?

• SMSL AL-200 integrated amplifier ($260)
• Bluesound Node Gen 3 streamer ($600)
• Weem mini streamer ($80)
• Jusheli Labs J2 DAC (AKM DAC)
• Klipsch Forte 4 speakers
• Klipsch Gen 1 RP-600M speakers
• KEF LS-50 Meta speakers
• Marantz 70s receiver (referenced for comparison)

What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?

• [00:06:19] The host likes MQA processing despite controversy: “I think it sounds great to my ears”
• [00:09:06] KEF LS-50 Meta “came alive” with the AL-200: “exceptional combination”
• [00:09:09-00:09:12] The AL-200 improved the LS-50’s soundstage and center image
• [00:10:01-00:10:07] Direct/zero EQ mode delivers “more of that audiophile sound” with “depth and imaging and separation”
• [00:10:26-00:10:28] The AL-200 is described as a “component that’s fun”

Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?

• [00:06:49-00:07:01] Tested Steely Dan’s “Hey 19” from Tidal via Node optical connection, noted MQA indicator light activation
• [00:07:20-00:07:29] Tested Muddy Waters “Home in the Delta” with Weem mini streamer, achieved MQA 192 processing
• [00:08:45-08:52] Forte 4 pairing was “fun, punchy, and clean sounding” but price mismatched
• [00:09:21] Forgot subwoofer wasn’t connected when using LS-50 Meta
• [00:09:32-09:47] EQ 2 SDB mode described as “loudness switch” giving “punchy, forward, maybe slightly exaggerated sound”
• [00:10:17-10:21] Could not hear differences in digital filter settings

Were there any price/value assessments?

• [00:08:41-08:45] Forte 4s cost equivalent to “20 AL-200s” – called “unfair” price delta
• [00:08:53-08:57] LS-50 Meta costs “about the price of six AL-200s”
• [00:07:34] Noted MQA 192 capability from “$80 streamer”

Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?

• [00:09:32-09:35] EQ 2 SDB compared to “loudness switch on my 70s Marantz receiver”
• [00:07:35-07:38] Weem mini streamer size compared to “Fancy Feast cat food can”

Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?

• [00:06:49] Steely Dan’s “Hey 19” (from Tidal)
• [00:07:20] Muddy Waters’ “Home in the Delta” from his album (described as “Amazeballs folk singer album”)

Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?

• [00:05:43-05:46] “Sub heads can always find a way” with right speakers and cables for subwoofer connection
• [00:10:01] Recommends using direct/zero EQ mode 90% of the time for audiophile sound
• [00:09:47-09:50] EQ settings particularly good for classic rock and low-level listening

Any memorable quotes or strong takes?

• [00:06:09] “Maybe a sucker is born every minute, but I look at it as another weapon in my audio arsenal”
• [00:06:36] “No one ever died from listening to MQA”
• [00:07:01-07:04] “MQA, baby! I say, don’t hate, participate”
• [00:07:37-07:39] “That’s actually the best reference you’re gonna hear during this entire video” (about cat food can size comparison)
• [00:09:08] “Mez, where have you been all my life?”
• [00:10:34-10:37] “Not every one of my listening sessions is about dissecting the sound to the nth degree. That would be exhausting”

Summary

This portion focuses heavily on the host’s testing methodology and listening impressions of the SMSL AL-200. The host defends his appreciation for MQA processing despite audiophile controversy, demonstrating the AL-200’s MQA capabilities with both expensive and budget streamers. He’s particularly impressed that an $80 Weem mini streamer can deliver MQA 192 processing through the amplifier, calling it smaller than a cat food can.

The listening tests reveal strong synergy between the AL-200 and various speakers, especially the KEF LS-50 Meta, which the host says “came alive” with improved soundstage and imaging. He notes the amplifier’s ability to make him forget about using a subwoofer, even with bookshelf speakers. The EQ options provide flexibility, with the direct mode delivering audiophile qualities and EQ 2 SDB offering a fun, punchy sound reminiscent of vintage Marantz loudness switches.

Throughout this section, the host emphasizes the “fun” factor of the AL-200, suggesting that not every listening session needs to be analytical. He positions himself as more of a dedicated listener than a technical reviewer, focusing on musical enjoyment over microscopic sound dissection. The price comparisons highlight the AL-200’s value proposition, though he acknowledges testing with much more expensive speakers than typical buyers might use.

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🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict

Gear, Products, and Brands Discussed

• SMSL AL-200 integrated amplifier ($260) [00:11:47, 00:13:25]
• Klipsch 600M speakers [00:11:21]
• Technics Class D/digital amplifier (described as “ten times the cost”) [00:11:32, 00:13:36]
• Weem mini streamer ($80) [00:13:09]
• Shelly Labs J2 external DAC [00:13:17]
• Mac hybrid amp [00:14:06]

Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion

[00:13:01] The host concludes this “might very well be the best $260 you can spend for an almost all-in amplifier” for both newcomers and seasoned audiophiles willing to manage expectations. [00:14:22] He describes it as “a nice combination of detail and punch” and emphasizes it provides an authentic audiophile experience at the price point.

Final Recommendations

Strong Buy Recommendation: [00:13:08] “Just add speakers or headphones, add a Weem mini streamer for 80 bucks, and you’re cruising with high-res and MQA master audio.” [00:15:01] “Don’t pass on this amp for what it’s not. Get it for what it is.”

Final Tips, Caveats, and Advice

• [00:14:24] “Just don’t overthink it when you’re listening. Have fun.”
• [00:14:38] Recommends using the default EQ for “the most audiophile experience”
• [00:13:42] Manage expectations – it won’t replace gear costing many times more
• [00:15:42] At $260, “you can breathe and have fun” without the pressure of expensive gear justification

How the Video Wrapped Up

[00:16:05] The host thanked viewers “for being here in the United States of Analog today,” encouraged them to check out the amp, and invited them to watch future videos or explore his past content before signing off with “We’ll see you next time.”

Memorable Closing Quotes

[00:16:00] “You can relax, listen, because you just beat the system.”

[00:15:47] “You could listen and enjoy the healing properties of the music, like when you were a kid, when you were younger, before you had a career with a little discretionary income, before you became obsessive.”

Summary

In this final portion, the host delivers his enthusiastic verdict on the SMSL AL-200 integrated amplifier, comparing it favorably to his much more expensive Technics amplifier and noting how it revitalized his appreciation for his Klipsch 600M speakers. He acknowledges some limitations compared to higher-end gear – slightly less depth and soundstage width, and a somewhat forward sound – but emphasizes these don’t detract from the overall excellent value proposition.

The host strongly recommends the AL-200 as potentially the best $260 investment for an integrated amplifier, suggesting simple additions like a Weem mini streamer for high-res audio or an external DAC for enhanced performance. He positions it at the high end of the “FunFi” category and notes the lack of meaningful competition at this price point with similar features and form factor.

The review concludes with philosophical reflections on the audiophile hobby, contrasting the pressure and analytical listening that comes with expensive gear versus the pure musical enjoyment possible with well-performing budget equipment. The host suggests that the AL-200’s modest price point allows listeners to rediscover the simple pleasure of music without the burden of justifying expensive purchases, ultimately describing the experience as “beating the system.”

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Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.