SMSL VMV A1 and DA9 arrived at the market

SMSL has just released two new amplifiers, but VMV A1 and DA9 offer different philosophies. More affordable DA-9 will cost you $250 and it’s a class D design packing 2 x 50 W into 8 Ohms (up to 150 W into 2 Ohms). It packs both single-ended and balanced inputs, as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

SMSL DA-9 highlights

• 150W x2 (2Ω)
• Bluetooth 5.0
• NJRC NJW1194 volume control chip
• Balanced input
• CNC precision processing
• SMSL SDB patented sound
• Color LCD display
• Remote control
• Subwoofer preamp out
• 8 EQ modes

Specs

• Inputs: XLR, RCA, Bluetooth
• THD+N: 0.003%
• SNR: 111dB
• Channel separation: 96dB
• Input sensitivity/input impedance: 250mV/47kΩ
• Output power: 150Wx2 (2Ω), 90Wx2 (4Ω), 50Wx2 (8Ω)
• Power consumption: 40W (normal volume)
• Standby power: 0.5W
• Dimensions: 7.3 x 6 x 1.5” (187.5 x 154 x 40mm)
• Weight: 2.1 lbs (0.96kg)

EQ modes:

• Direct
• Tone
• SDB
• Bass
• Super Bass
• Rock
• Soft 
• Clear

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The more expensive VMV A1 is a completely different beast, starting with the price of $670. It rocks a class A design with 2 x 10 W into 8 Ohms (2 x 15 W into 4 Ohms). This might seem very low on paper, but it’s to be expected from a compact class A design. Its feature set is minimalistic too, so don’t expect BT or any digital connectivity. However, the headphone output is on board. SMSL promises that all of the budget is spent to achieve the best possible sound, transparent, and rich with details.

SMSL VMV A1 highlights

• FET class-A amplifier circuit
• 15W x2 (4Ω) output power
• CNC aluminum shell
• Chassis temperature display
• Stabilized power supply
• GPA2311 volume control chip
• Porcupine power transformer

Specs

• Inputs: RCA
• Outputs: Speaker terminal (banana head), 6.35mm headphone jack
• THD+N
  • 0.01% (4Ω)
  • 0.008% (8Ω)
  • 0.002% (32Ω)
• SNR: 110dB
• Channel separation: 105dB
• Output power
  • 15Wx2 (4Ω)
  • 10Wx2 (8Ω)
  • 2Wx2 (32Ω)
• Power consumption: 30W
• Standby power: <0.5W
• Dimensions: 8.6 x 8 x 1.5” (210 x 205 x 39mm)
• Weight: 4.4lbs (2kg)

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I hope that iiWi Reviews will get a hold of these and make a deep dive review. Until then, you can already find these at a few online retailers:

AliExpress: VMV A1 and DA-9

HiFiGo: VMV A1 and DA-9

Apos Audio (USA based): VMV A1 and DA-9