Soncoz SGA1 Review

Power

The SGA1 in balanced mode can dish out 420mW into a 33Ω load and 420mW into a 600Ω load. This means that the amp is quite powerful and it can feed 99% of the headphones on the market. However, compared to the SP400, it can’t feed as much power to low-impedance loads. The single-ended side is a different story, it can only dish out 105mW into a 600Ω load and that’s 1/4 of the balanced output. The output impedance of the BAL HP out is only 0.05Ω and switching to the SE HP out increases the number to 0.1Ω. The amp plays well with my 150Ω HD58X & 300Ω HD650, however, it is not as good with my sensitive IEMs. More on this in the sound section.

As for the heat, the device runs warm. Especially when you stack it with another warm device, like the SMSL D1SE. Both of the devices have a toroidal transformer inside and they can get hot when stacked together, however, I can say that the SGA1 has never run hot enough to worry me. The heat dissipation vents around the sides and the bottom appears to be working!

Controls & UI

The SGA1 has a very basic menu layout. In fact, there is no menu, everything about the device is on the default screen. You keep track of what you activate or deactivate with the help of icons. The multi-function knob button is your only navigation tool. The operation mode of the multi-functional knob button features 3 press-actions. The button is designed to detect single press, double press, and hold. I learned the basics in a couple of minutes however, it is far from ”ideal” in terms of layout and navigation method. 

If you feel stuck, you can always RESET the device by holding the volume knob/button down for 6 seconds.

Specifications & Technical Data

Balanced
THD+N: <118dB.
Frequency: 20Hz-20kHz.
Dynamic Range: <126dB.
Signal to Noise Ratio: <91dB.
Crosstalk: <120dB.
Output Voltage: 7.8Vrms.
Output Impedance: 0.05 ohm.
Noise: 3.6uVrms.
Output Power: Up to 420mW @33 ohm, up to 840mW @300ohm, up to 420mW @600ohm.
Power Consumption <10W
Dimensions: 250 x 55 x 225 mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 2 kg

AMP Performance

The sound signature of the SGA1 is fairly balanced with some warmth. The SGA1 sounds musical, sweet, and clean. The tonal balance is really good, it reproduces the notes naturally and organically while staying away from the digital and dry domain. The soundstage is not extra wide or deep, it is rather adequate with plenty of air between the instruments. Relatively ‘compact’ soundstage boosts the positioning and the layering thanks to the good detail-retrieval capability of the amp. Of course, imaging takes great advantage of this.

The SGA1 has a fluid, lush and dynamic low range. The transition between the low range and midrange is gentle. Thanks to the coherent nature of the SGA1, you don’t feel it at all. Transients are rather polite, subtle but still snappy. 

The midrange is slightly forward compared to the rest of the spectrum. It is neither thick nor thin. It sounds effortless, articulate, and harmonious. The detail level is good, however, the amp does not highlight them for you to notice unlike many amplifiers on the market. The upper mid reproduction is smooth as well, with no harshness or sharpness of any kind. Both the male and female vocals sound great with good authority and naturality.

Treble follows the same route as with other frequencies. It is perfectly controlled. It feels airy and spacious while carrying good detail. The extension feels somewhat limited beyond a certain point although the limiting factor could be the soundstage. The overall presentation is pretty much similar to the midrange, effortless, and smooth. 

Technical Performance

The PRaT is highly dependent on the pairing, but I’ve had no problems with it. The amp handles congestions well and overcomes the crowded passages when paired with worthy companions. The tonality feels natural and organic while staying clear of artificiality. The soundstage feels ‘compact’, however, the layering and the separation are quite good and therefore imaging feels accurate. The most striking aspect of the soundstage, in my opinion, is its integrity. Cohesiveness across the frequency ranges help the SGA1’s effortless presentation. I think the best side of the SGA1 is that it is a musical and smooth-sounding amp. You can listen to it for extended periods of time without fatigue.

As for the background and hiss, well…
Etymotic EVO is a sensitive IEM that I seldomly use as a reference when testing sources and amps. It is a hiss-magnet so it’s quite useful in terms of evaluating the background. My experience with the SGA1 has not been very good about this subject. The background was not as dark as I thought it would be and the detail level did not impress me. Note that I didn’t experience these with the 58X or the 650.

SMSL D1SE & SONCOZ SGA1

This combo sounds incredibly smooth and effortless. The D1SE is a highly detailed DAC and naturally, the D1SE improves the detail-retrieval capability of the SGA1. They have similar signatures whatsoever, they both sound natural and organic. PRaT is good and the transients are fast. The reproduction feels effortless and smooth while carrying good detail. The soundstage is adequate and the separation is really good. The midrange is perhaps the most impressive range of this pairing, as it sounds quite detailed, smooth, and fluid. Female vocals are delightful to listen to. Stringed instruments and the woodwind family sound fabulous. This DAC & AMP combo provides a very smooth and fluid presentation and you won’t get tired easily. 

TOPPING D30 PRO & SONCOZ SGA1

This combo sounds clean and airy. Instrument positioning feels accurate and the D30 Pro offers a spacious presentation. The soundstage is somewhat headphone dependent and it can be quite impressive if the headphone you’re using is well-matched with this couple. I prefer detailed, airy, and balanced headphones with this combo, as the upper midrange and lower treble sections of the pairing could be a little too polite at times. Nonetheless, this pairing is fast, dynamic, and articulate. Both imaging and layering are excellent and detailed. The instruments have good body and vocals are smooth yet fast. Be sure to use this combo in balanced mode.

SONCOZ SGA1 vs. SMSL SP400

SMSL’s SP400 is a serious contender in the sub $700 price bracket. It is a highly detailed amp with a flat sound signature. It sounds transparent, detailed-oriented, and clean. In comparison, the SP400 sounds more dynamic, more detailed, and more spacious compared to the SGA1. The SGA1 sounds more effortless, relaxing, and smooth compared to the SP400. The technical performance of the SP400 is impressive and punches above its price tag. Both of the amplifiers play nice with hard-to-drive headphones and offer plenty of power. The SP400 has no background issues with sensitive IEMs. The SGA1 is easier on the ears, slightly more relaxed, and musical compared to the resolving SP400.

Last Words

The SGA1 is a great amp that can drive pretty much anything on the market. It offers a smooth and articulate sound signature and a fatigue-free listening experience. It has a marvelous design and it looks elegant. The amp features a precise electronic volume system and it is quite impressive. The volume and gain adjustment are dead-accurate and the pop-less design ensures smooth operation.

The SGA1 has a lot of high-quality components under its hood and I think Soncoz has made a good introduction to the amplifier world. I am very excited about what will be coming next from them. Just be sure to put them on your radar, I know I did!

Page 1: Soncoz, SGA1, Packaging & Accessories, Highlights, Design & Build Quality, Features & Technology

Page 2: Power, Controls & UI, Specifications & Technical Data, AMP Performance, Technical Performance, Pairings & Comparisons, Last Words