SMSL Q5 Pro DAC / Amp Review

Sensitivity Training

What if you can't afford a Magico Q5 Loudspeaker ($59,950.00 USD)? What if you can spend $60,000.00 USD on a speaker, but can't afford an amp?

SMSL Q5 Pro DAC / Amp ($99.00 USD) is available via MassDrop, and may just turn your Magico Q5 Loudspeaker ($59,950.00 USD) into the Magico Q5 Pro ($60,049.00 USD).

It's precision machined, out of a solid aluminum block.

At 4 ohms, it provides 40 watts of continuous output power.

With a THD+N of 0.05%.

And a SNR of 81 dB. You might scoff at such a figure, but that Gryphon Colloseum Solo Monoblock Amplifier ($ USD), you've been eyeing only provides a < -79 dB SNR, unweighted, or < - 82 dB SNR, if A-weighted.

At 4 ohms, it provides 45 watts of maximum output power.

The Gryphon may put out more power (180 watts at 8 ohms), but let's see what the little SMSL will do.

The Magico Loudspeaker's sensitivity is 87dB/2.83V/m.

3 feet from the loudspeakers (near field position), that 16 dB of gain from the amplifier, with 0.8 dB lost to dispersion (distance), with 3 dB of gain added for multiple speakers (2), those 40 watts will result in a 106.8 dB SPL at listening position.