Reddit mentions of SMSL AD18 80W2 Bluetooth 4.2 HiFi USB DSP Digital Decoding Power Amplifier

For desktop nearfield, the Vanatoo Transparent Zero for $360 or Transparent One Encore for $600 are some of the most well regarded speakers. I own the Transparent Zero and love their detail and tight bass. Both Vanatoo speakers have a subwoofer out connection, allowing an optional external subwoofer. They also feature a subwoofer crossover, so that when a subwoofer is connected, the speakers will send the low frequencies to the sub and the speakers can be played louder since they are only playing at a certain frequency on up.

Transparent Zero review - "The Vanatoo Transparent Zero‘s are a real oddity in the high audio space. With no corners seemingly cut, and a crazy price for how good they are, they’re the best desktop speakers you can buy – period."

Vanatoo Transparent One Encore PDF info sheet with frequency response graph

The Vanatoo speakers have a built-in amp and DAC, so you would want to connect directly from your computer to the speakers via USB or optical in. It also supports connection via Bluetooth, so you can play music from your phone as well.

Another powered speaker with DAC alternative is the Fluance Ai60 for $300. The Fluance Ai40 is well regarded, and the bigger Ai60 now has a DAC with similar connectivity features as the Vanatoo, including Bluetooth and USB. The Fluance Ai60 also has a subwoofer out connection.

If you prefer the hobby and modular aspect of choosing separate components, you can go the passive speaker route. One option might be ELAC UB-5 for $460 combined with SMSL AD18 amplifier for $150. The AD18 is small enough to fit on a desk, and allows you to connect both a computer source and phone via Bluetooth.

The smallest speakers of the bunch are the Vanatoo Transparent Zero at 4.75" width 7.75" depth 7.5" height. I use mine with IsoAcoustics stands on a desk.

Vanatoo Transparent One Encore - 6.5" width 8" depth 10" height

Fluance Ai60 - 7.8" width 9.2" depth 13.1" height. See Joe N Tell's video showing Ai60 speakers on his desk at 14 minutes in.

ELAC UB5 - 7.87" width 10.75 depth * 12.75" height. See noaudiophile's review for photos of ELAC UB5 on a desk.

The SMSL AD18 checks all your boxes. One knob allows you to switch sources and EQ, and it's got a not-too-bright display. While I haven't been using it all that long (bought one from Drop and just haven't been in my office much since it arrived), it sounds great for what it is and it's tiny.

I've seen the Topping MX3 recommended a lot too, but cannot speak from experience. IMO anything larger than a mini amp will be too big for your case.

The C notes are good for a budget speaker. They, at least the ones I was around took a while to "break in" and sound really good. The do have a neutral sound but won't give the low end like some others in that size range.

For an amplifier you have to ask what sources you're using with this guy. The SMSL AD18 $115 is currently on sale and covers all the bases. The power is good to get a set of C-Notes cranking.

SMSL AD18

SMSL AD50

It does, but its all the way over there --> ! In all seriousness, it doesn't have quite enough volume steps at my usual listening volume. Its an integrated DAC / AMP SMSL AD18, which is fantastic in many ways, although has many flaws at the same time - one of which being a very imprecise rotary encoder.

Here are a couple to look into

https://www.amazon.de/SMSL-AD18-Bluetooth-Decoding-Amplifier/dp/B01M3ULDG9/

https://www.amazon.de/Topping-MX3-Eingebauter-Kopfh%C3%B6rerverst%C3%A4rker-Digitalverst%C3%A4rker-Schwarz/dp/B075SYC4Z5/

If you must have the automatic Denon for some reason, DP-300F $329.99 $169.99.

For $100 less than the Debut Carbon (DC), the Fluance RT82 $299 adds auto stop and than an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for lower wow and flutter and speed variation. Skip the older RT81 that lacks the speed sensor and servo motor. Skip the RT83 that will not sound any better. The OM 10 cartridge on the RT82 is basically the same and will sound the same as the newer version 2M Red which just adds useless red plastic. A later option is the acrylic platter for $119 as seen on the RT85 that also upgrades to the 2M Blue.

Phono preamp: Schiit Mani $129 or ART DJ Pre II $67. If low on budget a $15 Pyle and upgrade to a better one later.

Stereo recevier: PIONEER SX-10AE $149.99 $119.99

Compact class A/B power amp: Dayton Audio APA150 $169.

Mini amp:

• SMSL A2 2 inputs and sub out.
  
• FX-Audio Closeout.
  
• SMSL SA100
  
• Micca OriGain with sub out.
  
  Mini amps with a DAC and sub out.
  
  
• SMSL AD18
  
• Topping MX3
  
  Or a new or used AV recevier if also using the speakers with a TV.
  
  Which speakers?
  
  Home Audio Guides: Intro to home stereo systems • Zeos Tutorials, Diagrams and Videos • r/audiophile Guide to Home Audio • Introduction to Audio Components • What is a Phono Preamp? | Audio Advice • How to Connect a Turntable to a Receiver • r/HTBuyingGuides FAQ
  
  Also check out r/BudgetAudiophile.

https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-AD18-Bluetooth-Decoding-Amplifier/dp/B01M3ULDG9

A small amp and bookshelves is a great place to start.

This kind of amp: SMSL. You can add a sub in the future. There are so many bookshelf speakers available it's kind of hard to recommend some without knowing more.

You need to just do 2 Good speakers and amp or 2 powered speakers. More speakers would either be surround sound and you’d need a 5.1 receiver or a 4 channel amp or 2 channel with A/B speakers.

One of These amps :
https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-AD18-Bluetooth-Decoding-Amplifier/dp/B01M3ULDG9/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=ad18&qid=1563917040&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=topping+mx3&ref=is_s

https://www.amazon.com/BT20A-Bluetooth-Audio-Amplifier-Integrated/dp/B07BQC7GNL/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=mini+amp&qid=1563917105&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQ0VQU002MkNXR1NPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjkyMjIwMVlKS1daRDFZUlJaSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDEwMzM2TkhGSEw0UUFaWjM3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

With a pair of any of these speakers

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS22-LR-Designed-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B008NCD2LG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=spbs22&qid=1563917238&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-SX6-BK-Definition-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers-Black/dp/B00IEDL8EM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=sx6&qid=1563917283&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker-Renewed/dp/B07KYB1CG1/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=sony+bookshelf&qid=1563917329&s=gateway&sr=8-6

Or get powered speakers and you don’t need amp

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Bookshelf-Subwoofer-Bluetooth-Wireless/dp/B077Y6PHKQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=edifier+s350&qid=1563917474&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1850DB-Bookshelf-Speakers-Bluetooth/dp/B073W1R4XQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=edifier+1850&qid=1563917546&s=gateway&sr=8-1


https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1700BT-Bluetooth-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016PATXSI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=edifier+1700&qid=1563917517&s=gateway&sr=8-1

A lot of smaller amps will also have headphone outs as well.

https://www.amazon.com/AD18-Bluetooth-Digital-Amplifier-Decoding/dp/B01M3ULDG9

The AD18 is recommended a decent amount here, it has decent connectivity options and will power both passive speakers and headphones. As far as how well it will power headphones, I'm not too sure, and you'll have to do a little searching around!

EDIT: More options for you that do have headphone outs. Browse around and find one that will power your speakers appropriately and that has decent reviews!

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dta3116hp-class-d-mini-amplifier-with-headphone-amp-2-x-15w--300-3810

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dta-120-class-t-mini-amplifier-60-wpc--300-3800

Can you give us an indication of what your working Budget is?

Can we assume you have a decent computer to record to?

What is it you will be recording? A few more details please?

Most studio - amateur or profession - use Active Monitor - Mackie MR, KRK Rokit, JBL 300-Series,... - though there are cheaper monitors, how well they will do will depend on what you are trying to record.

The Behringer Uphoria UM2 ($39) is a very basic USB Interface. You will not be able to do anything fancy with that. But perhaps you don't need anything fancy. I don't know.

https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-Audio-Interface-1-Channel-UM2/dp/B00EK1OTZC/

Something like this with two discrete inputs with controls is probably better, but considerably more money -

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-U-PHORIA-UMC202HD-Interface-Structure/dp/B079YBLNSX/

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC204HD-BEHRINGER/dp/B00QHURLCW/

Again, I don't know what you are trying to accomplish, so I can't say what will work for you.

If you go with passive speakers, and you need an amp, this one is powerful (relatively speaking) and versatile -

https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-AD18-Bluetooth-Decoding-Amplifier/dp/B01M3ULDG9/

Just a few thoughts.

I'm looking to pick up a sub for my PC audio setup. Currently I've got an SMSL AD18 with a pair of Q Acoustics 3010 bookshelf speakers. I use it primarily for music, with games as a secondary usage with movies and tv in a distant third.

​

I am leaning towards picking up the Klipsch R-10SWi 10" Wireless Subwoofer.

​

I'm a total noob so would love someone who knows what they are doing to help me out here.

1. Am I correct that I should use a powered sub with the AD18, or should I be looking for a passive one?
   
2. Will the wireless transmitter work with the sub output on the AD18?
   
3. Are additional cables needed to make it work? If so, which?
   
4. Is there a better sub option at a similar price point?
   
   ​
   
   Thank you so much for your help!

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This Ad18? The amp costs more than the speakers.

Denon AVR S530BT - $140
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs530bt/denon-avr-s530bt-5.2-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

Polk S15 - $159
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-S15-Bookshelf/dp/B01LVWWZS0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542296188&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=polk+s15&dpPl=1&dpID=41CQ0IqSP4L&ref=plSrch

This would be a great setup that would provide enough bass out of the speakers that you may feel you don't need a subwoofer right away.

If the receiver is to big for your setup, check out the SMSL AD18 here:
https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-AD18-Bluetooth-Decoding-Amplifier/dp/B01M3ULDG9

You could probably go with something like this and be OK.