Compared A30 pro vs Singxer SA-1 for single end headphone usage, i purchased both and compared them side by side with dt 1990 and 1770 250 ohm. I prefer A30 pro much better, because A30 is faster, cleaner, more punch and dynamic in bass region, much more power for se output, even with 1990 headphones i was able to max out volume on SA-1, on A30 pro the same volume level only with 45-50 percent. The only one thing SA-1 do better than A30 pro is the stage size, soundstage is larger, but in every other aspect such as: speed, details, overall sound dynamics, from my point of view - A30 pro is better. I sold my SA-1 today, and i think it is a little bit overpriced, because with a30 pro only for 350$ i get more details from sound, more punch, more engagement.
When i decided to buy SA-1, i already own A30 pro, with customs SA-1 price was doubled in comparison to A30 pro, and after it was delivered it was big disappointment, because sound is muddier, slower, attacks was much slower, i tried dc mod, it improved sound a little bit, and tried burn in for 120 hours. After all this steps i tried to like SA-1 because of more nice form factor, it stacked better with my dac, and the volume control pot feels better, but im sad to say -there was no success. Maybe with balanced headphones Singxer sounds great, but, when you need only Single end connecting, then A30 pro is your choice.
Sorry for bad English.
My current chain is: Topping D90 - Topping A30pro - DT 1990/1770
P.s. I also tried Topping A90 amp for better stack with d90, but the A90 sound boring and flat in comparison to A30 pro, but again the soundstage was a little bit bigger. I hope my impressions will help you with decision.
For me it’s a little bit strange, that there is so many forum posts for SA-1 amplifier on different forums, and almost dead discussion for A30 pro amplifier, i think audiophiles/musiclovers skipped this devices because of the cheap price, but for me - this amp is GEM.
