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(More customer reviews)This is my second attempt at a Sonic Impact review and I hope I get things right this time. :) I bought 4 amps at $20, but even as the prices have gone up, it's still a fantastic buy at $30. The amplifier has fantastic clarity and realism. Given its size, the sound can only be described as astounding. When playing instrumental or electronic music SI can vibrate the whole room at mere half volume. When playing vocals the clarity is also astounding. Considering the price and size of SI, this makes this amplifier even more amazing.
Sonic is best used with relatively sensitive speakers (SPL 90db+) and audiophile quality equipment or portable CD and mp3 players using audio out jack. With Ipod, use the sound output from the Ipod dock. Do not use earphone jacks on portable devices for sound output because that signal has already been distorted by those unit's built-in amplifiers and the sound quality will be anywhere from ordinary to awful.
SI requires burn in of at least 200 hours in order to sound its best. However even after a significant burn time SI tend to be rather bright when used with good quality audio cables. In my experience the best cables for SI are inexpensive 1/8 by 1/8 cables because they tend to muffle the treble. The one I really like is Monster iCable for iPod (A IC IP-7). The trade-off is that the SI's bass is also diminished; however SI becomes very warm sounding with no listening fatigue. In order to minimize distortion SI should be set at 10 o'clock and volume is best adjusted on a pre-amplifier volume control or the sound output volume control of a good quality CD player.
Power is an important consideration. SI works well with 8 AA batteries; in fact I still keep depleted AA batteries in SI to give it some heft. :) SI is so light that it needs some critical mass to hold all the cables in the back without tilting. :) When used with AA batteries SI sounds best only when batteries are fresh; it's also uneconomical so the best option for use at home is a regulated power supply. I like R. Shack (Model# 22-507) and a cigarette lighter power cord (#270-1594). Please note that the center pin on the power plug must be positive (+). *Please also note that incorrect polarity will permanently damage the amplifier.* This power supply is rated at 13.8Vdc (3amp) and produces 13.9Vdc, making SI sound louder and more dynamic than AA batteries or 12V adaptors. Another good 13.8Vdc power supply is made by Pyramid. If you want to save money, another good choice is SI's own 12Vdc adaptor. It produces 12.3Vdc, however it can only supply a peak of 1.5 amps, which does not leave you much in reserve.
Be careful of using many of the cheap 12Vdc adaptors available on the Internet, R. Shack or maybe laying around from other devices. Many are rated at 12Vdc *under load only* and actually produce as much as 18Vdc. However, SI does not have much of a load most of the time, especially when not playing music; 18V is 2 volts over the 16v limit of the SI's Tripath processor and will damage it. Additionally, many of these adaptors are rated at much less than 3A or the minimum 1.5A and are incapable of sufficient current. SI may need as much as 3A during peak demand. Most inexpensive adaptors are a switching type and may produce HF noise that may clash with the SI's own HF switching thereby producing more distortion. However when properly internally filtered, a switching power supply still produces the most dynamic sound. Some people use 12Vdc sealed lead batteries (SLA) with separate chargers from batterymart for a cleaner power source. Both can be had for $20 to $30 and with a simple DPDT switch the usage and recharging can be made automatic. I haven't tried this yet, the amperage of some of those 12 Vdc batteries (12A and up) is very tempting. :) However, the opinion at tnt-audio is that batteries still lack the liveliness of a quality regulated switching power supply. Despite the claims made by the SLA battery camp, the ultra expensive and most other high-end equipment does not use battery power.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sonic Impact 5066 15-Watt Portable Class-T Digital Audio Amplifier
Turn your portable music player or small bookshelf unit into a true quality home system with the Sonic Impact 5066 portable digital audio amplifier. This pint-sized device (it measures just 3 by 7 inches and weighs less than a pound) can be connected to any standard 8 ohm or 4 ohm shelf speakers up to 20 watts in power, and features a simple 3.5 mm mini-jack input that works with most game consoles, MP3 players, CD and DVD players, and computers. It's an ideal choice for listeners who already own traditional speakers and don't want to shell out extra cash to equip their iPod or CD Walkman with a powered speaker system--an often-costly option, unless one opts for a low-end unit. This amp, by contrast, is remarkably affordable, yet still delivers a crisp, vibrant signal that compares to most high-quality linear amplifiers. Plus, it runs on eight AA batteries, so listeners can take it to the stadium for a tailgater or to a park for a picnic. Alternately, listeners can opt to use an AC adapter (sold separately) for indoor purposes.
The amp is also a great fit in dorm rooms, midsized apartments, small offices, and anywhere else a big system would consume valuable space. In addition, the unit doesn't require a heat sink and offers intelligent short circuit protection. Sonic Impact covers the amp with a one-year warranty on parts and service.
What's in the Box 5066 amplifier, user's guide, warranty card.
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