SONCIE MEORY SA500 Portable DAC Sound Quality Quick Review

I. Preface

I was inspired to get this after watching a video from a content creator on Bilibili. Coincidentally, I’ve been in the process of selling off my collection of portable DAC/amps (so why buy another one, you ask?). I went ahead and placed an order to give it a try. I have to say, among the many portable DAC/amps the BLOG owner has encountered, this one is the best-looking. The creamy white color gives it a very refined and beautiful appearance. As for the complimentary “GOGO air conditioner sticker” from the company, I can only say it’s a bit… abstract.

II. Preparation for the Review

The product for this review is the Sound Memory SA500, compared against what the BLOG owner considers the most cost-effective portable DAC/amp, the Lao Ban Zhang LBZ-04. The testing platform is a Xiaomi 13 Ultra with QQ Music/Yinliu, and the SA500 was connected to the phone using its original stock cable. The test headphones are the BLOG owner’s personal flagship, the Yincao Technology XY0. Both DAC/amps were tested using their 4.4mm balanced outputs.

III. Assessment Tracks/Scoring Method

The track selection is based on the blogger’s usual listening preferences, which are about 50% ACG music, 30% modern music, and 20% classical music. Therefore, the selection leans heavily towards Japanese music. The scoring criteria are derived from a simplified version of Liu Hansheng’s “Twenty Essentials for Audio,” with a maximum score of 10, though generally, the highest score given is 9. A score of 8 indicates a clear advantage in the scoring category, 7 signifies excellence, 6 means it can be normally appreciated, 5 means it can be normally listened to, and scores below 5 are not commented on. For a more detailed evaluation plan, please refer to here.

IV. Testing Begins

Item	Lotoo PAW Gold Touch	LBZ-04	SA500	MUB1	DS1	TANCHJIM LUNA	Moondrop DAWN
Integrity	8.5/10	7/10	7/10	6.5/10	6.5/10	6.5/10	6.5/10
High frequency	8/10	6.5/10	6.5/10	7/10	5.5/10	5.5/10	5/10
Medium frequency	8/10	6.5/10	6.5/10	6.5/10	6/10	6/10	5.5/10
Low frequency	8/10	6.5/10	6.5/10	6.5/10	6.5/10	5.5/10	6/10
Analysis, separation	7.5/10	7/10	7/10	7/10	7/10	5.5/10	5.5/10
Sound field, density	8.5/10	6/10	6/10	7/10	6/10	5.5/10	5/10
Drive, dynamic	8/10	6.5/10	6.5/10	7/10	7/10	5/10	5.5/10
Total score	8.1/10	6.6/10	6.6/10	6.8/10	6.4/10	5.6/10	5.6/10

V. Summary

Before getting to the final verdict, there’s something everyone should know: this BLOG uses a 10-point scoring system with 0.5-point increments. This means that when two products receive the same score in a category, it doesn’t imply their performance is identical. Rather, it signifies that within that scoring bracket, there are minor differences, but they are more or less on the same level.

The SA500 is a perfect illustration of this point. It and the LBZ-04, which both use the CS43131 DAC chip, are like twins. They have subtle differences in every aspect, yet when it comes to scoring, they end up almost identical across the board.

To begin, the SA500 has a neutral-to-warm sound signature, possessing the resolution and density expected from a portable DAC/amp equipped with the 43131 series chip. Vocals are positioned at a moderate distance, high frequencies are free of sibilance, and there’s a decent sense of airiness. The soundstage isn’t vast but is well-organized; positioning is accurate, though the imaging of instruments is slightly on the larger side. It boasts impressive dynamics, but its low frequencies are a bit less focused compared to the LBZ-04. Additionally, its driving power and control are quite commendable.

Throughout my listening, I didn’t find any glaring weaknesses. When compared to higher-end products, the disparity is mainly in technical performance like resolution and density. However, for its price point, it performs exceptionally well.

In terms of pure value, the SA500 isn’t as cost-effective as the LBZ-04. With nearly identical sound quality, the one with the lower price naturally comes out on top. However, when purchasing a product, we must also consider other important factors such as aesthetics, brand reputation, after-sales service, and accessories.

On that note, I must mention that the SA500’s stock USB-C cable is the best one the BLOG owner has ever heard among all the portable DAC/amps tested! When paired with the SA500, it creates a synergistic effect where 1+1 is greater than 2. The BLOG owner had initially planned to use a more premium cable for testing but ended up listening with the stock cable from start to finish. This is a significant advantage over the LBZ-04’s set of overpriced, gimmicky cables.

Considering this, the overall value proposition of the SA500 is quite strong (even though the brand is relatively unknown, having the backing of JD.com provides some assurance). In conclusion, compared to other branded portable DAC/amps the BLOG owner has reviewed, the SA500 offers a gentle, neutral sound with ample driving power. If you’re looking for a portable DAC/amp with stunning looks and reliable sound quality, the SA500 is certainly a great choice.