VSSL A.1x Streaming Amplifier Review

I was approached by Soundvision Technologies a few months back via my Instagram social media account as the guys that own this company have many brands and technologies at there fingertips, with both hardware and software my interest is always piqued when something new is offered in the world of HiFi and home automation, especially lately with streaming which is such a focus of my listening habits.  The VSSL (vessel) amplifier and technology comes in three versions with a A.3x a 3 channel/zone amplifier or A.6x 6 channel/zone amplifier and like the one I have here the A.1x which feeds just the single zone but offers great tech and features in a small sleek package.

The other versions and even this one can be used in any multiroom system but with the A.1x suiting a single zone and ideally a second system in your home if using the built in amplification, or simply with the flick of switch you can integrate it into an existing audio system without the amplifier turned on. This is the beauty of the VSSL A.1x and that it is so flexible in how it is used, I have also used it running the same music on my Bluesound Node downstairs and the VSSL upstairs.

Build quality and features

The A.1x is a small but solid piece of kit which has no buttons on the fascia of the unit apart from the VSSL logo and an indicator light for operation, on the rear is a plethora of connections and everything you could possibly need for integrating into any system or creating a new system from scratch.The unit can be used as a standalone amplifier network player or just a network player in an existing system, VSSL made it so you can use your favourite music apps and stream music from them through the A.1x. I use many different apps on my iPhone, Onkyo player, Quobuz, Deezer, Spotify and 8player Pro. All of these apps work seamlessly when streaming and the VSSL performs flawlessly.

Using Airplay 2 it makes streaming straight forward and simple to use but it can also stream via NAS drives with UPnP/DLNA protocol being used to access music files and albums. Quobuz has been my favourite music App for a while now for high resolution music and the VSSL handles the music up to a resolution of 24bit 192kHz which is fine and gives really good results in quality, while my Onkyo player app allows me to convert the high res stored music to PCM. The flexibility of being allowed to use your dedicated app means you don’t lose out on any features. The VSSL app allows you to tailor the A.1x with features like EQ and tone controls, you can also connect a sub with its dedicated output and set crossovers.

As you can see from the screenshots the menus have everything you could possibly want as you are able to tweak settings to get the sound you desire. Google assistant and even Alexa is supported and can be added to your existing home automation products which opens up other music options like internet radio or podcasts to name a few.

Being able to use your favourite apps gives greater flexibility and does not tie you into using the VSSL app apart from the setup and that is it. The closest rivals I can think of is the Sonos Amp and BlueSound Node Amplfier while they may be the standard for a lot of people the dedicated apps do restrict what you can and can't use.

Specifications

• Zones: 1
• Channels: 2
• Amplifier: Class D, 35 W @ 8Ω, 50 W @ 4Ω
• 24-bit/192Hz 8 channel Texas Instruments HD DAC 
• Inputs: (1) Analog, (1) Optical, (1) Digital Coax, (1) IR, (1) Network
• Wireless Inputs: Airplay2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Alexa Cast, Bluetooth
• Outputs: (1) Analog, (1) Optical, (1) Digital Coax, (1) Subwoofer, (1) Network
• WiFi: 2.4/5.8 GHz Dual Antenna MIMO
• Sub Out: RCA, Adjustable cross over 55-200 Hz or by-pass for full range
• EQ: 7-band adjustable
• S/N Ratio: >98dB A-weighted
• Freq. Response: 20-20kHz 
• Bluetooth: v4.2, EDR
• Dimensions (No Feet): 7.44” W x 1.69“ H x 8.69” 
• Dimensions (with Feet): 7.44” W x 2“ H x 8.69” 
• Rack Space: 1U
• Weight: 3.5 lbs

The feature list as you can see from the specs is long but there is some really nice touches like the magnetic feet on the VSSL as they keep the A.1x planted firmly and can be removed easily if you want to mount on a wall with the inserts at the base of the unit, so the options of placement of the VSSL is not just limited to rack based and can be mounted anywhere should you desire. 

On to one of the specs which tbh I thought would be an issue for the A.1x as the amplification does seem on the low side for powering speakers sufficiently but like other class D designs that I have used in the past they are extremely efficient and with a pair of Sonus faber Lumina I speakers connected it seems to have plenty of drive to power them sufficiently at low to moderate levels, if you were looking to power a big pair of floor standers then I would certainly consider other amplifiers for that job.

Performance and sound quality

For listening purposes I am using a pair of the beautiful Sonus faber Lumina I Speakers which I have just reviewed, using a multitude of different music apps I regularly use not just at home but also in my car so it is nice to have full use of these in a stand alone system like this.

I have been listening to music for the last 3 weeks in my bedroom as a second system. It is extremely capable and plays everything I want and is a joy to use as it is so simple to get up and running but with the ability of being able to play the same music both upstairs and downstairs at the same time if I wish to on the VSSL and BlueSound Node and I have at times if only to annoy the wife.

I start off with an album that I know well and listen to a lot, stored on one of my NAS drives and using the 8player Pro app Imelda May’s 11 Past the Hour in high resolution is a firm favourite of mine, track 2 Breathe is a wonderfully written dynamic piece of music and the combination of the A.1x and Sonus faber Lumina I speakers gives a grand performance, not on the same scale as my main system but the VSSL manages to dig out plenty of detail with a very balanced performance across the frequency range, bass is kept taught and the highs are rounded off nicely.

Staying with the 8player Pro and another couple of albums from my NAS drive, Soda Blondes Small Talk in high res is a great album that sounds impressive through the VSSL amplifier with great resolution and is such an easy listen when trying to unwind after a long day. Khruangbin The Universe Smiles Upon You is another album which gets played a lot on the A.1x, great music with a retro sound of years gone by and the VSSL manages to capture this sound perfectly, producing good amounts of detail and an energetic sound with great balance.

Up next I am streaming music via the brilliant music app Quobuz, I have a high resolution subscription and each week they have new releases. I look forward to my Friday dose when albums are updated with the latest releases from a multitude of artists and I have found music from old and new names on the scene. 

A new artist to me and an album which I have not stopped listening to is the brilliant Schiller Epic at 24bit 96kHz. It is a mixture of electronic meets symphony with a cracking score, if you know what music I like then you’ll know I love electronic and ambient music, with this album ticking all the right boxes. Midnight in Shitaz is a symphonic masterpiece with a rasping brass symphony and the A.1x manages to reproduce this complex track perfectly through the Lumina’s, it really doesn’t sound as though the speakers are lacking any drive at all and am very impressed with the way this amplifier handles this difficult piece of music. On to Marconi Unions new album Signals which is an excellent release from this English trio, I have nearly all of their previous releases on CD and love the music they make, Signals is one of their best and track 3 blowback shows what this little amplifier can kick out in the bass department as it manages to produce some great bass and is also a testament at how well the Sonus faber’s perform when needed, you will be forgiven for thinking the VSSL cannot cope with bass like this but it can and admirably too. Sticking with the electronic theme and another good album is Cartridge 1987 Passage album which as the title suggests is a 

throwback to the 1980’s game scene and era, typical 

synthesised sounds with good and hypnotic bass beat and yet again the A.1x does not disappoint with a faithful rendition of the track Passage.

As you can tell I really like the VSSL A.1x and how it performs and for a second system it is more than capable of reproducing a good enough HiFi experience, they have managed to use their technology and know 

how and squeeze it into a small enough package that it works really well as a second system for either your 

desktop or like what I am using it for and a bedroom system

Conclusions and final thoughts

I am so pleased that the guys at Soundvision Technologies contacted me as I would never of known about this amplifier and been none the wiser, it offers an extremely affordable alternative to the likes of Sonos and BlueSound who have taken the market by storm over the last few years, the A.1x offers excellent performance and audio quality backed up with clever tech in a tidy package, but it doesn’t stop there as they also offer a 3 channel and 6 channel version to feed your automated home audio system, you can integrate the A.1x into your existing system or use it for another room, take your pick!!

Highly Recommended.

Price at time of review - Approx $700

https://www.vssl.com/products/vssl-a-1x-home