Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Headphone Amps

T.H.E. Show 2022: Dethonray SG-1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier

Affordable power amplifiers were not exactly plentiful at T.H.E. Show 2022. The Dethonray SG-1 Bluetooth Amplifier was one of the lone exceptions.

Dethonray SG1 Bluetooth Amplifier Front and Back

Affordable high-end audio was not exactly on the menu this weekend at T.H.E. Show 2022; the vast majority of products fell into the “if you have to ask…” category which was somewhat discouraging. Attracting new music listeners has to be the goal going forward and with so many affordable high-end components available from such a wide range of manufacturers — it was definitely shocking that everyone went with the “shock and awe” approach this weekend. Products like the Dethonray SG-1 Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier were rare; it will be in the $250 to $500 USD range when released.

Awedyo Audio at T.H.E. Show 2022

Saturday was very busy at the show and eCoustics Sr. Headphone Editor, Will Jennings and I stopped by Awedyo Audio for a listen to a new TinHiFi model (release TBD) and a prototype of the Dethonray SG-1 Bluetooth amplifier.

We are both huge fans of Dethonray; both of us own the original DTR1. Anson Tse has treated the personal audio community well, providing a simple, straightforward service for customers who want simple, straightforward gear that happens to sound great.

I promoted the DTR1 as a DAP for those who don’t want or need a touchscreen and don’t require all of the bells and whistles. I still use mine weekly, and would put it up against many comers to the DAP world priced beyond its level.

Dethonray SG1 Bluetooth Amplifier Back

The Dethonray SG-1 is a Bluetooth headphone amplifier, which Awedyo Audio provided to us, and I was told is quite powerful. So powerful that we carefully hooked my iPhone 13 Pro Max, playing through my DDHiFi Janus2 IEMs, before placing them back in for a good listen.

They are right to be cautious. The SG-1 is powerful, and well worth the cautionary note. Build quality is solid, and I love the purple color. The switches are easily accessible on the sides, and easy to use as well. Highlighted in gold along with the rings around the jack, the volume wheel is triangular, with a good tactile feel as well. The unit may be used while charging. The manufacturer did not share the power specifications of the battery so I can’t comment yet based on the show model how long it will last with normal listening.

Dethonray SG1 Bluetooth Amplifier Side

Sound

I spent some time listening to Peter Frampton using TIDAL at rather conservative volume levels and was quite impressed with the prototype. I already have the excellent HA-1 and I was quite surprised that a Bluetooth headphone amplifier could deliver such impressive sonic performance; the segment is dominated by Dongle DACs and TWS earbuds. Those who don’t think that a Bluetooth headphone amplifier can deliver sonically — you might be quite impressed by the Dethonray SG-1.

Dethonray SG1 Bluetooth Amplifier Top Connected

The ergonomic design worked for me and I found it rather easy to use; the unit offers both 3.5mm single ended and 4.4mm balanced connections.The production version will offer slightly less power to improve battery life and will be available in purple and black finishes.

For more information: dethonray.nl/en

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. ORT

    June 13, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    That looks sooooooo cool! The color really does it for me but alas, given my difficulty in getting around I fear I would drop it. I have gone through about 15 phones in the last two years either dropping them or when I fall. Embarrassing and costly.

    Yup. I’ve fallen and can’t giddyup! I should probably look into getting a TC44C USB as it is so tiny it might just survive being around me.

    I keep pronouncing the company name “Death On Ray”. SciFi lives, brother! The Dethonray StarGate 1 looks sweet!

    ORT

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

New Products

Panasonic Z95B OLED TV

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

After a long absence from the US TV market, this Japanese tech giant is making a comeback.

Pro-Ject Uni-Box S3 Angle Silver Pro-Ject Uni-Box S3 Angle Silver

Digital Music Systems

Pro-Ject's Uni Box S3 is s compact streaming amp with 40W/channel, MM phono, Bluetooth 5.1, WiiM platform. Pricey, no DSD/MQA, best for efficient speakers.

Final UX3000 SV Headphones in black Final UX3000 SV Headphones in black

New Products

Final’s new UX3000 SV wireless headphones debut with hybrid ANC, voice-first tuning, aptX HD, and 35-hour battery life—crafted in Japan for clarity.

McIntosh MTI100 Sun Records Edition Integrated Turntable Top Angle View McIntosh MTI100 Sun Records Edition Integrated Turntable Top Angle View

New Products

McIntosh MTI100 Sun Records Limited Edition: integrated turntable with tube preamp, Bluetooth, and rare Johnny Cash vinyl for true audiophiles.

Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player

CD Players

Shanling’s EC Zero T brings hybrid tube/solid-state sound to a portable CD player with R2R DAC, Bluetooth 5.3, and high-end headphone amp—CDs just got...

Bowers & Wilkins 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition Loudspeakers Pair Front Angle Bowers & Wilkins 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition Loudspeakers Pair Front Angle

Floorstanding Speakers

The $70,000 Bowers & Wilkins 801 Abbey Road Limited Edition channels 45 years of studio history into a luxury speaker built on the 801...

You May Also Like

Headphone Amps

Have iFi raised the performance ceiling for portable Bluetooth DAC/Amps with the iDSD Valkyrie, or does the hefty "dongle" fall flat on its promises?

Headphone Amps

Does full EQ functionality and even more power make the Element IV an easy recommendation at $549?

DAPs

At $2,299, Astell&Kern found a few ways to maintain flagship audiophile DAP performance at a lower cost. Find out what's changed.

Headphone Amps

With support for 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD and aptX HD, the Rotel DX-3 cuts down on the number of components you need for headphone listening...

Headphone Amps

At $1,300, is the STAX SRM-400S capable of driving some of the best headphones in the world?

Headphone Amps

At $1,999, Orchard Audio Valencia is a balanced desktop power amplifier designed for headphones, but powerful enough for speakers.

Headphone Amps

FiiO expands its line-up with K17 Headphone Amp, which provides a lot of features and connectivity that raise the price, but should please any...

Headphone Amps

At $4,320, the Chord Alto is a compact desktop amplifier that powers up to four headphones, a pair of speakers, and also functions as...

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers