Shonyun 306a portable amp - SO CLOSE

Shonyun (山韵) 306a is quite a reputable portable amp from the mainland China. It has been featured in multiple review sites, and so you will have a tonne of reference in comparison, so I will make it my way, short and straight to the point as usual.

306a on the left, dacport LX on the right

 Packaging

Since what i got is a demo package, so I am not quite sure how accurate is the package content. They include 2x 3.5mm interconnects, one with Choseal Q563A HIFI cable, another with DIY Tefflon silver plated HIFI cable by Ancient River as shown above. The rest in the box includes a charger and the unit itself.

The package itself is made of hard paper box, which is a love or hate thing, depending on what you think of it.

unpacked

The Unit

The unit itself is very simplistic, with the power inlet at the bottom, and source in, out and volume knob on the top. The unit lights up when both in and out are connected, no power switch of any, so you will have to unplug to switch it off, which I kinda not like it (who ever thought of not needing a power switch should be fired). The body is made of metal, which is nice, but why the hell is the surface using acrylic? It will be prone to scratches, which ruins the overall looks.

Battery life is also quite at an acceptable level, on my listening level of 9 o clock, it can last around 10 hours or so in single charge, all thanks to 21V of battery, consisting of 5 x 3.7V in serial. Not forgetting, there is no battery level indicator, it only either lights up the logo, or not. Depleting battery means sudden shutting off of  the amp without notice. What a mood killer!

Power On

The 306a also has a secure feature, where the volume knob can be pushed into make sure you don't accidentally turn it too loud. This I will give a "like" to.

The charge is where the indication of charge level is, instead of the unit itself. When charging it lights up red, and when done lights up green.

charged

charging

Picture extracted from lowyat.net forum.

Sound

Treble

The treble / high range of this amp, although sounds good overall, in a nit pick manner, there are still some wobbly high notes reproduction, which is weird and I couldn't explain it in exact terms except wobble wobble ( like the vocal tone going slight up and down but not changing the tone level -> the vocal vibrations). Putting that aside, the cyrstality level leaves it very suitable for mobile usage, especially line out from devices like iDevice or even Android line out to a DAC then to 306a. The thick sounding source of the usual mobile devices lets the treble on 306a be tamed down and be much comfortable to listen to.

Mids / Vocal

Vocal on the 306a could use some improvements, as the vocals are relatively recessed, and can be clearly heard off modern day music. Drums though are placed quite in a good position, as every hit can be clearly heard, and not missed out or cut off. Overall speaking, the vocal got suppressed by almost all the instruments added up together (feels like the music player is bullying the singer).

Guitar is also a portion that I am quite liking on the 306a. Strikingly appearing, and glares like a sun shining down on the music. 

Bass

The bass on the 306a is what I am loving to the utmost. The bass hits hard, accurate and full of authority. It doesn't scale to the basshead level, but if you appreciate quality bass from bass guitars and bass drums, you will certainly love this one. I never expected such amount of bass out of the Q701, but it did oush out all the bass mass it needs to sound great. Definitely a great bass prone amp, and a good one!

Soundstage

Soundstage on the 306a can be quite a subjective matter that is very much a bull shit debate that can cause a massive forest fire. Even then, I will still comment on it, and depends on your perspective compared to mine. To me, the soundstage is quite wide, and not quite restrictive provided that you have such a good source to decipher it. Staging feel from a concert music is very entertaining, and does not cause a fatigue of tight space feel to the music.

Summary

Likes

• Quality bass
• Secured volume knob
• Environmental packaging
• 2 cables (varies according to retail)

Dislikes

• Lack of power switch
• Acrylic surface finishing
• Lack of battery indication

Conclusion

From an overall look, I do like this amp, and almost will give out the "recommended" stamp, once all the annoyances are fixed, and some features implemented back. IF yu can live through the minor annoyances, this is a good to go amp to buy.

Credits to Stars Picker Enterprise (reg no: CA0199613-A) for loaning the unit for review.
Contact method/details:
Email: starspickeraudio@gmail.com
Facebook shop: Stars Picker (http://www.facebook.com/StarsPicker)
Hp: +6012-3395413 Willy (preferably via lowyat forum - https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=3024046&hl= or any online mode)