Review: Argon Audio SA2

When viewed from the front, the Argon Audio SA2 looks exactly like its predecessor, the SA1. The two amplifiers have exactly the same dimensions and weight, and with nothing but ‘Argon Audio’ on the front, it’s impossible to tell the difference.

Unless you’ve chosen the blue version of the SA2. Because in addition to black and white, the more advanced model is also available in a bright blue colour. The model we tested, however, was in black with copper-coloured details.

When we tested the Argon SA1 back in the day, the conclusion was that the only thing missing was networking, multi-room functionality and app control. It’s nice when a manufacturer so diligently follows our advice! Because those three features are exactly what set the Argon Audio SA1 and SA2 apart. And then the price, which has increased by a third due to the extra features.

Like most others in its class, the Argon Audio SA2 is made of plastic. Five blue LEDs on the front (without any explanatory text) indicate input selection. They are also used while struggling to connect the amplifier to DTS Play-Fi, the open multi-room standard chosen by Argon.

Open standards are good, but the setup is neither easy nor logical. And the sound and light indications along the way don’t follow the Play-Fi standard. Eventually, however, we managed to get the amplifier to show up on the network.

If you don’t have the patience for setting up Play-Fi, Argon Audio SA2 also supports the somewhat more useful Chromecast.

Plenty of connections

The SA2 has the same physical connections as the SA1. And that’s a lot! In addition to line input and ditto output, there’s a real turntable input for MM pickup. All connections are made with gold-plated RCA connectors.

The speaker outputs are made with lovely terminals that look like those from WBT without being just that. The icing on the cake is an excellent remote control.

The sound of the Argon Audio SA2

With so many functions and features for so little money, you can hardly expect to get the ultimate sound. You won’t, but the Argon Audio SA2 plays really well.

The dynamics are fine and when turned up loud enough, the bottom end is punchy. Although the bass is not as firm and dry as on the Harman Kardon Citation Amp.

Perspective is fine, and if you’ve just upgraded from a multi-room speaker, you’ll enjoy proper stereo. Although the acoustic stage isn’t as big and wide or as clearly delineated as on more expensive alternatives.

The bass isn’t razor-sharp accurate, but the dynamics are very good and, as mentioned, there’s also a punchy bottom end – as long as you turn it up enough.

But the price has to be taken into account. It’s one of the cheapest streaming amplifiers on the market. And it’s miraculous that you can get so much hi-fi for so little money.

Conclusion

The Argon Audio SA2 offers a lot and costs little. For just over half the price of a Sonos Amp, you get a versatile stereo amplifier with turntable input and two multi-room standards. Sonically, it can’t quite keep up with the best and most expensive. But these are small details that most people won’t notice – and that only become apparent when you combine it with speakers far beyond its price range.