Overview
There have been a few “half size” audio components that we have love over the years. Like the Mission Cyrus Integrated amp, Onix’s OA-20 integrated amp and now, to add to that list, the SIA-R integrated that you see here. If the design aesthetics of it looks familiar, its because the CEO of Simon Audio Labs used to head April Music where the products share some close heritage. The SIA-R (now known as the i5) is a very well built piece. Simple in design with just two knobs (input selection and volume) and a center display and premium materials used throughout, it doesn’t disappoint both aesthetically and sonically. In fact, when we listen to it, we were impress with the level of details and neutrality it brought to our listening session. Its definitely more dynamic and more defined that the older Cyrus and Onix integrateds. Maybe a tad less warmer but tighter bass and more detailed highs. The SIA-R will accept three line inputs (two RCA and 1 XLR) and a pair of line out if you want to connect this to an amp and use this as a preamp. Power output is 45W in 8 ohm and 75W in 4 ohm. Remote control is a system type remote but controls volume only when use with the SIA-R.
Unit looks good with just minor scuff marks common with use but nothing really bad. We have the original box, remote and manual.
