SMSL AO200 MKIIvsWillsenton R8
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the SMSL AO200 MKII and Willsenton R8 — two popular amplifiers in the Chinese HiFi space.
Specifications
Spec
SMSL AO200 MKII
Willsenton R8
Class
D
AB
Chipset
Infineon MA5332MS
—
Power
2 × 160W @ 4Ω
45W (Ultralinear) / 25W (Triode)
Inputs
XLR (Balanced), RCA, Bluetooth, USB (Flash drive only)
—
Features
Subwoofer Out, Balanced Circuitry, EQ Presets
Remote Control, Bias Meter, Triode/UL Switch
Topology
—
Push-Pull
Tubes
—
KT88 x4 (or EL34), 6SN7 x2, 6SL7 x2
Weight
—
29 kg
Remote Control
✓
✓
Tube Stage
✗
✓
Price (estimated)
Price
~$312
~$1449
Difference
~$1137.00 cheaper (SMSL AO200 MKII)
Things to Know
SMSL AO200 MKII
- ⚠The USB port is for flash drive playback only, not for connecting to a PC/Phone (confusing for many users).
- ⚠Menu navigation knob can feel slightly wobbly compared to the rest of the chassis build.
- ⚠Bluetooth implementation does not support high-res codecs like LDAC.
Willsenton R8
- ⚠Bias drift is common; owners need to check and adjust bias frequently during the first few months.
- ⚠Stock preamp tubes (6SN7/6SL7) are often noisy or microphonic; immediate replacement is recommended.
- ⚠Extreme weight makes shipping it back to China for warranty claims financially impossible.
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