Introduction
Scythe Co., Ltd, began its operation and business in November 2002 as a distributor and a manufacturer of passive and low-noise PC components. Since then, Scythe is recognized for their excellent & affordable products.
Official product link:
http://www.scythe-eu.com/en/products/audio-accessory/kama-bay-amp-2000-revb.html
Packaging and accessories
The amplifier is packaged in a multicolored cardboard box.
On the front side there are presented the features of the product, on the right side there is a general image of the amplifier while on the top side there is printed its name.
The sides of the box present the features & specifications of the product.
The backside of the packaging presents the amplifier and all of its accessories using general images of them, also on the lower side there are listed the specification of the amplifier in six languages.
Accessories
The product comes with the following accessories:
– 1x Manual
– 1x AC Adapter
– 1x AC cable
– 1x Audio Cable (3.5 mm Stereo Mini – RCA / RCA – RCA / Stereo Mini – Stereo Mini)
– 2x PCI Bracket
– 2x PCI Bracket Screws
– 4x Unit Mounting Screws
– 1x 4-Pin Peripheral Adapter
– 1x USB-Relay Cable (5-Pin ↔ 4-Pin / 5-Pin ↔ USB-A)
Specifications
Model Name: Kama Bay AMP 2000 Rev.B
Model Number: SDAR-2100
Output: – 2 x Speaker Channels
– 1 x Headphone
Input: 3 x RCA
1 x 3.5 mm Stereo-Mini
Power IC: YAMAHA YDA138 (D-3)
Number of Channels: 2 Stereo Channels
Maximum Output Continuous Current: 10 W x 2 Channels
Maximum Efficiency: 88% (8 Ω / 10 W)
S/N Ratio: 103 dB / 95dB (Headphone)
Harmonic Distortion Rate: 0,02% (1 KHz / 8 Ω)
Headphone: 50 mW x 2 Channels
Dimensions: 151 x 184 x 51 mm (When side-panels and insulators attached)
Capability of Connecting: 1 x USB-Relay Cable
1 x USB-Power Connector
Weight: 760 g
Features:
High Quality Performance YAMAHA IC Chip: In order to create high quality sound and not to compromise in sound quality, YAMAHA YDA138 chip and a completely new PCB design is built into this amplifier for pure audio enjoyment. Conceived as Class-D amplifier it is powerful and energy saving with low heat generation.
Function variety: The Kama Bay AMP 2000 has a variety of input connections (3 x RCA connector, 1 x 3.5 mm Stereo-Mini (jack) connector). Users can switch between the four available channels and are able to adjust the volume, treble, and bass levels individually at any time.
Universal usage: The Kama Bay Amp 2000 fits perfectly into a standard 13.34 cm (5.25 inches) internal bay. USB devices can be recharged using the build-in front USB power supply.
INPUT/OUTPUT Switch: By selecting the knob to “Output“ position the indicator shows the output of the amplifier. By selecting to “Input“ position, the indicator shows the strength of the device connected to the amplifier.
Visual inspection
The amplifier has a retro design, using elements such as rotating buttons or analog indicators. It weights approximately 760g and has the following dimensions: 151 x 184 x 51 mm.
The Kama Bay AMP 2000 Rev. B model features two analog indicators placed in the center of the front panel, these two measure the decibel levers, and when the amplifier is powered on the indicators are illuminated by a Blue LED.
On the right side, there are placed two rotating knobs; one that selects the input source and the other one controls the volume. Below there are one USB port for charging devices and next to it there is an audio jack (stereo mini), this is the input source number 4.
On the left side, there are two knobs for Bass & Treble adjustment. Below there is the power button, a 3.5mm audio jack and the Mute button.
Two plastic plates cover the sides of the amplifier. In order for the amp to be mounted in the 5.25” bay of a case, these plates must be removed.
On the backside, there are the audio connectors: Speakers left-right, RCA Jacks. In the middle there is the switch for the input of the analog indicator while lower there is the power connector.
On the inferior side there are four rubber & plastic feet, these are detachable, each of them is held in place with the help of a metallic screw.
On the inside, the Kama Bay AMP 2000 uses a Yamaha YDA138-E amplifier with an output of 10W for both audio channels.
Omron is the manufacturer of the main relay and it is the model G5V-2, this is placed next to the amplifier.
Testing
The first thing that stands out is the build quality, starting from the knobs & buttons up to the analog meters and gold plated connectors.
The sound quality is very good, it does not distort even at higher values, and the option of changing the bass & tremble is welcomed.
The analog indicators offer a fast visual feedback and their source can be changed from the switch located at the back of the amplifier, however the blue LED illumination cannot be switched off.
Here is a video sample of the indicators moving in sync with the music
The following songs were used to test the amplifier:
– Ludovico Einaudi – Experience
– Quixotic – Palms
– Gramatik – Break Loose
– Daft Punk – Give Life Back to Music
– Daft Punk Feat Pharrell Williams – Get Lucky
– Daft Punk Feat Panda Bear – Doin’ It Right
– Woolymammoth – ELLA
– Flume – Holdin On
– Flume – Some Minds (feat. Andrew Wyatt)
– Lorde – Tennis Court (Flume Remix)
– Desire – Under Your Spell
– Moog – Drive feat. Erin Renee
– B.E.R. – The Night Begins To Shine
– Kaleida -Think
– Dan Croll – From Nowhere
– T-Rex – Get It On
– Jimi Hendrix – Foxy Lady
– Jimi Hendrix – Purple Haze
– Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son
Final thoughts
The latest addition to the Kama Bay line, brings some important changes such as the added audio ports, the two analog indicators and the possibility of adjusting the Bass & Tremble.
The amplifier can be utilized separately of the system; however, by detaching the 4 feet and two plastic plates, it can be mounted inside a 5.25” bay.
Considering its 50 Euros price tag, the amplifier offers numerous options for configuring an audio system, also the retro design is a change from the usual amplifier look.
As an improvement, it would be useful if the LED illumination of the db indicators could be switched off, also the circuitry insulation needs some improvement. As long as the amplifier is used with its dedicated power supply, there are no interference in the audio, however when it is being replaced with a Molex connector, then the interference in the audio channels are to the level of the connector’s quality.
