An example of stunning and unique craftsmanship of Italy is the Audia Flight FLS20 SACD Player. It offers extremely high quality audio and is proudly featured under the high-end sections. The FLS20 is designed for customers who are very particular regarding audio quality. From my experience, the top-loading feature is one of a kind and truly state-of-the-art because of how it was constructed. Putting the FLS20 under its paces for weeks allowed me to realize all of its details. The engineering behind it, and the music played became intertwined.
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1. Design & Build: A Work of Art
From my first glimpse, the chassis of the FLS20 gives off an elegant look, which aligns with my expectations. Audia Flight has a deserved reputation when it comes to precision. The 10mm thick aluminum and front wastes are designed to counter all possible vibrations during off usage, and look aesthetically pleasing due to their having simple finishes in black and silver. The teasing element upon the placement is the manual cover for the disc slot. This, coupled with the top-loading design, ensures effortless reading for the discs and adds an element of class to the device.
Key design highlights:
- Dimensions: 450×134×364 mm (W×H×D), weighing 17 kg, substantial yet manageable.
- Vibration Control: Extensive damping measures eliminate internal and external resonances, a critical factor for pristine sound.
- OLED Display: Simple but effective, showing input selection and playback status.
2. Technical Brilliance: Inside the FLS20
At its core, the FLS20 is engineered for uncompromising performance:
DAC & Clocking System
- Dual Sabre ES9038PRO DACs: Configured in mono mode (one per channel) for superior channel separation and detail retrieval.
- Crystek CCHD-950 Clock: Ultra-low jitter ensures impeccable timing, critical for resolving subtle musical nuances.
Power Supply & Output Stage
- Three Toroidal Transformers: Isolated power for analog (80VA), digital (85VA), and control circuits (15VA) to prevent interference.
- Class A Discrete Output: Fully balanced current-feedback design delivers 2.5Vrms via XLR/RCA, pairing effortlessly with high-end amps.
Connectivity
- Digital I/O: 4 inputs (USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, Toslink) and 4 outputs (including I²S), plus an optional streamer card for modern flexibility
3. Sound Performance: Emotional & Accurate
The FLS20’s sonic signature strikes a rare balance between technical prowess and musical engagement.
Strengths
- Detail Retrieval: Orchestral tracks reveal layered textures. The decay of a violin bow or the breathiness of a vocalist is rendered with startling clarity.
- Dynamic Range: 140dB ensures whispers and crescendos are equally impactful, as heard on Mahler symphonies.
- Bass Control: Tight and authoritative, without bloat—perfect for electronic or acoustic basslines.
Comparisons
- Vs. Luxman D-07X: The FLS20 leans slightly warmer, with a more “organic” midrange, while the Luxman offers sharper transient edges.
- Vs. Audia Flight’s Pacific DAC: The FLS20 trades some romanticism for greater precision and dynamics.
4. Real-World Use & Quirks
- Setup: The lack of streaming built-in (without the optional card) may frustrate some, but purists will appreciate the focus on disc playback.
- Heat Management: Runs warm but never excessively hot, thanks to efficient heat sinks.
- Price: At €17,900 (or ~$21,999), it’s a luxury investment justified only for serious collectors
5. Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The FLS20 is ideal for:
- Audiophiles with extensive SACD/CD collections.
- Those seeking a future-proof digital hub with optional streaming.
- Listeners who value emotional resonance as much as technical excellence.
Limitations:
- No MQA support (unlike the Luxman D-07X).
- The optional streamer card adds €2,200—a significant extra cost
Conclusion
After spending time going through the options, I can confidently say that this is one of the best DVD players, in particular. Simple reasons, such as relieving passion through detailed items, truly return the joy, which should never be underestimated. Furthermore, the craftsmanship on it is splendid and eye-pleasing, unlocking music to an entirely different world. Although the pricing is towards the high side, from what I witnessed and underwent with recordings tested would show that the results obtained while running were peeled off on other devices.
Where to Audition:
- Authorized dealers like Dreammedia AV (U.S.) or The Audio Tailor (Australia) offer demos
