SMSL H400

[jruser]

I’m curious to the differences between the SH-X and the H400. Some PCB shots to count the number of relays would be nice. Unless I missed it, the SH-X hasn’t really received any discussion around here.

 

[Rover]

I’m curious to the differences between the SH-X and the H400. Some PCB shots to count the number of relays would be nice. Unless I missed it, the SH-X hasn’t really received any discussion around here.

SH-X there is no remote control.

 

[NexusOne]

DO200Pro + H400 or DO400 for a Hek Stealth? More expensive, More power, hdmi but Not all in one. Difficult decision. What would you do? Is there a Sound difference?

 

[Rover]

SH-X

There is no such amplifier on the SMSL website.Was it possibly discontinued?

 

[ChenHui]

Do you know how many volume steps it has?

The volume ranges from 0 (mute) to 99 (full volume).

 

[RedEyeNinja]

DO200Pro + H400 or DO400 for a Hek Stealth? More expensive, More power, hdmi but Not all in one. Difficult decision. What would you do? Is there a Sound difference?

I have a DO400, then added a SP400 and I will likely replace the SP400 with H400. The only other SMSL dac to consider in this scenario would be the DO300 EX with the AKM chipset. From what I have read, despite the difference between AKM and ESS designs, reviewers were not able to distinguish between the ESS and AKM implementations from these SMSL units.

I also contemplated swapping from DO400 + SP400 to DO300 EX + H400...but I will likely keep the DO400 + H400 instead.

 

[raif71]

I have a DO400, then added a SP400 and I will likely replace the SP400 with H400. The only other SMSL dac to consider in this scenario would be the DO300 EX with the AKM chipset. From what I have read, despite the difference between AKM and ESS designs, reviewers were not able to distinguish between the ESS and AKM implementations from these SMSL units.

I also contemplated swapping from DO400 + SP400 to DO300 EX + H400...but I will likely keep the DO400 + H400 instead.

I have the SP400 paired with M400. Is the H400 significantly better than the SP400 in your opinion ?... thanks.

 

[RedEyeNinja]

I have the SP400 paired with M400. Is the H400 significantly better than the SP400 in your opinion ?... thanks.

I don't have the H400 yet, as it's on the way. I have a set of SJY Audio Horizons, 25ohm planar magnetic headphones that on paper isn't hard to drive but in reality, really loves more power. With the DO400, I'm using high gain and listening @ -10 to -5dB, which is adequate. I then connected the SP400 to the DO400 with xlr and I'm listening on the SP400 using high gain, 80 to 90 out of 99. So the SP400 with its higher power output did make a difference but due to its low-gain design, it felt like it had way more to give. So spec-wise, the H400 with its high-gain design maybe able to provide me with even more headroom over the SP400...at least that's the plan.

 

[ChenHui]

I have the SP400 paired with M400. Is the H400 significantly better than the SP400 in your opinion ?... thanks.

Even today, the M400+SP400 combo is still a very strong performer. I don't think you need to update. Maybe if you buy some different headphones, the experience will be richer.

 

[raif71]

I don't have the H400 yet, as it's on the way. I have a set of SJY Audio Horizons, 25ohm planar magnetic headphones that on paper isn't hard to drive but in reality, really loves more power. With the DO400, I'm using high gain and listening @ -10 to -5dB, which is adequate. I then connected the SP400 to the DO400 with xlr and I'm listening on the SP400 using high gain, 80 to 90 out of 99. So the SP400 with its higher power output did make a difference but due to its low-gain design, it felt like it had way more to give. So spec-wise, the H400 with its high-gain design maybe able to provide me with even more headroom over the SP400...at least that's the plan.

I'm agreeing with you on the SP400 seems not to have enough power. Also I have noticed that low/medium/high gain doesn't really do much difference in volume loudness when using headphones. With iems, perhaps the difference is more. I await your views on the H400 when you get it. Cheers

 

[raif71]

Even today, the M400+SP400 combo is still a very strong performer. I don't think you need to update. Maybe if you buy some different headphones, the experience will be richer.

Don't get me wrong...when the volume hits that sweet spot , I am enjoying what I hear, except that volume dial is closing to the end.

 

[RedEyeNinja]

Don't get me wrong...when the volume hits that sweet spot , I am enjoying what I hear, except that volume dial is closing to the end.

to be frank, this is also how I feel too...the sound from the SP400 is and always been lovely. If only SMSL updated the firmware to give it +20dB high gain....which is essentially what the H400 is/will be.

 

[ChenHui]

Don't get me wrong...when the volume hits that sweet spot , I am enjoying what I hear, except that volume dial is closing to the end.

I don't have a sp400 no way to compare. But if you put the H400 in high gain mode and turn the volume up to 40-50 (99 max), then your headphones will become a "small speaker"!

 

[NexusOne]

I had the SH-9 and there was not much power. A R70x was not very loud on high gain. I am a big fan of AIO but maybe I should buy DAC and Amp separately because it offers more power. But for a hek stealth the DO400 should be enough.

I have a DO400

Does it have enough power for normal headphones? Maybe you can give a short comparison soon between DO400 and H400.

 

[RedEyeNinja]

Does it have enough power for normal headphones? Maybe you can give a short comparison soon between DO400 and H400.

To me, the DO400 is more than adequate for the majority of headphones that aren't trying to be "speakers for your ears". It drives all my planar IEM's with ease on low gain.

I look forward to comparing the DO400, SP400 and H400 in a few weeks when I return home.

 

[jruser]

There is no such amplifier on the SMSL website.Was it possibly discontinued?

No, it’s fairly new. It was released to match the SU-X dac. You can find the SH-X at the usual
SMSL dealers.

 

[Verig]

No, it’s fairly new. It was released to match the SU-X dac. You can find the SH-X at the usual
SMSL dealers.

6000SUX..?

 

[NexusOne]

Stupid question: But if you run an aio Solution Like the DO400 at 50 % is it 100 % dac and 50 % amp volume or 50 % dac and 100 % amp volume? If the First thing is right them a stand alone dac and amp Like the h400 is better because you can reduce the volume with the amp which is better (less distortion etc.)?

 

[Verig]

Stupid question: But if you run an aio Solution Like the DO400 at 50 % is it 100 % dac and 50 % amp volume or 50 % dac and 100 % amp volume? If the First thing is right them a stand alone dac and amp Like the h400 is better because you can reduce the volume with the amp which is better (less distortion etc.)?

I would not think about that. Digital volume control has been fine for years. Besides, the unit measures perfectly so how could a stack of separates be better?
Separates are just nice if you want to play around with gear.

 

[ChenHui]

Stupid question: But if you run an aio Solution Like the DO400 at 50 % is it 100 % dac and 50 % amp volume or 50 % dac and 100 % amp volume? If the First thing is right them a stand alone dac and amp Like the h400 is better because you can reduce the volume with the amp which is better (less distortion etc.)?

I would choose 100 % dac and 50 % amp volume. AMP is designed to control the volume.