SMSL H400MK2 – Fully-Balanced Desktop GaN Headphone Amp with 14× OPA1612A Op-Amps

[tokyo_blues]

Hi! Thanks for the kind words about the PL200, we're glad you love it!
To replace your Benchmark DAC1 Pre, I would recommend checking out either the SMSL DL400 or the SMSL D100. Both of these models are excellent all-in-one solutions that combine a high-performance DAC and a powerful headphone amplifier.

Thanks for replying Kitty. Sadly these don't fit the bill. I need at least two line inputs (one for the turntable's phono stage, the other for the SMSL CD player line outs, as I want to use its DAC) and these don't have them. Would also be good to have a rotary input selector on the front, or numbered buttons for each input, so as not to have to dig through a display menu to change inputs.

Please consider designing a full replacement for the Benchmark DAC or similar for those of us with a multitude of analogue/digital inputs Nice volume pot and remote would be great too!

Given your track record of design and manufacturing quality, I would upgrade in an instant.

 

[Ruediger]

Thanks for replying Kitty. Sadly these don't fit the bill. I need at least two line inputs (one for the turntable's phono stage, the other for the SMSL CD player line outs, as I want to use its DAC) and these don't have them.

You can always wire RCA -> XLR and use those two inputs provided.

But I get what you mean. Why not another pair of RCA.

 

[tokyo_blues]

You can always wire RCA -> XLR and use those two inputs provided.

But I get what you mean. Why not another pair of RCA.

Or a simple input selector on the front fascia.

Maybe my setup is niche and everyone is rocking just a Wiim Ultra straming from Spotify?

 

[Ruediger]

Analogue sources are less now. But if I still had the need, a good pre-amp would still manage them.

 

[Hoods_]

To clarify: this unit only features a PRE OUTPUT and a Headphone Output. So, when you connect three pairs of headphones simultaneously, they all output audio at the same time.Regarding the volume control: yes, the volume adjusts in precise 0.5 dB increments.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Thank you! Regarding this note, it mentions that the device must be turned off before connecting the headphones. Does this need to be the case every time we connect and disconnect the headphones from a port?

 

[Kitty (S.M.S.L Marketing)]

View attachment 558151
Thank you! Regarding this note, it mentions that the device must be turned off before connecting the headphones. Does this need to be the case every time we connect and disconnect the headphones from a port?

Yes, it's recommended every time. Turning down the volume prevents sudden loud pops from damaging your headphones, and powering off before plugging them in protects the headphone protection circuit from being triggered.

 

[Kitty (S.M.S.L Marketing)]

Thanks for replying Kitty. Sadly these don't fit the bill. I need at least two line inputs (one for the turntable's phono stage, the other for the SMSL CD player line outs, as I want to use its DAC) and these don't have them. Would also be good to have a rotary input selector on the front, or numbered buttons for each input, so as not to have to dig through a display menu to change inputs.

Please consider designing a full replacement for the Benchmark DAC or similar for those of us with a multitude of analogue/digital inputs Nice volume pot and remote would be great too!

Given your track record of design and manufacturing quality, I would upgrade in an instant.

Thanks for the detailed feedback! I totally get where you're coming from regarding the inputs and the rotary selector—it makes perfect sense for your setup.
I'll make sure to forward this to our product team. Hopefully, we'll have something in the future that meets all your needs!

 

[audioje]

Okay, please figure out power amplifier next! Same fidelity and power as purifi or hypex but half price! I would gladly take 2/3 price too!

 

[A.West]

Dear Kitty,
Would SMSL be willing to develop and build an electrostatic headphone amp? There’s a market gap for high quality at a reasonable price product.

 

[Bucket1122]

Yes, it's recommended every time. Turning down the volume prevents sudden loud pops from damaging your headphones, and powering off before plugging them in protects the headphone protection circuit from being triggered.

Was this the same with the H400?, or is it to do with the new mk2 model only?

 

[Kitty (S.M.S.L Marketing)]

Dear Kitty,
Would SMSL be willing to develop and build an electrostatic headphone amp? There’s a market gap for high quality at a reasonable price product.

Thanks for your feedback! We will pass this suggestion along to our R&D team.

 

[Kitty (S.M.S.L Marketing)]

Was this the same with the H400?, or is it to do with the new mk2 model only?

This applies to all headphone amplifiers, including the H400. We recommend following this practice to protect your headphones and the amp's protection circuit.