SMSL SH-9 THX Headphone Amplifier Review

[Helicopter]

Smsl build quality and QC not good as topping ime.

Yes, and while this is impressive, Topping achieves better performance in most specs in L30 at much lower price point through their own innovation and merit, and early in this game. SMSL achieves excellent, but mostly inferior performance, licensing THX tech and using some good parts. This is solid engineering but not Topping.

 

[WondrousHippo]

Feel like you don't need balanced at these specs, and glad to see more options for remote-controlled equipment!

 

[Lero]

Nice improvement but i am very impatient for the topping a30pro and smsl sp400.

 

[NeLey169]

Schiit Magnius is better deal with 90$ lower

 

[bigjacko]

I really like stepped-attenuator implemention here, I think it is a must at this kind of performance. I would bet that 0.5dB channel imbalance is more audible than lowering SINAD from 110 to 120. When we have best SINAD available we have to deal with other minor things too.

 

[Helicopter]

I really like stepped-attenuator implemention here, I think it is a must at this kind of performance. I would bet that 0.5dB channel imbalance is more audible than lowering SINAD from 110 to 120. When we have best SINAD available we have to deal with other minor things too.

At $300 for a Chinese HPA with no preamp pass through, it is certainly the distinguishing characteristeric.

Agree on likely audibility and value.

 

[Labjr]

Well, it's getting there. Now add a balanced preamp out.

 

[amirm]

How about phase? Music reproduction is a lot about timing. Maybe this is one of the more differentiating aspects?

//

It is so negligible that I don't bother.

 

[GimeDsp]

The SMSL SH-9 THX headphone amplifier looks like a really nice item.

 

[SHENZHENAUDIO]

Does this have a remote?

Yes, comes long the remote control.

 

[SHENZHENAUDIO]

Thanks for the review Amir, and for the sample, shenzenaudio. This looks like a nice clean product. I like the mains in, the simplicity of no preamp passthrough, the display, and I am impressed by how well the relay-stepped volume attenuator does with channel balance. I agree with others who have stated the relay-stepped attenuator really adds value. I don't mind the clackiness of the relay-stepped volume attenuators Schiit uses, but I am fine with that being their thing and the SMSL product being less noisy. Of course, the rest of the performance is easy to endorse as well. Great job to everyone at SMSL wo contributed to this!

Thank you as well.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Yes, and while this is impressive, Topping achieves better performance in most specs in L30 at much lower price point through their own innovation and merit, and early in this game. SMSL achieves excellent, but mostly inferior performance, licensing THX tech and using some good parts. This is solid engineering but not Topping.

Wish they would adopt higher-res displays like this, though.

 

[gvl]

How does one integrate balanced active monitors with this and a balanced DAC on desktop?

 

[jasonhanjk]

 

[Music1969]

A 256-step attenuator using resistor ladder implements volume control which should result in perfect channel matching (see measurement later).

Whoa momma

The day has finally arrived

A Benchmark HPA4 (for headamp duties) for the rest of us (affordable).

 

[okok]

gustard using ladder volume too

 

[Music1969]

gustard using ladder volume too

But not this performance?

 

[The Jniac]

But not this performance?

I think that he is talking about this.

 

[Labjr]

Are they using quality relays in this?

EDIT: Looks like Omron Japan relays in the photo on their web site.

 

[YSC]

Looks nice, too bad no preamp function