SMSL SP400 Balanced Headphone Amplifier THX AAA

[JB5150]

My SP400 has less volume output than my SP200.
Is this to be expected with the lower gain on SP400 (11.6db) vs SP200(18db)?
I assumed that it would get louder than my SP200.... Maybe something to do with the high output impedance of my M400?

 

[Artaois]

My SP400 has less volume output than my SP200.
Is this to be expected with the lower gain on SP400 (11.6db) vs SP200(18db)?
I assumed that it would get louder than my SP200.... Maybe something to do with the high output impedance of my M400?

Well that's disheartening since I ordered the m400 too...

 

[Veri]

My SP400 has less volume output than my SP200.
Is this to be expected with the lower gain on SP400 (11.6db) vs SP200(18db)?
I assumed that it would get louder than my SP200.... Maybe something to do with the high output impedance of my M400?

-are you using SP400 balanced?
-if same set-up? 6.4dB less gain is significant

 

[JB5150]

-are you using SP400 balanced?
-if same set-up? 6.4dB less gain is significant

Yes balanced in/out. Same exact setup. I have an XLR switch, i can just switch between amps. SP200 is significantly louder than SP400.

 

[Dave O.]

Regarding the lower output reported above - could this be adjusted in the gain levels from the main menu?

I have questions regarding the SP-400 as a preamplifier for my main system (speakers and headphones). Since SP-400 has only XLR out and my amplifiers (Crimson 630c) are single ended, I would need to use XLR to RCA cables. Can anyone here tell me if this is a serious compromise in terms of sound quality and compatibility? Also, has anyone used the SP-400 as a preamp in a speaker set up? If yes, is it a legitimate alternative to a dedicated preamp?

Any feedback would be most appreciated.

 

[Veri]

I have questions regarding the SP-400 as a preamplifier for my main system (speakers and headphones). Since SP-400 has only XLR out and my amplifiers (Crimson 630c) are single ended, I would need to use XLR to RCA cables. Can anyone here tell me if this is a serious compromise in terms of sound quality and compatibility? Also, has anyone used the SP-400 as a preamp in a speaker set up? If yes, is it a legitimate alternative to a dedicated preamp?

Any feedback would be most appreciated.

Can you jump up to a Topping A90? It has proper RCA pre-outs as well as some of the best amp performance. Using XLR to RCA adapters is not the best way to achieve single ended pre-out...

 

[Dave O.]

Thanks, I could but I would then need to purchase the Pre 90 as well because I need the remote preamp function. This is both more expensive and space consuming. I'll have to keep looking. The Gustard H16 seemed like a potential solution until I learned that the on/off switch is on the back, which I won't be able to access easily as it needs to go into a shelf.

 

[rjley]

I also noticed the lower output. I remember when I had the SP200 I don't think I ever hit 12:00 in high gain. With the SP400 I'm at 50 (balanced) with the M400 at fixed volume (80). Kinda wish I didn't rush and sell my THX AAA 789 for this.

 

[JB5150]

I also noticed the lower output. I remember when I had the SP200 I don't think I ever hit 12:00 in high gain. With the SP400 I'm at 50 (balanced) with the M400 at fixed volume (80). Kinda wish I didn't rush and sell my THX AAA 789 for this.

SP200 high gain at 12-1 o'clock is as loud as SP400 at 99 volume high gain.

 

[Artaois]

Sure would be nice to know if it's putting out the power it claims.

 

[mkawa]

Jeez! What headphones are you using that you can get to 99 high gain without deafening yourself

my dt990 600o are mid gain 50 phones at most..

 

[Artaois]

Is everyone reporting the low output pairing this with the m400 as well?

 

[mkawa]

Not low for me

 

[HITMAN]

Could somebody compare if the SP200 sounds any different to the SP400.

 

[JB5150]

SP400 output isn't low. It IS lower than the output of SP200.
Never in my life have I had an amp with TWICE the rated power of the amp its replacing, ended up being half as loud....
It does get plenty loud, just not as loud as SP200

 

[Artaois]

SP400 output isn't low. It IS lower than the output of SP200.
Never in my life have I had an amp with TWICE the rated power of the amp its replacing, ended up being half as loud....
It does get plenty loud, just not as loud as SP200

It doesn't make sense. Something has to off. Have people tried comparing with no gain since the sp200's high gain is significantly higher?

 

[mkawa]

in the m400 stack it also depends on if you leave the m400 at 80, which is a little hot. my comparisons against my archel 2.5 were done at 4v (75)

the sp200 has a linear pot iirc which means it gets really loud really fast.

 

[Artaois]

in the m400 stack it also depends on if you leave the m400 at 80, which is a little hot. my comparisons against my archel 2.5 were done at 4v (75)

the sp200 has a linear pot iirc which means it gets really loud really fast.

So you could put the m400 at 99 or is 80 the max for whatever you're talking about?

 

[JB5150]

So you could put the m400 at 99 or is 80 the max for whatever you're talking about?

M400 maxes at 80. I set the "Pre Mode" setting to "fixed" which "locks" the dac at 80, and then i use the volume on the SP400 0-99.

 

[Artaois]

M400 maxes at 80. I set the "Pre Mode" setting to "fixed" which "locks" the dac at 80, and then i use the volume on the SP400 0-99.

Gotcha. Trying to iron out everything before I get mine.
Is there a way to tell if you somehow got an old one with the messed up RCA or did they fix that so far back it should be impossible?