The combination of low distortion, huge amounts of transparent power and a $400 USD price tag set new standards for performance, measurement and value. Bass slam in comparison was a pop, and sub-bass has a “droning” sound. AAA technology allows an amplifier to increase its maximum output power to improve dynamic range as well as sound pressure level. Signal-to-noise ratio is 133dB, meaning that youâd have to crank the amp up to 134dB before hearing any hiss. Thankfully the SP200 has a remarkably low noise floor, so there is no hiss when using very sensitive IEMs at reasonable listening levels. Negligible crosstalk? I was surprised at the huge improvement. Head over to page 2 to hear about the SP200’s build quality and features. As with everything, take it for what it is: this is just one person’s opinion. Achromatic Audio Amplifier’, THX’s patented amplifier technology which uses feed-forward error correction topology that substantially reduces levels of distortion found in regular amplification circuits. Wishlist DARKVOICE. The SMSL SP200 THX Headphone Amp is the latest product in the SMSL lineup with the top of the line audiophile high power grade THX AAA-888 technology. The SP200 is an economical device, and the lack of included accessories reflects this choice. THX AAA-888 Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology (THX AAAâ¢) Maximum rated output of 6 Watts @ < 0.1 % THD; Output Impedance: < 0.1Ω. Seems Resonessence Labs has left the building. Check. This technology allows for the highest fidelity with extreme output power and ultra-low crosstalk. New amplifiers from Topping seem to receive all the current “affordable with great measurements” hype. The individual characteristics of each of the headphones shine through and take center stage. Headphones: JVC HA-SZ1000-E, V-Moda Crossfade LP2, Kinivo BTH220, Kinivo BTH240, 3M 90542-3DC, Cowin E7 Pro's IEM's: Shure SE215 Blue AMPS: S.M.S.L SP200 THX AAA-888 Desktop, Fiio A3 Portable, Fiio A5 Portable The SMSL SP200 THX Headphone Amp is the newest product in the SMSL lineup with the top of the line audiophile high power grade THX AAA-888 technology. From the Sennheiser HD650 to the Audeze LCD-2, and even with the upper-tier HEDDphone, all are driven effortlessly by the SP200. I bought this unit on Black Friday. Its two direct competitors both cost more at that time, the Drop + THX AAA 789 amplifier (now $299) and the Monolith by Monoprice THX AAA 788 amplifier (now $499), and featured lesser THX implementations (AAA 788 and 789). Samsung Mobiles are always budget-friendly to the buyers with excellent features in it. Check. We’ll roll with ‘SP200’ from here on in. The SP200 has plenty of power for any of the full-sized headphones that I currently have on hand. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Its technical and audio performance leaves little about which to complain. The THX AAA-888 is the most sophisticated iteration of the lineup. Some of this weight is likely a result of the internal (class H) 24W power supply, which is unique from most devices around this price point which tend to use bulbous wall-warts. The THX® Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAAâ¢) ensures the ultimate no compromise headphone audio experience by delivering the world's highest fidelity audio with infinitesimally. Low gain is 6db, and high gain is 18db. Low noise? Founded in 2009, SMSL is located in Shenzhen, China. THX lists the 888 as a dual-mono amplifier, with the “highest fidelity in the world,” “extreme power output,” and “ultra-low crosstalk.” With an output impedance near 0ohms and a power output of 3.9W @32ohms, the SP200 is not a typical budget amplifier. THX was showcasing some interesting tech this weekend at their table in CanJam, but you won't be able to buy it. This technology allows for the highest fidelity with extreme output power and ultra-low crosstalk. The fastest sounding amplifier that preserved the transient response in its entirety was the HPA4. It actually produces the same power as that unit despite use of low gain…, Switching to high gain (blue) gives us even more power but comes at the cost of higher noise. You might recognise it as that really loud sound that comes on before films (which is technically called the ‘Deep Note’), but it actually stands for “Tomlinson Holman’s eXperiment”. this is one incredibly powerful amplifier, with vanishingly low distortion that’s beyond the range of human hearing. Post #989 of 1,018 Shakmal Head-Fier. It took a while to get used to the sound. The 789 already borrows some of the capabilities of the THX-888 module... this is why the output power is closer to that of the 888 instead of the 788. Picture Sunday: iFi Audio Gemini & Mercury. But as many tube amp fans will tell you, measurements are done with test tones (and not with actual music), and there is no replacement for using your ears to determine how something sounds. On the plus side, the knob can be whatever colour you want, I’ve bought a few knobs in the past from AliExpress for my Crack – that’s definitely worth noting. ‘Dual-mono’ rather than ‘balanced.’ The board uses two opa1612 op-amps to convert the XLR unbalanced signal to feed the opa564 amplifier op-amps, so purists are quick to point out that the SP200 is not truly a ‘balanced’ amplifier. An Audiophile Guide to Describing Sound – Glossary, Common Audiophile Acronyms and Abbreviations, Common Audio Technical Terms That You Should Know – Glossary, Monolith by Monoprice THX AAA 788 amplifier, Review: Sennheiser HD580 Precision – Budget Bliss, Review: Stealth Sonics U9 JDM | Methods and Melodies, Review: BLON BL-03 – My First IEM Experience, Review: Thieaudio Legacy 4 – the Sound of Art and Art of Sound, How to Use a Single Jack Headset on Your PC Without Splitter, Headphones Not Showing Up in Windows 10: Hardware and Software Solutions, AirPods Keep Disconnecting: Causes and Fixes, Review: SMSL SP200 THX AAA 888 Amplifier – A Slightly Canted Approach to Affordable Amplification, SMSL SP200 THX AAA 888 headphone amplifier, Reduction of harmonic, intermodulation, and crossover distortion by up to 40dB, resulting in a realistic and fatigue-free listening experience, Enables maximum output power for greater dynamic range and sound pressure level (SPL), Minimal bias current and highly efficient power management to optimize and extend device battery life, Scalability that allows incorporation into any headphone or in-vehicle amplifier design, with the flexibility to match the required fidelity, output power, and price point. This feeling may be due to it being a transparent amplifier that simply does not add to the signal. (Headphones: HD600, ATH-M50x). S.M.S.L SP200 THX AAA 888 Headphone Amp The S.M.S.L SP200 THX Headphone Amp is the newest product in the S.M.S.L lineup with the top of the line audiophile high power grade THX AAA-888 technology. The SP200 is clearly designed to maximize consumer bang-for-the-buck. Or if you prefer your music true to the source, rather than hiding any sonic imperfections. It’s always a fine line to decide when cost-cutting goes too far, and sometimes something necessary gets removed. It has been audio bliss for ten straight days. What is immediately noticeable when using the XLR rather than the RCA inputs is a pronounced increase in output volume. As always, our words, opinions, and conclusions are our own. Although I’m sure, there are quite a few customers that curse the slightly incongruous looks when completing a standard component stack. Holman invented THX while he was working on the development of Return Of the Jedi for George Lucas’ Lucasfilm studios to ensure that theatres would be able to be certified to reproduce the film’s audio to the correct standards. If you are visually impaired and are having difficulty navigating this site, please call our Customer Support line via our toll free number 1 (877) 271-2592. Check. SMSL Audio or Shenszhen ShuangMuSanlin Electronics Co. LTD isn’t a newcomer on the market and I’m sure many have you have heard about them and their products before. It visually differentiates itself from competitors due to the vertical angles being a few degrees off of 90. In this review we’re taking a look at the new SMSL SP200 THX 888 headphone amplifier from Chinese manufacturer SMSL, featuring the latest THX 888 amplification technology. Buy SMSL SP200 thx aaa 888 headphone amplifier in Singapore,Singapore. Hi Matty! Wishlist S.M.S.L. , creating audio technology and certification for a range of applications, and it’s currently owned by gaming hardware company Razer Inc. THX has made waves in recent years in the field of personal audio, first with the release of the Drop.com (formerly MassDrop) THX AAA 789 headphone amplifier, reviewed, by guest reviewer HiFi Chica. Well, not directly anyways. You might recognise it as that, that comes on before films (which is technically called the ‘Deep Note’), but it actually stands for “Tomlinson Holman’s eXperiment”. Well. Could you tell me if this amp and the THX 789, in your opinion and experience, are the best performers in bass and sub bass? – Headfonia Store aka Michael Ting! Unlike the front panel connections, the amplifier does sound different depending on which rear panel input type is utilized. This amp is versatile and can be used to drive a variety of headsets including those that have high impedance, require high current, or need high sensitivity. The Drop 789 amplifier has since been joined by newcomers to the market also packing THX amplification technology, namely Monoprice’s Monolith Desktop amplifier, and the subject of today’s review – the SP200 from SMSL. AAA technology allows an amplifier to increase its maximum output power to improve dynamic range as well as sound pressure level. THX is an acronym that’s probably more familiar with movie-goers than personal audio enthusiasts. Yes, if you are ok with potentially a colder, more sterile presentation, rather than one that is warm and engaging. Thereâs no bling, no fanfare, and most interestingly, thereâs actually not much of it â itâs small. AMPS: S.M.S.L SP200 THX AAA-888 Desktop, Fiio A3 Portable, Fiio A5 Portable DACS: S.M.S.L M200 Desktop DAC, Fiio D3 Optical to RCA DAC Equalizers: Realistic 12-Band EQ Vintage Share This Post post-16147662. This gets me wondering – an aftermarket stepped attenuator plus a filter on the blue LED light could be very nice mods on the SP200…. The signal-to-noise ratio reported by SMSL for the SH-9 is greater than 135 dB. How do these stand against the Ether C Flow 1.1? It is a clean sounding performer that provides plenty of power for almost any pair of headphones. Each was heralded as providing the cleanest measurable amplifier signal available at various price points and with differing THX circuitry implementation. Your email address will not be published. There are no niceties, only necessities with no cables included (other than a basic power cord). Do those excellent measurements result in excellent sound, or is this amp good on paper only? And while the SP200 features dual XLR balanced inputs and a 4-pin XLR headphone cable jack, the internal circuitry was revealed not to be genuinely ‘balanced.’ The single-ended 6.35mm headphone socket provides the same output as the XLR one. Performance here in one word was superb…, Needless to say, it is my absolute pleasure to recommend the SMSL SP200.”. I’m okay with cutting extraneous features and addons if a product excels at doing what it is designed to do. That’s really interesting, what was unusual about the sound at first? And of course, if you consider measurements to be representative of sonic performance. That sounds like a great set-up for your cans – if you’re looking for something ‘different’ to complement your SP200 try an OTL-variety tube amp to pair with your Senns. Also, at the very lowest volume settings, some minimal channel imbalance can be heard. The company is looking to integrate a branded AAA headphone amplifier technology (short for Achromatic Audio Amplifier) into "any product with a headphone jack", in an more focused effort perhaps than Powered by Beats or ⦠S.M.S.L has established a comprehensive sales network, and their products are exported to more than 30 countries worldwide. Hello, because I am new in this field, but a fan of quality music but also of the quality of an audiophile sound, for me Your recommend , please … for a combo, with this SMSL SP200 THX AAA 888- JThe right DAC and a compact power supply for stacking on a rack. Note: We received the SP200 free of charge in exchange for our honest evaluation. I love hearing the heavy bass from movies and games. They have their own R＆D, manufacturing, and marketing teams, and specialize in producing audio products, including DACs, stereo headphone amplifiers, speakers, and power amplifiers. It sounds expectedly transparent + excellent. A slight lean to the right is an interesting design choice. ), not warm or cold. I might give this exact same combo a go myself : ). Feb 1, 2021 at 2:06 AM. In a perfect world, measurements would accurately portray a product’s absolute performance. Signal-to-noise ratio is 137dB, meaning that youâd have to crank the amp up to 138dB before hearing any hiss. SMSL has designed the SP400 to pair with the SMSL M400 their latest flagship MQA DAC system. No, it’s not perfect. The combination of low distortion, huge amounts of transparent power and a $400 USD price tag set new standards for performance, measurement and value. The knob and analog volume potentiometer start to uncover the cost-cutting measures and just don’t have the weight and feel of a premium product. Liberty THX AAA⢠HPA Significant Design Features: THX AAA-888 Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology (THX AAAâ¢) Maximum rated output of 6 Watts @ < 0.1 % THD Output Impedance: < 0.1Ω S/N Ratio > 140dB, A-Weighted Oversized, dual-mono 60W toroidal linear power supply with automatic AC input voltage detection (100 â 240V) THX claim this can reduce harmonic, intermodulation, as well as crossover distortion by as much as 40dB. Joined Oct 9, 2019 Messages 18 Reaction score 2 Location Michigan. Headphones: Sennheiser HD700 IEM: Campfire andromeda + EA Thor Silver ii+/Ibasso IT04 + EA Thor Silver. Samsung is a popular brand that manufactures many electronics products. Matty, I totally agree with your suggestion, I paired my Mojo with the SP200 using a SKW 3.5mm to RCA cable ($25.00 on Amazon). Seems to pair with Mojo just as well as Dx220 (truly a transparent amp! Home. A big claim to fame for the SP200 is the use of the dual-mono THX AAA 888 circuitry. This technology allows for the highest fidelity with extreme output power and ultra-low crosstalk. Or, to call it by its formal name…the SMSL SP200 THX AAA-888 Headphone Amplifier. The AAA-888 and 788 are intended for desktop amps or DAC/amp units, while the other four are intended for battery-powered mobile devices. They're like chalk and cheese - the Aeon 2 Noire is more resolving and detailed, but has a more reserved, even-handed approach when…. I bought the The amp and abesolutely love it! your username. SMSL states that they are “quality-based, technology-guidance, customer central.” They strictly execute the Electronics Industry rules (EICC) and have passed the CCC, BQB, MFi, CE, FCC, RoHS, CE-EMC, CE-LVD, WEEE certifications. Housing a premium THX AAA-888 amplification circuit the SP400 has impeccable audio performance with a super clean background and super-powerful output. THX AAA⢠Worldâs Most Linear Amplifier Technology for Headphones and In-Vehicle Audio Systems. The SP200 is a small but substantial, black, aluminum box. The Drop 789 amplifier has since been joined by newcomers to the market also packing THX amplification technology, namely Monoprice’s. Desktop amplifier, and the subject of today’s review – the SP200 from SMSL. If you are wondering (and somehow missed out on all the THX headphone amplification excitement), yes, it’s the same THX company that shows up before every new Star Wars movie. In practice, this means only choosing between ‘normal’ and ‘high’ gain. Minimal distortion? . The THX AAA-888 is the most sophisticated iteration of the lineup. With extended use, the case becomes noticeably warm, although never to a distressing level. Yes on the lean/neutral sound. Its distortion levels are seriously low. SMSL stands for the Foshan ShuangMuSanLin Technology Co., Ltd. Description: The SMSL SP200 THX Headphone Amp is the newest product in the SMSL lineup with the top of the line audiophile high power grade THX AAA-888 technology. The SP200 is a headphone amplifier, pure and simple. THX claims that they provide the “World’s Most Linear Amplifier Technology for Headphones.” THX AAA amplifier modules reduce distortion compared to standard headphone amplifier designs. Glad that’s working for you, enjoy the music mate. Oversized, dual-mono 60W toroidal linear power supply with automatic AC input voltage detection (100 â 240V). S/N Ratio > 140dB, A-Weighted. This amp is versatile and can be used to drive a variety Its technical and audio performance leaves little about which to complain. Oversized, dual-mono 60W toroidal linear power supply with automatic AC input voltage detection (100 â 240V). But I do have a deep appreciation for music, founded at a young age, and curated over the years. But the excitement has seemed to drop off over the last year, and few new THX amplifiers have been released. Founded in 2009, they are located in Shenzhen and produce DACs, headphone amplifiers and desktop amps. SMSL SP200 Headphone Amplifier THX AAA 888: Condition: Used. https://apos.audio/products/smsl-sp200-thx-headphone-amp So, have SMSL gone and made every other amplifier on the market immediately redundant? With sincere friendship Alexandru Popescu, The volume knob can easily be replaced by a 20mm one from AliExpress, giving it more heft. I don’t claim to have golden ears with magical properties, nor any ability to create music. Liberty THX AAA⢠HPA Significant Design Features: THX AAA-888 Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology (THX AAAâ¢) Maximum rated output of 6 Watts @ 0.1 % THD Output Impedance: 0.1Ω S/N Ratio > 140dB, A-Weighted. Get great deals on Audio Chat to Buy THD+N: -117dB, 0.00013% (20 – 20kHz, 32ohm, -3dB), THD: -125dB, 0.00006% (1kHz, 16ohm, -3dB), Power Supply Voltage/Frequency: AC100-240V, 50-60 Hz, Power Consumption in Standby Mode: < 0.1W. Hey, i am on the verge of pulling trigger on this setup: Topping D90+SP200+6XX and later LCD2C/X. A true 0db ‘low’ gain setting would improve the usability of the SP200. The features are pretty spartan as well. Post #2 of 989 MiddestFi New Head-Fier. Sonically indistinguishable, it depends on whether you appreciate a smaller footprint and price-tag (SP200), or would prefer three gain settings (789). It's been a while since I've heard the Ether C, sorry mate. Let’s read on and find out. The SP200 is quite a powerful amplifier (6W @16ohms). The balanced headphone output is not balanced at all? SMSL SP200 THX AAA 888 headphone amplifier. George Lucas founded THX in 1983, and the Razer gaming peripheral company now owns it. Some cost-cutting measures are lamentable. No tonality and no coloration. Best regards. It comes across as effortless and transparent, but much more on the clinical and dry side of amplification. This technology allows for the highest fidelity with extreme output power and ultra-low crosstalk. HI, Herus,where to get updates? This design, and the inclusion of front and rear XLR sockets, has led to market (and marketing) confusion, with some buyers feeling mislead. For the most part, the SP200 delivers on what it promises. Ended: Jan 07, 2021. I paired a smsl su-8 dac (250$) and really enjoy the stack I’m looking for an eQ next and incorporate tubes at some point.. my cans are sennheiser 6xx and the Argon MK3s. And I also have a taste for great symphony orchestras and great organ music. Too ‘lean’ or neutral-sounding? As you and I both know, while they’re incredibly useful, measurements are only part of the equation, and can’t tell you what something sounds like with a range of different gear. "At $265, the SMSL SP200 offers excellent value. The THX AAA 888 version (utilized in the SP200) is the TOTL implementation (over the 688, 788, and 789 versions). Great to hear it’s working out for you, the 610’s are on my list to try. The SMSL asserts 888 technology but it's cost indicates it too is borrowing tech from the 888 and employing it with the 788 module. The SMSL SP200 THX Headphone Amp is the newest product in the SMSL lineup with the top of the line audiophile high power grade THX AAA-888 technology. THX supplies headphone amplifier manufacturers with flexible and modular solutions (including power supply) to incorporate into their amplifiers. Thank you! Get your monthly roundup of our best articles right straight to your inbox. Distortion products are at or below whopping -130 dB. Thank you! Check. H Thanks for your input. Before going deep into this comparison, I will just remind you that HPA4 and SP200 use two flagship THX-AAA-888 chips and Massdrop THX-789 is using dual THX-AAA-788 chips. Pitch-black background (even with CA Andro), tiny bit of channel imbalance with CA Andro. For the DAC I don’t really know yet do I keep the MOJO or connect it to SP200). And more importantly – they can’t tell you what it’s like to live with. But donât worry you can pair it with any ⦠Either should be a good pairing with your HD800, it just comes down to whether you need some extra juice + XLR connectivity options down the track. 4-line level inputs; 3 single-ended RCA and 1 balanced XLR-1/4â. So the real life performance of high gain will be better than is shown…, …Next I switched to Sennheiser HD650. Premium Components, Premium Output:- The audio circuit inside the SP400 utilizes many 0.1% high-precision low temperature drift resistors. Did you notice that the SP200 power rating is not differentiated between the single-ended and balanced outputs? I paired the SP200 with the Soncoz LA-QZD1, an excellent, comparably priced, and similarly clinical-sounding DAC that also excels at sonic measurements. The result was superb on my HD6XX headphones. This technology allows for the highest fidelity with extreme output power and ultra-low crosstalk. Hey Gerry, there’s not much to it – simply put the Mojo in ‘line-out’ mode (depress both volume buttons when switching-on for a 2V signal) and plug into the SP200. Budget-oriented and straightforward is the name of the game. I used to strap my old Hifiman HE-5’s into the back of a speaker amp, I reckon would sound great on this. Due to the Green Bay Packers having a bye week (i.e., I have a little more free time than usual today) I thought it would be interesting to compare three high-performing and relatively budget THX headphone amplifiers: the Drop (Massdrop) THX AAA 789 vs. the Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887 vs. the SMSL SP200 THX AAA 888. Required fields are marked *. I know what you are thinking. THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAAâ¢) ensures the ultimate no-compromise headphone audio experience by delivering the worldâs highest fidelity audio with infinitesimally low levels of noise, distortion and power consumption. If ‘musicality’ or warm-sounding harmonics are your thing, then the SP200 may not suit your tastes. Even so, the SMSL SP200 was a contender for the best value headphone product of 2019. Build and design. To break-down the acronyms even further, AAA stands for ‘Achromatic Audio Amplifier’, THX’s patented amplifier technology which uses feed-forward error correction topology that substantially reduces levels of distortion found in regular amplification circuits. Get the SMSL SP 200 here on Apos audio! That makes them completely inaudible in all circumstances…, …So SINAD which is signal over noise and distortion is really determined by noise level… As it is, the SP200 easily classifies as reference quality headphone amplifier…, …In low gain, performance is neck and neck with Drop’s THX 789. Hey Gerry, that’s awesome to hear! The THX amps were purported to be real game-changers, and (at the time), there was a ton of hype about them all. The SMSL SP200 THX Headphone Amp is the newest product in the SMSL lineup with the top of the line audiophile high power grade THX AAA-888 technology. I purchased the SP200 (gently) used, so I didn’t receive the white logoed cardboard box. Catchy, huh? Conversely, the case is quite robust and heavy feeling and stays put even with a full complement of balanced and single-ended cable connections attached (especially with a DAC on top). Learn how your comment data is processed. Its distortion levels are seriously low. This headphone amp is versatile and can be used to drive a variety of headsets including those that have high ⦠Therefore, the performance of the RCA input is the best.” The only real benefits of using the rear panel XLR connections are to remove unwanted noise or ground loop hum. Sound-stage expanded for all devices. , who we must thank for arranging the evaluation sample used for today’s review. Description:The SMSL SP200 THX Headphone Amp is the newest product in the SMSL lineup with the top of the line audiophile high power grade THX AAA-888 technology. Digital Headphone Magazine For Audiophiles. This amp is versatile and can be used to drive a variety of headsets including those that have high impedance, require high current, or need high sensitivity. Without belaboring the point, should you still consider buying the SP200 in 2021? It provides a potent and clean signal. Could the SP200 be the only amp you’ll ever need? However, the lack of a proper ‘low’ gain setting, combined with the SP200’s high-power output, means that the usable range of the volume potentiometer is limited with IEMs. This combo also likely led my audio impressions to lean even more towards the clear and dry side of things. I have several amps and was slow to warm up to this one. I highly recommend this combination. Samsung launches new mobiles with the latest…, In this review we’re taking a look at the new SMSL SP200 THX 888 headphone amplifier from Chinese manufacturer SMSL, featuring the latest THX 888 amplification technology. Other nice-to-haves (such as a display or remote control) are acceptable to be missing at this price point. Log into your account. I’m eyeing the SP200 but would the JDS ATOM be a little warmer? MiddestFi. While not a direct competitor due to price, the (>10 times more expensive) $3000, It is important to note that there are only two gain positions. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abbdcc007fea7551e21f786a3299dca4" );document.getElementById("h35cbe3b71").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. HiFiMan are killers for most headphones up to 1,500 USD, That's very kind, thanks for reading Hermanni! It’s about time that Headphonesty reviewed a THX amplifier.
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