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Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier
$179
01 / 11
Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier
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$179
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Product Description
It’s been over half a decade since our first linear amplifier, the THX AAA 789, brought exceptionally transparent, balanced amplification to audiophiles around the world. Now, as more and more listeners chase that coveted “wire-with-gain” holy grail of amplification, we thought we’d pick up where we left off—by launching another game-changing linear amp Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downmattris
1300
Jun 29, 2023
Is the 4-pin XLR-out balanced? The launch email states that it is balanced. I would like a Drop representative to clarify this matter.
Fastnl
70
Product Development
Jul 6, 2023
To clarify :
The HO150x is not a full end to end balanced headphone amplifier.
The HO150x does have an input for a balanced source. There is a modest gain advantage with a balanced source to both the headphone outputs on the front.
Using the 4 pin balanced input from a balanced source will result in optimal performance from the HO150x.
The reason why we have both 4 pin and 1/4" is to accommodate most headphone cabling configurations.
The preferred source in is to use the balanced input on the HO150x.
(Edited)
Illiquid_Asset
48
Dec 28, 2023
FastnlCurious, why would the balance signal not remain balanced in the box?
mattris
1300
Jun 30, 2023
alvarado.ray60This is the frame from the email I referenced:
"balanced inputs and outputs" False advertising?
"balanced inputs and outputs" False advertising?
alvarado.ray60
4
Jun 30, 2023
mattrisAccording to the Specs of the amp given by Drop, it is Unbalanced. Check the specs.
alvarado.ray60
4
Jun 30, 2023
alvarado.ray60These are the specs...
SPECS
- Drop + SMSL
- Precision Linear Feedback Circuit (PLFC)
- Inputs: Balanced, unbalanced
- Headphone outputs: XLR 4-pin, 6.35 mm unbalanced
- Preamplifier outputs: RCA Unbalanced
somedude0608
42
Jul 5, 2023
alvarado.ray60Nowhere on your quote does it say the XLR is unbalanced. The comma is important to pay attention to.
(Edited)
EverlastingUplift
7
Aug 26, 2024
somedude0608The 4-pin XLR and 6.3mm outputs are both 6W into 16 Ohms. They're both unbalanced.
InvisibleInk
118
Jun 30, 2023
It has to be balanced, other wise why a 4-pin connector?
The language suggests to me that "unbalanced" applies to the 6.5mm and RCA ports only.
DrEas
135
Jun 30, 2023
That was my question as well. The specs read that is balanced, unless I'm misreading it?
SPECS
- Drop + SMSL
- Precision Linear Feedback Circuit (PLFC)
- Inputs: Balanced, unbalanced
- Headphone outputs: XLR 4-pin, 6.35 mm unbalanced
- Preamplifier outputs: RCA Unbalanced
- Balanced output power: 6,000mW (at 16 ohms), 3,000mW (at 32 ohms), 550 mw (at 300 ohms)
- Single-ended output power: 6,000mW (at 16 ohms), 3,000mW (at 32 ohms), 550 mw (at 300
Cferrer1983
81
Jul 3, 2023
DrEasCall me crazy or maybe ignorant but balanced and single ended output power are the same, isn't that an indicator that everything is unbalanced?
T.Fernandez
849
Collabs
Jul 6, 2023
The there is no output selection switch RCA Pre-amp output and the headphone outputs are driven simultaneously.
573V0
228
Jun 22, 2023
Don’t keep us hangin’ without a paired DAC! Are plans looking like we might get that next?
pscytheology
30
Jul 1, 2023
Maybe because it already exists? They mentioned that they put the HO200 power into HO100 chassis, and there's already a HO100 paired DAC, which is the DO100. It might actually match the dimension well with this.
Fluffy2102
5
Keyboard Club Member
Oct 1, 2023
So there’s the toggle between RCA and XLR, assuming that those are for the outputs in the back, technically I can just use only the XLR preamps and if I toggle to RCA mode sound just won’t come out?
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