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Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier
$179
$199

Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier

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$179
$199
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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

Continuing Our Linear Amp Legacy—In a Compact Footprint

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. This time, we’ve partnered with SMSL: a ubiquitous audiophile brand that raised the bar for clean audio with its Precision Linear Feedback Circuit, achieving distortion levels as low as 0.00007%. Working closely with SMSL’s engineers, we took the output power of the brand’s highly regarded HO-200 Amplifier and fit it into the smaller HO-100 form factor. We also made sure to fit in several Audiophile-requested features, including balanced inputs and outputs, a dedicated preamp circuit for active speakers, and an intuitive three-position gain switch. The final product? The uncompromising objectivist amp our community’s been waiting for. The Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Amplifier.

Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier

Less Coloration, More Amplification

So, what does it mean to be a “wire with gain”? The answer lies in what such a device gives—and doesn’t give. It gives the ideal amount of signal to power a source to its full potential. It doesn’t give any unwanted coloration through its amplification. (Like all good wires, it also doesn’t add much size to the setup.) In principle, it’s a perfect tradeoff. In practice, it’s a pie in the sky. That said, with the HO150X, we’re flying higher than ever before. On the coloration side, that’s due in large part to SMSL’s aforementioned Precision Linear Feedback Circuit, which has been meticulously tested to reach distortion levels as low as 0.00007%—all while maintaining a flat, uncolored signal from input to output. It’s also due to the inputs and outputs themselves, both of which include balanced options that cancel out noise by carrying polar-opposite signals. On the amplification side, we’ve packed in a healthy 6 watts of maximum output power at 16 ohms—enough to drive any pair of headphones. And, of course, there’s the size. Though it’s not a wire, the HO150X is smaller than nearly any amp in its class. From features to form factor, it’s a perfect fit for nearly any audiophile.

Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier
Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier
Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier
Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier

SMSL: Exceptional Solutions for the Serious Listener

For a company that got its start in 2009, SMSL has quickly become a mainstay for audiophiles looking to improve the all-too-important middleground of their signal chains. In the brand’s product offering, you’ll find an array of DACs, amplifiers, and even a few audio players—as well as no shortage of five-star reviews. Thanks to a robust research and development team, strict adherence to current industry certifications, and a spirit of innovation that routinely translates to impressive spec sheets, SMSL has earned its place on the desks and shelves of more than a few listeners here in the Drop Audiophile community. With our first-ever brand collaboration—the class-leading Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Amplifier—we know we’ll bring it to many more.

Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier
Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier
Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier
Drop + SMSL HO150X Linear Headphone Amplifier

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 ohms)
  • SNR: 134 dB
  • DNR: 134 dB
  • THD + N: -122 dB, 0.00007% (1 kHz, 32 ohms)
  • Input impedance: 47 kohms
  • Amplifier output impedance: Near 0 ohms
  • Pre-output impedance: 22 ohms (unbalanced)
  • Frequency response range: 20 Hz – 100 kHz (-0.5 dB)
  • Gain settings: Low (-12 dB) , Middle (0 dB) , High (+12 dB)
  • Power consumption: <30 W
  • Power consumption in standby mode: <0.5 W
  • Dimensions: 5.9 x 5 x 1.5 in (15 x 12.8 x 3.9 cm)

RETURNS—NO QUESTIONS ASKED

We get it. Sometimes what you ordered just doesn’t work out. If that’s the case for you, don’t fret! All customers (both US and international) may return this item in new, unused condition within 30 days of delivery.

Shipping

Estimated ship date is Nov 13, 2024 PT.

Payment will be collected at checkout. Cancellations are accepted up to 2 hours after checkout for in-stock items, or up until pre-order ships.

As Seen In
Top Customer Questions15
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Question
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.
Jun 29, 2023
Top Answer
Fastnl
70
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...Read More
Jul 6, 2023
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Question
Does this have a toggle for headphone out vs. RCA line out?
Jul 4, 2023
Top Answer
T.Fernandez
846
The there is no output selection switch RCA Pre-amp output and the headphone outputs are driven simultaneously.Read More
Jul 6, 2023
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Question
Don’t keep us hangin’ without a paired DAC! Are plans looking like we might get that next?
Jun 22, 2023
Top Answer
pscytheology
30
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...Read More
Jul 1, 2023
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