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Drop + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier

Drop + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier

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Product Description
Announced at CES 2018, the Drop + THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA™) 789 is a linear bipolar amplifier with feed-forward error correction. It’s designed for objectivists who appreciate an incredibly clean, transparent amp—the sought-after “wire with gain” whose amplification is wholly uncolored by a sound of its own Read More
Q&A Highlights:
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What makes this better than the JDS Atom?
Balanced output for better compatibility and channel separation. Lower single ended power, but significant power through XLR, which the Atom does not have.
How do I connect this to my computer? I have an rca cable and I plugged it into the headphone jack of my computer while connecting the red and white cables to the input on the back. When I turn it on I hear a loud static noise.
Headphone jack on a computer is amplified through a typically crappy amp. This is a great amp. Garbage in, garbage out. Get yourself a DAC which will connect to the computer via USB and then connect its output to the THX. There's lots on here to pick from -- Topping, Grace Design, etc.
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Customer Reviews

4.8
(1,099 reviews)
5star
(955)
4star
(99)
3star
(24)
2star
(8)
1star
(13)
96% would recommend to a friend
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⚡ Drop + THX AAA 789 Linear Amplifier Review
PSU Warning First:
  • ⚠️ Proprietary AC adapter specs
  • 24V DC center-positive
  • Specific amperage requirements
  • Replacement can be challenging
  • Must match exact specifications
  • Incorrect PSU can damage unit
Audio Performance
  • Exceptionally clean output
  • Virtually no measurable distortion
  • THX AAA technology
  • Excellent channel separation
  • Dead-silent background
  • Incredible dynamic range
Features
  • 3 gain settings
  • Balanced XLR inputs/outputs
  • SE input/output options
  • Multiple simultaneous outputs
  • Professional build quality
  • Clear LED indicators
Power Output
  • Up to 6W at 32Ω
  • Plenty for most headphones
  • Clean power delivery
  • No clipping issues
  • Handles low impedance well
  • Efficient with high impedance
Daily Use
  • Transparent sound signature
  • No coloration
  • Excellent volume control
  • Multiple input flexibility
  • Professional build feel
  • Reliable performance
Long-Term Verdict
  • Outstanding audio quality
  • Reference-grade performance
  • BUT protect that power supply!
  • Consider buying backup PSU
  • Mark cable clearly
  • Store PSU carefully
Pros:
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Clean amplification
  • Professional features
  • Build quality
  • Multiple inputs/outputs
  • Value for performance
Cons:
  • Critical PSU dependency
  • Hard to replace power supply
  • No built-in power supply
  • PSU vulnerability during travel
  • Limited PSU availability
  • Expensive genuine replacement
Rating: 4.7/5 (loses points for PSU concerns) 💡 Power Supply Tips:
  • Label PSU immediately
  • Buy backup if possible
  • Never travel without securing PSU
  • Keep original box/foam
  • Document exact specifications

Recommends this product? Yes
craw
1
Jul 16, 2024
checkVerified Buyer
Good metal build
good amplifier for price
Recommends this product? Yes
Shambles
16
Feb 25, 2024
checkVerified Buyer
Powerful and clean
Nice looking bit of kit. The XLR output on this packs an absolute punch. I'm not sure if it's just my device but the 3/4 inch output sounds almost like two mono channels and has no nuance or sound dynamics, it sounds awful. Thankfully I use the XLR for all my over ears and the 3.5mm SE for all my IEM's and both sound amazing with no channel imbalance or audible noise from the amp.
Recommends this product? Yes
arnsub0
0
Feb 2, 2024
checkVerified Buyer
joy to listen to
love it while I had it. One of the best linear amps ever.
Recommends this product? Yes
checkVerified Buyer
Great amplifier
Great amp, listening to it right now as I am writing this. Paired with a Monolith Liquid Platinum DAC
Recommends this product? Yes
v0oz2uwgss2s
64
Nov 1, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Must-have for the price
The DROP + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier is a true audio gem that has redefined my listening experience. This amplifier delivers exceptional performance that's nothing short of extraordinary. The sound quality is incredibly clean, powerful, and transparent, making it a perfect match for high-end headphones and demanding audiophiles. What sets this amplifier apart is the THX AAA™ technology, which ensures distortion-free, reference-quality sound. It elevates every note and detail in my music, providing an immersive, lifelike listening experience. The build quality is exceptional, with robust construction and a sleek, minimalist design that complements any audio setup. The amplifier's versatility is also worth noting, with multiple inputs and gain settings, making it compatible with a wide range of audio sources and headphones. Whether I'm enjoying music, movies, or gaming, the DROP + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier takes my audio to new heights, making it an absolute must-have for any audio enthusiast.
Recommends this product? Yes
piathulus
0
Oct 29, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Solid Amplifier
Been using this for over 3 years. Very happy with the Drop THX AAA 789 paired with my Grace SDAC Balanced and Audeze LCD-X headphones.
Recommends this product? Yes
ArthurLyn
0
Oct 23, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Good for awhile
I use this amp for my 6XX and HD800s. They were great for awhile but developed a noise when turning the audio volume either up or down within 2 months of use. Drop customer service was not able to replace the amp but gave me a refund and ended up getting another amp from drop.
Recommends this product? Yes
Arkaynine
1
Oct 4, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Drives my hd650s beautifully
Lots of power for your headphones, low noise and crisp neutral sound, makes the hd650s come alive with your DAC or EQ having effect on the tone from this amp. Audio is not excessive in mids, highs or lows. Stellar amp.
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
blitz9826
10
Aug 30, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Fantastic Power
This bad boy has power in spades, and the fact it has RCA passthrough is a godsend, allowing me to easily hook it up to my turntable. The input options are great, but I do feel the power switch is a bit flimsy in the back. I'd love to have a more solid, oomph-having switch. Finally, I feel mixed about the power brick. I'd love to have had a simple IEC320 connector plugging into it without any external bricks, but I guess you can't have it all. Highly recommended, after this amp there's no real need to go any higher (unless it's an energizer for electrostats). It's a shame they've just gone missing for a long time now, I'd love to recommend these for actual purchase to a few friends.
Recommends this product? Yes
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