SMSL SP200 THX AAA-888 Balanced Headphone Amp
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SMSL SP200 THX AAA-888 Balanced Headphone Amp
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Product Description
SMSL has joined forces with THX to create a high-performing balanced headphone amp with next to no distortion. True to its name, the SMSL SP200 THX AAA-888 Balanced Headphone Amp features ground-breaking THX AAA-888 technology to deliver detailed audio with extreme output power and impressively low crosstalk Read More
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tarzelma
2
Feb 14, 2021
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jabbszaz
0
Jan 17, 2021
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RVDIII
61
Jan 15, 2021
Thanks for your perspective... They did tell me if it does not say "Manufacturers Warranty" in the details...There is none!
postwarscars
753
Jan 15, 2021
Yeah, they have it listed in their FAQ that way, but I think it strongly depends on the company. My assumption would be liability reasons, but Drop has sold grey market items in the past which was an issue.
I generally only purchase Drop specific items here. Largely because other retailers both have equivalent prices, or will replace/refund more easily. Drop has some customer service issues, no question about it.
(Edited)
XxNurse
37
Jan 31, 2021
Haha. Thanks. That could be the issue. Could try a more heavy duty extension cord to see if it helps. Also an extension cord into a UPS might be a cheaper option than the electrician if you're on a budget. Worth a shot if you have one laying around to try it :-)
iawindowss
45
Jan 31, 2021
Thats actaully not a bad idea I will give that a shot first. Thanks for the suggestion.
SciHobo
164
Dec 4, 2020
Not sure what you mean. If you're using the RCA inputs it isn't truly balanced, but the XLRs carry a balanced signal if you're using a balanced source. Or is the design such that the paths aren't fully separate outside of the ground? I mean, if you really want to pick nits, you could say that anything using the 2 5mm plug isn't truly balanced either if it suits you....
postwarscars
753
Dec 4, 2020
If you can show me any article that dictates that there's any audible benefit (beyond noise rejection or extra headroom) to a balanced configuration, go for it. But I'm not going to take superficial explanations here, because I've actually read about the differences.
SDK1
133
Oct 1, 2020
My first dip into dac and headphone amps seperates started 4 months ago (i have a technics/mosfet amp, SL-1200, Cambridge Audio cd with B&W floorstanding speakers in living room). I gotta say, really impressed with sound from this combo, didnt go fully balanced on the DAC as the SMSL is not fully balanced (havent a clue if it matters, but i guessed it didn't). I have also purchased HE4XX, 712Pros, 702, HD58X, X2HR and the sound is soooooo clean, i can see how this may become an addiction! i know that none of them are difficult to power, i dont think i have passed ten oclock on vol, but this amp has blown me away with its sound (or lack of sound or however you describe it). I also think it looks great, better than the 789- more character. 
HamishtheDog
65
Aug 28, 2020
This is a wonderful little amp that is super clean sounding and has more than enough power for most headphones. I’ve had mine since around May-ish and it has served me quite well. The sound is excellent! Or rather, the lack of sound, as it contributes none of its own. It has enough power that it gets way too loud for me, even with higher impedance headphones like the 6XX. I have to keep the output of my DAC at maybe 25-30% so that I can comfortably use most of the range on the volume pot with the SP200.
I thought about the 789, but I got the SP200 for $100 less and many months earlier than would have been possible with the 789. Sure the 789 puts out more power in balanced, but unless you are driving really power hungry planars to excessive volumes, that much power isn’t needed. With the release of the A90, the 789 is now a much less appealing offer, but still fills in a price point and power offering in between the SP200 and the A90.
It may not be truly balanced, but the whole point of balanced is power and reduced crosstalk. The SP200 already has a good amount of power and ridiculously low crosstalk, so being truly balanced is pointless.
Performance is at the reference quality level. Maybe not the best paring with really sensitive IEMs, but otherwise this is top notch. There should be no audible difference between the SP200 or any other high quality headphone amp.
If you want to “hear” your amp (i.e. you like distortion and coloration) this is not the amp for you. If you need more power or use sensitive IEMs then get the A90.
If you want reference quality, a good amount of power, and care about price for performance then the SP200 is the best value around.
adi518
183
Jun 29, 2020
So having this amp about a month now, I think I get it. You can crank up the volume, but instead of messing up the sound, you actually get a higher "resolution" of it, where you can hear more details. It's definitely cool. I'm not an audiophile expert by any means though.
(Edited)
NoMuffinForYou
112
Jun 22, 2020
This is a great amp. This is not a great place to buy this amp.
Try https://apos.audio/ instead. Got this as a combo with the M200, saved a decent bit and they upgraded my shipping for free due to a certain global issue (ymmv on that last part though) and I had both in under a week. They also offer 30 day returns and a 2nd year of warranty. If you can wait an extra day or two they're like headphone Amazon except you don't make Jeff Bezos rich buying from them.
GuyInPittsburgh
363
Oct 1, 2020
I second the apos recommendation. My experience with them left me completely satisfied. If you haven't looked at their website lately you should...they have continued to increase the number of brands that they sell. They will always match any lower price that you bring them and that includes prices on Drop. So you can get the drop price and have it in a few days or you can wait a few months and then a few more months after that by ordering it from Drop. For the brands that Apos carries, Drop no longer has a value proposition.
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