Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Clean and detailed sound reproduction
- Enough power to adequately drive power-hungry headphones, including 600ohm Beyerdynamic models, even in unity gain using XLR input
- It accepts the full 4 volts from its XLR inputs and pushes it to its single-ended output
- Exceptional manufacturing quality and a well-thought-out internal design
- Made in the USA by a small, responsive company
Product Considerations
- There is an audible pop when turning the unit on or off if headphones are plugged in or the preamp out is being used
- Slight channel imbalance at the extreme low end of the volume pot, though it is barely noticeable
- It would be nice to have a negative gain mode for sensitive headphones when using XLR input in Unity gain mode
Takeaway: The Archel 2.5 XL is a powerful and clean-sounding headphone amplifier that can drive demanding headphones. Its customizability and American-made quality make it a great choice for those seeking a high-performance audio solution.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Archel 2.5XL
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Power Output: 2 Watts Per Channel @ 32ohms
- THD+N: <.000095% @ 2Vrms
- SNR: >124dB @ 2Vrms
- Aluminum Dimensions: 4 1/2" [deep] x 6 1/4" [wide] x 2" [tall]
- Wood Dimensions: 4 7/8" [deep] x 6 3/4" [wide] x 3" [tall]
- Power Supply: 12v FCC Level 6
- Potentiometer: Audio Taper (A10K)
- Inputs: Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA
- Outputs: Unbalanced RCA Pre Amp, Unbalanced 1/4"
- Gain Settings: Unity Gain or 6x
Description
TI 1612 Op Amp Based Design 2 Independent Buffers Redesigned Low Noise Power Supply Circuit Audio Taper Potentiometer (A10K) 12v FCC Level 6 Power Supply (Included) 8 LED Colors to Choose From Gain Switch (Unity Gain or 6x) Balanced XLR Inputs Unbalanced RCA Inputs Unbalanced Pre Amp RCA Outputs Unbalanced 1/4″ Output
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
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JNOG2 [J2]
- Positioning: An affordable digital-to-analog converter offering both balanced and unbalanced outputs.
- Description: Uses the AK4493 DAC chip with standard opamp configurations to deliver reliable performance for everyday audio needs. Compared to other models, it offers straightforward functionality with limited customization, making it a practical choice for small rooms or basic setups on a tighter budget.
JNOG2 SOCKETED [J2S]
- Positioning: A variant of the entry-level converter with flexible opamp upgrade options.
- Description: Features 3x 8-pin DIP sockets that allow users to swap opamps, providing a way to adjust sound performance according to personal taste. Compared to the standard JNOG2, its upgrade path offers extra technical flexibility and improved functionality for those ready to spend a bit more for customization.
JNOG3 [J3]
- Positioning: A high-end converter with enhanced performance and refined output capabilities.
- Description: Delivers improved technical measurements and consistent output levels that are well suited for larger setups and detailed listening applications. Compared to the JNOG2 models, its superior build quality and additional features justify its higher cost.
DAYZEE
- Positioning: The groundbreaking flagship digital-to-analog converter that offers top-tier performance and exclusive technology.
- Description: Employs dual mono AK4499EX processing with optional 8 Mono Sparkos 2590 chips to achieve maximum channel separation and advanced audio conversion. Compared to other models, its enhanced circuitry and premium components set it apart for buyers who need the highest build quality, technical sophistication, and flexible functionality.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
7
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
277
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
7
Founding Year
2016
Our take on the brand
Geshelli Labs is a family-owned Florida company that makes affordable hifi DACs and amps with extensive customization options for case materials and colors. Their products, designed and assembled in the USA, are praised by audiophiles for delivering transparent, neutral sound that competes with more expensive brands.
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Our interview with the brand
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Geshelli Labs
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What if you spend more?
Geshelli Labs
Erish 3 Pro
549
549
/
3
Reviews
Fully Balanced End to End 4 Sparkos 2590 Opamps Ultra Low Noise Power Supply Circuit Audio Taper Potentiometer Preamp Output Switch (Enable/Disable) 12v FCC Level 6 Power Supply (Included) 8 LED Colors to Choose From Gain Switch (Unity Gain or 6x) Balanced XLR Inputs Balanced Pre Amp Outputs Balanced 4 Pin XLR Outputs
Geshelli Labs is a family-owned Florida company that makes affordable hifi DACs and amps with extensive customization options for case materials and colors. Their products, designed and assembled in the USA, are praised by audiophiles for delivering transparent, neutral sound that competes with more expensive brands.
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Product Strengths
- Extremely neutral, clean, and clear sound reproduction that doesn't alter the DAC source.
- Plenty of power to drive most headphones effectively.
- Customizable design with options for metal or wood casing and various colors.
- Great precision and stability in pinpointing tones within the soundstage, allowing for easy separation of instruments and vocals.
- Excellent imaging, placement, and depth, with a soundstage that is open yet well-controlled.
Product Considerations
- Not suitable for IEMs due to hissing and distortion issues.
- As a preamp, careful volume adjustment is required to avoid distortion, usually around 66-75% of the volume knob.
- Headphone output is not deactivated when the pre-out is in use, requiring users to disconnect headphones to prevent damage.
- Some headphones with odd impedance issues may not pair perfectly with the gain settings.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SMSL HO-150X, the Erish offers more customization and boutique build, the HO-150X works with IEMs and has a pre-out that doesn't distort as much.
- Vs Topping A70 Pro, the Erish has better time domain precision and more pronounced reverbs and echoes—making it sound more realistic and three-dimensional.
- Vs SMSL SH-X, the Erish with iPower X power supply matches or exceeds the SMSL SH-X in soundstaging, precision, and clarity.
- Vs aune S17 Pro, the Erish is more precise, quick, and transparent, while the S17 Pro is warmer, bigger sounding, but more diffused.
Takeaway: The Erish is a highly customizable headphone amplifier with a neutral and precise sound signature, allowing users to experience music as intended by the source. It provides plenty of power for headphones and offers a unique aesthetic that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Geshelli Labs is a family-owned Florida company that makes affordable hifi DACs and amps with extensive customization options for case materials and colors. Their products, designed and assembled in the USA, are praised by audiophiles for delivering transparent, neutral sound that competes with more expensive brands.
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Product Page
Chord Electronics
Mojo 2
650
650
/
65
Reviews
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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Product Strengths
- Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
- Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
- Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
- Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail
Product Considerations
- The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
- Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
- Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated
Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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iFi
xDSD Gryphon
599
599
/
30
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity with both wireless (Bluetooth 5.1 with various codecs) and wired options (USB, S/PDIF, analog inputs) makes it suitable for various setups—from desktop to portable usage
- Eloquent, informative, and entertaining sound quality, able to produce clear, non-artificial sound across different headphones
- Features such as XBass II and XSpace provide additional sound shaping options for the user to customize the sound to their liking
- The aluminum build provides a robust and premium feel, with a design that's described as sleek and comfortable to handle
Product Considerations
- The user interface is not very intuitive
- Decent headphones are needed to reveal its quality
- The OLED screen can be difficult to read
- Battery life is around six to eight hours
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the hip-dac2, the Gryphon offers better sound quality, more features, and flexibility
- Compared to the iFi GO bar, the Gryphon is bigger and has a built-in battery, and the GO bar is much smaller and draws power from the source device
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo, the Diablo has more power for very demanding headphones, Gryphon has more functions
- Compared to the Zen DAC, the xDSD Gryphon has a more sophisticated and detailed sound
Takeaway: The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a portable and versatile device delivering high-quality sound with extensive features that cater to audiophiles. Its ability to improve sound quality from various sources and its robust build make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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aune
S17 Pro
699
699
/
9
Reviews
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
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Product Strengths
- Fully balanced technology, with balanced inputs and outputs.
- Delivers powerful amplification, with up to 7.5 watts of power, capable of driving a wide range of headphones, including hard-to-drive models.
- Features a linear power supply with a large transformer and capacitor bank, providing a stable and powerful power source.
- Provides two current modes (50mA and 100mA) to tailor the sound tonality, allowing users to choose between a more forward/analytical sound and a warmer/fuller sound.
- Employs an R2R network for volume control, ensuring channel balance even at low volumes.
Product Considerations
- Runs quite hot due to its Class A amplification, requiring adequate ventilation, with chassis temperatures potentially reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius, and the unit may switch from 100mA to 50mA mode if it overheats.
- High power output might not be ideal for very sensitive IEMs, potentially limiting volume control flexibility.
- The preamplifier output is always active, meaning it doesn't mute when headphones are plugged in, requiring caution to prevent damage.
- The LCD display cannot be dimmed or switched off, and the red color of the 100mA mode may appear washed out.
- Some report volume slots are not regular or have large jumps, and/or that the remote control can be buggy.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Topping A90 Discrete: The S17 has a richer sound, wider soundstage, and easier dynamics, especially in 100mA mode, placing it in a higher tier.
- Vs. Topping A90D: The S17 Pro is capable of even stronger dynamic swings, with a slightly cleaner and less cluttered soundstage.
- Vs. Violectric V222: The Aune S17 Pro is more 'tubey' and warmer sounding than the V222.
- Vs. HIFIMAN EF600: The Aune S17 has better volume control, higher dynamic range, better driving power, and better resolution.
Takeaway: The Aune S17 Pro is a powerful and versatile headphone amplifier that delivers rich, detailed sound, allowing listeners to experience music in new ways. With its balanced design and flexible current modes, it can enhance a wide range of headphones and audio setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
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What competes at this price?
Geshelli Labs
ERISH2 [E2]
219
/
Released
2022
Geshelli Labs is a family-owned Florida company that makes affordable hifi DACs and amps with extensive customization options for case materials and colors. Their products, designed and assembled in the USA, are praised by audiophiles for delivering transparent, neutral sound that competes with more expensive brands.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a healthy 2WPC, which competes well across the range and can drive harder-to-drive headphones with the use of a gain switch
- Sound is smooth, clean, and spacious, and is a significant upgrade from the original Airish, with a more neutral signature
- Better overall tonal balance, a more natural sense of space, and better separation of sounds than the original Airish
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio, especially for a balanced amplifier made entirely in America
- Available in different finishes, including wood options (Poplar variety), offering aesthetic customization
Product Considerations
- Only has a balanced XLR headphone jack, which may require adapters for some users
- The preamp functionality cannot be switched off, meaning it will always output to both headphones and connected speakers simultaneously
- Volume range is limited when used with IEMs, offering less wiggle room
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Original Airish: A significant upgrade from the original Airish, having better overall tonal balance, a more natural sense of space, and better separation of sounds
- Vs Topping L50: Smoother, more refined, and offers a better sense of space and separation compared to the L50
- Vs SMSL SH8S: Comes across as more neutral, clear, and transparent compared to the slightly thicker and warmer SH8S
Takeaway:
The ERISH2 is a powerful and affordable balanced amplifier that provides a clean and enjoyable listening experience for many headphones. Its versatility and design make it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking an all-American amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Geshelli Labs is a family-owned Florida company that makes affordable hifi DACs and amps with extensive customization options for case materials and colors. Their products, designed and assembled in the USA, are praised by audiophiles for delivering transparent, neutral sound that competes with more expensive brands.
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iFi
GO blu
199
/
Released
2021
With Hi-Fi inspired architecture featuring dedicated Bluetooth, DAC, and Amp stages, the ultra-portable GO blu offers the best of both worlds – wireless freedom, paired with the clarity of wired sound.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and expansive presentation, offering a sonic upgrade to phones, especially when portability is a priority
- Versatile, with both wired and wireless connectivity options, including balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
- Impressively small size and lightweight design, making it pocket-friendly and convenient for on-the-go use
- Sound quality is generally linear, with fast and accurate bass, flat and clean mids, and a detailed treble that is not harsh
- XBass and XSpace features offer customized listening experiences
- Build quality and aesthetics are generally well-received, with its design standing out from other devices
- ChronoDial volume knob is particularly praised for its tactile feel and functionality
Product Considerations
- Black rubberized plastic casing can feel a bit flimsy to some users
- Some reviewers noted hiss with sensitive IEMs, especially on the balanced output
- Battery life estimation can be unreliable
- No dedicated app for the device, limiting EQ and DSP options
- Lacks a clip, making it less convenient for truly portable use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Audiolab M-DAC Nano, the Go Blu offers a wider soundstage, better separation, and dynamic sensitivity, though the M-DAC Nano is fractionally punchier in the bass
- Compared to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, the Go Blu is a wireless proposition, unlike the DragonFly Cobalt, which is a USB plug-in DAC
- Compared to the FiiO Q3, the iFi GO blu highs are a bit too brilliant, but everything else sounded quite impressive
- Compared to the NuPrime Hi-mDAC, the iFi GO Blu mids sound a lot like it, even if voices are slightly less natural
- Compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro and Aune BU2, the GO Blu provides a relaxed sound and has better build and functionality compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro, but is better when using bluetooth compared to Aune BU2, however when competing on wired terms, the Aune is clearer
Takeaway: The iFi GO blu is a tiny but mighty device that delivers impressive sound and versatility—improving the wireless music experience. It is easy to use and has some cool features, making it a good pick for anyone looking for a portable upgrade for their headphones.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Topping
G5
299
/
Released
2022
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Phenomenal sound quality.
- Very usable and enjoyable interaction due to a physical volume knob.
- Plenty of power for almost everything and can drive just about anything.
- Versatile; it can be used as a desktop all-in-one, a Bluetooth portable DAC/amp, a portable amplifier, and even a DAC for speakers.
Product Considerations
- Susceptible to EMI noises, which can be a deal breaker; static noises, pops, and crackle sounds can occur when a phone is placed directly on top of it.
- Not a completely balanced architecture; the 3.5mm & 4.4mm headphone outputs sound the same.
- Charging port may not indicate charging on anything higher than an 18W charging block, and some chargers may not work.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FIIO BTR-7: Sounds more refined and has more detail and resolution.
- Vs SMSL C200: The C200 sounds significantly warmer with a fuller, juicier bass line and a little bit more airy, while the G5 is more focused on clean and clear edges, tidy, well-focused—and clean.
- Vs SMSL M500 MK2: The M500 MK2 sounds overall better with dynamics at the same level as the G5 and fuller, warmer tonality—and a bigger, more spacious soundstage.
- Vs Moondrop Moonriver 2: The treble is more refined, better details up top, and a sharp edge without being overboard like the Moonriver 2 can.
Takeaway: The G5 is a well-built and versatile portable DAC/amp with a neutral, clean, and dynamic sound. It is great for those looking for an all-in-one solution that can drive almost any headphone or IEM.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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SMSL
DO400
499
/
Released
2023
The DO400 is an ES9039SPRO audio DAC that supports MQA decoding and MQA-CD. It features a new 3rd generation XMOS XU-316, with PCM support up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD support to DSD512. The new generation flagship DAC chip ES9039MSPRO of USA ESS has built-in MQA hard decoding.
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The DO400 is a versatile device, serving as a DAC, preamp, headphone amplifier, and Bluetooth receiver
- It offers a highly resolving and transparent sound, with a measured dynamic range of 133dB on its XLR output and 126dB on its headphone output
- It has very tight control over the drivers, sounds quite dynamic and clean, and delivers a punchy sound
- The DO400 features extensive I/O with HDMI, USB, XLR 4-Pins, and Pentaconn 4-Pins
Product Considerations
- It does not have analog inputs, which limits the sources one can pair it with
- The DO400's case cover is steel, and the rotary knob wobbles
- Some may find its sound signature a bit too linear for some genres
- The remote control is plastic-y
- The speedy nature of the ESC by Silicon might result in a less impressive initial kick in the eardrums via headphones, compared to the XLR and RCA outputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Topping DX7 Pro Plus, the DO400 is more organic and dynamic sounding
- Compared to the Topping DX5, the DO400 offers noticeably better line output
- Compared to the Chord Mojo 2, the Chord Mojo 2 sounds better when used as a DAC, offering better detail retrieval and a richer tone timbre, but the DO400 has more power
- Compared to the SMSL SU-9, the DO400 sounds slightly brighter and less-smoothed over—there's an analytical quality to the treble end
Takeaway: The SMSL DO400 is a great-sounding all-in-one unit that offers a lot of features for the price. Its noiseless performance with IEMs and ability to drive most headphones make it a worthwhile purchase.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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SMSL
HO200
399
/
Released
2021
HO200 Headphone amplifier features a fully balanced design with 4 ultra-low distortion precision linear feedback circuits (PLFC). The distortion is as low as 0.00006%, and the A-WTD is as low as 0.00005% (-126dB).
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- 'Ridiculous power for a headphone amp' with 6 watts at 16 ohms and 3 watts at 32 ohms
- Able to drive everything from IEMs all the way through to the most power-hungry headphones
- Very low noise floor
- All-metal chassis with a nice matte-black finish
- Clean, smooth, and detailed sound, without anything to complain about
Product Considerations
- Volume knob is shallow and not particularly enjoyable to grasp
- Can be a little edgy up top with certain headphones
- A little more articulation and crispness at the leading edge of notes would be preferred
- Some found soundstage smaller than expected
- Gain is still a little too high for IEMs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the SMSL SH-8S, the HO200 has a multi-level gain switch with low, medium, and high and is preamp capable, but the SH-8S is more detailed and textured
- Compared to the Topping A90, the HO200 is a 'baby brother'
- Compared to the JDS Labs Atom Amp, it is a lot more dynamic in bass
Takeaway: The SMSL HO200 is a powerful and versatile headphone amplifier that doesn't sound sterile and boring. It is a solid choice for anyone who wants a clean and detailed sound with enough power to drive a wide range of headphones and IEMs.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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