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
- Built incredibly well with a rugged and hefty feel, yet compact and portable, weighing around 127g
- Delivers nice power, offering 1000mW of power per channel, capable of driving demanding headphones
- Includes Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX, separating the receiving and decoding processes for better audio quality
- Offers both balanced (2.5mm) and single-ended (3.5mm) outputs and inputs, maintaining a balanced signal path
- Features XBass II with Bass, Presence, and Both options, allowing for sound signature tuning
- Connectivity options are a nice bonus
Product Considerations
- Lacks wired DAC functionality, relying on external DACs or Bluetooth for digital-to-analog conversion
- The volume pot doesn't give a sturdy feeling
- Shiny finish is prone to fingerprints and smudges
- Location of input in the back and output in the front makes the unit more transportable than truly portable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs iFi xDSD: xCAN has more output power and connection options (balanced in/out), but lacks the xDSD's pure DAC capability
- Vs. FiiO BTR5: The BTR5 is smaller, has a DAC, is more convenient, and costs less
Takeaway: The iFi xCAN is a powerful and versatile portable headphone amplifier with Bluetooth connectivity and sound-shaping features, making it a great option for those seeking extra power and wireless convenience for their headphones. Its robust build and flexible connectivity make it a worthwhile consideration for on-the-go and desktop use.
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
xCAN
reviews
[{"title":"Revisiting the iFi xCAN: A Comprehensive Review of Past and Present","link":"https://homestudiobasics.com/ifi-xcan-review","source":"Home Studio Basics ","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Review: iFi Audio xCAN – It Can","link":"https://www.headfonia.com/ifi-audio-xcan-review","source":"Headfonia Reviews","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"ifi xCAN headphone Amplifier","link":"https://audiofool.reviews/2018/12/28/ifi-xcan","source":"Audiofool Reviews","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"iFi Audio xCAN","link":"https://www.hifichoice.com/content/ifi-audio-xcan","source":"Hi-Fi Choice","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"xCAN portable headphone amplifier from iFi","link":"https://theaudiophileman.com/xcan-portable-headphone-amplifier-review-ifi","source":"The Audiophile Man","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"The iFi audio xCAN: A Pocketful Of Dynamite.","link":"https://everydaylistening.net/2019/03/24/the-ifi-audio-xcan-a-pocketful-of-dynamite","source":"Everyday Listening","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"iFi Audio xCAN review","link":"https://headfonics.com/ifi-audio-xcan-review","source":"Headfonics","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"More Powah - iFi xCan Amplifier Review","link":"https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2019/08/more-powah-ifi-xcan-amplifier-review.html","source":"Audiophile Heaven","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi Audio xCAN portable headphone amplifier","link":"https://hifiplus.com/articles/ifi-audio-xcan-portable-headphone-amplifier","source":"Hi-Fi+","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"iFi xCAN review: yes, it can","link":"https://www.soundphilereview.com/reviews/ifi-xcan-review-3418","source":"Soundphile Review","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"REVIEW: IFI AUDIO XCAN - IF EVER A PORTABLE HEAD AMP COULD","link":"https://stereonet.com/index.php/reviews/review-ifi-audio-xcan-if-ever-a-portable-head-amp-could","source":"StereoNET","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"iFi xCan and xDSD Shootout","link":"https://www.hifipig.com/ifi-xcan-and-xdsd-shootout","source":"HiFi Pig","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"iFi xCAN Review","link":"https://majorhifi.com/ifi-xcan-review","source":"Major HiFi","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"iFi Audio xCan Portable Power Amp vs iFi Audio xDSD Portable DAC Amp – Review & All the Differences!","link":"https://gavinsgadgets.com/2019/05/14/ifi-audio-xcan-portable-power-amp-vs-ifi-audio-xdsd-portable-dac-amp-review-all-the-differences","source":"Gavin's Gadgets","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"iFi Audio xCAN Headphone Amplifier","link":"https://www.soundstagesolo.com/index.php/equipment/amplifiers/172-ifi-audio-xcan-dac-headphone-amplifier","source":"SoundStage! Solo","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"ifi Audio xCAN : The Portable that ‘CAN’","link":"https://earmass.wordpress.com/2018/12/25/ifi-audio-xcan-the-portable-that-can","source":"Earmass","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Review: The iFi xCAN","link":"https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/ifi-xcan-review","source":"hifiheadphones","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"iFi xCAN Portable Headphone Amp Review","link":"https://hifitrends.com/2019/02/18/ifi-xcan-portable-headphone-amp-review","source":"Hi-Fi Trends","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"ifi xCAN full review and specifications: the wireless amp you did not know you wanted so bad!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvJ8IA8Bc3o","source":"The Polish Potato","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"ifi xCAN Mobile Balanced Headphone Amplifier Review - The Armchair Audiophile","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9F1AOXA7i0","source":"The Armchair Audiophile","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"iFi Audio xCAN - Portable Bluetooth Amplifier Review! [4K]","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yBfHGF7ydo","source":"Jordan Ash","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"iFi xCAN Headphone Amplifier Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF9qoYtFJ8g","source":"The Audiophile Man","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"IFI Audio xCan Headphones Amplifier Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRn_1m5cc58","source":"Samma3a","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"iFi Audio xCAN all Analogue Headphone Amplifier Bluetooth DAC REVIEW #AudioGem","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVi7_biT4nw","source":"Pursuit Perfect System","datePublished":"2020"}]
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
- Dimensions: 95 (l) x67 (w) x19 (h) mm
- Frequency Response: < 2Hz – > 200kHz (-3dB)
- Gain: -95dB to +18dB adjustable in 114 1dB steps
- Maximum Input Level: S-Balanced: 3V RMS, Balanced: 6V RMS
- Maximum Output Power: S-Balanced: > 3.8V / 45 mW (@ 300 Ohm), > 3.5V / 380 mW (@ 32 Ohm), > 3.1V / 600 mW (@ 16 Ohm); Balanced: > 7.6V / 90 mW (@ 600 Ohm), > 7.2V / 800 mW (@ 64 Ohm), > 5.7V / 1,000 mW (@ 32 Ohm)
- Net Weight: 127g (0.28 Ibs)
- Output Impedance: S-Balanced: <1 Ohm, Balanced: <2 Ohm
- Playback Time: 18 hours (analogue) or 12 hours (Bluetooth)
- Recommended HP Impedance: 16~600 Ohm
- SNR: S-Balanced: > 121dBA (@ 3.8V), Balanced: >120dBA (@ 7.6V)
- THD+N: S-Balanced: < 0.005% (@ 100 mW/1.26V 16 Ohm), Balanced: < 0.006% (@ 360 mW/2.4V 16 Ohm)
Description
The xCAN simply makes your music sound better, whether you are listening via ear buds at home or chilling with tunes on the go. The xCAN is a portable amplifier above all else and is for anyone who wants to squeeze every last drop of performance out of their expensive headphones.
The xCAN is a portable amplifier above all else and is for anyone who wants to squeeze every last drop of performance out of their expensive headphones.
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:
- iFi offers a wide range of devices, from portable to desktop solutions, catering to diverse audio needs and preferences.
- They emphasize versatility, often combining multiple functionalities like DAC, amplifier, and Bluetooth connectivity in a single unit.
- iFi employs its own custom technologies and features, such as XBass and XSpace, to enhance the listening experience, tailoring sound to individual preferences.
- The brand is known for its commitment to high-resolution audio, supporting various formats, including DSD, MQA, and lossless Bluetooth codecs.
Select products
Select product comparisons
ZEN DAC 3
- Positioning: The entry-level desktop DAC in the iFi lineup.
- Description: Offers high-resolution audio support up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512, making it a great choice for those seeking high-quality sound on a budget. Features a Burr-Brown DAC chip for True Native playback, which is a step up from the ZEN Blue 3's focus on Bluetooth capabilities. Its balanced outputs and USB-C connectivity provide versatility for both headphones and active speakers, unlike the ZEN One Signature which lacks a headphone amp.
ZEN Blue 3
- Positioning: A Bluetooth DAC in the iFi lineup.
- Description: Notable for being the first Bluetooth DAC to support aptX Lossless, offering CD-quality audio wirelessly. Excels in wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4, unlike the ZEN DAC 3 which focuses on wired connections. Its ability to function as a wired DAC with USB and S/PDIF inputs adds flexibility.
GO bar
- Positioning: A portable DAC/amp designed for on-the-go use.
- Description: Compact yet powerful, offering up to 475mW output, which is significantly more than typical portable devices. Features iEMatch and Turbo modes for optimal headphone performance, setting it apart from the ZEN DAC 3's desktop focus. Its portability and balanced circuitry make it ideal for users who need high-quality audio in a small package, unlike the iDSD Diablo 2 which is more powerful but less portable.
ZEN One Signature
- Positioning: A mid-range DAC in the iFi lineup, designed as a home audio hub.
- Description: Combines high-definition Bluetooth with multiple digital inputs, making it a versatile choice for home setups. Supports a wide range of audio formats, including MQA and DSD256, similar to the ZEN DAC 3 but with added Bluetooth capabilities. Its focus on connectivity and premium components makes it suitable for users who want a central audio hub, unlike the GO bar which is designed for portability.
iDSD Diablo 2
- Positioning: The flagship portable DAC/amp in the iFi lineup.
- Description: Offers groundbreaking power with up to 5,180mW output, making it ideal for driving demanding headphones. Features advanced technologies like xMEMS compatibility and aptX Lossless Bluetooth, providing superior audio quality compared to the GO bar's more compact design. Its high power and versatility make it suitable for audiophiles who need a portable solution without compromising on performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
82
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
19
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
19
Founding Year
2012
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.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Used
iFi
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Musical Fidelity
MX-HPA
799
799
/
2
Reviews
The MX-HPA’s technical performance is stunning. Typically, distortion from 20 Hz to 40 kHz is less than 0.005%. Signal-to-noise ratio is better than 120dB (‘A’ weighted). Frequency response is ruler flat from 10 Hz to 20 kHz (-0.1dB). The MX-HPA is capable of a short-term peak of 10 watts (for one cycle) and has two gain positions: 18dB (8X) and 24dB (15X). Inputs are either balanced or single-ended. The MX-HPA will automatically convert single-ended inputs to balanced. The MX-HPA is genuinely fully balanced from beginning to end.
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic
- Fully balanced design
- Exceptional signal-to-noise ratio (>120dB 'A' weighted)
- Versatile because it automatically converts single-ended inputs to balanced signals
- Dual gain settings for versatility with virtually any headphone impedance
Product Considerations
- May be overkill for entry-level headphones
- The twin-XLR alternative is not the only means of balanced connection
Takeaway: The Musical Fidelity MX HPA is a remarkable piece of equipment that represents a significant achievement in balanced amplification design. It delivers a listening experience that is hard to surpass with technical excellence and practical versatility.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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SMSL
VMV P2
999
999
/
2
Reviews
Fully balanced design, 4 ultra-low distortion precision linear feedback circuit (PLFC)! The distortion is as low as 0.00006%, and the SNR is as low as 133dB! A total of 99 low-noise op-amps are used in a parallel design. High output power, 16 ohm output power up to 12W, 32 ohms up to 6W; The specially designed volume potentiometer greatly reduces channel deviation; 3 gears gain control, low gain is specially optimized for IEM; Pre-out function, can be used as Hi-End pre-amp; Classic retro toggle switch operation; Ultra-compact design, very suitable for desktop headphone system; High-precision low-temperature drift resistance, performance is not affected by temperature; High-quality relay and non-impact sound design; 20Hz to 100KHz(-0.5dB) frequency response; The headphone amplifier has comprehensive protections such as DC, overvoltage, and overload protection; Built-in high-efficiency and low-noise power system.
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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Product Strengths
- Original and stylish design
- High power output, up to 12 watts
- Overload protection
- The XLR, RCA input switch, the headphone amplifier or preamplifier switch, and the low, mid, and high gain switches are located on the back of the unit, potentially making them difficult to access
Product Considerations
- The unit uses 99 low-noise op-amps in parallel, which is considered excessive and potentially detrimental to sound quality
- The unit uses the cheapest balanced potentiometer
- The unit uses a couple of switching power supplies
- The total harmonic distortion is only at its super magical level with a very high wattage
Takeaway: The VMV amp has high power and overload protection that might work to drive headphones. It could be a great amp for someone willing to try it out.
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.
Product Page
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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.
Expand Details
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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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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What competes at this price?
iFi
ZEN CAN 3
229
/
Released
2024
For those who crave more from their headphones, this all-analogue amplifier delivers 2,000mW of power, supports xMEMS drivers, and offers five EQ modes – including presets that electrify gaming and movie marathons.
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
- Multiple analog and DSP-free modes are featured
- Class A circuitry is designed for flagship iCAN Phantom
- XBass+ and XSpace analog signal processing modes are included
- It can drive a wide range of headphones, including xMEMS IEMs and high-end planars, with up to 2000mW output
- Build quality is robust and durable with a premium aesthetic
Product Considerations
- The included generic power adapter is a disappointment
- XBass+ can sometimes be overpowering, and XSpace might artificially widen the soundstage
- The amp may be too powerful for very sensitive IEMs, giving little volume control in these situations
- Some reviewers found the sound profiles not to audiophile tastes
- The 4.4mm Pentaconn input/output can be somewhat limiting and costly
Takeaway: The ZEN CAN 3 is a versatile amp with a robust build and unique features like XBass+ and XSpace, making it a good choice for those seeking enhanced sound without digital processing. It is great for gaming, movies, and music listening.
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.
Product Page
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Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality, featuring a CNC milled aluminum chassis and durable construction
- Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA) technology by THX, aiming for transparent sound reproduction without coloration
- Relay volume control provides precise channel matching
- Plenty of power to drive a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to demanding planars
- Balanced XLR inputs and outputs
Product Considerations
- No pre-amp output
- The notched volume control might not be to everyone's liking
- Gets quite warm during use, especially with the SU-9 DAC stacked on top
- Some reviewers noticed a clicking noise when adjusting the volume
- The three-feet design may not be as stable as a four-feet design
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. SMSL SP200: Better unit at repelling noise, with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower total harmonic distortion—completely solved the SP200's issue with not having a pitch-black background
- Vs. Benchmark HPA4: Very close to the HPA4 in performance, with some minor differences observed only with high-end headphones
Takeaway: The SMSL SH-9 is a well-built and powerful headphone amplifier with a clean, transparent sound. It is a good choice for audiophiles looking for an accurate and detailed listening experience.
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
HO100
217
/
Released
2022
HO100 Headphone Amplifier features an ultra-low distortion precision feedback circuit with distortion as low as 0.00006%, and an ultra-low noise power supply design that outputs noise as low as 1.3uV.
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
- Budget-friendly headphone amplifier focused on quality
- Robust all-aluminum exterior, with rigid toggle switches, and smooth volume control, giving it the same fit and finish as SMSL's higher-end HO200
- Delivers a clean, neutral, and transparent sound, faithfully reproducing the source audio without adding coloration
- Extremely low noise floor
- Versatile due to its three gain levels (low, mid, high) and its ability to drive both sensitive IEMs and harder-to-drive headphones
Product Considerations
- Lacks balanced and unbalanced outputs for connecting to powered speakers, functioning solely as a headphone amplifier
- Does not have preamp capability
- Reviewers have noted average microdetails
- While the design looks smart and subdued, the tempered glass panel easily grabs fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SMSL HO200: HO100 lacks RCA/XLR outputs and has lower wattage, but is more compact and is preferred if the extra power and outputs are not needed
- Vs FiiO K5 PRO: It has better driving power, a lower noise floor with IEMs, and lower distortion at maximum volume
- Vs JDS Labs Atom+: It has higher maximum power, handles maximum volume better with lower distortion, and offers better overall detail in the micro detail, and a more relaxing signature
Takeaway: The SMSL HO100 is a compact yet powerful headphone amplifier that delivers clean, neutral sound suitable for various headphones. It is well-built and offers excellent value for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience.
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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Schiit
Midgard
219
/
Released
2023
Midgard is simply the best measuring, highest power discrete headphone amp we've ever made. But that's not all. Midgard's new Halo™ topology also offers the potential for higher performance where it matters—at your ears.
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Objectively an excellently performing amplifier with a discrete design and potentially lower noise floor than op-amp based designs
- Subjectively has a slightly bass-focused, full-bodied sound, with a focus on the texture of midrange elements, leading to a more natural vocal presentation
- Offers excellent value for money, competing with Far East manufacturers on both performance and pricing
- Has plenty of power to drive most headphones, including high impedance models
- Features both single-ended and balanced inputs/outputs and can be used as a preamplifier
Product Considerations
- The volume knob may have a scratchy feel
- The halo feedback design may not make a significant difference in terms of measured behavior of headphones
- Protection circuit may kick in and limit power at lower impedances
- Preamp outputs cannot be switched off when using headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Schiit Magni+, the Midgard offers better clarity and separation, especially when using the balanced output, but the tonal balance is similar
- Vs Schiit Asgard 3, the Midgard is more neutral and clarity-focused, while the Asgard 3 is warmer and richer, with a better sense of soundstage depth
- Vs Topping A30 Pro, the Midgard offers a resolution and finesse that the A30 Pro cannot reach—being more natural, open and fun
- Vs Schiit Jotunheim 2, both are similar in terms of overall sound quality, but the Midgard stands out because its midrange is stuff from legends
- The Midgard is a magnificent improvement compared to the Schiit Magnius
Takeaway: The Midgard is a powerful and versatile headphone amplifier with a balanced, full-bodied sound that is well-suited for many headphones. Its discrete design and excellent value make it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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SMSL
SH-8S
229
/
Released
2021
SH-8S Headphone Amplifier features an ultra-low distortion precision linear feedback circuit (PLFC), with distortion as low as 0.00006%! It has an ultra-low noise power supply design, with output noise as low as 1.3uV.
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
- Enjoyable overall presentation with a punchy bassline, slightly euphonic midrange, and crystalline treble response
- Expansive soundstage that allows the music to breathe and come to life
- Enough power to drive most moderately hard-to-drive headphones, even those with higher impedance
- Detailed and textured vocal range that is a touch more forward and warmer than clinically accurate
- Tactile controls allow quicker access to changing any of the settings on the device
Product Considerations
- Slight bright tilt, which may require careful pairing with other components
- Bass is present, but slightly rolled off
- Lacks a screen, which some users may find to be a downside
- Balanced connection is present for convenience, as the amplifier itself is not a differential design—meaning it's single-ended by nature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SMSL SH-8s bass tends to be a touch more forward, SMSL SH-9 delivers a slightly tighter bass line
- The SMSL SH-9 has a markedly more controlled treble response
- Both have similar power output at 16Ω, but Topping A30 Pro maintains higher power at 32Ω
- The SMSL SH-8s has a fuller instrument timbre, but Topping A30 Pro has a more euphonic vocal range
- The SMSL SH-8s has much bigger headroom, and feels more spacious compared to the Geshelli Labs Archel 2.5 Pro
- The SMSL SH-8s is clearly digging more details, and is also able to develop a wider soundstage with better separation and layering than the Topping L30
Takeaway: The SMSL SH-8s is a well-built amplifier that sounds promising. If the listener has darker sounding headphones or a darker source, the SMSL SH-8s might be worth checking out to open the sound a little bit.
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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