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
- JDS Labs is an American company that machines aluminum cases and puts some of the cleanest audio inside
- It has no background noise, which is surprising and works perfectly well for IEMs
- The headphone AMP is incredibly powerful, and maximum power is 1.3W
- Easy to implement in a system, it has a good raw price to performance ratio
Product Considerations
- The EL-AMP gets quite warm during usage, especially if no cables are connected to the input while powered on
- The form factor of the DAC is almost irrelevant, because it can be placed under something
- A slight issue is the sensitivity of that front touch
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Burson Funk: The EL AMP II+ Balanced has better control, a lower noise floor and will generally sound more detailed and have less distortion when driving IEMs
- Vs Feliks Echo 2: For most planar magnetic headphones with a low impedance, most IEMs, most earphones and dynamic headphones with a low impedance, the EL AMP II+ will have a lower noise floor, better control, lower distortion and better overall layering
- Vs Rebel AMP: The EL AMP II+ Balanced is slightly better for how easy it is to implement in a system and for its raw price to performance ratio
Takeaway: The EL is a clean and neutral amplifier that will allow one to hear headphones as they are meant to sound. It's a great option for anyone looking for excellent audio performance in a compact and well-designed package.
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
EL Amp II+
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
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-20kHz +/- 0.02 dB
- SINAD @ 1kHz, 2VRMS (RCA): 119 dB
- SINAD @ 1kHz, 4VRMS (TRS): > 114 dB
- SINAD @ 1kHz, 50mV (RCA): 90 dB
- IMD SMPTE: -95 dB
- Noise (20-20kHz): 1.99 μV
- Crosstalk @ 10kHz: -85 dB
- SNR (20-20kHz): 122 dB
- Dynamic Range (AES17): 120 dB
- Output Impedance: < 0.7 Ω
- Channel Balance: +/- 0.56 dB
- Max Continuous Power, 600 Ω: 160mW (9.8VRMS)
- Max Continuous Power, 150 Ω: 650 mW (9.8 VRMS)
- Max Continuous Power, 32 Ω - Standard: 1.3 W (6.53 VRMS)
- Max Continuous Power, 32 Ω - Boosted: 2.3W (8.68 VRMS)
- Case Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.8 x 1.6 in
- Weight: 17 oz
- Headphone Output: 6.35mm (1/4")
- Analog Input: RCA or Balanced TRS
- Preamp-Output: RCA
- Dual Gain (RCA): 1.0x and 4.73x
- Dual Gain (TRS): 1.0x and 2.43x
Description
We redesigned EL Amp to maximize your desktop audio experience. EL Amp II+ packs the performance you expect from JDS Labs into a precision machined aluminum chassis, with higher maximum power, and button activated preamp RCA outputs. Enjoy the comfortable knob and seamless transitions between your powered speakers and headphones!
We redesigned EL Amp to maximize your desktop audio experience. EL Amp II+ packs the performance you expect from JDS Labs into a precision machined aluminum chassis, with higher maximum power, and button activated preamp RCA outputs. Enjoy the comfortable knob and seamless transitions between your powered speakers and headphones! Now available with RCA or Balanced TRS Inputs.
Preamp Outputs
EL Amp II+ provides preamp RCA outputs, so that you can control volume of your powered speakers.
Output Selection
The Mode button allows you to toggle between headphones and powered speakers. No need to disconnect cables!
Plentiful Power
With +/-15VDC rails and continuous clean power, EL Amp II+ drives all headphones on the market to extraordinary levels, from balanced armatures to planar magnetics. Think you need even more? Choose Boosted Power!
Dual Gain
Low gain of 1.0x is well suited to driving efficient IEMs, while High gain easily powers demanding full size sets.
Single-Ended or Balanced Input
We built EL Amp II+ around a rugged 6.35mm headphone output jack, actively discouraging pentaconn connectors. As for inputs, choose the default RCA jacks for use with most DACs, or select Balanced TRS jacks for pairing with audio interfaces and balanced DACs.
Relay Muting
Designed for desktop listening, EL Amp II+'s full relay muting eliminates pops and thumps during startup through b...
Preamp Outputs
EL Amp II+ provides preamp RCA outputs, so that you can control volume of your powered speakers.
Output Selection
The Mode button allows you to toggle between headphones and powered speakers. No need to disconnect cables!
Plentiful Power
With +/-15VDC rails and continuous clean power, EL Amp II+ drives all headphones on the market to extraordinary levels, from balanced armatures to planar magnetics. Think you need even more? Choose Boosted Power!
Dual Gain
Low gain of 1.0x is well suited to driving efficient IEMs, while High gain easily powers demanding full size sets.
Single-Ended or Balanced Input
We built EL Amp II+ around a rugged 6.35mm headphone output jack, actively discouraging pentaconn connectors. As for inputs, choose the default RCA jacks for use with most DACs, or select Balanced TRS jacks for pairing with audio interfaces and balanced DACs.
Relay Muting
Designed for desktop listening, EL Amp II+'s full relay muting eliminates pops and thumps during startup through b...
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:
- JDS Labs prioritizes objective measurements and a "sound as science" approach, resulting in products that deliver a transparent and uncolored listening experience, allowing headphones to perform as intended.
- They offer custom firmware builds, demonstrating responsiveness to community ideas and enabling enthusiasts to tailor device performance, including experimental options for different sonic signatures.
- The brand offers a balance of value and performance by using high-quality components like Alps potentiometers and Vishay/WIMA capacitors, even in their entry-level offerings.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Atom Amp
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a streamlined design with a low-noise amplification stage that fits small-room setups and simple audio needs. Has fewer features than the digitally focused Atom DAC 2 and the phono-specialized unit, making it a good choice for buyers with a tight budget who only require basic power amplification.
Atom Phono
- Positioning: Entry-level line, tailored for vinyl enthusiasts with dedicated analog input.
- Description: Offers a dedicated phono preamplifier with built-in RIAA equalization that stands out for its specialized treatment of vinyl signals. Focuses on analog source processing compared with the more digitally oriented Atom DAC 2 or the simple Atom Amp.
Atom DAC 2
- Positioning: Entry-level digital audio converter designed for basic digital source setups.
- Description: Offers digital-to-analog conversion with refined clocking that provides precise signal handling, setting it apart technologically from the simpler Atom Amp and phono-focused variant. Delivers improved digital performance in comparison to the Atom series while remaining more cost-effective than the midrange integrated solutions like the El Amp II.
El Amp II
- Positioning: Midrange integrated amplifier aiming for enhanced control and balanced sound.
- Description: Offers a balanced power supply and integrated preamplifier functions that deliver robust signal control, giving it a technological edge over the entry-level Atom models. Provides a wider range of features and power handling compared with the Atom Amp, Atom Phono, and Atom DAC 2 while being positioned below the premium Element IV.
Element IV
- Positioning: High-end integrated system designed for premium performance and advanced connectivity.
- Description: Offers groundbreaking processing and high-quality analog circuitry that deliver superior signal handling and connectivity options, setting a high standard within the lineup. Exceeds the feature set and build quality of the Atom series and the El Amp II.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
8
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
236
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
2007
Our take on the brand
JDS Labs is a USA-based hifi brand known for its quantitative approach to electronics development, focusing on achieving signal chain transparency through engineering optimization rather than specification overkill. The brand offers custom engraving on their products and has been influential in the "objective" movement in audio, supporting designs like the Objective2 headphone amplifier that emphasize measurable audio performance.
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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.
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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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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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What competes at this price?
JDS Labs
Atom Amp 2
129
/
Released
2023
We built Atom Amp 2 for those who demand more. Atom Amp 2 is like Atom Amp+ on steroids. It's housed in an aluminum chassis with an easier to grip knob, featuring both 4.4mm and 6.35mm headphone jacks, failsafe DC protection, and octo-buffers pumping out over 2600 mW (2.6W) per channel. No noise. Front-mounted controls. Hand matched potentiometers. Custom engravable. Atom Amp 2, your new go-to headphone amp.
JDS Labs is a USA-based hifi brand known for its quantitative approach to electronics development, focusing on achieving signal chain transparency through engineering optimization rather than specification overkill. The brand offers custom engraving on their products and has been influential in the "objective" movement in audio, supporting designs like the Objective2 headphone amplifier that emphasize measurable audio performance.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Full metallic chassis, offering a more robust build compared to the original Atom series
- Substantial 2.65W of continuous power at 32Ω, providing ample power for most headphones
- Clean, neutral, and transparent sound, allowing the headphones' characteristics to shine
- Low output impedance ensures accurate audio with a variety of headphones
- Includes both 6.3mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs for versatility
Product Considerations
- The 4.4mm jack doesn't employ a differential bridged mode circuit, thus not offering fully balanced output despite the connector type
- The increased power may not be necessary for all users, as even the previous models had sufficient power for many headphones
- The amplifier may reveal flaws in poorly recorded or mastered music due to its transparent nature
- To use the Atom Amp 2, pairing with a separate DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) is necessary
- It can get warm quite easily—especially when placed above the DAC
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. JDS Labs Atom Amp+ Hevi: Better clarity, punchier sound, harder impact, and a lower noise floor
- Vs. FiiO K11: Tighter/punchier bass, more control, and better treble refinement/extension
- Vs. SMSL HO100: Sounds harder, tighter, more detailed, has much better resolution, timbre and natural tonality, better bass and clarity
Takeaway: The JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 is a well-built and powerful headphone amplifier that provides a clean and transparent sound. It's a great choice for those looking for an amplifier that delivers a lot of power and a neutral sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
JDS Labs is a USA-based hifi brand known for its quantitative approach to electronics development, focusing on achieving signal chain transparency through engineering optimization rather than specification overkill. The brand offers custom engraving on their products and has been influential in the "objective" movement in audio, supporting designs like the Objective2 headphone amplifier that emphasize measurable audio performance.
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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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