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
- 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.
All
SH-8S
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Power Output: 6W into 16Ω, 3W into 32Ω
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 500kHz
- Distortion: 0.00006%
- Output Noise: 1.3uV
- Color: Black
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:
- SMSL amplifiers, particularly the AO series, offer a versatile feature set, including USB DAC functionality, Bluetooth connectivity, and subwoofer outputs, making them suitable for diverse audio setups, often at an affordable price.
- They incorporate quality components, such as Infineon Class D amplifier chips, NJRC potentiometers, and TI op-amps, reflecting a deliberate choice to balance performance and cost.
- SMSL DACs often provide a neutral and transparent sound signature, aiming for accurate audio reproduction with excellent detail retrieval.
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Used
SMSL
What if you spend more?
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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.
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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
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.
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
Each channel uses 40 pcs, and total 80 pcs selected low-noise op amps in parallel design; The distortion is as low as 0.00006%, and the SNR is as low as 137dB! High output power, 16 ohm output power up to 11.5W, 32 ohms up to 5.5W; Relay Switching Volume attenuator，completely avoid imbalance between the left and right channels! 3 gears gain control, low gain is specially optimized for IEM; Pre-out function, can be used as Hi-End pre-amp; Tempered glass optically bonded IPS display screen Ultra-compact design, very suitable for desktop 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 supply system
Product Strengths
- Very sturdy and well-built headphone amplifier made out of aluminum
- Plenty of power and driving capabilities for both high impedance headphones and low impedance planars
- Tonality is well balanced with nothing emphasized or lacking across the frequency spectrum
- Sounds very natural and coherent, with no edgy or rough parts in its performance
- Offers good detail retrieval, separation, and layering of instruments and vocals
Product Considerations
- As a preamp, sound staging isn't particularly wide or deep compared to dedicated preamps
- The black volume knob is described as plasticky and some reviewers wish it was silver to match the chassis
- Lacks a 12V trigger, which would be a much-needed option
- Can run hot
- No auto-standby mode
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping A90D: SH-X adds a slight hint of warmth in the bass section and is slightly more alive–engaging sounding, while A90D sounds more ruler flat
- Vs aune S17 Pro: SH-X can compete head to head with S17 Pro in 50mA mode, but S17 Pro edges it out in 100mA mode sounding tonally richer and fuller
Takeaway: The SMSL SH-X is a beautifully built and powerful headphone amplifier that offers a clean and transparent sound. It is a great choice for those wanting a high-performing amplifier with versatile connectivity options.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Fully balanced discrete design for ultra-high power output. The distortion is as low as 0.00006%, and the SNR is as low as 133dB! High output power, 16 ohm output power up to 15W, 32 ohms up to 7.5W; Relay Switching Volume attenuator，completely avoid imbalance between the left and right channels! 3 gears gain control, low gain is specially optimized for IEM; Pre-out function, can be used as Hi-End pre-amp; Tempered glass optically bonded IPS display screen Ultra-compact design, very suitable for desktop 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 supply system; Equipped with remote control, full-function remote control.
Product Strengths
- Delivers plenty of power for almost all headphones on the market
- Has a neutral sound signature with good detail retrieval throughout the frequency spectrum
- Balanced output provides greater clarity, instrument separation, and a wider soundstage
- Features a redesigned and modern-looking user interface with simple controls
- Offers clean sound, remote control, and precise volume control, suitable for a wide range of headphones from IEMs to difficult-to-drive models
Product Considerations
- Single-ended output sound is good, but the balanced output is noticeably better—meaning a balanced cable is recommended
- Compared to the Topping A70 Pro, it has less weight and grunt in the bassline
- The volume adjustment process can be a little choppy when using the soft volume control
- Does not have a DAC inside, it is just a headphone amplifier with analog inputs only
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping A70 Pro: H400 has a quicker, more nimble bass, and a more lively and sparkly sound in the higher frequencies, while A70 Pro is bassier and slightly warmer
Takeaway: The SMSL H400 is a well-built, powerful headphone amplifier that provides great sound quality, especially when using balanced output. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable amplifier with a clean interface and plenty of features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
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
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
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
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Respectable power for a portable amplifier
- Features Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier (NFCA) module as a portable package
- Rugged construction and good battery life
- Delivers detail and texture with a transparent, uncoloured sound
- Three gain modes and is compatible with everything from sensitive IEMs to full-size headphones
- Performs well with hard-to-drive cans and with IEMs that tend to produce hiss
- Build quality is quite good with an all-aluminum chassis
- An SNR of 135dB makes it one of the cleanest portable amps on the market
Product Considerations
- Can be too clean and dry, so synergy is important
- A bit big for a pocket
- Charging the 4000mAh battery takes up to 4 hours
Takeaway: The Topping NX7 is a very good amplifier that works wonderfully with a clean, unaltering nature. It's versatile with lots of clean power and can be used in a desktop setup as well as for portable listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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