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.

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• Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated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.

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.

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.

Product Strengths

• Very clean, smooth, and enjoyable sound without harsh edges or digitization
• Plenty of power for a wide range of headphones and IEMs due to its 3.8 watts into a 32 ohm load
• Comes with a linear power supply that provides clean power and minimizes noise
• Includes a remote control that can also control the matching DAC
• Offers versatile connectivity with balanced and single-ended pre-outputs, as well as multiple line inputs

Product Considerations

• 4.4mm connections are used for balanced input/output, which may require purchasing new cables if existing XLR cables are already owned
• The VU meter on the front of the device may not be very useful for normal listening levels
• Settings are not held when the amplifier is turned off
• There is noise in headphones when the unit is turned off or on from standby mode

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Burson Audio Soloist 3XP: Champ provides more body and weight to the sound, while the Soloist 3XP offers greater space and separation

Takeaway: The CH-Amp is a compact and versatile amplifier that delivers a clean and enjoyable sound, making it a great choice for those looking for a high-quality listening experience. Its ability to pair well with a variety of headphones and IEMs makes it a worthwhile addition to any setup.