Is this the one? | Drop AAA ONE Linear Amplifier Review

Drop and THX once again coming together to make the "One". Great measurements at a good price.
Pre Order Here - massdrop.7eer.net/eDrPQ
Also mentioned -
Magnius - www.schiit.com/products/magnius
Asgard - www.schiit.com/products/asgard
Heresy - amzn.to/2FKVhB9
OPEN BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Arya - amzn.to/3cDZ0vT
🥈 DIANA V2 - abyss-headphones.com/products...
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/38BN3DM
CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3cF6EWX
🥈 M1060C - amzn.to/39vDkQU
🥉 1More Triple Driver - amzn.to/2wGC2ni
BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD58X - massdrop.7eer.net/mmKDX
🥈 SHP 9500 - amzn.to/32ZQJ0S
🥉 Porta Pro - amzn.to/2Is8dtu
AMPLIFIERS & DACS
🥇 THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP - amzn.to/3cHHTJC
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/2TwsvZg / massdrop.7eer.net/DmW0n
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/2wJGp0X
IEMS
🥇 Fir M5 - www.firaudio.com/store/m5
🥈 ZUES - massdrop.7eer.net/rN9Ny
🥉 Tin T2 - amzn.to/2xeGvxT
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/2v2Fto1
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/2TKEmSl
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/2wCCO53
ACCESSORIES
🥇 Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3aCpb4i
🥈 IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/331xuUN
🥉 Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkF
My Filming Equipment
Camera - amzn.to/38tuIc1
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - amzn.to/2wI119R
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/2wBRe5q
Sigma 30mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/39ym2m8
Ronin SC - amzn.to/39zDLcG
GVM Slider - amzn.to/2PWZDam
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this youtube channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
📘 Joshua-ValourYT
📷 joshua.valour
🔔 JoshValour
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www.patreon.com/JoshuaValour
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#Drop #One #Review
*As an Amazon & Drop Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@LakerTriangle]

Major thing though: Asgard 3 has 5yr warranty and Schiit is easy to work with...Drop not so much.

[@JoshuaValour]

Good point!

[@theyruinedyoutubeagain]

Bro, for $200 you might as well live a little, lol. FWIW I bought the Cavalli LCX and the Grace SDAC Balanced and they are working beautifully with zero issues. I would never buy anything expensive from Drop though, fuck dealing with that.

[@LakerTriangle]

@@theyruinedyoutubeagain before I bought my Asgard 3 I looked around and read too many stories of how something from (Mass)Drop broke and they were stuck with it. I'm sure Schiit isn't perfect - but I don't see the same type of stories as I see with Drop.

[@davidmason8212]

@@LakerTriangle that sounds interesting. Did you take in consideration the JDS lab element or el amp ?

[@LakerTriangle]

@@davidmason8212 I did - but the look of the Asgard stack hooked me. I now also have a Bifrost 2 all on a custom made wood headphone stand... Super happy with all of it!

[@williamjohnson6588]

You compared it to the magnius, which is a valid comparison due to the price point. I’d be interested in hearing a comparison with the Heresy, though. Since both this and the Heresy are focused on single-ended performance, it would be interesting to see what that extra $100 gets you if much of anything at all. Great vid as always!

[@osfee9754]

your thumbnails have been getting better and better lately, good job!

[@Weaver_Games]

So glad I can solder. To run my 600s balanced I just got a stock 600 replacement cable, snipped the end, and soldered a neutrik 4 pin XLR on it. Saves a boatload of money. The 600 series is great cause it has just a + and - for each ear stock so no messing around with anything more is required.

[@harrisonjr98]

Ooo been looking forward to this “one” ;)

[@KDZen]

3:13 don't think I've seen 30 shwoms before, glad to see some innovation in the scene

[@maybepatrick369]

nice vid man 🖤

[@MsDaydream]

Do you plan on doing a review of the Rupert Neve RNHP headphone amp? I'm curious how you think it compares to all of these new THX amps as well as the atom.

[@naoki95957]

I went with the Topping L30. Because apparently _that's the purest_ amp right now. I'll find out soon.

[@pascaljean2333]

It's a great amp, but the output levels are questionable. It is a great little preamp too which I have connected to my tube amp

[@arashsarshoghi]

Great review, you've really been stepping up the quality! Also I know it's because of the price, but in terms of specs and utility, wouldn't the schitt magni heresy be a better comparison? And a much better deal at that

[@darylccc]

Topping L30 i think is more of a comparison than the Heresy. I have both, the Heresy is "fun" in comparison to the L30 which is just dead neutral. Heresy has more bass distortion and a tiny bit harsher in the treble. L30 also has a dedicated HP / Preamp switch, Heresy works off a relay which is annoying...

[@Tential1]

@@darylccc both were tested to be neutral on audio science... Schiit specifically made the product for that crowd. Both the topping and the Schiit are better amps.

[@darylccc]

@@Tential1 Yes both are neutral in the broad sense compared to most headphone amplifiers. I made decisions to buy both based on ASR technical reviews. Unfortunatley there is no multitone test for the Heresy which im sure would show a higher distortion in the bass compared to the L30. Will be interesting to see the technical review of the Drop One on ASR. I think price to performance though the Topping/Schiit are better alright.

[@Tential1]

@@darylccc interesting thought. I hadn't realized the topping could be better. That's frustrating. I do want to see the drop tested, but I'm a power whore and I'd NEVER buy a weak Amp. Really, I want portables tested more. There are enough good amps under $500 it's annoying to see so many more reviews of desktop setups

[@darylccc]

@@Tential1 Very true! Think part of that is most "audiophiles" consider closed back headphones to be a no-no and open/semi-open headphones outside are kinda shit with isolation probs. Z Reviews (love or hate him) has an absolute ton of portable reviews. Think the Xduoo XD-05 pro is the tip of the top for portable, but its a massive portable!

[@brockercheddlie]

It's worth noting that on the first day of the preorder it was $150. I snatched it when I saw that. I knew it was just gonna be basically a single-ended 789. Drop really needs a DAC in the same chassis besides the Airist R-2R given that $500 price tag and that's IF they even produce it again. They need an unbalanced DAC in the same chassis that is $150-$200. Please and thank you, Drop. :)

[@OkieDokieSmokie]

Literally still waiting for this.

[@brockercheddlie]

@@OkieDokieSmokie lol same. i came close to buying an Airist R-2R used

[@ericliu8434]

Hey josh, have you considered reviewing the Verum One version 2? apparently the quality control issues have been mostly resolved.

[@dmtphone]

Was planning on getting the thx789 (or the monoprice version) but this review brought the modius to my attention. Is that a value pick vs the others or simply a waste kf the end game is ultra clean fast sound? (I already have a liquid plat for that uber smooth sound) Great review as always Josh, I watch every one even if not in the market for the specific product being examined.

[@minigaangsta]

Take a look at the smsl sp200 aswell, joash sadly didnt do a review yet so I dont know how it compares to the rest of the thx lineup but I realy love it and its got a shitload of power

[@redduck680]

I’m interested to see how the Topping a50s compares to this. It’s the same price, but has a balanced 4.4mm pentacon.

[@Tential1]

It's better. This isn't good. Unless you want bad power output relative to similar prices products.

[@kristoffer8740]

@@Tential1 Comparing power outputs is kinda pointless. Both will power the vast majority of headphones to deafening levels. Hard to drive headhpones are getting more and more rare.

[@martinshoosterman]

I think something huge to consider is that if you order one of the schiit amps then you can get it in 2-3 weeks in your hands. If you order the drop amp, then you'll be lucky to get it in the next year. With how bad they were delivering the pandas, I wouldn't trust drop right now especially for a product that isn't very clearly above and beyond everything else.

[@tiagobalbino2663]

Great review! Still in doubt though, THX ONE or Topping L30?? I use a lot of IEMs, but none are super efficient and for my most demanding headphones I use the M1060 and 6XX. Can the L30 drive these well?

[@eetu2532]

No problem driving the HD600 and HE4XX. In fact even with EQ (-7 dB) 0/mid gain is loud enough for me.

[@Tential1]

If you can read tests the topping l30 has been tested and has more than enough power output for those headphones

[@takeshi7]

Now Drop needs to come up with a better DAC that better matches their THX amps.

[@lunarnoctis5924]

I’d imagine the R2R DAC they have on there would pair well. THX needs something warm in front of it. Honestly I’m over the whole THX hype train though. Cold and lifeless isn’t my preferred signature. Got a Violectric V850/V280 stack recently and it’s the best DAC/ amp combo I’ve owned or heard and have no intentions of upgrading for years.

[@takeshi7]

@@lunarnoctis5924 the Drop R2R specs are pretty poor considering the modern competition. Also balanced outputs would be nice for the 789.

[@llevine6510]

@@takeshi7 R2R dacs are naturally poor in measurement. Their main selling point is their unique characteristics(more “analogue” sounding)

[@takeshi7]

@@llevine6510 Even more reason for them to come up with a new one.

[@lunarnoctis5924]

I’ve played the measurements game for the past 4 years with audio. I didn’t play it with the Violectric gear I just got (granted it measures good not outstanding) and it smokes every other setup I’ve had. At the end of the day, it’s about what’s on your head and if it makes you smile, not how a spec sheet lists it’s “sound” or bars on a graph. Got a THX AAA789 and it was junk. Channel imbalances, anemic bass response, harsh transients and a very lifeless sound to it. It might have measured well but man I was not a fan when I listened.

[@elguanteloko]

Wow, did you take the back mesh off your HifiMan Aryas? I have the silent revision one where it's fabric rather than metal but would love to know what the reason for that mod was and if the sound difference is worth it.

[@milan425]

I do have to ask, If one wants speaker system and gets full size dac amp that has headphone output, how does this option differs strictly soundwise, compared to split from source, into one - amp and speaker system and two- headphone amp?

[@TyFree1993]

Have you listen to the Koss KPH30i headphones? They are phenomenal for $30. I would love to see a review on those.

[@TerraBlacc1]

Would I better performance out of my CTH and other tubes if I ran the preamp from the THX1 back into the CTH? Can I preamp tubes in general?

[@Goodmandoinggoodtings]

brother what was the cap you were wearing in the hd6xx vs he4xx video. the solid black no logo cap. Thanks.

[@tylerharmon1468]

What are your thoughts on the ifI Zen Dac for a budget Dac/Amp? I would like to hear what you think on it saying its a 130 Dac/Amp and all

[@Richie131hun]

For 2 listeners, can you use an adapter so it outputs to 2 headphones? Would it compromise sound quality?

[@cdfarala4723]

topping l/e30 stack review too please!

[@MrCzarecki]

maybe with comparision to DX3 pro?

[@OmarTheAtheistAziz]

there are different class amplifiers like Class A/B/D. is that important? what class does this one fall under?

[@chrisr2047]

I’m new to the audio realm and I have been doing a lot of research. But I can’t find a straight answer to can Dac/amp do surround sound? Because I am looking for something that is good with sound for games and music.

I have a Beresford Bushmaster MKII and DT880 Pro Black Edition 250 Ohms. Think about adding this in between. Do you think this will be a logical move? I feel like basses on my DT880 Pro is not powerful enough with the Bushmaster MKII. My KZ10 Pro IEMs has a better lower end usually with this set.

[@MrQwerty2524]

I really need more Amps to look like this.

[@GlennCarton]

They really need to make an dac with that box dimensions and looks.

[@pc_decisions8764]

There is already a drop artist R2R dac

[@OkieDokieSmokie]

@@pc_decisions8764 too 'spensive. $500 dac on a $200 amp is very cart before the horse.

[@pc_decisions8764]

@@OkieDokieSmokie well...there is always the grace sdac

[@tuvn.]

Would the JDSlabs el dac 2 be a good pair with this amp?

[@waynebruce24893]

Can you list the music you used for b roll footage?

[@wolfmathdev]

Missed it! "This is Josh, signing off"

[@pietossing]

Vs 789? Is it the exact same experience without regards to pure power?

[@NovaRay]

Speaking of amps, has anyone here in this community owned the XDuoo TA-05? I can't find any reviews on it anywhere

[@pc_decisions8764]

I see what drop did there...but at 200 its no longer a value proposition, I would rather get the topping L30 (the A90 1/4 output) for 150 with the extra of the front switch for preamp or the schiiton of power of the asgard 3, maybe if the thx one conserved the bal inputs (like the archel 2 or 2.5) it would be and interesting product.

[@malek8736]

"and until the next video, my name is Josh, signing off."

[@james_wheelz]

Can this amp work on a laptop? I’m going off to school and will not be able to bring my desktop. I have the pc38x and want an amp for them. What should i get that’s laptop friendly? Thanks

[@jeffreymakuch2493]

Still 4 months from release and Drop desperately sending out pre-release review units. 165 pre-ordered tells the story, I'd call it a failure compared to the 789 - this is coming to the market way too late. It needed to be available about a year ago to be meaningful in the market, and $200 is too much for it.

[@Tential1]

Couldn't have said it better.

[@tdfmike3915]

True. 789 at a discount is not that much more expensive. And its balanced. So you have an Option for that hd800 or Arya or audeze

[@Weaver_Games]

@@tdfmike3915 I agree. For $100 more you get balanced and more power. Even if you don't yet have a balanced DAC you leave yourself the option in the future to expand your whole setup to balanced. I know people are falling off the THX bandwagon but for me I can't find a reason to change my 789 for anything. That said I'm more in it for the headphones and the music. I'm the kind of guy who wants the amp "out of the way".

[@minigaangsta]

How does the S.M.S.L SP200 compare to the other thx amps in the pricerange? I just recently got it and realy like it for its clean but punchy sound (dont have many comparisons though) but its power is compleat overkill for my sundaras I cant go much further then noon on low gain without actualy damaging my ears which kind of sucks for listening on lower volume and using my dac as a preamp to adjust the volume down realy dosent do the soundquality any favour.

[@johnellison3173]

All the THX amps sound the same imo. If you like your SP200 then keep it. I bought mine at launch and don't see any reason to upgrade. It has everything you need and is powerful enough to drive any headphone.

[@minigaangsta]

@@johnellison3173 How did you come to the conclusion of them all sounding the same? iIs a technology to reduce distortion that is used in different chips paired with different components.

[@johnellison3173]

@@minigaangsta I have owned 3 different thx amps now and to my ears they are identical. They don't add any coloration to the sound but are very detailed and transparent. I didnt notice any difference at all and I would be very sceptical of anybody who says otherwise.

[@kenorax]

is this good for Beyerdynamics DT1990 pro?

[@HiFiGOAudio]

I still find the standard THX AAA better with a Balanced output too!! Instead of getting this one I would go for the SMSL SP200!!

[@johnellison3173]

Agreed. Although the SP200 isnt a true balanced amp. You dont really need it to be and it has more features. I also found the small form factor much more appealing.

[@HiFiGOAudio]

@@johnellison3173 exactly :) Thanks for your kind words

[@spasev]

Measurement capability? I didnt know that was a thing.

[@nl_2652]

Another day of encouraging Josh to make a vid on his bike

[@JoshuaValour]

Lol 😂

[@flyingnematode]

Plus 10k subscribers if he does is in cycling shorts XD

[@nl_2652]

@@flyingnematode brooo 🤣

[@thelastrhino2581]

6:24 is anyone else seeing the thin line horizontal and vertical with a slightly less than 90 degree angle of focus and the rest slightly blurry. Not sure that camera is working right.

[@mayurkulkarni1990]

thats just the focussing I guess

[@JoshuaValour]

Camera is working correctly. That is the focus plane on a 90 degree object corner. The focus plane is always flat and parallel with the camera sensor. It's just the approach angle of the camera that makes it look a bit weird. Shot on 120mm Macro equivalent so the depth of field is TINY. Thus the lines in focus, and everything else is a bit blurry.

[@thelastrhino2581]

@@JoshuaValour Thanks. Looks great anyway. Your efforts are really showing.

[@faithalityblog]

Could this handle DT 1990 Pro headphones? Peasant passing by, sorry, lol.

[@davidmason8212]

Does it dethrone the thx 789 ?

[@hypnos1486]

IMPORTANT UPDATE (IMHO) re this 'budget' amp's performance. Yes, with the lowly stock 30V power supply not really a giant killer, but still extremely good for the money. HOWEVER, I was shocked to find a massive leap when used in comparison to direct headphone out from my Chord TT2/mscaler combo, surpassing the latter by an unexpected margin (no mean feat!)...how?...by replacing the stock PS with a (cheap) Chinese 'Ultra Low Noise' Linear Power Supply (mine being only 15V, so needing an also cheap, Chinese DC-DC Buck step up/down converter). This has taken the Drop One's performance - in my own system at least (with Meze Empyrean cans), to a whole new level without having to splash out on what I believe otherwise would need to be a very expensive tube amp or high end SS. And as a result I now personally regard this mini marvel to really be that 'giant killer'...and for relative peanuts...:)... So, DITCH THAT STOCK PS!!

[@njj42]

This vs Topping A50s?

[@Bultizar]

My only problem with it is that it does not have a SPDIF in.

[@baktashzameer4193]

This runs 1.5 watts into 16 ohms, but 2.7 watts into 32 ohms. Very strange feature since almost all other amps push more watts into lower ohms than higher ones.

[@StatusQuo209]

I'm guessing it has to do with the maximum amount of current the amp is allowing to flow through the PCB inside the amp. Maybe too much current at lower ohms will introduce boise that most people get even running iems on amps.

[@ibrahimsiddiqui2626]

Can it be used without a DAC?

[@m.morininvestor9920]

Yes

[@grimmheart]

But seriously tho, my neighbors are annoying af. Thx for the rec.

[@JoaoBarbosa1996]

This is my amp....AND MY AXE!

[@LordVictorHalgaard]

Calm down there Gimli...!

[@hsharma3933]

Wasn’t this the same review he put up a few months ago?

[@omegaelixir]

Neumann U87/89 vs Beyerdynamic MC840

[@nikhilchakka]

What dac should I get

[@LakerTriangle]

What's you budget range?

[@karbonkevin919]

I'm planning on getting this which pre amp and dac do you recommend with this? Or do I even need a pre amp or a dac with this amp?

[@DilsM]

but Topping L30 is the “1” :)

[@Oneminde]

Uhm... why does everything sound a tad faster than normal....

[@photovideooz4084]

no balanced output why bother with balance input?

[@Firenmage433]

In my rnhp the sound is still improved even through xlr input even though the headphone can't be used with anything other than 6.3mm

[@kristoffer8740]

It does not have balanced inputs...

[@BunnyslippersEUC]

"This is your brain on drugs". Picks an ostrich egg🥚 and the AAA One Linear. 🍳

[@ADesertVoice]

If your going to do a review of the L30s or E30s please give your honest opinion on those and not the "hype" bullshit that's been floating around (because its the new shiny kid on the block). I honestly didn't find the L30s that great and prefer the THXs.

[@KillerQ]

Is anyone else here fed-up with all of Drop's collaborations? They feel like a marketing ploy for second-hand, re-shelled items.

[@pietossing]

...that's the purpose of drop. How do you not grasp this?

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

I need to go 🪓 hunting who's with me grab your amplifiers everybody! I would get Schiit MAGNIUS with a JDS labs el DAC 😁😁 😁 points for the jokes and puns

[@atticusrussell1225]

$140 as of cyber Monday. Still a "must buy no questions asked"?

[@MrStingraybernard]

$149 on drop now

[@Elc22]

Yea, makes sense. It doesn't stand out at the price of $200 enough to justify it. They need a price cut, and fast. I don't see any real interest in the one amp. When you have the magnius that lets you into the balanced world of things, measurements that are a tiny bit better aren't going to make the one stand out. Why deal with the one when you can get similar performance from something like a magni heresy for half the price? It feels like drop had mostly fallen behind the curve they set the pace for back in the day with the 789. Now they are having trouble justifying the existence of thier new amps and dacs.

[@thelastrhino2581]

Nice review. Why do you keep saying "My name is Josh" at the beginning and end of every video? Edit: OK, you didn't say it again at the end this time, but you get my point.

[@k.-flynn]

His name is Josh.

[@JoshuaValour]

I mean... am I wrong? lol Idk what else to say. intros and outros are weird.

[@utadakami-sama8121]

His name is Josh that's why lol

[@jlin5459]

The THX AAA ONE Linear makes no sense in the market. A measurement focused amp at $200 with only SE makes no real sense. If you want that, get the Schiit Heresy for $100. For $200 you can get the Schiit Magnius which is also a measurement focused amp, with both BAL and SE inputs and outputs. This amp is overpriced for what it is, either save the cash and get a Schiit Heresy or get the Schiit Magnius. If you are partial to THX technology get the THX 789 since its only $300. You would get way more capability and scaling options with the SE and BAL options.

[@jeffreymakuch2493]

This does have one use case that the 789 doesn't, it can act as a preamp. For me, that was always a dealbreaker for the 789 with my headphone+speaker desktop setup. But otherwise, yes, too expensive, too late to market, and there are even more objectively great amps than the few you mentioned. (one note however: the Magnius should *only* be bought for balanced. The single-ended performance is pretty bad.)

[@condor48326]

No Josh the next amp is ...

[@catfishdave6125]

Just bought this for 150 to use with my focal elex

[@graymatrrocks]

First?

[@chefsteve8381]

sounds like this amp is dead in the water already !

[@pascaljean2333]

The sp200 also dropped in price.

[@cemgoren1763]

An unbuttoned shirt? This is absolutely scandalous...

[@shawnpwatsons1]

Taking delivery soon. Paid $149 as I was a first adopter. So basically, I stole the thing.

[@bardenhick2121]

Here’s the problem: Magnius has balanced, Asgard has more power BUT THE XXX ONE HAS 0.00000001% LESS THD!!!!!! Shut up

[@songboek]

second :)

[@sledgetable172]

Right now it's $150

[@Tential1]

This amp has no purpose there are better ants for less money with better specs