SMSL HO200 Headphone Amp Review - Budget magic or over-priced tragic?

[@aceofspades6667]

that is a beautiful stack with the smsl and singxer shown! in the entry to midfi territory the value and options we have today is so exciting. For $1000 USD a newcomer can have an incredible setup.

[@PassionforSound]

That's so true, Ace!

[@Sunday_Morning570]

Spot on review Lachlan. 👍 This amp did tame down the brightness of my BeyerDynamic DT 1990 Pro, making them more enjoyable and premium sounding.

[@PassionforSound]

That's great news! Glad you're liking the combo 🙂🙂

[@robertnoblitt518]

A great review, as always! Glad to see you are still getting some use from the Singxer SA-1. 😉

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Bobby. Yes, the SA-1 is still in good use and well be going on tour soon for some patrons to try for themselves 🙂

[@soulfulfool]

@@PassionforSound SA-1 is great, compared to THX 887 it took away sharpness of my headphones add some body to mids without loosing clarity. One day I will upgrade to burson class A but thats twice the price so I will be patient eventually xD

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you're enjoying your SA-1!

[@soulfulfool]

@@PassionforSound you know whats next lol soloist xD

[@PassionforSound]

It's a great next step when you're ready

[@dasninjastix]

Appreciate the emphasis in this review on making sure folks understand that saying device A performs better than B at a certain set of things, doesn't mean B is garbage or shouldn't be considered because A exists. Feel free check my math on that. What confuses me a bit more is why companies like Topping or SMSL all seem to make same sounding products within their own product offerings. It seems like it just confuses the buyer when you have 6 different amps to choose from that all more or less sound the same.

[@PassionforSound]

I hear you. I think they're cannabalising their own market a bit and it's definitely confusing

[@annamark3422]

Fantastic content as usual Lachlan!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Mark!

[@gregwx]

Man can't wait for the Soloist GT review!, this one looks like a great budget offer, but... after trying several Amps from China, they are emotionless precise, I will pick a Schiit Asgard or Valhalla anyday, but is because I prefer the more textured amplification discrete amps deliver. Great review !

[@DamienRamirez]

A year ago I'd disagree with you, right now I'm into week 1 waiting on my Jot2. Also cant wait for the Soloist GT review.

[@PassionforSound]

Yep, there's not a lot of magic coming from the many Chinese amps (except Singxer). That's not a reflection on the country - it's just because they're all so focused on producing measurements based on nested feedback approaches (kind of like the THX tech) GT review VERY soon!

[@yogiwp_]

@@PassionforSound Aune, Cayin, Shanling, Audio-gd, xDuoo etc. plenty to choose from if you'd like flavored products. I think measurement-focused Topping and SMSL products are actually in the minority, but have become very popular.

[@PassionforSound]

Ah, sorry. That's what I meant about the exceptions. Everyone thinks of Topping and SMSL in this category, but the less popular brands are doing some great stuff. Some of them are more of the same, but some are excellent.

[@evaodland7349]

matching this with SMSL SU-8s dac through to future a pair of Schiit Vidar 2 amps for a full balanced digital stack...finding a sub-400 USD balanced pre-amp was difficult. The headphone amp capability is a bonus.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you're enjoying your goodies 🙂🙂

[@craigslue]

Any recommendations for amps to run the Verum 1? I also have Sennheiser HD580's and Hifiman Deva Pro. Was considering the L30 until I read about their issues of blowing up, L50 and now the SMSL SP200 and the SH-8S. Since the Verum 1 are something like 6-8 ohms this could be a problems for some amps? Any idea which of these amps would be a good choice for the Verum 1's?

[@wric01]

i'm interested in the preamp which one does better? SMSL ho200 Vs Singxer sa1 vs topping pre90?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the pre90 and I haven't tested these extensively as pre-amps, but the SA-1 is a much better amp and I feel it's a better pre-amp too because it has a more natural, open and organic sound.

[@МихаилРыбкин-ж4ч]

Thank you very much for the great review. There are sales going on now. Is this amplifier SMSL HO200 relevant for 2024 and how is it doing with the sound stage? Thanks in advance for your answer.

[@PassionforSound]

There hasn't been a huge shift in amps at this level for some time so it's still a nice choice. The soundstage is about on par with the other options at the price unless you go for a discrete design amp from Schiit.

[@njj42]

How does it compare to the Schiit Jotuheim 2 since it's the same price?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't own the Jot 2 so couldn't compare side-by-side, but the Jotunheim 2 is more fun and produces a better sense of depth and space in the soundstage. Check out my Jotunheim 2 review for a full explanation

[@SkeledroMan]

This is a personal nitpick, but IMO Topping/THX designs do not sound neutral. A nice way to show this is to compare them as preamps to a passive preamp. A90 sounded more glarey and emphasises breathiness compared to the passive preamp which is basically a wire, whereas the Holo Serene sounds almost identical, and the SA-1 gets very close. To me stuff like the A90 does not sound clean.

[@PassionforSound]

I agree. People think they sound neutral because they aren't warm or overly smooth, but they're actually still colouring the sound in different ways

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Would love to know the specific coloration referred to as affecting the A90

[@PassionforSound]

The A90 has just an artificial, sightly dry sound to it. Calling out colouration might be too strong, but I don't find it to sound natural (i.e. like standing in the room with musicians might sound)

[@PassionforSound]

Ultimately, every device in the source chain will influence the sound so I do agree that it's not about passive vs active so much as the characteristics of each component

[@hamishthecat4370]

Hey Lachlan, I have the HO200 and find it fairly good for it's price and matched with the DO300 makes for a nice little stack. Also, can you please tell me the name of the artist and title of the track/album you have on the intro to this video, it catches me every time I hear it.

[@PassionforSound]

Unfortunately, I've deleted the folder of files used to create that intro so I don't know what the track was now. Sorry! Have you tried using Shazam with it?

[@hamishthecat4370]

@@PassionforSound Thanks Lachlan, never knew about Shazam. Result was Sleepaway Camp: Late to the Party. Thanks again.

[@PassionforSound]

Excellent! I'm glad you got your answer 🙂🙂

[@Leo-yn5fx]

What makes the topping a90 better? I got a pair of lcd x and i feel i'm not gettong the best out of them. I think the h0200 sounds a lil too smooth and not as detailed and spacious. Any recommendations? I like my sound musical with air and sparkle.

[@PassionforSound]

I've never compared with the A90 as I don't own it anymore. If you want more from the LCD-X, maybe look at something like the Geshelli A3 Pro or Burson Soloist 3XP.

[@Leo-yn5fx]

@@PassionforSound which one you prefer? A90 D or the a3 pro.

[@stephenmacks23]

I have just purchased the SMSL H300 which is the next step up from the HO200 having 10w at 16ohms and 6w at 32 Ohms. I've not received it yet. I have the Hifiman HE6se V2, will the extra power be beneficial to power hungry headphones like the HE6se V2? My Ifi Zen Can signature Hifiman can drive the HE6se V2 to good levels but I feel it's not bringing the best out of the HE6se V2.

[@PassionforSound]

There's an unfortunate myth in this hobby that more power will make things sound better. The reality is that the quality of the amp is far more important than it's power output. In the long run, you might be better off looking at something like a Schiit Jotunheim 2 or Singxer SA-1 for the HE6SE

[@stephenmacks23]

@@PassionforSound when I reached out to Hifiman asking for advice they recommend their EF1000 which cost £12000! They recommend 2 watts on their website per channel. Could you do a video on the subject if you haven't already done one? I've read a few good reviews on the ho200 so the H300 should step up things a bit, hopefully! Plus it £300.

[@PassionforSound]

It's probably worth checking out the section I did on power here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWbIh6Komst5ibssi=7VkOXbGK--5d_o0Z

[@stephenmacks23]

@@PassionforSound I ended up getting a Burson Conductor XLR reference, used on eBay with a 3amp upgraded power supply and a audioquest usb cable. No idea if it has the vivid V6 opamps in it or not without opening it up. I paid £850 and it's in perfect condition. It dives me Hifiman HE6se V2 with more authority and has more oomph in the bass. I'm using it in high gain and the volume is about 25-30.

[@PassionforSound]

That's great! I'm glad you're happy with it - they're a nice unit.

[@wokthetalk3079]

Another great review Lachlan. I was wondering if you know what king of power supplier is used HA200? As well can the op amps be swapped out with discrete design such as Burson or Sparko Labs?

[@PassionforSound]

It's an internal switch mode power supply. I don't know about the op-amps because I never opened it to check. Glad you liked the review!

[@zjoy820]

Great review, also I have came cross the Hifiman Arya review, just wondering if HO200 has the sufficient quality power for the Arya. It it will be a better match with Ananda? Thanks a lot.

[@PassionforSound]

I would personally aim a bit higher for the Arya in the long term, but as a stepping stone, the HO200 would be fine.

[@zjoy820]

@@PassionforSound well noted with thanks, an inspired answer👍

[@nunonobrega5090]

Hi Lockland and friends, I just ordered my Smsl Ho200 Amp and Smsl Do200 Dac, I could use some advice in what speakers do you recommend for this combo. It's for my desk so, size matters 😂 300€/$ top price also. My current headphone is the Sennheiser 599SE, and for gaming it's doing an average job, but I would love to get more imaging and soundstage, what is your recommendation for this features ? Price range up to 300€/$ also. Thank you for all and keep blasting this channel, you are awesome! Happy New Year!!!, filled with health and happiness.😉

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Nuno! Happy new year and best wishes to you too! I just wanted to clarify if you are looking for speaker or headphone recommendations because you said speakers, but then referenced the headphones. Can you clarify?

[@nunonobrega5090]

@@PassionforSound Hello dear friend, actually I need both, but the speaker is my 1st necessity. Thank you for the reply. Best wishes to you and your family!!!

[@PassionforSound]

Unfortunately, I have limited experience with speakers these days other than the recently reviewed R1280DB from Edifier and my KRK Rokit 5 G4S studio monitors. Sorry I can't provide more guidance!

[@ohnonate]

Thanks again for another awesome review. Can the “Pre Amp” bypass the amp and be used as volume control ? So for when im not using it at as a headphone amplifier i can use it as a pre amp for my active speakers for volume control only ? Many thanks

[@PassionforSound]

That's exactly what it's designed to do, Nate - it will work perfectly for you! Switching pre-amp on, activates the rear outputs and disables the HP output (and vice versa when you switch to HPA mode)

[@ohnonate]

@@PassionforSound Big thanks for your feedback and reviews! Appreciate it.

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure

[@hartyewh1]

Could you mention a few engaging and articulate DACs/amps worth trying? I'm stuck with a Mojo unable to find something I prefer over it. Burson products are the only ones on my mind at the moment that I need to find and test.

[@cobrabucket]

Schiit Bifrost 2 or Denafrips ARES 2.

[@hartyewh1]

@@cobrabucket Thanks!

[@PassionforSound]

I think Bifrost 2 is the closest to the Mojo while still being better. Ares II can be a bit too smooth, but that will also depend on your setup and preferences. If you like that sense of articulation and clarity, that's where the Ares II can get a bit weak to me

[@kyron42]

@@cobrabucket you're a comment has a translate to English option lol.

[@kyron42]

@@hartyewh1 I heard that the Hugo 2 might be better than the mojo.

[@-ANJ.]

Wonderful review, keep up the great work. One question though, how would you compare this amp vs. Jotunheim 2?

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the review. The Jotunheim 2 is more dynamic, but also a little more coloured with it's fun bass presentation. If I were choosing one, I'd take the Jotunheim 2 everytime unless driving IEMs were important in which case, the HO200 does have an edge. For enjoyable listening though, Jot 2 all the way.

[@urbenkam]

Another amazing video. Am looking forward to see your video for Burson Audio Soloist 3X Grand Tourer. Ps am thinking about upgrading 660s to hd800s. It’s on sale for $1500 aus. I never heard the sound of hd800s.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked it! I was meant to be recording the GT review today, but I'm not feeling well. I'm hoping to record it tonight or tomorrow after some rest 🤞🤞 As for the HD800S, have you checked my review of them? They're excellent, but have a quite specific set of strengths and weaknesses

[@urbenkam]

@@PassionforSound watching the review now. Hope you get well soon.

[@aceofspades6667]

@@PassionforSound feel better Lachlan! It’s going to be a busy holiday season for you with all the upcoming releases. 🍻

[@PassionforSound]

You can say that again! Thanks Ace

[@JustBrowsing777]

Just got hold of a pair of Focal Elegia at a great price as they have been discontinued and I needed a closed pair of headphones. I use them with a regular amp and a portable dac amp but need to get into the dedicated headphone amps but really have no clue at all with what to match them with. Thanks for this review of the SMSL but I still don't know quite what to look for pairing to my Elegias. The Toppings get great reviews but if they are a good match I have no clue.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Juha, there are lots of interesting choices of amps. It's hard to go too wrong with most modern amps. The SMSL SH-8S is a great option and the Geshelli Labs E2 is also great depending on your DAC (the E2 is balanced only)

[@JustBrowsing777]

@@PassionforSound Thanks Lachlan, appreciate the advice. I know people like me ask all these questions on what to buy and I know you can't necessarily give that advice depending on so many variables like budget, preferences (we all do have those lol) and what components the entire system is made up of. Cheers, your channel is awesome ⭐

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure, Juha. I'm also conscious that different countries have better and cheaper access to certain brands. There are SO many variables!

[@cobrabucket]

How's this compare with the Jotunheim 2? That looks like a much better deal, IMO. (That is.....when it's actually in stock!)

[@PassionforSound]

Different ballpark IMO. The HO200 is a very average sounding amp (as in it sounds fine, but nothing special) whereas the Jot 2 is punchy, fun and engaging. I'd choose the Jot 2 unless you specifically want to drive IEMs or want something less coloured.

[@xyanide1986]

With an overwhelming amount of options nowadays I'm just left wondering if the designers missed something and they keep polishing a design. As you mentioned, strong feedback designs lose out on dynamic presentation. Chasing THD is not the right thing to do for audio if you ask me. After using/demoing THX 789, tubes, ifi ican, burson, rupert neve RNHP, I bought a 2nd hand Violectric V200 from around 2010 and it's excellent for me. The design also barely changed since then, it's just good and they discontinued because they're focusing on a higher end of the market.

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, the current approach to audio from many companies seems to be speed of release rather than extended R&D to make something that's able to live as the best in class for an extended period. Perhaps it's also a reflection on the consumer behaviours though too. 🤷‍♂️ Glad you're enjoying the V200. Sometimes the best option is to go with a slightly older, but very well regarded product and just enjoy it

[@CriPPleR_HD]

Really wanted the HO200 to stack with my VMV D1se but I already own a Topping A90 and it may be a downgrade. D1se and the A90 is a great combo but the aesthetics of the stack is not the greatest.

[@PassionforSound]

I think the HO200 isn't quite as good as the A90 so that's the right call sonically

[@mqtpqt]

Wouldn't this be in the same market as the THX 789?

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, it would. Unfortunately I don't have the 789 here anymore but it would make for an interesting comparison

[@wetland3010]

Did you give the HO200 a chance to burn in? My experience with SMSL and Topping gear is that they sound pretty ordinary until 'breakin' is attained, and then the sound quality noticeably transcends.

[@PassionforSound]

I used it for extended listening prior to the review. I couldn't say how long for, but I didn't experience any significant change in sound. It's also not a bad amp and I'm still using it at the moment to test the DO200. As a stack, they're excellent and would be my choice over the D90/A90 I think. The HO200 is just a solid, average amp rather than anything game changing.

[@djhmax09]

I bet you have that soloist gt behind that smsl box! 😂

[@PassionforSound]

Sshhhh! Don't tell anyone 😉

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

Will Amazon Australia send my desktop amplifier per kangarou pouch ? If yes can i ask for a refund when it tries to punch me ?

[@PassionforSound]

You'd have to ask Amazon those questions 😉

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

@@PassionforSound I will mate