SMSL SH-9 THX AAA 888 Headphone Amplifier Review

[@johnellison3173]

Fantastic review. Im from the UK and I actually have the SH-9 and Asgard 3 as well. I tested them both side by side using an A-B switch and like you said there really isn't much in it between the two. TBH I struggled to here any difference at all using most of my headphones using the SU-9 as the dac. Its a great little amp from SMSL. Cannot fault it at all and it even comes with a remote which is why I use it in my living room setup 👍

[@ainsleywilkins145]

Another great honest review.

[@johnsoriano3812]

Very nice review

[@VeeHausen]

I have a lot of amps....I bought two Sp200's and they've managed to stay in my signal chain forever! I personally love my Schiit gear but dammit the Sp200's, for me, just sounded RIGHT! I've always wanted to try the SH-9 and/or Sp400 but wasn't sure on the cost/benefit compared that what I already have....I do like the square'er look though!

[@dennism1919]

Wave! Great review, brother. I have been pondering if I should replace the SP200 with this... OR... the SP400. I think that would be a great head-to-head comparison video, don't ya think? If you could make that happen that would be a don't miss! As always, thanks for the great work.

[@lucasdeixonne4439]

Hello ! Unhappy smsl SP200 owner here for all the reason you specified ! Your review could not have come at a better time as I was considering to upgrade to the smsl sh9 since I also heard that it kept the strength of the THX tech while correcting its previous flaws. I own a sennheiser hd6xx and I recently got a hifiman edition XS and a hd800 (that I love btw). I own a Topping E30 dac, but I might upgrade to a SMSL SU9 or another good balanced dac soon. I also ordered an Eufonika H5 latest version (a "bottlehead cracky" OTL amp hand built in Poland but with a very clean preamp output line) because I also like the tube tonality and own some good NOS tubes. My current goal is, firstly, to get a Solid State amp that is very different from the tube universe to get a pleasantly different amp sound signature, and secondly to have a transparent enough amplifier to plug the eufonika tube amp on it as a preamp and get some tubey sound out of the edition XS (or whatever planar i will get in the future). So, first, do you think that my "strategy" is good, and would the smsl SH9 be a good buy in my headphone and equipment stage ? If you think other amp would be a better option for me then by any mean don't hesitate recommending them to me ! Thanks in advance, and as always very good review ^^ (ps : I live in france, so SMSL is far easier to get vs shiit)

[@wavetheorysound]

The SH-9 will undoubtedly be an improvement. You've jumped up in headphones considerably, though. I suggest seeing if a Lake People G111 makes sense for you. The one downer for that for your proposed case, other than potentially price, is you will likely want to switch inputs between solid state and tube sounds, and the input selector switch is on the back. That may or may not bother you and there are other solutions to that problem. But, given the level of cans you've assembled, it's time to at least think about giving a nice jump to your source gear too. Best!

[@lucasdeixonne4439]

Thanks for the recommendation, i will look for the lake people g111, i didn't know this brand. Yes I know i need to upgrade my sources ! I wanted to jump the level of my tube and solid state amp before getting the HD800 but I got a good opportunity on the second hand market and decided to go for it. Right now I can hear that the sp200 particularly is limitating, i also got a darkvoice 336se but same thing, it's not what I'm looking for, too dark not enough composed. Thank you very much for the help have a nice day ^^

[@YTjuanchicod]

What about sp400 in terms of soundstage depth and imaging?

[@2009morovis]

I was wondering if you discussed the Loxjie P20 Power supply problem in one of your videos. If not can you give a brief explanation.

[@wavetheorysound]

I wrote this over 3 years ago so the parts may no longer be available, but here I said something about it: forum.hifiguides.com/t/tube-rolling-on-the-loxjie-p20/2250/15

[@2009morovis]

@@wavetheorysound Thanks for answering my question. I really appreciated it.

[@2009morovis]

@@wavetheorysound I connected to a 12v-2A power supply and it improve the sound. I then ordered the 12v-3A power supply as you suggested in your post. I already had the GE 5670W. Thanks again.

[@Hakku1403]

Thank you for the review.

[@wavetheorysound]

I reviewed G111 back in December: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5_Re5mpgcl8nrc

[@crate718]

is the asgard 3 good for classical music and accoustical instruments?

[@dalejail]

how is the bass, transients/dynamics/slam, and stage/imaging compared to d30 pro?

[@acecabusas7013]

Great review! Can you review any of there Ifi Zen Stacks, whether the Signatures or just the plain Zen Can and Zen DAC stacks? Thanks. :)

[@wavetheorysound]

Already done! I have written reviews of the CAN amp here: forum.hifiguides.com/t/ifi-zen-can-headphone-amplifier/19585/3, and there is a link to the Zen DAC V1 in that review.

[@crate718]

Would the smsl su6 sound good with the sh9? i already own the su6 sh6 dac stack

[@wavetheorysound]

I haven't heard it, but see no reason why they wouldn't be at least solid together.

[@alessandrodifrancesco8110]

you don't have good enough headphones to properly test dacs and amps. Instead of owning 6-7 mid range headphones I would buy if I was you, 1-2 high end headphones. Your reviews would be more credible.