SMSL SP200 THX-AAA-888 Review - Hi-Fi sound at a Low-Fi price

Get the SMSL SP200 from Apos Audio: bit.ly/2pA7eS8
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Desktop headphones I’m using:
🎧 Audeze LCD-4: bit.ly/35LFYAK
🎧 Quad ERA-1: bit.ly/3fE50pV
🎧 Hifiman Arya: amzn.to/3eQEsS6
🎧 Erzetich Phobos: amzn.to/2SbbMcQ
Portable headphones I’m using:
🎧 Meze 99 Classics: bit.ly/3bjTqwX
🎧 Sennheiser Momentum 3: amzn.to/2SrzzWf
🎧 Sony WH1000XM3: amzn.to/35b9pfa
IEMs I’m using:
👂 FiiO FH7: amzn.to/2VDw0xU
👂 Moondrop Starfield: bit.ly/2Ah3wlv
Loudspeakers I’m using:
🔊 KEF LS50W: amzn.to/2y3IPIP
🔊 Buchardt S400: bit.ly/2xTOCkt
Integrated/Power Amps I’m using:
💪 Hegel H190: bit.ly/2yQboK8
💪 KECES S125: bit.ly/2W5mMJZ
Best DACs I have tried:
🥇 Matrix Audio Element X: bit.ly/2xU6hbC
🥇 Gustard A22: bit.ly/2WExwPK
🥇 Topping D90 MQA: bit.ly/2zHWSo2
🥇 Audio-GD R7 (2020 Version): bit.ly/3fpNUfl
🥇 Denafrips Venus: amzn.to/35kgHh7
Best Mid-Fi DACs:
🥈 Topping DX7 PRO: bit.ly/2Lh5S67
🥈 SMSL M500: bit.ly/2WlPbwC
🥈 Mytek Brooklyn DAC+: amzn.to/3aHGuAw
🥈 Benchmark DAC3B: amzn.to/2KC5saf
🥈 Chord Hugo2: amzn.to/2Y88T05
Best Entry-Level DACs:
🥉 Topping E30: bit.ly/35OWW1p
🥉 SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII: amzn.to/3cSe1tC
🥉 Loxjie D20: amzn.to/3cSaqM1
Best DAC + Headphone Amp combos:
🎶 Flux Lab Acoustics FCN-10: bit.ly/2Y74daK
🎶 Burson Audio Conductor 3: amzn.to/2xcfSKx
🎶 Audio-GD D.28 Full: bit.ly/359E6S5
Best Headphone amps:
💣Benchmark HPA4: bit.ly/2xb6hn5
💣Sparkos Labs Aries: bit.ly/2xcOps1
💣Kinki Studio THR-1: bit.ly/2y2fVZL
Best DAPs:
🎵 FiiO M15: amzn.to/2SdxxIX
🎵 FiiO M11 PRO: amzn.to/2Y8n31i
🎵 Shanling M6: amzn.to/3eXG8Jq
My Video/Photo Gear:
📷 / 🎥 amzn.to/2VHeNnf
🔍 amzn.to/3eTCsZp
🔍 amzn.to/2yPR6A5
🔭 amzn.to/2zAuGn1
💡 amzn.to/2VEDC3l
☂️ amzn.to/2VETyT6
🎤 amzn.to/3aLjYXv
These are my honest opinions in different categories. Some of them are affiliated links that help me manage this KZbin channel at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#SMSL SP200 #THX-AAA-888 #Review

[@Lucas-ck1po]

This thing is stellar for its price and it represents an entire generation of upcoming amps on the horizon and thx amps in the next few years will improve alot, they will start putting out real benchmark performance for "cheap", this is just the first THX from China. Once they learn where people put their money on, they start digging deep and fast. SmSL was really quick in making their own THX amp following the successful launch of Massdrop's. It shows that these guys are in tune with the communities and they react fast. I just think that despite the sp200 being the ultimate utilitarian package for a spartan price, totally "form following function" successfully, i think this thing still has some lapidation ahead. This thing pushes big planars on low gain at near 50% of its capacity, it lacks a real low gain setting. This thing is borderline dangerous with iems. Any accidents can destroy them or worse, your hearing. This thing needs a third lower setting. How do you compare this to the dx7 pro? Should one get this (250) and a dac on the 350 range to match the 599 usd dx7 pros? I still think ill be getting a dx7 if 29/11 repeats 11/11 prices. Still haven't made my mind yet. Decisions, decisions... Thanks for the input!

[@Soundnews]

Agree on everything you wrote. SP200 is a better amp than the one in DX7 PRO, can be dangerous with IEMs, that is a valid point. Why not get both? SP200 dropped to $260 this morning, probably for a limited time

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

What do you think about this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4uxfXiMo8dsesU

[@junzhang2087]

It’s basically a little brother of THX 789 and 887. With little cost cutting $100 savings. I just bought a used one for $175. Will pair with Topping D50s to complete a budget desktop HiRes system. Thanks for the review.

[@Flavius7]

First CONGRATULATIONS for 1000 subs. You deserve much more! See you at 10.000 and then 100.000😉 The Friday review is literally ESSENTIAL for me, cause I'm searching for a good Amp under 600 Euros. Something to maybe sound good with a Sennheiser 800 Series. So...can't wait! Great review and great idea with the comparison. Thanks!

[@Soundnews]

Thanks Flavius. I won't spoil anything to you even if you drown me in Belgian ale or German weisse. Coming soon!

[@Flavius7]

@@Soundnews Some things are better kept a secret 😉👍

[@michaelnorberg9732]

It looks like THX is revolutionizing the Head amp world. Another great review, Thanks man.

[@Soundnews]

It looks that way to me, they also want a slice of that yummy headphone amp market

[@amehrban6775]

I got this and a topping dx3 pro for dac for the ultimate price performance audio setup

[@Soundnews]

Great, enjoy some quality time with them

[@gtifury310]

SAME! I have the DX3 and have been eyeing the SP200. The DAC in the DX3 is freaking awesome, but the amp in it was an afterthought. I can get very close to zero on the volume adjustment with the 4xx and especially the 6xx. This is all my first enthusiast grade headphone setup, so I'm excited to see the improvements with this amp.

[@gtifury310]

@@Soundnews Aaaaand I just ordered the SP200. Thanks for your review! Sub'd and liked.

[@Soundnews]

@@gtifury310 Congrats! Should pair nicely with your DAC. Enjoy!

[@TheProgrn]

I picked up this amp and the SU-8 Dac during the Black Friday sales. I can’t wait for it to arrive.

[@Soundnews]

Great! Tell us how that sounds ;)

[@dmtphone]

Yes please do inform us as to how it sounds. I am eyeing this exact setup for my next upgrade (moving from speakers to headphones exclusively soon due to moving house)

[@deadeye110]

I just pulled the trigger on purchasing this. I will get it tomorrow. I'm pairing this up with Sennheiser hd6xx headphone.... I'm hoping that this is a match made in heaven

[@Soundnews]

Congrats, do tell us how that combo sounds. It should be a revealing experience with great slam and control.

[@deadeye110]

@@Soundnews it's unbelievable. The clarity, especially at lower volumes is unlike anything I've ever heard. The separation of all the instruments and sounds really gets pulled out without having to crank it super loud. And then of course when I do turn it up loud, it's impossible to distort those headphones. That amplifier has a high and low game and I find it unnecessary to even have to use the high game because the low game I can only turn it up halfway before it becomes too loud for me. And I like it loud 😂🔊

[@Soundnews]

My mission here is complete, enjoy and spread the love. :D

[@nmnate]

Sounds amazing for the price. I've been eyeing a DAC-3 HGC for my front end and was leery about adding a HP4 if I chose down the line ($$). For the cost, this would be an easy addition. Looking forward to your comparison. Subbed!

[@Soundnews]

I listened to DAC3-HGC and to DAC3-B...and honestly they didn't move me at all, it sounded OK, but not great or special, even DX7 PRO from Topping sounded better. Benchmark have probably the best preamp, headphone amp and power amp of the moment (LA4, HPA4 and AHB2) but they don't have great sounding DACs. I spoke to them about this and they are cooking something better as of right now. Long story short: for now avoid DAC3

[@nmnate]

@@Soundnews I guess one of the main reasons that the DAC-3 interested me was the ability to use it as a preamp. I have been saving up for a while and was looking at buy a DAC-3 HGC and ABH2 to go with my LS50s. Eventually I'll add some nicer headphones to my collection, but right now that hasn't been the priority for me. As a bit of a sidenote, I was reading your LS50W and LS50 comparison / review and was interested to see how you think the LS50 would pair with extremely flat response DAC / preamp / amp combinations. I've been leery about matching the LS50 with anything that might be slightly on the bright side (i.e. Mytek). Mostly listening to metal (everything from prog to melodeath). Cheers!

[@thump3r]

I got one of these and im glad i did!! super clean! now i want the smsl m500 to match it for the mqa and xlr output.

[@Soundnews]

I found M500 a bit dryer sounding in the midrange (compared to say a DX7 PRO) combined with SP200 I fear the combo might be lacking warmth and soul.

[@bongofury3176]

Listening to Roger Waters through Quad Era's on a SP200 !! So am I !! Subscribed...

[@AkilJacob]

Wish smsl would make a 100 watt per channel into 8 ohms THX speaker amp. So far only 1 THX speaker amp exists and its expensive as hell!

[@Soundnews]

Yep, AHB2 it is probably the best power-amp of the moment and I wish somebody else would do one at 1/10 of its original price.

[@Naesun1]

amazing review!! waiting on mine!! btw, any plans on review the M11 PRo and the Sony ZX507??

[@Soundnews]

Thanks! M11 PRO review is incoming in two weeks or so, Sony doesn't want to promote ZX507 in Europe, asked their PR and this was their response, very weird move. Its their 40th anniversary and they do nothing about it

[@Naesun1]

@@Soundnews tell me about it! I don't think they have confidance in that line of daps! I'm just waiting on your Review of the m11 pro to pull the trigger ir wait for the m15

[@michaelmao6180]

My only gripe: There is no audio passthrough. It really limits the way audio can be routed in the system.

[@r00s.]

I agree, it is annoying. I would suggest a passive pre-amp or selector switch. Something by Little Bear works great.

[@bananajoe275]

Great review, thanks.

[@mobbaddictchannel]

Hi Sandu, thank you for your reviews! Do you think THX amps are worth the extra money to power an Era-1, as compared to something more basic like the Fiio K5 pro?

[@Soundnews]

I don't have a K5 PRO anymore but in general planar headphones are very current hungry and K5 doesn't offer a lot of it. THX amps will offer a better slam, control and better frequency extremes (sub-bass and upper treble), that is for sure. Era-1 is not a super hungry headphone but will benefit from a SP200

[@vlad973]

Sandule esti pe val cu reviewurile astea, chiar voiam un sp200

[@Soundnews]

This is my new full-time job, so...

[@Sunday_Morning570]

Thank you for another great review. Which SMSL DAC would you recommend to go with the SP 200?

[@Soundnews]

Thank you too for watching and liking. I listened only to M500 from them and while I find it as a good and revealing DAC it was a bit dry in the midrange and SP200 will expose and exploit that flaw even more. I fear those two will not bond together well. Maybe an AKM-based DAC from SMSL will be a better choice, I think so.

[@Sunday_Morning570]

Ok thanks 👍

[@alejandroi.rodriguez5159]

@@Sunday_Morning570 SMSL M200

[@ADesertVoice]

I just got this but didn't realize it doesn't have any outputs to an external amp (non headphone). Really wish this could be used as preamps.

[@ghgjftythnhcfghdty]

Thanks for such an in depth review. Do you think this SP200 would work well with the Denafrips Ares II DAC? Is it possible to use both Ares outputs (XLR and RCA), one to provide signal for SP200 for headphone listening, and the other to my main 2 channel stereo amplifier for listening with via speakers? Thanks if you can advise.

[@Soundnews]

Ares would work extremely well with SP200. These units are like Ying and Yang, very different as stand alone units but great sounding together and complementing each other faults. Ares is outputting both on RCA and XLR at the same time.

[@idanmaman]

i have the smsl m200+sp200 set, should i turn it off after every session? or keep it on 24/7? i heard that turning it on and off might ruin it.

[@Level42Man]

Very Good Review Bravo 👍🏻

[@Shoaibexpert]

Great review. Perhaps not the subject, buy would you advise getting a Sennheiser HD 800S if one already has the Arya?

[@Soundnews]

They both sound very very close to each other. HD800S is wider sounding and Arya has a taller stage. I would pick something else, maybe something more engaging/musical

[@Shoaibexpert]

@@Soundnews Thanks for your valuable opinion. I'm on SMSL M500 and quite like the sound. Any suggestions for headphones to go well with the Arya I already have. Much appreciated.

[@Soundnews]

@@Shoaibexpert How about Quad Era-1? So engaging sounding, I love those

[@Shoaibexpert]

@@Soundnews Thanks...I'll read about those. Cheers

[@pchlars5666]

[@Soundnews]

Thank for watching and liking. I will continue my quest for world domination

[@gwenndolynnmecklenburg6457]

Thank you well done Gwenndolynn

[@Soundnews]

Thanks mate

[@gypsygib]

I was super interested in this as my end game amp but that stupid shape precludes me from buying it. I don't want to always feel like, "it's perfect except that stupid parallelogram shape..". It would just bug me.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

SMSL makes a great DAC too

[@mohammedsalih1]

Good review ♥️ What your recommendation DAC for this AMP??

[@Soundnews]

A topping D50S plus a Burson V6 Vivid op-amp or an JDS Labs El-DAC2 would work pretty nicely, If you want to go with a musical sounding DAC then A topping D70 or Aune S6 Pro would sound great too

[@mohammedsalih1]

@@Soundnews I really appreciate it thanks

[@mcaddc]

@@Soundnews, have you modified the D50s with the Burson opamps? If so I would be very interested in how, and the difference it made to the D50s? Thanks for your great reviews!

[@eduresalt5670]

HI Sandu! Nice review and nice channel ;). The SMSL SP200 (I have it with combination of Topping NX4 line out) is a very good amp but wich dac matches well? My Topping NX4 is too harsh and compressed in some songs like Hurts Like Heaven of coldplay and blurred in others like Me & You Together Song of 1975. I think the Topping NX4 causes botleneck to the SMSL SP200. I tested the songs with Hifiman Sundara and AKG K701. It's suficient with the Topping D50s or it's better go to more expensive dacs as ToppingD70/D90 for using his full potential? Or if nothing of this dacs matches well, what dac you recommend? Many thanks ;)

[@Soundnews]

Hey man. NX4 is a ESS Sabre based DAC, that doesn't work that well with THX designs. D50S and DX7 PRO will not work either. I recommend going directly with the D90, it's musical, expansive and big soudning, completely lacks digital glare and unlocks the full potential of SP200

[@eduresalt5670]

@@Soundnews Hi Sandu!! Many thanks for your recomendation!! ;);).I will save money and will buy a Topping D90. For now I'm testing a SMSL SU8 v2 and a Ifi Zen dac as a dac and the results it has surprised me. It's 100 % true that the cheap ESS sabre based dacs don't pair well with the SMSL SP200. But the Ifi Zen dac it has a revelation for me. If you can I recommend to try. Cheers from Barcelona confinement and thank you for your channel ;);).

[@jamomsk1]

Which is better this one or topping A30 pro?

[@slsmaster]

Which DAC would you combine with the SP200 in order to drive a Focal Clear Headphone? Or is even a single M500 enough for those headphones? I currently own a Denon DA-300.

[@Soundnews]

Clears are easy to drive, SP200 will be probably overkill. A Topping DX7 PRO will be enough with them.

[@pogothmcrey9463]

i was thinking on buying this with the Aune x8 as a setup for monitors and headphone fun , opinions?

[@Accuaro]

Will you do a review on the monoprice THX amp?

[@munsukwon8393]

Can anyone tell me if this amplifier will work well with meridian explorer2? I'm thinking about using Explorer2 as DAC for MQA.

[@Soundnews]

With a special cable (3.5mm to RCA) sure thing, it will work.

[@lonestar1664]

Hi is it worth adding SP200 to Chord Hugo 2 for Z1R and later Arya or Hugo 2 will lose resolution? Thank.

[@electriceyeslide5959]

How would this sound with the K5 Pro DAC?

[@traditional50shightech30]

Subscribed!

[@Soundnews]

Thanks, more content incoming soooon! :)

[@ZarakiKempachi91]

I'm considering buying one of those to get cover in case of a future upgrade... problem is that right now i don't have particularly difficult headphones to drive... so...i'm worried that its too powerful... do you think i should still buy it or should i go with the massdrop 789?

[@Soundnews]

Both are fine, you can't go wrong with any of those. Just stay at low gain and your headphones will be safe

[@justamodel33]

Ce Dac recomanzi pt SP200 sa se auda bine? Buget friendly daca e posibil.. Am casti Sennheiser HD 660s

[@lonestar1664]

Is SP200 too bright compared to THX789 with Arya, which one you advise to buy for Arya. Thanks

[@Soundnews]

Don't get mad at me by making you spend more money, but with Arya I wouldn't recommend any of these. A90 by Topping was considerably better with Arya, I recommend that one, it is more expensive but sounds considerable better.

[@lonestar1664]

@@Soundnews Many thanks I already watch your A90 review and will definitely buying it :)

[@DREDKNOT2063]

hey can you try the m565 cans with the smsl sp200 an the topping d10 for that is my bugdet limit an i prefur stacks not all in one combos ,im cunnetly using the jds oldac & the atom with my m565 cans and im underwelled,iv found that source contant that isnt rich&loud sounds low an washed,would the sp200 & d10 be a better combo? i plan to use the d10 with some rca to xlr adapter cables to my Peavey PV 215EQ an then xlr to xlr to the sp200 ,or should i splurge for the SMSL SU-8 ver2 dac instead of the topping d10 ,ps i have no problem with the monoprice m565 can as a buddy let me try them out on his balanced dac/amp combo that give 2watts at 32ohms an the sounded great with all my listening contant?

[@r00s.]

SU-8

[@sandy1508]

Any idea if these and SMSL SU-8 are a good match?

[@omaior20]

Hello, I ordered sp200 and lcd-2 combo. I’m planning to use my old fiio e10k as a dac, will e10k be good enough for me to enjoy this setup?

[@Soundnews]

I sometimes enjoy music on my smartphone with some IEMs attached to it. E10K is good enough, are there better? Of course, but sadly more expensive.

[@omaior20]

@@Soundnews I ended up ordering Topping E30 for my DAC.

[@pinoyxbox]

Hi i am currently using a jds labs atom amp + topping d50 dac and looking to upgrade to a balanced dac+amp. Does the smsl sp200 pairs well with the d50? As i am going to get the sp200 first then a balanced dac later. For the balanced dac i am looking at the smsl su-8 dac or save up a bit more for the topping d90. Or can you recommend me a good balanced dac under $400. Thank you!

[@Soundnews]

Those two can be on the hotter side. I would go directly with a D90 and use the discount code I put in my D90 review.

[@pinoyxbox]

@@Soundnews thank you! I quite new to high end audio so im very careful on my purchase decisions lol 😂 So it's gonna be sp200+d90 combo 😁

[@ravoid36]

i have a hd6xx. Is it worth upgrading from a 100$ amp(archel pro) to this? is the sound that much cleaner

[@Soundnews]

Sorry, can't tell, never tried an Archel Pro

[@danielnicolaiciuc3745]

Felicitări pentru review Sandule. Spune-mi te rog ce player folosești pe PC. Este Tidal?

[@Soundnews]

JRiver, Foobar2000, Tidal

[@SergiuDumitru]

I'm torn between Matrix HPA-3B or SMSL SP200? What do you recommend? (I'm using Chord Mojo and Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back)

[@Soundnews]

Hi mate, I did a written review for HPA-3B in your mother tongue some years ago (search for it on soundnews.ro) 3B is fuller and meatier sounding, has a denser tone. Works really well with bright headphones. SP200 doesn't have a character, it's dead neutral. I like SP200 a little bit more, since it doesn't add anything and reveals all that is hidden. Pick the one you feel will work better with your headphones

[@SergiuDumitru]

@@Soundnews Thanks for your answer, I already read it :) Did you sold your HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2? That amp sound very interesting, too.

[@Soundnews]

@@SergiuDumitru After getting the HPA4, I sold all my headphone amps, including the Gilmore Lite Mk2

[@HardwareAddiction]

Which stand is it? (silver)

[@macne04]

hi, would there be a difference in terms sound quality if i pair this with dx7 pro?

[@Soundnews]

Yes, a better driver control mostly and a faster sound. Not a big difference but a noticeable one

[@LifeofSin-df1sv]

Do you know an inexpensive and optimal DAC for thx aaa 887?

[@Maaruks]

I use dx7 pro with thx aaa 887

[@theandren85]

Is there any recommendations of dac to use with this. I'm thinking geshelli enog2, but is to cheap?

[@PurplexUnicornxFTW]

I am currently using a SMSL M100 and that Dac is absolutely trash with the SP200...the SP200 is so good that it shows how bad the M100 is. There's was hiss/background noise even at lowest volume and distortion in the highs. I didn't noticed such issues from my previous amp which was the SP100. I plugged in my Pixel 3 XL as a source and it's miles better compare to the M100, unnoticeable background noise even at max volume at least. I just ordered, the Topping D50s and hoping get a better sound quality.

[@r00s.]

I'd recommend SMSL SU-8 as a balanced, budget offering. I have this and an RME ADI-2 Pro. Both sound great w/ the S200.

[@GSwiftty]

@theandren85 Hellow did u get the enog stack? I am considering it for myself?

[@theandren85]

@@GSwiftty I haven't bought anything yet, I'm curious to wait for smsl upcoming 4499 dacs, I'm always spending to much :o

[@emreisiklar]

Why “ even” Roger ?:)

[@Soundnews]

Because it sounds good? :)

[@r00s.]

Gilmore Lite Mk2 vs SP200?

[@Soundnews]

I loved GLite Mk2 when it was released but right now it is vastly outperformed by SP200...

[@bluraykiller8630]

This or a budget used lake people?

[@Soundnews]

Can't tell. sorry. I don't have a local distributor for Lake People

[@aichan5235]

Does this come with a dac?

[@Soundnews]

No, it is only a headphone amp without a DAC part

[@aichan5235]

@@Soundnews i purchased the dx3 pro. Would that do? What do you recommend?

[@ipadize]

6:45 so how did the silence sound?

[@Soundnews]

Like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2qnmGCdbNllopY

[@memberrrberry7282]

Which amp would you prefer with longer and smoother decays??

[@r00s.]

Massdrop THX AAA 789

[@Maaruks]

Here is another THX amplifier www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=39359 It is sligthly improved version of Massdrop THX 789. According to some measurements the 887 is the best amp from THX family. I wonder how much of it's characteristics come from the DAC you are using. If you use different DAC would it change, for example, frequency response or soundstage much?

[@Soundnews]

Know that one, didn't found one locally and Monoprice would not loan me a unit. All THX amps are very transparent are source depended. They don't have a sound signature, they sound like your source. It means they can suck with a bad source

[@InternetUser-d7s]

This or Rupert Neve headphone amp?

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

This video comparison is very interesting kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4uxfXiMo8dsesU Shows how much bias we have