SPL Phonitor XE Headphone Amplifier Review Reference Level Sound is it worth the price?

SPL Phonitor XE Headphone Amplifier. Reference Level Sound is it worth the reference level price?
Hey, friends, in this video, I will discuss the SPL Phonitor XE Headphone Amplifier Review its features, build quality, specs, design, overall quality of sound, and how it compares to my current solid-state Reference Headphone Amp the Topping A90 Ultra-High Performance Headphone Amplifier. I test the SPL Phonitor XE Headphone Amplifier alongside the amazing Topping D90 Digital Analog Converter paired with several pairs of headphones such as the Rosson Audio Rad-0, ZMF Verité Open, Drop Sennheiser 6XX, and the ZMF Aeolus, to give my overall conclusions.
Our website is now live visit www.MRHifiReviews.com and subscribe to our mailing list for more content and promotions! Written Review: www.mrhifirevi...
Links to items discussed in the video.
Headphone Amplifiers-
SPL Phonitor XE
Amazon: amzn.to/3v55c9J
SPL Phonitor XE with DAC
Amazon: amzn.to/2Pyqg82
SPL Phonitor XE in RED
Amazon: amzn.to/3caU5TL
SPL Phonitor XE in RED with DAC
Amazon: amzn.to/38dCidF
iFi Pro iCAN Headphone Amplifier
Amazon: amzn.to/30jEBr0
Topping A90 with D90 Stack
Apos: apos.audio/pro...
Topping A90
Apos: apos.audio/pro...
Amazon: amzn.to/3c6sAek
Topping D90 DAC
Apos Audio: apos.audio/pro...
Amazon: amzn.to/3vaYH5l
Headphones-
Sennheiser 6XX massdrop.7eer....
ZMF Verite Open LTD: httpslink.com/...
ZMF Verite Open: httpslink.com/...
ZMF Aeolus: httpslink.com/...
Some of the Music Playlists I use to test gear with, bookmark the page as it will get updated:
www.mrhifirevi...
All impressions are my own, and we all hear differently and that’s totally cool! I have listed some audio gear I use or recommend with affiliate links if I am affiliated with the company that sells them so you can check out some of the gear discussed and viewed In the video. If you have any questions or comments please leave me a comment in the video comment section I will always do my best to respond to each comment! If you enjoyed this video please consider giving it a like and subscribing today. Don't forget to click the bell Icon to get updates when I upload another video!
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Some of the links above are affiliate links. Every time you use one of my links as an Apos Audio/DROP/Adorama affiliate I earn a small commission which helps to support my family, me, and the large amount of hard drive space and filming/editing time needed for the channel so I can continue to bring you more video content!
Thank you again for your support much LOVE friends!
Marcello.

[@saphyaers8264]

Thank you! This is quite a timely review for me as I have been eyeing a Phonitor XE and Heddphone package offer which is one of your link. Did you have the chance to try out this particular pairing?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

You're very welcome @Saphyaer S I didn't get the chance to try them together, but if memory serves me correctly HEDD actually used the Phonitor during the tuning process and I suspect they would work fairly well together.

[@saphyaers8264]

@@MarcelloRostagni Thanks for your reply. You run a great channel and definitely deserves a wider audience. All the best

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you @Saphyaer S I appreciate your support!

[@tendayimavhima]

rocking the HeddPhone (with balanced cable) with spl phonitor X coupled with RME ADI 2. its a great pairing

[@MarcelloRostagni]

That sounds like a killer combo!

[@bberns2]

Just got mine a few days ago and I am massively impressed by its neutrality and dynamics. This amp is the headphone equivalent to a massively powerful Krell Class A speaker amp of the 90’s. I can’t imagine any, currently available headphone, amp, surpassing this unit..

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Awesome @benjamin bernstein I am glad you are digging the Phonitor so far! Thanks for your support and dropping me a comment. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@jtjr6364]

Just found your channel & very impressed by content. Immediate subscription 👍🤙

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you @JT Jr appreciate your support!!! 👍🙏

[@nickthequick]

I liked the upside-down printing on the back; when you are bending over the amp it's easier to see what you're doing

[@MartinLeschinski]

thank you for the great review, Marcello! the Phonitor Xe is still high on my list for a solid state amp. We all need more VU-meters in our lifes :)

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you @Martin Leschinski for watching and your support brother!!!! Those VU meters are lovely :) .

[@DBSTH0R]

Short and down to the point. Enjoyed it, thank you!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you for watching and your continued support @DBSTHOR!!! 🙏

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Great review! Good insights and helpful comparison. Well done!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you!!! Appreciate you @Raphael Melliat

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Great review Marcello. I was once about 1 day away from buying this...Until I heard the GSX Mini that is. The SPL is really pretty though and what audiophile could resist those VU meters? The cross feed function is cool too.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you @Darth Durkel The Wise Ass I need to get the GSX Mini in for review. I have heard lots of good things!

[@jctai100]

Seems fair considering their studio heritage.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thanks @jctai100 agreed I feel like this is a mixing and mastering headphone amp first and foremost.

[@criptocolorlightstech5292]

CAN U CONNECT THIS AMP TO A I MAC THE SAME WAY U CONNECT A AUDIO INTERFACE ?

[@damgar]

Great review Marcello, can you tell us more about Dac on Phonitor Xe, is it ok or is it better to buy an external dac

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hello there, it might be just fine for what most people are looking for. I personally lean towards the Dacs from Chord these days such as the thesourceav.com/collections/personal-audio/products/chord-hugo-tt-2 or the thesourceav.com/collections/personal-audio/products/chord-hugo-2 but I do think the Phonitor thesourceav.com/collections/personal-audio/products/spl-phonitor-xe-with-dac is better paired with the internal AKM velvet signature DAC vs. Pairing it with the majority of Sabre based DACs on the market.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

Very insightful review, thank you for doing a great job on this unit. I am thinking about saving some money and get the Phonitor SE which has reduced features but the same quality at a lower price. It seems the SPL might be too clinical, or is it just neutral?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

I think it depends on your definition of clinical and neutral. Still, I wouldn't pair it with bright or overly clinical headphones for music enjoyment for mixing and mastering, or it might be exactly what a producer or engineer is looking for. It leans towards the neutral and clinical side of amps, I have heard. It's also very transparent, so pairing it with a DAC that is warmer and more musical sounding could also help.

[@joshbritton3268]

Have you looked at any of the flux labs amp's ?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hi @Josh Britton I have been looking at them for a review, and reached out to them. Hopefully I hear back soon!

[@joshbritton3268]

@@MarcelloRostagni here's hoping they get back to you !

[@equilibrium2147]

Amazing review !

[@veetour]

That amp is sexy in an industrial way.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Most definitely agree @Jaqen Hghar it is!

[@Khaos663]

Great review! Keep up the good work! You should checkout the Headamp Gsx mini.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Thank you, @Shaun Peters. I do need to get one in to review from the community or manufacturer! Appreciate the support!

[@cory5774]

how's the noise floor when using sensitive IEMs? Thanks

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

You need to get a hold of LTA MZ3.

[@levinste2750]

What about the SPL Phonitor XE vs. ADI-2 DAC FS , for Dan Clark E3 ?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

I would choose a warmer amp for my preferences with those headphones

[@levinste2750]

@@MarcelloRostagni Thank you so much Yes, I changed my mind, actually What do you think about iFi iCAN Pro Signature + RME ADI 2 DAC FS?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Personally I would go even warmer like the original OG iFi Pro iCAN you can pick them up used for a great price or something similar.

[@billyc3161]

How would you compare the phonitor xe to the Mytek Brooklyn DAC + if you’ve ever demoed it?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hey @Billy Castaneda I haven’t demoed it yet, sorry man.

[@dr.ptrkjc]

Nice contents! Keep it up!

[@markyoshihara6107]

Hi Marcello, sorry I know this video has been up for. While, but SPL is actually one of the Amps I’m considering. Do you happen to know if this is a class A amp? I can’t seem to find that out online. Thanks man! Keep up the great reviews love the content!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hey @Mark Yoshihara for some reason KZbin held your comment for review. Did you already find the answer to your question? Thanks for the love buddy!

[@markyoshihara6107]

@@MarcelloRostagni yo! What’s up bro! Hey no I didn’t really find out but I stopped looking since I already went ahead and bought it. I’ve been going kinda nuts bought the phonitor, ican pro, burson 3xr and am waiting to receive my headamp mini gsx. I got problems! But I’m gonna chill for a while!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

@@markyoshihara6107 haha yeah you are good for a while brother!!!

[@fairivafairiva9450]

Hi Marcello.Thanks for your brilliant video... I wanna ask something... Which cable use to connect to your Mac? For best sound quality, how Can I connect this SDL amp. to my Mac.. Thanks in advance

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hello @Fairiva Fairiva you would want to connect the amp to a Digital Analog Converter that then would connect to your computer . If you have time tomorrow join us for a live stream at 4pm PST and we will talk about building system synergy and can help answer more questions live!

[@fairivafairiva9450]

@@MarcelloRostagni thank you Marcello..actually I mentioned about SDL amp with Dac 768...its amp and Dac at the same time...I guess using USB B to UsB type C connect type is most effective and performance way for Mac..whats your idea??

[@MarcelloRostagni]

@@fairivafairiva9450 Depending on the quality of the usb implementation of the dac/amp you should be fine to plug it into the USB of your MAC.

[@AF-rd2vf]

As far as much it weighs it’s a light weight compared to the Woo Audio WA5 LE. That bad boy weights 70 pounds combined!

[@MarcelloRostagni]

@A F definitely! Or the Nautilus, that’s a heavy amp too!

[@DESPAIRCHEAH]

Hi, would love to know your opinion on how a SPL Phonitor X and Benchmark HPA4 stack against each other, I am using both a headphone and a powered monitor speaker which both SPL and Benchmark supports rear pre outs. Not sure which to choose, would love to know more impression of it. There is no shop near me that I can get to demo them, so online impression is my only source of information to decide between the 2.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hey @D’espoir Cheah I don’t have the HPA4 to compare currently but my estimation would be they both fall into the extremely well measuring transparent class of headphone amplifiers. So then it comes down to the other features the amp may have such as crossfeed, power ratings, outputs etc. can I ask what your primary use case for the amp will be?

[@DESPAIRCHEAH]

@@MarcelloRostagni I will be using the amp in both headphone out and pre out. I have Hifiman HE1000v1, HD800 and Grado PS1000, speaker wise I am using a pair of Genelec 8030.

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Are you mixing music professionally is what I meant? Or is this for enjoyment listening only? Do you prefer a completely colorless sound with those headphones? Are you searching for complete transparency, and what DAC are you using? @D’espoir Cheah

[@indrakumarc73]

Fully balanced amplifier via XLR4 output ?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hey there!! According to SPL’s website the amp is fully balanced when listening via the XLR output @indrakumar chaudhary

[@indrakumarc73]

Thanks, i am also considering Violectric V590 Pro model but now i need to decide between SPL and V590....

[@MarcelloRostagni]

I haven't heard that amp yet @indrakumar chaudhary

[@dnalekaw4699]

MARCELLLLLOOOOOOOO 🚀🚀

[@MarcelloRostagni]

@dnalekaw =) Thanks for watching!!!!!

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Good LQQKING product. 🔈🔉🔊

[@tommymai3062]

Is the only difference with this and the phonitor 2 is the dac ?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

Hey @Tommy Mai check out TSAV it has all the models and their differences thesourceav.com/products/spl-phonitor-x-no-dac. Check out the other YT I am producing more regular content on kzbin.info thanks for your support!

[@lextr3110]

NFCA topping amps are not that good.. they sound like they have a limiter/compressor on the sound

[@MarcelloRostagni]

I think that “limiter/compressor” sound quality you are describing was what I was hearing especially when I was describing how much better the Phonitor staged and imaged @lex Tr3. The phonitor had a deeper, wider and more holographic stage for sure. Different takes on sound as well as price as the A90 is 1/4 the price.

[@lextr3110]

@@MarcelloRostagniyes but you have to be careful if you say A90 is worth his price... it clearly not since even tons low cost amp dont have that compression/wall of sound effect.. this destroy any type of enjoyment in my opinion..

[@lextr3110]

hehe yes im overreacting a bit.. hehe

[@MarcelloRostagni]

@lex Tr3 I can tell this is a very passionate subject for you, and I try always to respect everyone's opinion as long as it's not cruel or mean-spirited. I appreciate your feedback. On another topic, what is your favorite amp under $500 and over $2000 so we can chat about stuff you like? :)

[@lextr3110]

@@MarcelloRostagni sorry its just because I have other things to do than buying and selling amp and im tired of trusting the wrong persons.. not sure yet what is an amp I would recommend im still weighting my options for amps at the moment.. im actually afraid to buy because of reviewers that failed me in the past. im looking at singxer sa1, rupert neve, littlelabs, violectric, cheaper phonitor, gsx mini, gustard h16, audio-dg master 19, schitt joternem 2, burson soloist or burson funk cheaper the better but i dont want to sacrifice anything either.. i have a smsl m500 that is good and output balanced.. im also looking into dap like dx300, m8 ... also interested topping d30 pro dac because i love cirrus logic dac chip (but not sure i can trust topping anymore) not sure about smsl amps either.. and i cant stand crosstalk , channel imbalance, wish we could always bypass volume control in headphone amps..

[@inn3B]

Enough current and power for a hifiman susvara?

[@MarcelloRostagni]

I didn't run those two together but I suspect the thesourceav.com/products/headamp-gs-x-mk2-balanced-headphone-amplifier-silver may be a better fit from a current and power perspective. If you are in SoCal and want to bring your Susvara into TSAV they will let you test it with both the Phonitor and the HeadAmp.