SMSL SH-9 Headphone Amplifier

I got the SMSL SH-9 as an upgrade to the Schiit Magni 3 I had for years. I expected the SH-9 to be more powerful and presumed there's be some slight sound changes since I saw from reviews it was basically uncolored for the most part.overall I've been damn impressed. I've used it with my Sennheiser 6XX's and having the extra power and pretty much wide open frequency response has caused the usually slightly low perceptible bass at times of the 6XX's to be richer and low bass you can actually feel the air moving from the headphone drivers vibrating at those low notes which increased some of the perceived bass. It also seemed to make the mids even smoother (somehow) and I'm sure some of it was that the Magni 3 had its own coloring affecting that.One of the most ... MoreI got the SMSL SH-9 as an upgrade to the Schiit Magni 3 I had for years. I expected the SH-9 to be more powerful and presumed there's be some slight sound changes since I saw from reviews it was basically uncolored for the most part.overall I've been damn impressed. I've used it with my Sennheiser 6XX's and having the extra power and pretty much wide open frequency response has caused the usually slightly low perceptible bass at times of the 6XX's to be richer and low bass you can actually feel the air moving from the headphone drivers vibrating at those low notes which increased some of the perceived bass. It also seemed to make the mids even smoother (somehow) and I'm sure some of it was that the Magni 3 had its own coloring affecting that.One of the most shocking things I had no idea of that the ultra low noise floor revealed is that I apparently had barely perceptible EMI feedback from the audio output I'd used the Magni 3 with for years that I could never tell was there before. I changed to another output location for the SH-9 and not only was the distortion gone, but it was even richer. It's unintended diagnostic capabilities were entirely unexpected but greatly appreciated.If I had any kind of 'complaint' it would only be that the volume gain is so granular and nuanced that at times I almost turn it up too high because I can't tell right away if it's even getting much louder it's such a gradual and smooth volume curve.But so far it's been absolutely a fantastic and worthwhile upgrade I'd make again in a heartbeat. After initially worrying it would be too 'cold' or analytical and be detrimental to the 6XX pairing I haven't really found anything but improvement.

While I'm bummed that the SH-9 isn't truly balanced and missing the on board EQ settings of the SH-8, I was still really impressed with the performance overall. My favorite pairing was with the SU-9 DAC. I think the SH-9 does scale really well with any DAC you plug into. I'm happy that for an extra $100 over the SH-8 you get a decent power output upgrade, a better display, the remote and easier to use UI. This is another winner in my book from SMSL! All my headphones performed outstandingly and my angry/sensitive iems didn't pick up any noise which was fantastic!

A marvelous THX AAA-888 amp

A compact, yet full featured THX AAA-888 amplifier from SMSL.Crisp clear display and remote control makes operation very easy. Has more punch and clarity than my other SMSL amp. Really pleased with the performance. Plus.. it’s the perfect excuse to match it with the SU-9!

Amazingly Modern and Clean

I am not the type of person to be able to tell the differences between amps, but what I can say is that it is extremely clean sounding no matter the volume levelSpeaking of volume, the stepped attenuator is absolutely fantastic and doesn't have the channel imbalance issues that pots have.It does its job very well and is extremely satisfying to use.

Excellent with unique features

When I was looking for a new amp, I had some pretty specific features in mind. I wanted an amp with perfect channel matching, a remote for laying in bed, two outputs with the same power for listening with a friend, balanced for elimination of a pesky ground loop, and of course, a pleasant aesthetic. With this amp I found all that I was looking for. The only slight thing you can consider a downside is the relay click. It isn't really noticeable while listening to music though, so it is a 0.1 off of the score at more. Overall I don't think I could have found an amp that better suited my needs, and that is not even mentioning the sheer amount of power this has, though my headphones don't currently need them.

Highly recommended

Everything about this purchase has been first-rate: excellent customer support when I was concerned about tracking, surprisingly quick shipment from China, superbly well-packed and packaged. This headphone amp is beautifully made, its features are well conceived and work well, and it sounds excellent.Kudos to SMSL and to Apos: all aces.

I find myself on max volume often.

This was the greatest decision I could have made, so far I only have the amplifier but here soon I'll be purchasing the SU-9 DAC as well.Been able to hear and pick up bits-and-pieces I had previously never heard on my old Amp and DAC. The quality of the Amp itself is insane, just listening to music made me want to come share how perfect this Amp is.I find myself often maxing out the audio for long listening periods, it just sounds that good.I'm using a pair of HD6XX, and will probably upgrade in a year or so, but even with these the sound is just... perfect.

Powerful! Thanks Apos Audio

I purchased the SU and SH stack....and I compared about 4-5 other options and found this one to best fit my Senn HD800S - the customer service, and helpful team over at Apos Audio made my online experience even better! One of the cables I wanted was out of stock, and they had helped clear that up immediately. I also had a price match at another vendor, and the re-imbursed within 15 mins of my initial email. Now that's customer service! I'll be going to your team in the future and recommending you all to everyone!

The rating is for the product not the shipping

This headphone amp is a wonderful amp. I use it to power my sundaras to the full extent. I honestly couldn’t have really asked for a better “budget” amp. My one downside would be the shipping. I didn’t have to wait very long considering it came from China. just one week of waiting. However it didn’t come in a cardboard box and instead was a bubble mailer and this led the box to be half destroyed when I got it. All in all I wouldn’t recommend any other beginner amps but I wish it was packaged better.