SMSL SH-9 THX AAA-888 Balanced Headphone Amp Review
Step it up! It is time to step it up with THX technology in the SMSL SH-9 THX AAA-888 Balanced Headphone Amp, a follow-up to the SH-8. Coming in at a minute 11.1 x 9.1 x 3.1” (282 x 232 x 79mm), 1.7lbs (790g), the SH-9 is a relatively compact amplifier with a price tag of $289.99. The SH-9 uses a 256-bit step volume design (not a true stepped resistors volume pot) for a cleaner output.
Output power
6W x 2 (16Ω)
3W x 2 (32Ω)
440mW x 2 (300Ω)
220mW x 2 (600Ω)
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The Build
The front panel from left to right consists of the following.
The unit is a CNC alloy aluminum black case. A balanced Four-pin XLR, ¼ output, 1.9 color LCD, and a multi-function scroll wheel are on the front of the case for the menus and volume.
Located on the rear from left to right are the following, an IEC power input, a balanced right input, left/right inputs, and a balanced left input.
On the bottom of the bottom and one complaint are three feet. This causes the SMSL SH-9 to tilt when pressure is applied from atop. Why four feet were not used is puzzling. A minor qualm.
The Observer
How does it sound? For this part of the review, I use a pair of Fir Audio V x Vs, a highly sensitive IEMs. Compared it to a Topping L50. And use Topping E50 for a DAC for both. The results are pretty interesting.
For our first track, we used “We Are Light” from Dominique Fils-Aimé, a highly resolving tracking from vocals, horns, bass, and harmonies. Comparatively to the L50 (AMP), the SMSL is slightly more resolving but not analytical.
Dr. John is next on the docket, with “You Swore” showing off the “natural pop” of the tight snare. As the song plays, you can settle in the groove, “feel” the soul and body of the music, and not let the gear get in the way. Perhaps this is where specs do play a part.
The SH-9 measure quite clean for a sub $300 amplifier at:
THD+N
-123dB, 0.00006% (A-weighted)
-117dB, 0.00013% (20-20kHz, 32Ω, -3dB)
-125,dB 0.00006% (1kHz, 16Ω, -3dB)
This is something that even a few years ago was unheard of at this price point.
“Song for Sonny Liston” by Mark Knopfler is our next pick; this track brings a common characterization. And this is the way drums are treated. While I can not describe it correctly, the SH-9 does treat drums unnaturally at times. Almost as if a compressor is being applied to a drum kit compared to the L50.
Distortion. How does it handle distortion? The SMSL handles The Black Keys Track, “Baby I’m Coming Home,” quite well. Mixed with a blend of highly distorted guitars, a full-tilt drum kit, and smooth vocals, this is punishing for any amplifier. And yet, the SMSL SH-9 handles the track well. Transients are excellent, the soundstage is there, and most of all, the track is not turned into garbage.
SMSL SH-9 THX AAA-888 is a powerful amp and can be used in low-gain and high-gain modes, with unbalanced and balanced connections.
Using the remote, you can select from low-gain or high-gain modes. High gain enables a 10 Db boost. In addition, the SMSL SH-9 THX AAA-888 is a quiet amp with minimal floor noise. This allows you to use the amp with a variety of IEMs as well as full-size headphones.
Additionally, you can adjust the screen’s brightness and change the amplifier’s input.
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Some Suggestions
Four is better than three. As I said before, three of the bottom of the unit are not four. This is a minor complaint, but changing this to four is a simple fix.
The USB cable that is included in the box is relatively short. I did not use it, as I use a desktop and like to use my own, but that is my preference.
When connecting to sources, extra weight is needed, as the amp is so light and can move around.
Closing Thoughts
The SMSL SH-9 THX AAA-888 is one powerful amplifier, and for $289.99, it gets my approval. Sure I have my minor qualms, but I can get over those, as it is worth it. So what are you waiting for? Buy it already!
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Music Used
Mark Knopfler - Song For Sonny Liston
https://open.qobuz.com/track/734397
The Black Keys Track - Baby I'm Coming Home
https://open.qobuz.com/track/148979853
Gear Used
Fir Audio V x Vs IEMs
Topping E50 DAC
Roon Nucleus+
Audeze LCD-X 2020 Edition