The SMSL SH-9 ranks #6 out of 30 total Headphone Amplifiers for sound quality. See all Headphone Amps and DACs rankings for every top pick.
Brand: SMSL
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#6 SMSL SH-9 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is effectively transparent. A rated 3,000 mW into 32 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, including hard to drive planars, with 440 mW into 300 ohms for high impedance models. It offers balanced outputs and RCA, XLR inputs.
Cons: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used. It has no built in DAC, so it needs a separate DAC or source with a line output.
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.6” x 6.1” (187.5 x 40 x 154 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 440 mW |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 mW |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Relay attenuator (256 steps) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (790 g) |
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