Short answer: both are discontinued, and they are rated the same (#2 and #8 of 38 headphone amplifiers). Either one is only an option used, so choose on condition and price. If you want one new, the Topping A90 Discrete replaces the Topping A90 and is rated 4.8/5 at $599.
What the SMSL SH-8S does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is transparent in practice. Watch for: It is no longer sold new, so you will need to look for a used unit or choose a current model like the Topping A50 III, which matches its rating and SINAD.
Why pick the Topping A90: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is effectively transparent. The catch: Discontinued and replaced by the Topping A90 Discrete.
Buy the SMSL SH-8S or the Topping A90, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, buy the Topping A90 Discrete, which replaces the Topping A90.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SH-8S | Topping A90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 38 in Headphone Amplifiers | #8 of 38 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated) | 6,400 mW |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR) | Yes |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | RCA, XLR |
| Volume Control | Analog knob | - |
| Dimensions | 7.3” x 1.6” x 5.5” (184.4 x 41 x 139.5 mm) | - |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 1,000 mW |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL SH-8S:
- Singxer SA-1 vs Topping A90
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A50 III vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A70 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A70 Pro
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
SMSL SH-8S Discontinued eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is transparent in practice. SMSL rates it at 3 W into 32 ohms, enough to drive nearly any headphone including demanding planar magnetic models, from a 6.35 mm jack or a 4 pin XLR balanced output. Balanced XLR and RCA inputs let it pair cleanly with most desktop DACs.
Cons: It is no longer sold new, so you will need to look for a used unit or choose a current model like the Topping A50 III, which matches its rating and SINAD. It lacks a 4.4 mm balanced jack, and it needs a separate DAC because it has only analog inputs.
Full SMSL SH-8S review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR) |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.3” x 1.6” x 5.5” (184.4 x 41 x 139.5 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog knob |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Topping A90 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Topping A90 Discrete, ranked lower, rated 4.8/5. See every Topping A90 generation.
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is effectively transparent. A rated 6,400 mW into 32 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, including hard to drive planars, with 1,000 mW into 300 ohms for high impedance models. It offers balanced outputs and RCA, XLR inputs.
Cons: Discontinued and replaced by the Topping A90 Discrete. It has no built in DAC, so it needs a separate DAC or source with a line output.
Full Topping A90 review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,000 mW |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,400 mW |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons