Really appreciate the pre-amp comparison, that's exactly what I've been looking for especially within context of comparing to a stand alone pre-amp. Good to know there is a definitive difference between the two kinds of products. Thanks a lot for the great review.
Hello, thanks for the review. I didn't listen to the SM SL SHX, but I had the Topping A90d in conjunction with the Topping D90se, and it's very good. I would be very interested to hear your opinion about the new Topping DX9. Are you planning to do your own review on it?
I like the industrial design of this SMSL and hope its the future of their design. Specifically a integrated speaker amp that is a step up above the AL200 (and the MA5332MS amps) would be nice. I have the AL200 and it sounds great but I feel like could be improved on build quality, features, and just general performance.
One idea for next video is "HiFi for noobs" For example, I am newcomer in HiFi and it is pretty complicated to make own system. I know there are some other videos about this but I think they are not so descriptive and you will do it better 🙂 There are some example questions to answer: - What parts of system I need (expect speakers as it is obvious) - What is the differences between amp, pre-amp, power-amp, integrated amp and do I really need them? - Some explanations about combinations like DAC+AMP for example...what else I need? - What are streamers? Do they always include DAC? - What do you think about all-in-ones as Cambridge Audio EVO 75/150 and should somebody buy such a device + speakers and not think about other parts - .....
Great review! It's good to know the ladder has a better soundstage, but how does it compare in terms of dynamics? Sometimes the headphone pres do a better job in this regard.
Hola ! Me gustan mucho tus revisiones y ademas se nota que ers honesto,sigue asi por favor. Tengo A90d-Smls su10-Himfiman He1000.Que amplificador me aconsejarias por debajo de 1500€ ? Gracias y sigue asi.Saludos
Thanks for this review - would be so interested to hear how this compares with the Gustard H26 which in the brochures also looks like a great option - Would be great if you have the opportunity to review the H26 too 🙂
Well Jose, this raises an interesting point. I have heard from two people in the last week or so that say their power amps sound more dynamic and nimble with a lower impedance output than most preamps have - perhaps 1 - 10 ohms rather than the usual 100 ohms. So I am also wondering how it might sound to drive a power amp from the headphone socket - just to see if this is a viable option.
Last thing I need in my audio life is headphone amplifier. I use headphones only in the office. At home I have Marantz receiver and Monitor Audio speakers.
I would live it if you could review thieaudio prestige ltd and maybe also the monarch mkiii. I bought the seeaudio bravery based on your review and really love it. But I’m in the market for an upgrade. Sounds like the ru7 would be a great match with the prestige ltd.
Thanks. They don't do same things RT5000 can't be used as amp only or as an preamp only... That said its internal amplifier is good enough that nobody should need an external one.
The sound of S17 Pro changes A LOT with temperature changes. Sometimes the start of an album sounds different than the end of it :( Not to mention the volume curve and overheating problems, and their horrible customer support. I'd take this SMSL over my S17 Pro anytime.
I must not be keeping up with audio terminology. I’ve always known a “head amp” to be a device that is placed “ahead of” a moving magnet phono preamp to provide for the low output of moving coil cartridges. (The other option being a step-up transformer). Meanwhile, I’ve only heard of headphones being driven by a headphone amplifier. I guess I’m getting old.
Yeah, two subs tend to do that. 😊 But S17 pro is not too lean sounding or anything like that, just very tight and fast bass compared to SMSL's fuller/warmer... These are all good devices, non of them is far away from neutral really... Just slight flavoring.
I have an Aune S17 Pro and I can't say that I hear any difference between 50 mA and 100 mA modes. Using my Focal Radiance and LCD-2 Fazor, and a SMSL SU-10 as a DAC. But it's much hotter for shure.
