New Amp Champ at $120? SMSL SH-6! Compared to Magni!
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 6. 09. 2024
- SMSL SH -6 - apos.audio/pro...
Schiit Heresy! - amzn.to/3JbDwG7
Headphones mentioned HD6XX - massdrop.7eer....
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Love to see more affordable gear bring reviewed by you!
This.
I appreciate the switchable output in the SMSL. I use Magnius as both a preamp and headphone amp. I have a Class A amp that I leave on all the time. Sure would be nice to switch between the two without having to switch the amp off!
Thank you! I was just about to choose between those two. Will go for SMSL SH-6, as It's difficult to get Schiit in Europe, and they screwed my delivery when I was in the US. But I wasn't sure that SMSL SH -6 would be a good alternative, now I know it is. Thank you again!!!!!
any update about the SMSL SH-6? has it been working fine or did it break down?
Love the video, the new place is coming along nicely.
Background music is very weird, kept feeling someone is talking in the background.
I'd be very curious to hear your thoughts on the SMSL vs the actual Schiit Heresy.
In your previous video you said there wasn't much of a difference between the 3+ and the Heresy. Here, you pointed out that you needed to use higher end headphones and really focus on the differences to understand how they were different. The 3+ is a discrete amp while the Heresy is Op-amp, which could account for why you thought the SMSL sounded more clinical and accurate. I'd guess that the heresy and SMSL are extremely similar in terms of sound, while the SMSL may have more features.
The IEMagni that Josh used for this comparison is based on the Heresy. Itâs just a Heresy with an additional low gain setting
Correct. The SMSL is 100% the better value for money choice and its a good product. However, idk how two flat frequency response amplifiers sound different. So stupid...
@@SzymonSaysStuff The magni has undergone some big changes over the years and this is an older model.
The Heresy got its name from being the first Op-amp that Schiit has done, which contributes to its very flat nature.
@@aceofclubskid Yes. And this is the IEMagni. It's also op-amp based, because it's a Heresy with added low gain.
@@SzymonSaysStuff I wasn't able to find any information on this, assuming you're correct that's a fair assertion.
I'd be interested in some clarification from Joshua on this, and further testing!
Could you PLEEEEEZE review the Topping DX3pro+? I know, you did a review on the device sans plus - but with a new dac and a new amplifier it is basically a new device. Would be greatly appreciated!!
A legit 2.3w on the Heresy versus the make believe power rating of the SMSL is reason enough to get the Heresy over the SMSL.
Schiit doesn't BS with their measurements. Their transparency is honestly really refreshing in an industry where there is so much garbage and snake oil.
As an electrical design engineer, the bang for buck of the SMSL is far superior đ. The thd and snr are not audible. Spec chasers are generally less mature audio geeks đ€. That ragged ass volume potentiometer tipping the housing made it look like a real piece of Schiit. Sorry đ
Geeks have a great sense of humor đ
Great review
I got a schitt stack with the Loki and I couldnt be happier. My only complaint is that the heresy is black and red while the rest of them are black and grey so I ended up going with all silver for the 3 so that they would match. Wish the Magni had the swithces for on/off and hi/lo on the front like this but other than that I think Im more than happy with how the schitt stack works. Wonder if SMSL will come out with a comparable stack option
Never heard the Heresy as I went straight for the Asgard 3. I do love my bright SMSL dac for my warm speakers.
Schiit Magni vs SMSL SH-6 seems to largely be a choice between
Raw power and better switches
I wonder what the difference is vs a Topping L30?
Going for the schiit because I want to support an American brand.
Thanks a lot Josh for this review, yeah things are looking good at this level.
Being able to drive IEM's is a pretty big reason to want an IEmagni, and that's the only reason I got one. If I didn't care about IEM's then the SMSL is a no-brainer, but even on my IEmagni the low gain is just barely enough to make them usable and I can't imagine anything that has higher gain being an enjoyable experience. It's a shame Schiit stopped selling the IEmagni...
Out of curiosity, what IEMs do you run with the IEMagni?
I was so confused when the title was still saying SH-9
I like your reviews. As for putting money into one of these two, though - having sifted through reviews and customer comments, I am scared of SMSL's after sale support and QC vs. Schiit, so the Magni 3+ still my choice. Schiit wins on the intangibles for me, a US customer. Looking at the specs, it probably also wins on scalability, too. My 4th piece of Schiit and I don't see that loyalty transferring any time soon.
As someone that lives in England, I had to pay total $360... I'm extremely happy with the stack, however when I upgrade by 2030 I'll be buying from a co.uk. 20% vat + shipping + custom fees SUCK.
I really like the look of that SMSL
Great review again Joshua đđ»
Seems like a great pair with the grey color Apple unfortunately doesnât really sell anymore.
Cheers for the review, Josh. You're looking healthier than ever!
Josh, I'd like to see a DAC /AMP review for a PC one, I.e. USB powered with 3.5mm input, to see whats good that's out there
I ordered the SH6 from Apos Audio after my Schiit Magni all wart went poop... I'm very happy
This is way off topic, but does anyone know of an iem that calms down the chorus without having to use large- plugging, under water sounding music- causing ear tips, I donât like my outside surroundings to sound muffled either. The KZ ZS10 sound fantastic, until you get to the chorus of a song, and then the performance is unbearably bright, and shrill. Same results occur with my Sennheiser 1,299.00 IE900s. I inadvertently stumbled onto a fantastic solution to this problem! Although itâs only accomplished through using my MacBook Pro, and the old version of the amazing $20 per year Boom 2 amplifier. Itâs truly unbelievable sounding-very clean, crystal clear, and you get the highest details ever! all the way through the song. I donât know how, or why Boom 2 calms the highs, and removes all shrills, and sibilance- especially in the chorus of a song, but it incredibly accomplishes this feat. Iâm sure Boom 2 (old version) is available for Windows. Boom 2 offers a one week free trial. Youâll be absolutely amazed.
Hey Josh, great video as always! Would like to ask for your recommendations for a balanced DAC to pair with the THX 789. Thank you!
Buy a dac that's warm to balance the highs.
fantastic review...right down to the weight and build details.
Hey Josh this my first day watching your videos and right away i had to subscribe! Very informational !
I have a question i was wishing you help me !
I recently bought a HD 800s headset and was wondering what we be a GREAT amp and Dac that i can push all the performance out of these headsets !
( tube amps is something i look forward too)
- as-long as it gives clarity and decent bass ill be Happy !
I never heard a push pull or single . Mind you .
Did anyone notice that he mentioned grip/turn of ne nob but one was supported by the weight of the other so of course its gonna grip (turn)better.đ
That was probably just for b-roll
I actually sold my Magni 3 because of the brick alone, it pissed me off oh big it was under my desk đ
I am curious at to why the Apos site originally had the SMSL SH-6 listed at $325 with a markdown to $119. I do not feel it is fair comparing something at $100 to something 3x its price. However, comparing the two at the stated prices, and to know that there is just percentage points difference between the two, I still think the Magni is a better buy. But to get either at the $100-120 range, you cant go wrong.
No idea but itâs definitely not $325
SMSL has their sh-9 at $290 why would they make something worse and cost more.
@@AndrewLamas19 I agree its not worth $325 for the performance. I just found it curious that the Apos website had it makes down from that price.
@@christopherfrancisrealtor okay well, itâs not, I just checked and itâs marked down to $325 for both that amp and dac.
Can I ask you, what do you think of the edition eleven Ultrasone? Have you ever tried it?
Ok Josh, you knew it was coming, JDS Atom Amp+ or SMSL SH-6, obviously the build quality is the SH-6 all day but how about sound? Also, what's a good DAC recommendation for the SH-6. Thanks!
SMSL SU-6. Designed to pair with the SH-6.
is a jds atom amp owner id love this kind of video :) would give me another excuse to buy a new amp if josh says its better
what do you mean by "glassy", "musically colorful"? I hear you use these terms often for amps, but I have no idea what they actually mean as reference
Just usual "audiophile" flowery nonsense to sound cool lol
Is the Vanatoo transparent zero still your top pick for desktop speakers? It's been quite a while so I'm curious if you have found something better.
I'd love to see you review the amplifier built into the new macbook pro. I have a pro 16 and with a pair of akg 371's the computer has been fantastic for media consumption but apple talks it up as being able to work well with higher impedance headphones having variable power outputs and I'd love your take on how the computer drives some less efficient headphones!
I really like your channel, you have a great presentation, even if I don't know a lot of terms you use to describe audio. I have fallen down the rabbit hole...I'm currently using the Fosi K5 Pro and H6 Pro headset and I like it, I just want more. I'm interested in an incremental upgrade. I'm currently leaning toward the Schitt stack, Magni+/Modi+ or the SMSL stack SH6/SU6. I don't play a lot of FPS but more RPG with some FPS elements and MMOs. The PC38x are appealing but I don't necessarily need a mic so I've been looking at the HD600 or the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro. I do like punchy bass and full sounds from my games and music. Between the stacks which do you believe would be better suited? Also, which headphone would pair well? Thank you!! Keep up making awesome content.
Hey josh, do you think you could do a beginner setup video including which inputs and outputs are best (and why) and also how to get the best sound out of Windows?
For the sake of 'beginner', all amp inputs/outputs are perfectly acceptable.
Wiring depends on your exact setup but generally:
Computer âUSB âDAC âRCA âAmp â Headphones/Speakers
Windows settings- unless something specifically sounds wrong, it's probably correct. Modern DACs handle most of that stuff for you. As far as software, I'd recommend trying "Equalizer APO" to dial in whatever HP/Speakers you're using but it's not required.
Review the Qudelix 5k next! Best portable dac/amp I've ever used
Can I use a headphone jack to RCA to plug into that amp from my hyperx quadcast pc mic?
Hey Joshua, I recently found out about the ZMF Verite closed backs from a friend and I am super intrigued. Would be nice if you kept an eye out for a pair to test.
Kindly review the new smsl c200. If possible compare to your favourite and recommended topping dx3 pro+.
What is the song which is played in the background, Iâm loving the background music!
I just got the IEMagni a couple of months ago and the potentiometer already feels scratchy and makes a static noise while adjusting the volume
yeah that is normal with the lower end sheet^^
If its making static noise when adjusting the volume, then some part of the setup has a cable that isn't properly connected.
I've had similar problems with my amp and the cause was oxydation on the potentiometer. A little Deoxit D5 on the interior knob and it worked like new. You can watch some tutorials just to be sure of what you're doing too, there are plenty on CZcams
@@jean-baptistepoquelin122 Pretty sure that's just confirmation bias.
What really fixed the issue, was that you unplugged and replugged the amp so the cables connected properly. :P
Shout out to the SMSL C200. currently on sale, $25 cheaper than the comparable Topping DX3 Pro+ that seemingly every single yiu tuber has reviewed well.
Josh pls man make a video about best metal/rock headset i really wanna buy the sundara but i dont know if they are any good for metal what would you recommend for rock and metal something from 250-500usd
bro Josh, pls make a comparisson DAC AMP between SMSL SH-6 + SU-6 versus Schiit Magni + modi, i think it would be a good comparisson đđ
What about adding an equalizer? I know the Schitt Stack you can add a Loki Mini+ to it. Is that even necessary? If it is, is there an SMSL equivalent? It seems like Schitt is the only one doing that?
Whatâs your new top pick for DAC/AMPs since the Monolith THX AAA (Dual AKM 4493 & Dual AAA-788) Headphone DAC/AMP has been discontinued?
They are supposedly working on an updated/improved version, maybe you could get in touch with Monoprice/Monolith?
Great question. I second this.
Would the Aryas work for both amps? Would it be enough to get the headphone to be at their best?
Clearly, the heresy would be better due to its higher power
@@profacecreator3810 ok thanks.
Buy American. And in this case it's no sacrifice.
I'm sure a lot of people here are not American and do not care. Hell, I bet a lot of Americans don't care. We care about the best product for the best price. That last part is what the most capitalistic nation in the world, the US, also believes in.
Ur shots r the best on CZcams.
Hey! I've following you for a while, and recently decided to get into hi-res music. I just bought an Astell&Kern SR25 MKII, and I would like if you give me some advice: what EIM or headphones would you recommend for me as a newbie? my budget would be around 800$...Thanks in advance!
i JUST ordered the Magni and it's supposed to arrive today haha. It's my first headphone amp and I'm still very excited to see how it sounds. The QoL features for the SMSL SH-6 do seem better though I'm not sure if it's worth the hassle of dealing with a return to try it. Given the fact they have pretty comparable performance / different strengths and weaknesses, do you feel that the SMSL SH-6 is so much better that it's worth replacing the Magni with it?
It would almost entirely depend on how much you care about the extra features of the SH-6 either for now, or perhaps in the future.
id say use the magni and if the missing features like extra lights and front switches/better knob stay in your head then might be worth making the switch. other than that theyre very similar and most people probably wouldnt tell much of a difference.
I have a Heresy and IMO QoL is just that, it would be nice⊠but is heavily outweighed by the good performance if youâre itching to dive in like I wasâŠ
Update: very much enjoying the Magni rn with my first set of entry level headphones (He400SE) so I'll give it some time before I look at changing things up. I think at that point, if I want a change, it'd be a strict upgrade rather than moving horizontally as it were
@@WTFA54 enjoy it homie. I think people get lost in the numbers/features game sometimes, when really you got a Corvette in your Magni, and comparing it to the SMSL is like comparing trim levels. Important for reviewers but all different flavors of great
Please make a comparison between SMSL SU-6 and Schiit Modi
Headphone amps are like cars. You don't want to get the expensive high level stuff, but you also don't want to get the bargain-basement low end stuff either. Unless you need something Heresy size, it's best to skip this category altogether and get an Asgard 3. Note: Asgard 3 voicing and soundstage is much better than the THX stuff Josh likes.
hello it would be very nice to get an answer from you. i own an audeze lcd x 2021 which amplifier with dac and without dac would you recommend to me it would also be interesting to use walcher battery operated amplifiers for the lcd x
Thanks and all the best
I like the build. I think it's best at this price point.
Nice ! Are you going to be reviewing chord mojo 2?
Any recommendations for a dac to pair this with? Not a Schiit product preferably since stock has been non existant in Europe for a long time now
I don't know if you changed your mic setup (from say a lapel to a camera-mounted shotgun), but the sound of you tapping on the cases of the units was distracting, and I've never noticed it in your videos before.
I'm thinking about getting this DAC/AMP combo.
Will I notice a big difference with my LCD X (2021) compared to my Dragonfly Red? I know that the LCD X is really easy to drive.
Compared to the built in headphone amp in my Denon PMA 800, would it be a noticeable upgrade to either of these headphone amps?
Hello I recently had my Heresy go bad and am in need of a new amp. I was looking at the Loxji A30 to replace it. Would you rec the SH-6 instead and use the Schitt Modi dac with it? And your thoughts on the A30?
what do u think about the SMSL DO200 DAC + HO200 Headphone Amplifier combo from SMSL?
What were they thinking with that bizarre power cable? Just make the grounding wire part of the plug. đ€Šââïž
they discontinued the ie magni? that is unfortunate. I wanted the grey sided heresey to match my modi one day.
In your opinion, what's a better pairing with the Focal Radiance?
I would love to see a review of the foiio btr5
Er2se review?
I'm looking for a budget amp/dac combo to power the Sennheiser HD 6xx properly, any recommendations??
Isn't it better to get a dac with digital input in terms of sound clarity?
Would this be a good option for usb c to 3.5mm/rca to drive lcd 2 headphones vs a fulla 4?
good info....
btw:I have the same seiko and strap:)
The SMSL SP 200 has been hitting Drop on and off for $140, a much better amp than either of these.
where is I can buy sp200 for $140?
Hey Josh, is the Amp a SH-6 or SH-9?
Thanks! Mistitled it. SH-6 is correct.
Thanks for the comparo. I recently purchased the Hifiman 4xx and love them. I find the top end lacks a bit on some songs. Which of these amps do you think would pair the best with the 4xx? Thanks and I really enjoy your content. Take care.
oh my lord thank lord someone is talking about the power supply on modern ELETRICAL apliances
How do you think these compare to the Atom (sonically I get that the build quality would be inferior)?
Itâs funny, I tried challenging myself to not go with an SMSL for my 35XT bookshelf speakers as a challenge, but they seem to have that market on lock down⊠I consider them and Topping to be huge forces for good in the industry.
That SMSL is supposed to be stacked with SMSL SU-6 (dac)
I wanna get a pair of argon mk3's but everyone talks abt the power requirements being through the roof, do you think this would be able to run them?
running mine with magni 3+ without problems. go for it!
@@stuka78 thanks for the tip man!
can this amp can run sennheiser hd 650 Impedance?
What a SICK intro track! Anybody know the song?
Would you recommend any of these amps solo rather than paired w/ a dac? I really want to try something new, my old dac/amp is slowly getting funky w/ it's connectors and gets roughed up a lot. I really want to buy a new set up, but it's really expensive for me. Def been looking at the cheaper topping combos.
Just get an Apple USB C to 3.5mm DAC
They're $9 and ASR measured their sensitivity at 99db which is amazing for the price. Many laptops have ~70db out of their internal DAC so it's worth it.
Has anyone else noticed how josh really pronounces the hell out of his sâs lol
But... it doesn't match my Modi for a matched Schiit Stack! /s But seriously, Schiit needs to have front facing gain switches (buttons).
Well Shiit will need to get their Shiit together now
It's hard to find any I'd these in the UK, anyone got any recommendations need something for sundaras
Link to massdrop HD58X doesnât work.
Does smsl make a dac to go with this amp I would love a stack with this amp
Do this match with Planar Hifiman He400se?
You call it "SH-9" in the title, but "SH-6" in the video
Joshua.... you do realise both of these headphone amps have a flat frequency response? How can they sound different...? Maniac.
Sigh, you americans have it good. Schiit stuff here is double the price. At least SMSL and Topping's got me covered. Still, I respect what Schiit's doing as a company, and the fact that it's pretty popular for US-based audiophiles make me happy.
...Still wish I had an Asgard 3 though
Magni and Sys in one package? Great options for budget minded folks.
SYS has 2 sets of RCA ins and 1 set of outs (thus SYS). Both the Magni and the SMSL have 1 set of in and 1 set of outs so no SYS, soz
Is the title a typo?
Never had amp before. How does it work? I plug my headphone into the amp and plug another wire into the amp and use the other end of the cable thats connected to the amp to my phone?
Yes, that's basically it
how much better is the drop 789 compared to this?
How would an amp affect sound staging of a headphone? Is that possible? It just supplies power right? That power can be dirtier or cleaner, but it shouldn't affect the sound staging. I'm genuinely curious and asking this question, if anyone has a technical answer.
Right? I wish I have some reference points to understand nuances in hifi. i.e. The source must be high fidelity for data reproduction of music, DAC should decrease noise floor to silence, AMP should increase sound without adding distortion or flavor, speaker/hp should create a wide sound stage with harmonic sound signature with warm, fast delivery of all bass, mids, trebles. What the heck does that mean when I hear it lol???
From what I know, with more treble emphasis especially in the higher frequency will give perception of airlyness and space. Also any delay for certain frequency compare to other will give a reflection-liked perception to the brain inducing the perception of distance.
As long as hd600s or 250ohm beyers work i'm down.
Also, jds atom or one of these?
Is this thing enough for 250 ohm? especielly dt 770/880/990
Can these amps drive balanced headphones?