New Amp Champ at $120? SMSL SH-6! Compared to Magni!
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2022
- SMSL SH -6 - apos.audio/products/smsl-sh-6...
Schiit Heresy! - amzn.to/3JbDwG7
Headphones mentioned HD6XX - massdrop.7eer.net/ryRBG
HD650s - amzn.to/3gxNTaY
TOP 3 FAVORITE BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD560S - amzn.to/3NwLeNM
🥈 SHP 9600 - amzn.to/3NEsoEo
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/3xxKQsM
Favorite headphones
🥇 DIANA TC - abyss-headphones.com/products...
🥈Arya - apos.audio/products/hifiman-a...
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/3MzsBrg
TOP 3 FAVORITE CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3aDxOB4
🥈 Sony Z7 - amzn.to/3O0C2Bd
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/3xxKQsM
BEST Amplifiers -
🥇 Topping A90 - apos.audio/products/topping-a...
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/3QdJ0Vq
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/3O1wF4H
IEMS
🥇 Sennheiser IE300 - amzn.to/3Q8svd3
🥈 Moondrop Aria - amzn.to/3aEytlG
🥉(budget Option) - Tin T2 - amzn.to/39g6eta
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/3xzt9sU
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/3O5ag6q
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/3aBmXHP
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iFix It - amzn.to/3NCok7O
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#budget #Amplifier #Champ
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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!
Love the video, the new place is coming along nicely.
Background music is very weird, kept feeling someone is talking in the background.
Thanks a lot Josh for this review, yeah things are looking good at this level.
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?
fantastic review...right down to the weight and build details.
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
Great review again Joshua 👌🏻
Seems like a great pair with the grey color Apple unfortunately doesn’t really sell anymore.
Never heard the Heresy as I went straight for the Asgard 3. I do love my bright SMSL dac for my warm speakers.
Ur shots r the best on RUclips.
Cheers for the review, Josh. You're looking healthier than ever!
I really like the look of that SMSL
I like the build. I think it's best at this price point.
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 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.
good info....
btw:I have the same seiko and strap:)
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 .
I ordered the SH6 from Apos Audio after my Schiit Magni all wart went poop... I'm very happy
I actually sold my Magni 3 because of the brick alone, it pissed me off oh big it was under my desk 😆
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!!
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.
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. It’s 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!
Review the Qudelix 5k next! Best portable dac/amp I've ever used
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
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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
Can I ask you, what do you think of the edition eleven Ultrasone? Have you ever tried it?
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 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?
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 →USB →DAC →RCA →Amp → 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.
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
It’s 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.
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 would love to see a review of the foiio btr5
What is the song which is played in the background, I’m loving the background music!
Nice ! Are you going to be reviewing chord mojo 2?
I'm looking for a budget amp/dac combo to power the Sennheiser HD 6xx properly, any recommendations??
Kindly review the new smsl c200. If possible compare to your favourite and recommended topping dx3 pro+.
How do you think these compare to the Atom (sonically I get that the build quality would be inferior)?
What’s 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.
In your opinion, what's a better pairing with the Focal Radiance?
they discontinued the ie magni? that is unfortunate. I wanted the grey sided heresey to match my modi one day.
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?
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
what do u think about the SMSL DO200 DAC + HO200 Headphone Amplifier combo from SMSL?
It's hard to find any I'd these in the UK, anyone got any recommendations need something for sundaras
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! 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!
Can I use a headphone jack to RCA to plug into that amp from my hyperx quadcast pc mic?
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 🙏🙏
As an electrical design engineer, the bang for buck of the SMSL is far superior 👌. The thd and snr are not audible. Spec chasers are generally less mature audio geeks 🤓. That ragged ass volume potentiometer tipping the housing made it look like a real piece of Schiit. Sorry 😞
Geeks have a great sense of humor 😀
Great review
Does smsl make a dac to go with this amp I would love a stack with this amp
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.
Please make a comparison between SMSL SU-6 and Schiit Modi
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 don’t 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 it’s only accomplished through using my MacBook Pro, and the old version of the amazing $20 per year Boom 2 amplifier. It’s truly unbelievable sounding-very clean, crystal clear, and you get the highest details ever! all the way through the song. I don’t 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. I’m sure Boom 2 (old version) is available for Windows. Boom 2 offers a one week free trial. You’ll be absolutely amazed.
Well Shiit will need to get their Shiit together now
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.
Link to massdrop HD58X doesn’t work.
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 you’re itching to dive in like I was…
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
Can these amps drive balanced headphones?
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.
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 RUclips
@@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
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 it’s 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, it’s not, I just checked and it’s marked down to $325 for both that amp and dac.
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
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.😅
That was probably just for b-roll
What a SICK intro track! Anybody know the song?
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!
Going for the schiit because I want to support an American brand.
That SMSL is supposed to be stacked with SMSL SU-6 (dac)
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.
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
Do this match with Planar Hifiman He400se?
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.
Er2se review?
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?
can this amp can run sennheiser hd 650 Impedance?
What were they thinking with that bizarre power cable? Just make the grounding wire part of the plug. 🤦♀️
Is the title a typo?
Hey Josh, is the Amp a SH-6 or SH-9?
Thanks! Mistitled it. SH-6 is correct.
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
Has anyone else noticed how josh really pronounces the hell out of his s’s lol
vs a Zen CAN?
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.
But... it doesn't match my Modi for a matched Schiit Stack! /s But seriously, Schiit needs to have front facing gain switches (buttons).
How does the SH-6 compare to the SP200, were price not a factor?
The SP200 wipes the floor with the SH-6
oh my lord thank lord someone is talking about the power supply on modern ELETRICAL apliances
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
what is the best cheap amp for making my headphones louder?
What's up guy? I know it's a year old post but did you find what you were looking for price wise?
I'd still kill for an IE-Magni. Would love to add it to my setup. Sucks that it got discontinued
why can't schiit just offer colour options for their products
Something I can afford? Noice!