[Makiah S]

Is this amp considered a truly balanced amp? If I rewire a Fostex T50RP MK3 headphone to become balanced (Argon MK3 mod), will this be the right amp to make full use of the modded headphone? or is XLR output = SE output without any separation of channels? -Thanks

Channel seperation is a spec, SE an XLR both have a measurable level of channel seperation. With XLR out that measured spec is higher, so the output should be Audibly clearer

The question is whether or not the difference is actually audible to all listeners, if the internals of the fostex t50rp MK3 can support a balanced cable and ballanced wiring then go for it as you'll get the best performance with the XLR

will you hear a difference after that I can't say, power-wise though yes sp200 is more than enough

 

[ronfifer]

just wondering if the SP200 offers clearer channel separation and a more refined sound quality in XLR out compared to SE out, or is it the same the circuit but with 2 different output adapters (XLR & SE) for convenience? I am not referring to volume gain.

 

[ronfifer]

In your opinion, could something be changed / changed so that the SP200 gets a bigger, better airier stage?

I plan to give myself the dual SP200 + SMSL SU-8 v2 to drive my hifiman Edition Xv2.

I plan to purchase the same combo as you, Riversalt. I assume it is too early to ask if you've tried it yet. My only concern is that I plan to purchase many planar headphones and mod them to become balanced, but this amp might not offer a true balanced output since it shares the same power rating as the SE output, and users did not notice any clear improvement in sound quality when switching between the two, other than volume gain. One user reported a more forward sound using the SE output. I want to love it but,,,

 

[bryceu]

It's been a week now and I still can't get over just how clean my headphones sound now. I love they way my LCD-2C sound, they have never sounded this good and they were already one of my favorite headphones. There's not a headphone I've used that doesn't sound significantly better now.

I owned the LCD-2C a while ago, but I can imagine this pairing to be very good! The signature of the 2C should be great with the SP200.

just wondering if the SP200 offers clearer channel separation and a more refined sound quality in XLR out compared to SE out, or is it the same the circuit but with 2 different output adapters (XLR & SE) for convenience? I am not referring to volume gain.

It won't. Unless you need the extra power, the XLR output isn't going to add any sound improvements.

 

[ronfifer]

It won't. Unless you need the extra power, the XLR output isn't going to add any sound improvements.

Does this also apply to the other THX 789 amp on massdrop? the XLR output is just for "convenience" ?

 

[Shane D]

Really enjoying my music right now.

ZX300 DAP to SMSL SU-8 to Schiit Loki via SE to SP200 via SE and XLR to Beyer T5p.2's.
Add a small amount of bass and mid range and you get aural bliss. 9:00 on the amp is loud and I have to go a little lower.
Theory of a Deadman sounds great!

Shane D

 

[bryceu]

Yes. SE performance is going to be the same as XLR, unless you are pushing the power limits of the SE output, then you will benefit from the XLR output. True for Massdrop 789, Monoprice 887, SMSL 888. None are truly balanced amplifiers. Currawong has a nice video covering the internals of the 789 if it's of any interest.

 

[Yh173088]

Just received mine today ! Ordered on 17 nov , so took about 10 days . Which is very fast compared to MD .
looking forward to the weekend so I can really sit down and enjoy.

 

[Riversalt]

I plan to purchase the same combo as you, Riversalt. I assume it is too early to ask if you've tried it yet. My only concern is that I plan to purchase many planar headphones and mod them to become balanced, but this amp might not offer a true balanced output since it shares the same power rating as the SE output, and users did not notice any clear improvement in sound quality when switching between the two, other than volume gain. One user reported a more forward sound using the SE output. I want to love it but,,,

I haven't received my SP200 and SU-8 drive yet.
Looking forward.

 

[ronfifer]

Plz do share your impressions of the pair whenever possible.

 

[relevate]

Hello,
I had the chance to demo the Benchmark HPA 4 and the SMSL SP200 with Sennheiser HD800s and HD820. The SMSL is impressing for it's price. Both share the same sound signature, but Benchmark does this a little bit more refined with a better soundstage.

 

[ronfifer]

The sp200 is a little bit more refined than the HPA4?

 

[relevate]

No, no. The Benchmark is of course a little bit better than the SMSL. But the differences between them are not as big as one might expect regarding the price difference between them. 300€ for the SMSL vs. 3.500€ for the Benchmark should make a difference anyway.

 

[relevate]

I liked the Benchmark very much… but i prefer my Questyle stack

 

[Cat Music]

I do not understand what sense to put SE and XLR input when the difference does not exist in the SP200, the better would have avoided placing the two inputs, was it not more practical to put only one input?