[Jon L]

I'm curious about your comment concerning the xlr inputs going through additional stage. Evidence?

It's in the linked article re component analysis:
"The section 6 is for sure is input buffer same as the section 4, except it is for balanced input to single ended output converter. The reason for this is because the input at the amplifier on section 3 is all single ended, so even the audio line input is balanced, they need to convert it to the single ended by using the op-amps before go to the volume control and the amplifier section. The op-amp IC are OPA1612A."

 

[340519]

I switched back from xlr to se because of your post. Thanks

 

[Horyu]

hello, I bought this amplifier some time ago in combo with the topping d50s and I must say that I love it, but now I wanted to buy Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO, are they ok with this amp or are they not recommended?

 

[frogmeat69]

hello, I bought this amplifier some time ago in combo with the topping d50s and I must say that I love it, but now I wanted to buy Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO, are they ok with this amp or are they not recommended?

That combo is is about as transparent sounding as you can get, and if you are a fan of the character of Beyerdynamic cans, you should be fine. More than enough power to drive them to your deafness, lol.

 

[MRHiFiReviews]

Anyone tried SP200 with Topping D90? or better compared SU-8 against D90 with SP200?

I have ran the SP200 with the Topping D90 as well as the SU-8 V2. I preferred the D90 vs. SU-8 V2 and returned the SU8.

 

[chaotic_angel]

bought yesterday, pair it with topping DX7s via XLR, so far liking it, however still better LO to RCA from DTR1, more clarity & blacker background

 

[Currawong]

Here's my review of the SP200:

 

[MRHiFiReviews]

Here's my review of the SP200:

I actually just watched this review as it popped up on my YouTube feed! Nicely done. @Currawong

 

[maulikt]

So, I am observing an unexpected outcome on the sp200.

I am pairing the SMSL SP200 with SMSL SU-8 V2. Listening on Hifiman HE1000SE headphones using stock XLR headphone cable from the XLR out on the SP200. Using Amazonbasics RCA and Amazonbasics XLR interconnect cables (Mogami Gold on the way) from SU-8 to SP200.

I expected the XLR will give similar or better output on the SP200 compared to using the RCA interconnects between the DAC and amp. However, I can clearly hear that using RCA yields a much cleaner output. Treble is much clearer, the instrument separation is more precise and the soundstage is more open. The XLRs sound more subdued comparatively on all fronts.

Any reason why this should happen?? I thought cables shouldn't make any difference or XLR should be better.

Has anyone observed similar output disparity?

 

[Currawong]

The XLR input has to pass through an opamp to be converted to a non-balanced signal, so you lose a bit of fidelity.

 

[MRHiFiReviews]

So, I am observing an unexpected outcome on the sp200.

I am pairing the SMSL SP200 with SMSL SU-8 V2. Listening on Hifiman HE1000SE headphones using stock XLR headphone cable from the XLR out on the SP200. Using Amazonbasics RCA and Amazonbasics XLR interconnect cables (Mogami Gold on the way) from SU-8 to SP200.

I expected the XLR will give similar or better output on the SP200 compared to using the RCA interconnects between the DAC and amp. However, I can clearly hear that using RCA yields a much cleaner output. Treble is much clearer, the instrument separation is more precise and the soundstage is more open. The XLRs sound more subdued comparatively on all fronts.

Any reason why this should happen?? I thought cables shouldn't make any difference or XLR should be better.

Has anyone observed similar output disparity?

I actually read on another forum an Engineer from SMSL stated that when they created this amp they actually created it to be cleaner through single ended. So that was the intention according to SMSL. If you pull up the specs you will also see a touch more db through single ended I believe as well.

 

[Jon L]

So, I am observing an unexpected outcome on the sp200.

I am pairing the SMSL SP200 with SMSL SU-8 V2. Listening on Hifiman HE1000SE headphones using stock XLR headphone cable from the XLR out on the SP200. Using Amazonbasics RCA and Amazonbasics XLR interconnect cables (Mogami Gold on the way) from SU-8 to SP200.

I expected the XLR will give similar or better output on the SP200 compared to using the RCA interconnects between the DAC and amp. However, I can clearly hear that using RCA yields a much cleaner output. Treble is much clearer, the instrument separation is more precise and the soundstage is more open. The XLRs sound more subdued comparatively on all fronts.

Any reason why this should happen?? I thought cables shouldn't make any difference or XLR should be better.

As posted above in post # 496:

"The section 6 is for sure is input buffer same as the section 4, except it is for balanced input to single ended output converter. The reason for this is because the input at the amplifier on section 3 is all single ended, so even the audio line input is balanced, they need to convert it to the single ended by using the op-amps before go to the volume control and the amplifier section. The op-amp IC are OPA1612A."

Personally, I think SMSL should just get rid of the XLR input circuitry and use the savings to beef up the power supply a bit more.

 

[chaotic_angel]

Good job to your friend for component analysis.
Most likely, he will end up swapping some parts around and report back with "better" sound, but I would leave well enough alone myself.
It really looks like a well-designed circuit board, especially if one considers the RETAIL price of $289.99!
I do wonder what the voltage rating for the RCA DC blocking Nichicon BP 220uF cap is, as that *might* be one place DIY'er might want to "upgrade." However, 220uF value (and voltage) along with available space will limit what can be swapped in there, and there is no consensus out there on whether things like Elna Silmic II actually sound better. Infamous Black Gates go for hundreds of dollars on the Bay these days, more than the cost of the amp.
The volume pot is cheap as expected, but in my case, I leave it wide open and control volume with my front end anyway.
We already knew the 4-pin XLR output is there for convenience, not true balanced output.

***One thing that WAS helpful to know is that XLR line inputs go through an additional op-amp stage to convert it to single-ended, so I would recommend using single-ended inputs (I already do)

Helo @Jon L , Currently I am using XLR for the input, any found sound differences compared to the RCA please? need t know if it is worth to get a pair of RCA.

 

[kid vic]

Here's my review of the SP200:

Thanks for the review! I was considering getting this as an entry level reference to compare with my more end game set up. Great to see that it compares well against amps of like price.

 

[muths66]

Anyone try 3.5 out to rca on mobile to sp200? Will it sound bad?