[340519]

You don’t need extra power ( from 789) to drive the HD800. I own the HD800 and HD650 and the SP200 drive them without any effort, in fact, I use the SP200 in lower gain and never pass the 12 or 1 o’clock with those cans.

True. I have the 800, the S, and the 650 and the smsl never goes past 11 for me. A very solid amp. Like I said, I bought a second unit it's that good.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Is the SP200 better than the M/D 789? I can buy the SMSL on ebay inside the EU, if I have to buy from M/D the 789 could cost a lot to import.

 

[Delmetrice]

Is the SP200 better than the M/D 789? I can buy the SMSL on ebay inside the EU, if I have to buy from M/D the 789 could cost a lot to import.

I think "better" is obviously a subjective term, but I did sell my 789 and will keep the SP200. So...you know.

Will you be able to tell a difference? Nah. Unless you simply like the looks are are willing to pay a significant price difference, you've got better hearing than me to find a reason to pay more.

 

[Shane D]

It also depends on your current gear and future plans. For me the SMSL SU-8 is perfect. I run XLR to my LCX and my SP200. I then run RCA to my Schiit Vali 2 and Liquid Spark. A couple of splitters and I use my DAC to feed four different amps, with no cable changes required. Future proofed for me.

Think about what you have and what you might get in the next 6, 12 or 18 months.

Shane D

 

[escalibur]

Is the SP200 better than the M/D 789? I can buy the SMSL on ebay inside the EU, if I have to buy from M/D the 789 could cost a lot to import.

Yes it is. It's cheaper, smaller, more powerful and much much easier to buy.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

So this amp is SE out? What's the point of a 4 pin XLR connector? You have to buy new SE cables with an XLR plug

 

[Jon L]

Eh? SMSL has both 4-pin XLR and 1/4" headphone jacks. No need to buy "new SE cables with an XLR plug."
I'm glad it has 4-pin XLR jack because many headphones and/or upgrade cables come with 4-pin XLR male connectors, which IME are more sturdy. For example, I just plug in my Abyss Phi TC into the SMSL via it's XLR jack, which allows me to skip the Abyss' XLR-1/4" adapter cable

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Eh? SMSL has both 4-pin XLR and 1/4" headphone jacks. No need to buy "new SE cables with an XLR plug."
I'm glad it has 4-pin XLR jack because many headphones and/or upgrade cables come with 4-pin XLR male connectors, which IME are more sturdy. For example, I just plug in my Abyss Phi TC into the SMSL via it's XLR jack, which allows me to skip the Abyss' XLR-1/4" adapter cable

LOL, you're right. I don't know what pic I was looking at, either I need to stop drinking or somebody airbrushed the SE jack off the front panel

 

[Shane D]

So this amp is SE out? What's the point of a 4 pin XLR connector? You have to buy new SE cables with an XLR plug

It is whatever you want to use. It is not "truly" balanced. I use XLR in for for convenience and either output, depending what cable I am using at the time. There is no added benefit to using XLR out. No "cleaner line", no extra power.

With my LCX, Mr. Cavalli has stated publicly that the amp was designed to be used via the XLR and the SE was a secondary thought.
Having said that I have been comparing the LCX SE out to the Liquid Spark. The LCX is doing better.

Shane D

 

[ronfifer]

Shane, have you compared the LCX XLR out to sp200 XLR out?

 

[Shane D]

Shane, have you compared the LCX XLR out to sp200 XLR out?

I have not. The last couple of months have been focused on trying out new toys and then deciding if they are keepers, or not. I have been on a Major binge this year. Luckily, it has all been entry level/mid level Hi-Fi.

Your question is interesting, but they are VERY different amps.

Shane D

 

[gimmeheadroom]

What do you think of those Koss Electros, @Shane D ? Still liking them?

 

[Shane D]

What do you think of those Koss Electros, @Shane D ? Still liking them?

I haven't been able to give them the time they deserve. I used them for one day before I plugged in the SP200. They are Very different and I really like them. A great alternative when you want to hear something different.

Shane D

 

[Pete Gardner]

Mine arrived today from Shenzenaudio. Very quick! Will be interesting to A/B against my Parasound Halo Integrated.

 

[340519]

The second unit just showed up.