SMSL SAP-9 Full Balanced Headphone Amplifier RCA XLR Input Black

All my testing was done with balanced output to balanced headphones (separate grounds, 4 wires, 2 to each ear cup). If your headphones aren't balanced, there's no need to get the SAP-9, and you should probably get the SAP-8 since it has more power.There's some snobbery involved when reviewing SMSL products I've seen, and I haven't found any of it to be true based on the SAP-8 or SAP-9. Both are super-clear headphone amps with enough power to push the demanding T50RP MK3 drivers to my satisfaction. Note, the SAP-9 just barely accomplishes this, as I can turn them to max without it hurting my ears, and some might want it louder. As promised in their broken English description, I detect absolutely no noise when cranked to the highest setting and absolutely no distortion, not that my hearing is the best tool for measuring either.Should you get the 8 or the 9? Unless your OCD requires you to go balanced (mine did) I'd say the SAP-8. I can't detect any sound quality difference, but that doesn't mean that it isn't there. There's a definite possibility that the SAP-9 (I'm running balanced headphones) sounds better, but both are good enough amps that I can't discern it. Definitely do NOT get the sap-9 if you don't want to run balanced, since its power will really be lackluster in that case.YES, you can take an unbalanced input and feed a balanced output, contrary to what others have said. You cannot feed a balanced and unbalanced output at the same time. You press the volume button to switch between balanced/unbalanced input. You can HOLD the volume button for a while to turn it on and off.The volume knob is digital. It spins freely left and right with no stops, and there are clicks for every adjustment. They are fine tuned enough for my needs.

they sent to me defected item. that is the reason why I give 1 star.actual sound wasnt bad.but 1/4" headphone jack didnt work with balanced intput.there is a reason why I say this is defected,because when fully volume up from this & input source volume hits crazy clipping,then hard pop sound came out from the 1/4" headphone out with balanced input.so actual sound came in, but couldn't get out of it well.and also from the z reviews, in youtube video, 1/4" also working with balanced inputat least, smsl need to check item before selling or shipping it.I don't want waste my time for repair or return...it needs 1~2weeks more. so I just give up this item.as I give up the warranty, I already open it to check inside. there is weird soldering point.small chips(maybe resist or something?) which is near around the volume potentimeter are ugly thick coated with solder paste.none of other parts did, only them of each channel's.what does it mean? it feels like item not a NEW. wrong repairing or refurbished?check my photo uploaded. check the red sqaure of right top of image.it seems to bright white dirt because I already peel off the covered solder paste slightly with tweezers and it reflect sunlightsbut initial state of that also weird.

Shipped without the power supply. Might have exchanged it, but then I noticed that the volume control has no zero stop or increments, so there's no way of knowing what volume you're at, and how can you find a best setting for different inputs? I'm sure it sounds great when it's configured and shipped properly, but I opted for the Schiit Magni 3, which has gotten rave reviews at CNET and other sites. Not balanced like the rest of my studio system, but if it really delivers well over a watt into 32 or 64 ohms I'll be a happy camper. Hope Amazon makes a deal with Schiit to sell their products, they're made in USA and look really good.

This unit powers my phones quite well and wake them up. Bass is punchier and the overall sound is great. Have them connected to my FIIO E17 via USB from my computer and i’m happy with it. Did notice on occasion when I left it on overnight, the left channel would not work but after restarting the unit, it works. Hope this doesn’t turn into a problem later. The volume knob is a bit shaky, they need to come up with a better one.

an excellent product,if your thinking about going balanced,don't hesitate,just do it..The detail ,increase in power is tremendous,...its like your hearing the music,for the first time.You will hear,all the nuances in the background music..,bass is stronger,mids are clear ,and the high end,is razor sharp,with great detail.A+A+A+ rating,I couldn't be happierMike

Makes my Sennheiser HD650's sing!

Works very well