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s.m.s.l SH-9
THX AAA-888 Headphone AMP
THXAAA-888 Headphone Amplifier with THX AAA Technology；
6 Watts into 16 Ohm, 3 Watts into 32 Ohm Headphones with lowest THD+N ；
0.1 Hz to 500 kHz(-3dB) Frequency Response ；
SNR＞137dB ;
THD＜0.00006% ;
Ultra-Compact Design, Perfect for Desktop Systems；
Balanced Stereo Headphone Output ；
Balanced Stereo Line Input；
High Precision Resistors for Temperature Stability ；
Pop-less Design with High-Quality Relays；
High precision and low noise 256 level relay volume control；
*In actual use, in order to make the volume more linear, the extra levels are shielded.
2 Positions Switchable Gain Control ；
Fully Protection with DC, Over-Voltage, Over-Current, Short-Circuit and
Thermal Protection on Headphone Amplifier ；
High-Efficiency Ultra-Low-Noise Power Supply .
1.9 inch LCD display
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Usability
85/100
Value for Money
95/100
The s.m.s.l SH-9 pairs pitch-black silence with exceptional transparency, letting a DAC and headphones speak with startling clarity. Soundnews praised its detail, speed and IEM-friendly noise floor, while Reviews By WaveTheory found notably natural timbre, controlled treble and precise spatial definition. Its relay volume control and ample power complete a remarkably high-value desktop amp.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally silent, low-noise background works superbly with sensitive IEMs while preserving fine detail.
Neutral, highly transparent presentation delivers strong resolution, natural instrumental timbre and well-controlled treble.
Fast, punchy delivery with precise imaging and enough power to handle demanding planar headphones, including the Edition XS.
Premium-feeling compact construction and relay-controlled stepped volume attenuator elevate usability at the price.
&
Cons
Ultimate slam and macrodynamic impact fall short of higher-end amplifiers such as the Benchmark HPA4 and Flux FA-10.
Soundstage is clear and well layered but not especially expansive, with less holographic scale than top-tier alternatives.
Mid-bass can become boomy or less controlled sooner than the Schiit Asgard 3 with some headphones.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers portray the SH-9 as an exceptionally clean, transparent amplifier that largely stays out of the way of the connected DAC and headphones. It combines a silent background, natural timbre and strong speed with wide, precisely organized imaging; its only notable sonic reservation is that ultimate slam trails the very best high-end desktop amplifiers.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
Soundnews calls the SH-9 extremely transparent and detailed, describing it as a “wire-with-gain” design that adds or subtracts little from the chain. WaveTheory likewise heard substantially improved separation, imaging definition and depth over competing affordable amplifiers.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The presentation is described as neutral and unembellished, with tight, even bass, appropriately weighted vocals and clean, extended treble. WaveTheory also found instruments and voices notably natural and organic, while reporting smoother, better-controlled treble than the Asgard 3.
Dynamics
90/100
Reviewers found the SH-9 fast, punchy and physically engaging, capable of both hard slam and gentler expression when the music calls for it. Soundnews nevertheless found that its hardest impacts did not quite equal the Benchmark HPA4 or Flux FA-10 in a high-end desktop setup.
Noise Floor
94/100
Both reviews praise an exceptionally quiet presentation: Soundnews heard no noise at all and described a pitch-black background. WaveTheory similarly heard the ultra-clean, black-background character associated with very low-noise amplifier designs.
Headphone Compatibility
91/100
Soundnews reports consistently transparent performance regardless of the headphones used, while WaveTheory found it drove the HIFIMAN Edition XS well without lost sub-bass or audible distortion. Its balanced and single-ended headphone outputs, substantial 32-ohm power rating and near-zero claimed output impedance support broad full-size-headphone use.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
Soundnews had close to zero complaints about construction, and WaveTheory describes a solid, compact CNC-machined aluminum enclosure with secure rubber feet. The relay-controlled stepped attenuator is also singled out as a notably premium control implementation.
Features Usability
85/100
The SH-9 provides balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs, plus both 6.35 mm and four-pin XLR headphone outputs. Its relay-stepped volume control is a meaningful usability highlight, though it remains an analog amplifier without the integrated DAC, digital connectivity or remote-control conveniences of more comprehensive desktop units.
Value for Money
95/100
At roughly US$290, WaveTheory considers the SH-9 reasonably affordable. Soundnews is markedly more enthusiastic, saying it approached Benchmark HPA4 performance at one-tenth the price, outperformed the Topping A90 on value, and was its best-value choice at the time.
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Authorized dealers for s.m.s.l SH-9
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Apos Audio — online and in-store — Oakland, California, United States (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Hum — in-store — Norte Sierra, Andalucía, Spain (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- AUDIOPHONICS — in-store — Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (website)
- Bloom Audio — online and in-store — Gibbsboro, New Jersey, United States (website)
- Elise Audio — online and in-store — Paddington, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Headphone Zone — online and in-store — Laxmi Industrial Estate, Maharashtra, India (website)
- Hifi Passion — in-store — Neustadt, Bremen, Germany (website)
and 4 more verified dealers