SMSL
SMSL H200 Fully Balanced Headphone Amplifier & Pre-amplifier
SMSL H200 Fully Balanced Headphone Amplifier & Pre-amplifier
Couldn't load pickup availability
15 in stock
SMSL H200 Fully Balanced Headphone Amplifier & Pre-amplifier
A high-performance audiophile desktop headphone amplifier and balanced pre-amplifier, engineered with a discrete PLFC+ circuit to deliver transparent, high-fidelity sound.
Highlights at a Glance
5W Balanced Power
Effortlessly drives demanding planar magnetic and high-impedance dynamic headphones with authoritative control.
Zero Channel Imbalance
Electronic relay volume control keeps the left and right channels aligned, even at extremely low volumes.
Tempered Glass IPS Screen
Fully laminated color IPS display offers premium aesthetics and clear readability of your settings.
Complete Protection
DC, overvoltage, and overload safety features prevent sudden electrical changes from affecting your gear.
Discrete PLFC+ Circuit Design for Clean Signal Amplification
The core architecture of the SMSL H200 fully balanced headphone amplifier utilizes a meticulously engineered discrete component PLFC+ design. With a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 131dB and total harmonic distortion (THD+N) down to an exceptional 0.00007%, this amplifier offers a completely silent, jet-black background. High-precision, low-temperature drift resistors ensure stable, uncolored thermal performance over long listening sessions, bringing the nuances of high-resolution audio recordings directly to your ears.
Flexible Gain Settings & High-Power Output for Planar and Dynamic Headphones
As a robust desktop headphone amplifier, the SMSL H200 provides ample headroom to power demanding full-sized planar magnetic and dynamic headphones, driving up to 5W at 32 ohms over balanced connections. Simultaneously, sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs) benefit from the low-gain setting (-9.5dB unbalanced / -3.5dB balanced). Backed by an electronic relay volume control system, it completely eliminates analog channel imbalance, offering solid, stable stereo imaging even at whisper-quiet listening volumes.
Desktop Pre-amplifier Functionality for Active Studio Monitors
The SMSL H200 easily transitions from an individual head-amp to a high-end balanced analog pre-amplifier. Featuring both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA pre-outputs on the rear panel, it integrates with active studio monitors and external power amplifiers. Using the full-function remote control, you can comfortably switch inputs and adjust volume levels from a distance. The internal high-quality muting relay system safeguards your downstream audio equipment by eliminating physical turn-on and turn-off pop sounds.
In the Box
Every SMSL H200 package includes the following essential components to ensure an immediate, high-fidelity connection to your audio system:
- SMSL H200 Fully Balanced Amplifier & Pre-amplifier
- Full-Function Remote Control (RC-8D)
- AC Power Supply Cord (Matched to destination country)
- User Manual / Instruction Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the SMSL H200 be used as a standalone pre-amplifier?
Yes, the H200 functions as a high-fidelity analog pre-amplifier. It features XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced pre-outputs on the rear panel, allowing direct connection to active studio monitors or power amplifiers. You can easily toggle between headphone output and pre-out modes via the front panel or the remote control.
Will sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs) experience background noise or hiss?
No. The SMSL H200 features a dedicated low-gain setting (-9.5dB on single-ended / -3.5dB on balanced outputs) specifically designed for highly sensitive IEMs. This attenuates the noise floor, ensuring a completely quiet, hiss-free background.
What are the benefits of electronic relay volume control?
Traditional analog potentiometers often suffer from channel imbalance (one channel sounding louder than the other) at very low volume levels. The H200 uses discrete relays to switch high-precision resistors, ensuring exact left-to-right channel matching and stable stereo imaging at any volume step.
SMSL H200 Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Inputs | Balanced (XLR), Unbalanced (RCA) |
| Headphone Outputs | 4.4mm Balanced, 6.35mm Unbalanced |
| Pre-outputs | XLR Balanced, RCA Unbalanced |
| Output Power (Balanced) | 16Ω: 4W 32Ω: 5W 300Ω: 1000mW 600Ω: 500mW |
| Output Power (Unbalanced) | 16Ω: 2.5W 32Ω: 2W 300Ω: 300mW 600Ω: 150mW |
| SNR & Dynamic Range | 131dB |
| THD+N | -122dB, 0.00007% (1kHz, 150 Ω) |
| Input Impedance | 47kΩ |
| Headphone Amp Output Impedance | Near 0 Ω |
| Pre-output Impedance | Balanced: 44Ω | Unbalanced: 22Ω |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 100kHz (-0.5dB) |
| Gain Settings | Balanced: Low (-3.5dB), Middle (6dB), High (19.7dB) Unbalanced: Low (-9.5dB), Middle (0dB), High (13.7dB) |
| Power Consumption | <60W (EN60065) |
| Dimensions & Weight | 200 x 47.9 x 174.5 mm (WxHxD) | 1.2kg (2.65lbs) |
SMSL H200 vs. H300 vs. H400
While the legacy H300 and the ultra-expensive H400 flagship have been retired, the newly released SMSL H200 emerges as the active champion—packing reference-class performance, premium features, and exceptional value into a compact design.
Why the New H200 is the Smartest Choice
Flagship Relay Volume
Inherits the advanced electronic relay switching attenuator from the discontinued flagship H400, eliminating channel imbalance.
Vibrant IPS Display
Features a fully laminated color IPS screen (like the flagship H400), leaving the display-less interface of the old H300 far behind.
Elite Desktop Integration
Milled into a highly compact 200mm chassis width. Frees up desktop workspace while still packing a powerful 5W @ 32Ω.
SMSL Balanced Amplifier Lineup Matrix
| Spec / Feature | SMSL H200 (Active) | SMSL H300 (Retired) | SMSL H400 (Retired) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Price | $399 (Active) | $260 (Retired) | $510 (Retired) |
| Production Status | Active & Supported | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Volume Architecture | Precision Relays | Analog Potentiometer | Precision Relays |
| User Interface | Color IPS Screen | Toggle Switches Only | Color IPS Screen |
| Headphone Sockets (Front) | 4.4mm BAL / 6.35mm SE | 4.4mm BAL / 4-Pin XLR / 6.35mm SE | 4.4mm BAL / 4-Pin XLR / 6.35mm SE |
| Balanced Power (16Ω) | 4.0W + 4.0W RMS | 10.0W + 10.0W RMS | 15.0W + 15.0W RMS |
| Balanced Power (32Ω) | 5.0W + 5.0W RMS | 5.0W + 5.0W RMS | 7.5W + 7.5W RMS |
| Balanced Power (300Ω) | 1000mW + 1000mW RMS | Unlisted | 1000mW + 1000mW RMS |
| SNR / Dynamic Range | 131dB | 133dB | 133dB |
| THD+N | 0.00007% (-122dB) | 0.00006% (-123dB) | 0.00006% (-123dB) |
| Gain Steps (Balanced) | Low (-3.5dB) / Mid (6dB) / High (19.7dB) | Low (-6dB) / Mid (6dB) / High (24.5dB) | Low (-5.8dB) / Mid (6dB) / High (20.4dB) |
| Pre-outputs (Rear) | XLR Balanced / RCA Unbalanced | XLR Balanced / RCA Unbalanced | XLR Balanced / RCA Unbalanced |
| Width (Chassis size) | 200mm (Ultra-Compact) | 210mm | 254mm (Large footprint) |
| Weight | 1.20 kg / 2.65 lbs | 1.23 kg / 2.71 lbs | 2.03 kg / 4.47 lbs |
| Power Consumption | <60W (EN60065) | <50W (EN60065) | <50W (EN60065) |
