This is an Apos Certified product. That means it's refurbished, like new, eligible for our 45-day return policy, carries an Apos Certified One-Year Warranty, and ships from our US facility. Currently, Apos Certified products are only available to customers with a US shipping address. We appreciate your understanding as we aspire to expand our offerings to a broader audience in the future.

A new standard in sound 

The SMSL SH-X is a HIFI desktop audio amplifier designed to pair with the SMSL SU-X MQA Audio DAC. Boasting massive 11.5 watts (at 16Ω) of output power, an ultra-low noise floor, and a three-way gain switch for tailored listening, it’s the total audiophile package, no matter what headphone or IEM you throw its way. And with JAS Hi-Res certification and an HD color IPS screen, it’s a sensory experience like no other. 

High-power output

Power is at the heart of the SH-X. Boasting an impressive output of 11.5 watts at 16 ohms and 5.5 watts at 32 ohms, this amplifier can handle the largest of full-size headphones. 

Cutting-edge op-amp design

The SH-X features 40 carefully selected low-noise op-amplifiers per channel, totaling 80 in a parallel design. This setup guarantees an incredibly low noise floor, allowing every subtle detail in your music to shine through undiluted.

Tailored listening: 3 gain modes

Tailor your listening experience with the three-way gain switch. The low-gain setting is perfect for IEM enthusiasts, offering optimized performance without overpowering low-impedance earphones.

Versatile preamplifier

Functionality extends beyond headphones with the SH-X. Its high-end preamplifier output allows it to seamlessly integrate into your existing audio setup, enhancing the sound of your speakers with the same fidelity it brings to headphones.

Compact design for your desk

Designed for tight spaces, the SH-X is about fitting into your life. Its compact design makes it an ideal companion for any desktop headphone system, providing top-tier audio without eating up space.

Drift resistance: keeping things clean

Precision is key in audio, and the SH-X delivers with high-precision, low-temperature drift resistance. This feature, coupled with high-quality relays, ensures stable, high-performance audio at all times.

Product highlights

• JAS Hi-Res certified for superior sound quality
• Low-noise op-amp in parallel design for clarity
• High-power output for dynamic sound delivery
• SNR up to 137dB for detailed audio reproduction
• Ultra-low THD+N (<0.00006%) for pure sound
• Eighty high-power op-amps for robust amplification
• Three-way gain switch for tailored listening
• HD color IPS screen for visual appeal
• Compact design, perfect for desktop setups
• High-quality relay and non-impact sound design for stability

Specs

• Inputs: Balanced, unbalanced
• Headphone outputs: 4.4mm, XLR balanced, 6.35 single-ended
• Pre-outputs: Balanced, unbalanced
• Output power:
• 11.5W x2 @ 16Ω
• 5.5W x2 @ 32Ω
• 600mW x2 @ 300Ω
• 300mW x2 @ 600Ω
• SNR: 137dB
• Dynamic range: 137dB
• THD+N: 0.00006%
• Input impedance: 34,000Ω
• Amp output impedance: Near 0Ω
• Pre-output impedance:
• Balanced: 66Ω
• Unbalanced: 33Ω
• Frequency response: 20 - 100,000Hz
• Gain settings:
• Balanced: -2dB (low), 6dB (middle), 23dB (high)
• Unbalanced: -8dB (low), 0dB (middle), 17dB (high)
• Power consumption: <50W
• Power standby: <0.5W
• Size: 9.84 inches (width) x 2.01 inches (height) x 7.56 inches (depth) 
• Weight: 5.33lbs (2.42kg)

What’s included

• SMSL SH-X Headphone Amplifier
• Power cord
• User manual