5W fully-balanced head amp

The SMSL H200 is a high-resolution fully-balanced headphone amplifier and preamplifier designed for the most demanding headphone systems and desktop audio. Built around a discrete PLFC+ amplifier circuit, a custom toroidal linear power supply, and a precision CNC-machined aluminum chassis, the H200 delivers powerful output, exceptionally low distortion, and flexible connectivity. Balanced and unbalanced inputs, selectable gain levels, balanced and single-ended headphone outputs, and dedicated preamp outputs make it equally comfortable driving headphones or serving as the centerpiece of an active speaker system.

Discrete fully-balanced amplifier architecture

The H200 uses a fully-balanced discrete-component PLFC+ circuit instead of a conventional integrated amplifier solution. Carefully selected discrete components maintain a true balanced signal path from input to output, helping reduce common-mode interference while preserving dynamics, tonal texture, and low-level detail. Relay-controlled volume adjustment further improves channel consistency across the volume range.

High output power for a wide range of headphones

With up to 5 watts into 32 ohms through the balanced output, the H200 provides ample power for everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding planar magnetic and high-impedance dynamic headphones. Three selectable gain settings allow output to be matched to the connected headphones, reducing background noise with efficient models while maintaining the voltage swing required for more difficult loads.

Linear power supply with custom toroidal transformer

A custom toroidal transformer and dedicated linear power supply separately feed the analog and digital sections to minimize interference. Carefully selected low-temperature-drift components help maintain consistent performance, while integrated DC, over-voltage, and over-current protection circuits safeguard both the amplifier and connected headphones.

Precision-built aluminum chassis

The H200 is machined from a single block of aluminum using one-piece CNC manufacturing. The rigid, gapless enclosure minimizes unwanted mechanical resonance while providing a clean industrial appearance. Measuring just 7.87 x 6.89 x 1.89 inches (200 x 175 x 47.9 mm), it occupies minimal desktop space without sacrificing connectivity or performance.

Measured low noise and distortion

The amplifier achieves an exceptionally low THD+N of just 0.00007% with a measured 131 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 131 dB dynamic range. A wide frequency response extending from 20 Hz to 100 kHz (-0.5 dB) preserves the bandwidth of high-resolution recordings while maintaining excellent linearity across the audible spectrum.

Headphone amplifier and desktop preamplifier

The H200 functions as both a dedicated headphone amplifier and a high-quality desktop preamplifier. Balanced XLR and RCA inputs allow connection to a variety of source components, while balanced XLR and RCA preamp outputs make it easy to integrate active speakers or a separate power amplifier into a desktop or two-channel audio system.

Color IPS display and intuitive controls

A tempered-glass-covered full-laminated IPS display presents input selection, gain status, operating mode, and volume with excellent clarity. The front panel combines the display with a precision-machined volume control and both 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone outputs for convenient everyday operation.

Product highlights

• Fully-balanced discrete PLFC+ headphone amplifier architecture
  
• Headphone amplifier and dedicated preamplifier in one chassis
  
• Relay-controlled precision volume control
  
• Custom toroidal transformer with linear regulated power supply
  
• Three selectable gain settings for IEMs and full-size headphones
  
• 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone outputs
  
• Balanced XLR and RCA analog inputs
  
• Balanced XLR and RCA preamp outputs
  
• Full-laminated tempered-glass IPS display
  
• One-piece CNC-machined aluminum enclosure
  
• Measured 131 dB SNR and 131 dB dynamic range
  
• THD+N as low as 0.00007%
  
• Frequency response from 20 Hz to 100 kHz (-0.5 dB)
  
• Grounding control switch and USB service port

Specs

• Inputs: Balanced XLR, RCA unbalanced
  
• Headphone outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 6.35mm single-ended
  
• Preamp outputs: Balanced XLR, RCA unbalanced
  
• Balanced output power: 4W @ 16Ω, 5W @ 32Ω, 1000mW @ 300Ω, 500mW @ 600Ω
  
• Single-ended output power: 2.5W @ 16Ω, 2W @ 32Ω, 300mW @ 300Ω, 150mW @ 600Ω
  
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 131dB
  
• Dynamic range: 131dB
  
• THD+N: -122dB, 0.00007% (1kHz, 150Ω)
  
• Frequency response: 20Hz–100kHz (-0.5dB)
  
• Input impedance: 47kΩ
  
• Headphone output impedance: Near 0Ω
  
• Balanced preamp output impedance: 44Ω
  
• Unbalanced preamp output impedance: 22Ω
  
• Balanced gain: Low (-3.5dB), Medium (6dB), High (19.7dB)
  
• Single-ended gain: Low (-9.5dB), Medium (0dB), High (13.7dB)
  
• Power consumption: Less than 60W
  
• Dimensions: 7.87 x 1.89 x 6.87 inches (200 x 47.9 x 174.5 mm)
  
• Weight: 2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)

What’s included

• SMSL H200 headphone amplifier and preamplifier
  
• AC power cable
  
• User documentation