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Drop + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier
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Drop + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier
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Product Description
Announced at CES 2018, the Drop + THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA™) 789 is a linear bipolar amplifier with feed-forward error correction. It’s designed for objectivists who appreciate an incredibly clean, transparent amp—the sought-after “wire with gain” whose amplification is wholly uncolored by a sound of its own Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downCEE_TEE
3480
Feb 26, 2018
Movies
THX Ltd. started as a company with a directive to ensure that upstream quality in cinema audio made it all the way to the audience in the theater.
In the movie theater, you need great power in order to get the dynamic range needed for impactful music and action...with a very low noise floor and low amounts of distortion in order to hear crisp dialog and all the detail in the recording.
Measurements Patrick Flanagan at THX is one of those quiet guys who goes about his business with an engineer’s mind and a craftsman’s attention to detail. You may have met him at a Head-Fi meet in California as Jude Mansilla has been able to have him offer some free headphone or IEM measurements to the community on multiple occasions.
We met him at the 2016 SF Head-Fi Meet where he provided us with some measurements of IEMs we were working on:
New Technology The Massdrop x THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA™) 789 represents the next chapter in THX contribution to the audio world, where THX provides underlying circuit technology in the gear itself. The new design was born of necessity. THX needed amplifiers to power line arrays of speakers in their facility. Class A topology amplifiers run too hot and are inefficient to run for long periods of time. THX needed the cleanest signal possible, low noise, low distortion, cool temperature, and efficient power consumption. These requirements led THX and SVP of Audio R&D Laurie Fincham to revisit negative feedback designs, figure out how to implement feed-forward correction, and create the quietest, lowest distortion amplifiers.
THX Ltd. At-A-Glance: I. Highest quality sound for the utmost in cinematic experience (George Lucas’ original vision) II. Development and certifications for pro audio and audiophile gear (people like Patrick) III. Technological intellectual property in pro and consumer gear (Laurie Fincham’s amplifier design as an example)
A Series of Fortunate Events If we didn’t talk about Patrick, you might not know that THX is working every day behind the scenes to provide information to companies making audio gear…with and without the THX logo. And if we didn’t meet Patrick, this collaboration might not have happened.
Meeting Patrick at the event pictured above led to our visiting THX and seeing some of the measurement labs plus their demo room. (Fun stuff and just happens to be walking distance from our office in San Francisco!)
Visiting their headquarters led to an invitation for a sneak peek of the THX AAA feed-forward topology during the Rocky Mountain Audio Festival in Colorado 2016. We immediately saw the potential of this amplifier technology when we learned about it’s goals. Hearing the prototype- clean, clear, and natural (not sterile)...we knew that our community would like it too.
THX understands Massdrop’s connection with the headphone audiophile community and our drive to create custom-tailored products. THX collaborated with us to develop and bring this linear amplifier technology to you in this particular package, with the flexibility for in-ear monitors to large headphones. Capable for use in professional audio applications or for the audiophile that demands the most transparent upstream gear possible. This amplifier delivers the upstream quality of your music to your own personal headphone theater- in the comfort of your home or on your desk at work.
Massdrop x THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier At-A-Glance: I. Lowest THD in class – world class transparency II. Extremely low channel crosstalk III. From low to high power – for your IEMs and your hard-to-drive headphones IV. Flexibility – from single-ended input/output to fully balanced throughput V. Form factor and usability - small, cool, efficient energy consumption VI. High value – high power and best performance at a low price point
By the way, we’re lucky to have Andrew Mason as a member here on Massdrop. Andrew is the THX expert in analog & power engineering who helped implement the THX AAA technology into our final product. If you have some technical questions about the amplifier, Andrew may just be around to answer them!
Measurements Patrick Flanagan at THX is one of those quiet guys who goes about his business with an engineer’s mind and a craftsman’s attention to detail. You may have met him at a Head-Fi meet in California as Jude Mansilla has been able to have him offer some free headphone or IEM measurements to the community on multiple occasions.
We met him at the 2016 SF Head-Fi Meet where he provided us with some measurements of IEMs we were working on:
New Technology The Massdrop x THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA™) 789 represents the next chapter in THX contribution to the audio world, where THX provides underlying circuit technology in the gear itself. The new design was born of necessity. THX needed amplifiers to power line arrays of speakers in their facility. Class A topology amplifiers run too hot and are inefficient to run for long periods of time. THX needed the cleanest signal possible, low noise, low distortion, cool temperature, and efficient power consumption. These requirements led THX and SVP of Audio R&D Laurie Fincham to revisit negative feedback designs, figure out how to implement feed-forward correction, and create the quietest, lowest distortion amplifiers.
THX Ltd. At-A-Glance: I. Highest quality sound for the utmost in cinematic experience (George Lucas’ original vision) II. Development and certifications for pro audio and audiophile gear (people like Patrick) III. Technological intellectual property in pro and consumer gear (Laurie Fincham’s amplifier design as an example)
A Series of Fortunate Events If we didn’t talk about Patrick, you might not know that THX is working every day behind the scenes to provide information to companies making audio gear…with and without the THX logo. And if we didn’t meet Patrick, this collaboration might not have happened.
Meeting Patrick at the event pictured above led to our visiting THX and seeing some of the measurement labs plus their demo room. (Fun stuff and just happens to be walking distance from our office in San Francisco!)
Visiting their headquarters led to an invitation for a sneak peek of the THX AAA feed-forward topology during the Rocky Mountain Audio Festival in Colorado 2016. We immediately saw the potential of this amplifier technology when we learned about it’s goals. Hearing the prototype- clean, clear, and natural (not sterile)...we knew that our community would like it too.
THX understands Massdrop’s connection with the headphone audiophile community and our drive to create custom-tailored products. THX collaborated with us to develop and bring this linear amplifier technology to you in this particular package, with the flexibility for in-ear monitors to large headphones. Capable for use in professional audio applications or for the audiophile that demands the most transparent upstream gear possible. This amplifier delivers the upstream quality of your music to your own personal headphone theater- in the comfort of your home or on your desk at work.
Massdrop x THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier At-A-Glance: I. Lowest THD in class – world class transparency II. Extremely low channel crosstalk III. From low to high power – for your IEMs and your hard-to-drive headphones IV. Flexibility – from single-ended input/output to fully balanced throughput V. Form factor and usability - small, cool, efficient energy consumption VI. High value – high power and best performance at a low price point
By the way, we’re lucky to have Andrew Mason as a member here on Massdrop. Andrew is the THX expert in analog & power engineering who helped implement the THX AAA technology into our final product. If you have some technical questions about the amplifier, Andrew may just be around to answer them!
Whitedragem
185
Sep 23, 2019
I know this is an old thread; my musical fidelity X1 and nakamichi soundspace want to have a word with you....
(both are audio kit with massive improvements given due to ‘outboard’ power supplies)
I’d definately consider items individually and not write off every future part (even by other manufacturers) due to one bad experience.
having been a couple of years, hope ye have healed over this.
To other readers; I’ve been gaming since the 70’s. It’s generally the ‘cheaper’ gaming consoles that included the power supply inside. When the playstation launched, it required being turned off at the wall due to ‘internal heat’. The first xbox, power unit was internal, the x360 and it went outboard.... high quality outboard is ‘alright by me’....
Duncan
3731
Jul 22, 2019
Howdy folks,
Remember that time I said that this was going to be the last production units scheduled for the year, but we’re looking into increasing this?
(Edited)
mtmercer
47
Feb 27, 2018
@AndrewMason Do the balanced power output specs apply when a 2V RCA single ended line level is used? If not, please add those numbers if you get a chance.
Also is there any single ended to balanced conversion when using a single ended source and the 4-pin XLR output. Thanks! Sweet looking drop!
Also is there any single ended to balanced conversion when using a single ended source and the 4-pin XLR output. Thanks! Sweet looking drop!
Jackula
1743
Nov 24, 2018
I thought about a TotalDAC but their warranty sucks, spoke to the owner a few times via email. He won't cover return shipping during warranty even if it's DOA. Insured return shipping both ways to France is expensive. Rather buy something local.
rastus
1392
Nov 24, 2018
JackulaCan’t beat the resistors he currently uses in Totaldac’s... I only recently saw the trick that Vishay, well the folks in Texas, do with having a bi-layer, positive & negative TCR, resistor structure, for the utmost in stability, along with having the lowest noise.
Steven Wright — “It is like putting a dehumidifier and a humidifier in the same room and letting them fight it out.”
Duncan
3731
Apr 17, 2019
Hey everyone,
Wanted to give you a quick heads up on a couple of Massdrop x THX AAA 789 Linear Amp updates. First, the amp will be available for pre-order tomorrow! Please note that there will be limited quantities, but we plan to launch another run in the near future. The Massdrop x THX AAA 789 Linear Amp will now be available at a new price of $400.
For some context, as some of you may know, the prices on some of our Massdrop Made products are increasing. For a little more information on why, you can go here (https://www.massdrop.com/talk/21735/pricing-update), but the short of it is that costs have increased over time and we launched some items at a lower price point in exchange for early exposure. Know that we’re doing other things to reward your early support, however, through new Launch pricing on newly introduced Massdrop Made products.
Thanks for your understanding, feedback and support.
ZeosPantera
1246
Dec 6, 2018
I finished the review of this and gave it to my patrons yesterday. I will not be releasing the review until this comes back in stock because 10,000 people foaming at the mouth for X weeks is not a pretty picture.
MY REVIEW IS LIVE...
https://youtu.be/zQWrHZ9a1FY
MY LINK TO THE 789
https://goo.gl/kXx8Nw
#lifealteringamptech
(Edited)
nick_t
187
Nov 9, 2019
ZeosPanteraHave you heard the Benchmark HPA-4 THX AAA 888 and the smsl sp200 THX AAA 888 ? $3000 vs $280 THX amp. Are there any audible difference with the THX 789 ?
Duncan
3731
May 29, 2019
(Edited)
Will
8470
Chief Product Officer
Apr 17, 2020
Hello Friends,
Since its release in 2018, the Drop + THX 789 THX AAA™ Linear Amplifier has been praised by reviewers and community members alike. It’s hard to find a “Best Amp Below $1000” thread without a recommendation for the 789 and the incredible value it offers at $399.
Now, two years after the 789’s initial release, we’re excited to announce we’re adjusting the 789’s market position.
As of April 17, 2020, we’re adjusting the 789’s MSRP from $399 to $299.
This price adjustment is made possible via increased production size (thanks to you) and more efficient material sourcing + manufacturing optimization (thanks to our Product Realization team). At $299 MSRP, we’re excited to cement the 789 as a critical part of the Headphone community purchase progression.
Thanks for your continued support and feedback. We wouldn’t be here without you.
oneframe
67
Sep 1, 2020
Agreed. Writing is hard to interpret. Apologies for incorrect interpretation on how I asked.
mastershake
376
Feb 27, 2018
ok massdrop. now im not saying i will not buy this (probably will) BUT ANOTHER PRODUCT IN THIS CHASSIS AND YET NO DAC in this same chassis to allow stacking?? cmon really? the cth and ctx i will have tomm and now this one and i have to use a little box that looks like an after thought instead of something that actually will match and look nice like this type of stack should look. PLEASE offer us a dac with this chassis and please make it a good one. thank you....... if nothing else can i buy an empty one of these chassis to at least drill the holes in the front and put the sdac (would prefer a higher and dac) into im very capable of doing so??
Jotunn
87
Jul 17, 2018
I might have misunderstood but I think Will was referring to the Airist RDAC that dropped recently.
JaleesaG
1550
Marketing Team
May 17, 2019
UPDATE FOR FEBRUARY 2019 PURCHASERS
Hi all,
We have an update on your Massdrop x THX AAA 789 Linear Amplifier. The amps are nearing completion and we’re very happy with the final product (and hope you will be, too). Unfortunately, we’re tracking behind our original estimated ship date and now expect to begin shipping in late June.
We apologize for the delay. As a thank you for your patience, we’ve added a $10 credit to your account, which will be automatically applied to your next Drop purchase. If you prefer not to wait the additional time, you can cancel your order on your transactions page: https://drop.com/transactions.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We look forward to you receiving and enjoying your amps soon.
postwarscars
1367
May 29, 2019
I addressed everything you said, and left it overnight. I then decided there was no reason to continue, and deleted it. Not because I don't think I have valid arguments, but because it's not constructive, and outside of the scope of the thread. I'm adult enough to admit it's childish for us both to continue throwing insults.
Chibatastic is correct, we hijacked a thread and I'm as much at fault for that as anyone.
(Edited)
CEE_TEE
3480
Mar 29, 2018
Jude getting some measurements to us...will try to post here as soon as I can!
euphxenos
331
Oct 26, 2018
I'm glad to hear that you're doing QA on these at the factory. If you trust the factory, that's a good place for QA to happen. I've already seen a couple of reports on head-fi from people who received units that were DOA. Given that and past experience with Massdrop QA, I'm not sure how much *I* can trust the factory, so I'd still be interested in hearing the results of your testing.
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