SMSL AD18 Bluetooth Stereo & Headphone DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

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SMSL AD18 Bluetooth Stereo & Headphone DAC/Amp

Nov 29, 2018

I hear the headphone output on this isn't that powerful. Is it worth getting this if your using it as a headphone amplifier only?

Nov 29, 2018

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Rosiebar

126

Dec 21, 2018

Solderboy23Nope.

Dec 21, 2018

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Solderboy23

297

Dec 21, 2018

RosiebarI've recently been told though you can plug your headphones into the speaker output with the right adapter for far more power and doing it that way this thing can power any headphone?

Dec 21, 2018

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Rosiebar

126

Dec 21, 2018

Solderboy23You can do this with any PC speaker setup that has an audio jack for output but why? The amp on this is crap for powering headphones if this is your objective. If your simply looking for an all in one solution and your not a audio nut then sure, power on. I would not expect much and would not not use for powering decent cans.

Dec 21, 2018

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Solderboy23

297

Dec 21, 2018

RosiebarWell you see that's exactly what I'm doing. I don't use a PC/computer for listening to music. I use my Galaxy s9+ smartphone for literally everything. Doing this greatly limits my choices as I cannot use USB inputs. So I need a mobile/smartphone friendly amp and DAC setup. This having Bluetooth, 3.5mm and RCA input accomplishes just that. I can use all of those with my Android. My only other choice that I know of in my budget range (sub $200) is the topping mx3. Anything that requires a USB input for DAC use doesn't work my current setup. I basically need anything with 3.5mm, 1/4 inch and RCA input and outputs with enough power to run my fostex argon modhouse, hifiman he4xx, hifiman he560, Sennheiser HD 660s, beyerdynamic dt990 (250ohm) and akg k712 pro headphones. It doesn't need to be an all in one setup but I just figured that would be easiest. Like I said I know using a smartphone for everything is not completely ideal but it is what it is and it's what I'm working with here.

Dec 21, 2018

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Rosiebar

126

Dec 21, 2018

Solderboy23Suggestion: https://www.amazon.com/EarStudio-ES100-24bit-High-Resolution-Bluetooth-Unbalanced/dp/B078H4YD2L/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1545424653&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=aptx+bluetooth+receiver&dpPl=1&dpID=31e1njGDDpL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-G2-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01N14SY65 Getting creative and increasing fedility: https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-BluDento-Bluetooth-Receiver-Speakers/dp/B07F6ZP5WF and http://www.schiit.com/products/magni-1

(Edited)

Dec 21, 2018

Musicfan

Dec 21, 2018

Solderboy23It is a surprisingly good sounding amp for desktop speakers, quite amazing really for the price. The headphone out is "OK". I just got my hands on some He400i and the headphone amp drove them to good levels but they did not sound that great. I plugged the same phones into my Emotiva DC-1 and they sounded really good. Maybe the AD18 does not like driving planars but from other comments I think the headphone out is not this unit's strong point.

Dec 21, 2018

Rosiebar

126

Dec 22, 2018

MusicfanYes. I agree. I have one powering two Elac bookshelf speakers and stream from a Samsung tablet using Aptx. Sounds great.

Dec 22, 2018

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Musicfan

Dec 22, 2018

RosiebarWhat headphones did you try?

Dec 22, 2018

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Rosiebar

126

Dec 22, 2018

MusicfanI have a dedicated dac/amp for headphones. I wouldn’t use this.

Dec 22, 2018

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chanhuang

113

Jan 16, 2019

Solderboy23I use this mainly for PC speakers, but I also use IEM's and Headphones, they work fine, you just need to use a higher volume than you would your speakers to get good results, I think it's plenty loud and good. Albeit if you ONLY need headphones, you have other options.

Jan 16, 2019