Excellent way to describe the 789, I feel the same way when i compare it to the Jotunheim
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I did the same I purchased the smsl su-8 just for my 789
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Just in case some where waiting for a chance to get one. The drop is active now
From what I gather of the comments here, the 789 is an accurate, often referred to as “clinical” amplifier, that measures remarkably well, and has a sufficient amount of power for most headphones SE or, Balanced. It would make sense that Drop often pairs the 789 with the CTH in a stack since the CTH offers some tube soundstage, and distortion (warmth).
Is this an accurate summation?
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Don’t know about the cth, but 789 definitely needs some warmth and character to it. I use with smsl su8 and there’s no warmth at all.
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Yes, exactly I use Jotunheim for smother less clinical yet still clean and power listing pleasures. the only reason i have not jumped on the cth is that I am still on the fence about hybrid tubes. so im looking into the dark horse or the MASSDROP X EDDIE CURRENT ZDT JR. for true tube experience.
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both the smsl su8 and the 789 will only give you whats in the music. no warmer or colder especially if your using cans like the hd800s. I like them because they tell you the truth about what your listing to. even my elex had to tell the truth when using the 789.
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I used to own a CTH but sold it after buying a Loxjie P20 and conducting back-to-back testing. I also own a 789 and plan to keep it for the foreseeable future.
In my experience the CTH elevates the mid bass and adds quaver/sizzle to the high end. This comes across as exaggerated transitions or highlights in a lot of music. However, quiet passages are dominated by the background quaver (i.e., the CTH does not offer a black background at all).
The 789 goes deeper into low bass and plays cleaner than the CTH – it puts a magnifier on any source defect(s).
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Right on. What dac are you using? All of the amps you’ve mentioned are highly regarded, I’m sure you’ll be happy with whichever you decide on. I like the idea of dipping my toes in the tube waters with the CTH. It’s generally been well received.
sms su-8 and jotunheim with multibit, I also have the the aune x1s and x72 stack when i want to switch things up.
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That Loxjie looks like a steal! And it comes in red… 
Thank you.
You must use balanced cables to realize its benefits. However, basic starter cables cost $25-$50 on Ebay. The P20 has a following.
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I just got on the Nov Drop for the THX 789. It should be happy with the Clears that I was enticed to add to my gear with the headphones.com promo pricing. Now the question is what DAC should I pair with it. I want to stay in the $400 range since I blew my budget as always with this hobby.
I have a PS DSJr that will work, but it’s committed to my main system and I want the new gear in my home office. I would like to have balanced outputs from the DAC. Native DSD would be nice also. It will be fed with a UltraRendu as a Roon Endpoint.
I already have a Lyr3 multibit, but since I am attempting to shift to a balanced system, it will be relocated or (eventually) sold.
So far, Topping D70 (no BT) for 419 seems to check the boxes. I have no Idea how it sounds. I listen to classic rock and Jazz/Fusion mostly with a bit of classical at times.
Suggestions? Cans that the THX 789 will also be used with are, HD650, Beyer DT 1990 (open ended), and assorted IEM including TIN P1, CA Polaris, Fiio FH7 and FA7.
Opinions are welcome. I don’t have much experience with digital gear, as a (retired) analog Audiophile born in the 50’s. I do have a Sonore LVDS i2s converter that I could use if the DAC has a HDMI type I2S input.
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The Airist dac that Drop markets in the Thx stack is highly regarded. At $350 seems like a good deal. I plan on picking one up.
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That looks good. I have heard a couple of ladder DACs that were very pleasant and resolving. My only hesitation with it is that if it does not give me something more than the Lyr 3 (I.E. balanced output) I might try to use the Lyr’s DAC section to feed the THX. I am not sure if there would be any impedance or power issues in doing this, so that will be on my list.
Thanks for the recommendation.
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I think fans of the current r2r are hoping that Drop releases a balanced version. That seems promising if current owners want a balanced version of a dac they already own. Good luck with the search.
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I think the Airist R-2R is a great deal if you like a “sweeter” sound, I’m a big fan of it, but it definitely is “syrupy” though.
Drop also has the balanced SDAC for a great price, but you might have to wait on shipping…
Outside of those two, and going off balanced and your budget…
SMSL or Topping will probably be the only two that would have balanced and around your budget…
The next step up in balanced DACs in my opinion is the new Schiit Bifrost, or RME ADI-2DAC…those two are all anyone would ever really need in a DAC…once again in my opinion 
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a few hours ago, I recieved the shipment information - my 789(may drop) is on its way 
plan on using my ifi xDSD as balanced DAC and get the Airist R-2R later this year
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I run my 789 with the smsl su-8 
wait I’m starting to repeat myself please ignore…
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I use it with a Topping D70, would recommend !
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