Monolith THX AAA 887 Headphone Amplifier - Official Thread

Note:

I started a thread in the :slight_smile:

What Makes “Stuff” Fatiguing?

To carry on the discussion on why some stuff is fatiguing to you vs others…

:>)

Alex

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A few months ago the measuring guy(A… something with all the Sinad stuff) did a test (THX AAA 789)
in the comments was something you could search here
Not sure amymore… if I remember correctly the summary was “mediocre parts inside with some Potential for upgrades though very clean sound”
They had some pictures made from the insides
Maybe you find there more information about the other THX units

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yeah thanks I read all his stuff FWIW…no real data that I am looking for, its most likely going to be THX’s secret for awhile…

Let’s not forget the cheapest and smallest (therefore best for me :wink:) SMSL SP200 THX amp!
I think I paid like $250 on Black Friday sale ($289 now), which is a crazy deal.

SMSL SP200 VS Massdrop THX-789 VS Benchmark HPA4

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Hi JonL!

If I remember correctly the reviewer gave points (0-100)
for different characteristics and all three were very close in his opinion. Sounds to me, it is more about features, the formfactor, available or not and your budget. For 789 owners it makes no sense to switch, right?
250 for the entry - beeing able to power a good amount of most headphones is remarkable- not talking about special sound preferences

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I think only you can answer that question, but I wouldn’t.
I bought the SMSL on a whim because it was on sale, was much smaller than other THX amps, AND because it is the only THX amp that does not use a DC power input (with DC power brick).

SMSL uses regular power cord IEC input, which I can use to change the sound signature with various power cords I have on hand.

What’s ironic is I also bought an expensive 300B SET tube amp because Stereophile review reported it was awesome with Abyss 1266 Phi TC, but my Abyss spends most time on the puny SMSL SP200 because I prefer that black coffee type of presentation :thinking:

AbyssSMSL by drjlo2, on Flickr

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oh I was just trying to summarize up his recab of the comparison- my fault. I better use “…” the next time.

For some like me, often a video is not always “office friendly” :wink:
So I tend to read my informations most of the day
As it happened with this video, I saw it not long ago.

Ah is see your TC- does it get enough power out of the THX? What a crazy combo
“Black Coffee like presentation” - I’ll remeber that

Sitting here this am listening via PC----B2----887…Clears…and smiling and in the groove!! Then I said to myself " gosh this balanced output from this amp is REALLY GREAT!"…then I looked over and saw the Clears were plugged into the SE out!!!

OMG, what does that tell you!!

Dont answer!!

:>)

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I once did that between the THX AAA 789 and Loxjie P20, both balanced mode. Many sources were produced on inferior equipment or by less than perfect engineers, so it may truly not matter.

So, I spread my hobby budget to other areas…

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HI there everyone, I recently ordered the 887 with a Schiit Modius and Focal Stellia for my first balanced desktop setup and should have everything on hand in the next 2 days.

I hope the warmth of the Modius, clean/punchy power of the 887 and warmer tonality of the Stellia are synergistic. Once I have spent some time with the 887 I will post my impressions.

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A bit off topic, or maybe adjacent… Anyone have any experience with this?

This amp is currently on sale.

Late to the party, but how do you like the 887 with the Modius? I’ve been looking for a new DAC to pair with my 887, but haven’t picked one up yet.

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That definitely helps, I really appreciate the reply!

This amp is on sale again:
image

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Drop THX AAA 789 has been at $249 for a couple weeks. I think the market for ultra technical amps is saturated, and/or many people are moving on to more laid back and comfortable listening amps. [My 789 is literally boxed up.]

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Agreed. Too many options nowadays and this THX hype is finally fading away.

For whoever that is still keeping and eye on this amp, I’d wait until it gets 50% off. I have seen this discount for other amps (e.g.: Liquid Platinum) and there’s a good chance it happens for the 887 as well. 25% off is the all time low – I think – I’ve seen this amp, but it’s just not enough in today’s market.

Cheers. :beers:

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I guess now is safe to say that the hype is officially gone for this amp:
image

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