Fully balanced desktop headphone amplifier and preamplifier using a GaN power supply and 99 low noise op amps. 14W per channel into 16 ohms on the balanced outputs, 135dB signal to noise ratio, three gain settings and 4.4mm, 4-Pin XLR and 6.35mm sockets. Brand new, boxed, full manufacturer warranty. The SMSL VMV P2 MKII is a fully balanced headphone amplifier that also works as a reference preamplifier. It is aimed at owners of demanding planar magnetic or high impedance dynamic headphones who want real power without moving to a valve design. This is brand new stock, supplied boxed with the full manufacturer warranty by Dreamcrest Audio as an authorised SMSL dealer. What it does A dedicated headphone amplifier takes the line level output of a converter and drives headphones properly, rather than relying on the small amplifier built into a source component. The P2 MKII accepts balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and offers three headphone sockets, 4.4mm balanced, 4-Pin XLR balanced and 6.35mm unbalanced. Balanced output reaches 14W per channel into 16 ohms and 1W per channel into 300 ohms, so difficult planar headphones are within range. Three gain settings on each output cover sensitive in ear monitors as well as insensitive full size headphones, and balanced and unbalanced preamplifier outputs let the same unit feed active speakers or a power amplifier. How it sounds and where it fits The character here is control rather than colour. With a stated 135dB signal to noise ratio and a headphone output impedance close to zero ohms, sensitive in ear monitors stay quiet at low gain and the tonal balance of the headphone itself is left alone. The power reserves show up most clearly on planar headphones, where bass stays defined at realistic levels. It partners naturally with a balanced converter such as the VMV D2R MKII over XLR, and on a desk it doubles as the system preamplifier. Key features Fully balanced architecture with four precision linear feedback circuits and 99 low noise op amps GaN switching power supply for high efficiency and a low noise floor Three headphone outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 4-Pin XLR balanced and 6.35mm unbalanced Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA preamplifier outputs for active speakers or a power amplifier Three gain settings on both balanced and unbalanced outputs Low temperature drift resistors, relay switching, plus DC, overvoltage and overload protection Technical specifications Inputs: balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA Balanced output power: 14W per channel at 16 ohms, 8W at 32 ohms, 1W at 300 ohms, 500mW at 600 ohms Unbalanced output power: 4W per channel at 16 ohms, 2W at 32 ohms, 300mW at 300 ohms, 150mW at 600 ohms SNR and dynamic range: 135dB THD+N: 0.00006% at 1kHz into 32 ohms Frequency response: 20Hz to 100kHz Input impedance: 47k ohms Power consumption: under 100W Dimensions: 280 x 51 x 235.7 mm. Weight: 3.25kg Frequently asked questions Will it drive planar magnetic headphones? Yes. The balanced outputs deliver 14W per channel into 16 ohms and 8W into 32 ohms, which covers most planar designs. Is it quiet enough for in ear monitors? The low gain setting is minus 9dB on the unbalanced output and minus 3dB on the balanced output, which keeps hiss low with sensitive earphones. Can it replace my preamplifier? Yes. It has balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA preamplifier outputs, so it can feed a power amplifier or active speakers. If you would like to try the VMV P2 MKII with your own headphones, or you want help matching it to a converter, use the enquiry button on this page.
Dreamcrest Audio Fidelity Ltd, Nicosia. Specialist hi-fi and high end audio, 20+ years in the audio business. Full details and photos: https://www.dreamcrestaudio.com/product/smsl-vmv-p2-mkii-balanced-headphone-amplifier-preamp-black-brand-new/
