Drop + THX AAA 789 Linear Headphone Amplifier - Desktop Amp with Balanced XLR and Single-Ended RCA Inputs
Brand | DROP |
Color | Black |
Compatible Devices | Desktop |
Material | Aluminum |
Output Wattage | 6 Watts |
About this item
- The World’s Most Linear Amplifier Announced At Ces 2018, The Drop + Thx Achromatic Audio Amplifier (Thx Aaa) 789 Is A Linear Bipolar Amplifier With Feed-Forward Error Correction
- Fatigue-Free Listening Made In Collaboration With Thx Ltd , It Features The Company’S Groundbreaking Thx Aaa And Feed-Forward Topology, Which Reduce Distortion By 20 To 40 Db For Realistic, Fatigue-Free Listening.
- Thx Aaa Technology Capable Of Driving Any Headphones, Including High-Impedance, High-Current, And High-Sensitivity Types, The Thx Aaa 789 Amp Transmits The Original Audio In Its Purest Possible Form.
- Additional Features Each Channel Of The Thx Aaa 789 Amp Is Equipped With A Low-Bias Class-Ab Main Amplifier And An Auxiliary Error-Correction Amplifier, The Former Providing The Majority Of The Power And The Latter Providing A Realtime Low-Power Error-Correction Signal.
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Product Description
THE WORLD’S MOST LINEAR AMPLIFIER
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. Made in collaboration with THX Ltd., it features the company’s groundbreaking THX AAA and feed-forward topology, which reduce distortion by 20 to 40 dB for realistic, fatigue-free listening. In fact, this bridged-output amp’s performance figures speak for themselves: It’s powerful (2 x 6W at 32 ohms) and quiet (136 dB SNR) with a record-low THD of -140 dB at 300 ohms, 100 mW. That’s four times the power of the Objective 2 amp, for example, with far less distortion.
THX AAA TECHNOLOGY
Capable of driving any headphones, including high-impedance, high-current, and high-sensitivity types, the THX AAA 789 amp transmits the original audio in its purest possible form. That’s thanks in large part to THX AAA technology, which reduces harmonic, intermodulation, and crossover distortions. Virtually every conventional amplifier distorts significantly when driving current into a headphone, producing crossover distortion that fatigues the listener. The engineers at THX set out to solve this problem—and to deliver the performance of a class-A amplifier without the heat and weight—and THX AAA technology was born.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Each channel of the THX AAA 789 amp is equipped with a low-bias class-AB main amplifier and an auxiliary error-correction amplifier, the former providing the majority of the power and the latter providing a realtime low-power error-correction signal. These work together to null all distortion components. Additionally, the product’s low quiescent current minimizes wasted power. Finally, the THX AAA 789 has multiple gain level settings to optimize for headphone and earphone listening.
ABOUT THX LTD.
Founded by legendary filmmaker George Lucas in 1983, THX Ltd. and its partners provide premium entertainment experiences in the cinema, in the home, and on the go. Over the past 30 years, THX has expanded its certification categories beyond studios and cinemas to consumer electronics, content, and automotive systems. Today, THX continues to redefine entertainment, providing exciting new technologies of experiences with superior quality and high performance that ensure the artist's vision is truthfully delivered to audiences worldwide. Fun fact: Composed by Lucasfilm sound engineer Dr. James “Andy” Moorer and screened at the start of the 1983 premiere of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, THX Deep Note remains one of the most recognizable sonic identities to this day.
SPECIFICATIONS
Inputs: | Stereo XLR-3 gold-plated Neutrik; Stereo RCA gold-plated |
Outputs: | 1/4 in (6.35 mm) TRS gold-plated Neutrik; 3.5 mm TRS gold-plated; XLR-4 balanced gold-plated |
Frequency response: | + 0.01 dB / - 0.03 dB 20 Hz–20 kHz; + 0.05 dB / - 0.15 dB 10 Hz–50 kHz |
Input impedance: | 50 kOhms balanced or unbalanced |
Chassis: | High-grade CNC-milled aluminum with bead-blasted finish |
Power supply: | 24 VDC inline brick, universal input 100–240 VAC |
Dimensions: | 8.3 x 9.1 x 2.2 in (210 x 230 x 57 mm) |
Weight: | 3.4 lbs (1,520 g) |
Drop + THX AAA One Amplifier | Drop + THX AAA 789 Amplifier | Drop + Grace Designs Standard DAC Balanced | Drop Objective 2 Headphone AMP: Desktop Edition (Standard) | |
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Component Type: | THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier with preamp output | THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier | Standard DAC Balanced | Desktop Amplifier |
Frequency response: | + 0.01 dB / - 0.03 dB 20 Hz – 20 kHz | + 0.01 dB / - 0.03 dB 20 Hz–20 kHz; + 0.05 dB / - 0.15 dB 10 Hz–50 kHz | +/-0.1 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz) | |
Maximum power: | Single-Ended Output: (16 ohms): 1500 mW, (32 ohms): 2,700 mW, (300 ohms): 280 mW, (600 ohms): 140 mW | Balanced: (16 ohms): 6000 mW - (600 ohms): 400 mW. Sindle-Ended: (16 ohms): 3000 mW - (600 ohms): 100 mW | (33 ohms): 613 mW - (600 ohms): 88 mW | |
Output impedance: | Single-Ended: < 0.1 ohms | Balanced: < 0.1 ohms / Single-Ended: < 0.05 ohms | Balanced | Single-Ended: 0.54 ohms |
Gain: | 0.25x , 1.0x, 4.0x (-12, 0, +12 dB), selectable via front switch | Balanced: 0.66x , 2.0x, 6.6x (-4, +6, +16 dB) / Single-Ended: 0.33x , 1.0x, 3.3x (-10, 0, +10 dB) | 2.5x and 6.5x (Standard) - Recommended for higher impedance headphones, or if your source is weak (less than 2V output). | |
Input: | Stereo RCA gold-plated | Stereo XLR-3 gold-plated Neutrik; Stereo RCA gold-plated | Coaxial connector for SPDIF (IEC-60958) audio input, USB 2.0/1.0 input type-B | RCA |
Outputs: | 1/4 in (6.35 mm), TRS gold-plated Neutrik, Stereo RCA preamp gold-plated | 1/4 in (6.35 mm) TRS gold-plated Neutrik; 3.5 mm TRS gold-plated; XLR-4 balanced gold-plated | 3.5mm stereo line output jack (2.15VRMS), 3-pin XLR balanced line output(4.3VRMS) | 1/4 in (6.35 mm) |
Power Supply: | 30 VDC inline brick, universal input 100 – 240 VAC | 24 VDC inline brick, universal input 100–240 VAC | USB bus-powered design | Battery (not included) or 120V AC adapter (included) |
Dimensions: | 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.5 in / (207 x 206 x 39 mm) | 8.3 x 9.1 x 2.2 in / (210 x 230 x 57 mm) | 3.9 x 4.1 x 1.2 in / (100 x 104 x 30 mm) | 4.12 x 3.87 x 1.12 in / (105 x 98 x 29 mm) |
Weight: | 2.6 lbs (1,300 g) | 3.4 lbs (1,520 g) | 7.44 oz (210.8 g) | 9 oz (255 g) |
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 8.3 x 9.1 x 2.2 inches |
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Item Weight | 3.4 pounds |
ASIN | B08231S6LP |
Item model number | DROP + THX AAA 789 |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Date First Available | September 23, 2019 |
Manufacturer | DROP |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, sound quality, appearance and condition of the musical instrument amplifier. For example they mention it performs admirably, has super nice clean sound and the noise floor is nonexistent. That said some complain about the power.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the musical instrument amplifier. They mention that it is clean and powerful, performs admirably, and is an amazing amp. It has enough power to satisfy their headphone's needs, and there is no distortion. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...Great buy." Read more
"...What it does, it does VERY well. I have a Cambridge Audio DACMagic Plus running to this with Amazon Basics balanced cables, and USB from my laptop...." Read more
"...This amp reminds me of the gilmore lite but with low power usage, adjustable gain, and single ended and balanced outputs for phones AND line out...." Read more
"...This amp performs admirably, and is my new benchmark to test all other amps against. It sounds way better than its price would suggest...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the sound quality of the amplifier. They mention that it is perfect for aryas and produces super nice clean sound. They also appreciate the noise floor being nonexistent, even with IEMs.
"...The point is, it sounded good out of the box, but with a few tweeks it is even more enjoyable. Great buy." Read more
"...It sounds REALLY good. In fact, I think the Sennheisers sound BETTER in this combo than the B&W P9s (the reverse was true with the Peachtree)!..." Read more
"(Positive)+Lots of Power+Excellent Noise Floor(Neutral)+/- Clean Sound+/- Balanced(Negative)-..." Read more
"...It sounds way better than its price would suggest. I use balanced out exclusively to take advantage of its full 6w of power...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the amplifier. They mention it's a clean beautiful amplifier, has enough power to satisfy their needs, and has a very nice design. Some say that it goes great with their topping D90 and Denon AH-D7000's.
"...Goes great with my topping D90 and denon ah-d7000's. The jds atom was making my last set of headphones sound shouty and unbalanced...." Read more
"...I don't mean it in a bad way, it is just incredibly clean. Maybe too clean...." Read more
"Definitely clean but I would say if you're not using the "balanced XLR" output and balanced in with a 4v Dac source you might not be getting enough..." Read more
"...a versatile amp that’s affordable, has balanced XLR output and is as clean and neutral as possible this is your best bet...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the condition of the musical instrument amplifier. They mention that it is an incredible value and that the unit arrived in excellent condition.
"...I think this is an incredible value...." Read more
"...This headphone amp has exceeded my expectations and is a bargain at its price." Read more
"...of it as as good of a headphone amp as I could ever want, at the lowest price I could ever expect to pay for this class of sound." Read more
"...Best for the money imo. If you want a versatile amp that’s affordable, has balanced XLR output and is as clean and neutral as possible this is your..." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the power of the musical instrument amplifier. They mention that it shuts off randomly and will not turn back on. Some customers also mention that the amplifier no longer receives enough power to fully power on, and the power on switch failed.
"...a good sound, the problem with the amp failure is because the power on switch failed...." Read more
"...is that I have only had it for just under one month and now it will not even power on past the red led light...." Read more
"...It would no longer receive enough power to fully power on (the led would stay red and never turn white)...." Read more
"Shuts off randomly and will often not turn back on. Almost a daily occurrence...." Read more
Customers are disappointed with the light of the musical instrument amplifier. They mention that the red light would not turn white, and the led would stay red and never turn white.
"...relay wont click to indicate the amp has turned on and the light does not turn white...." Read more
"...It would no longer receive enough power to fully power on (the led would stay red and never turn white)...." Read more
"...The red light would not turn white. Oh well..." Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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After 9 months, a few changes in interconnects and USB cables. I am literally amazed at the sound that I am getting. I think this is an incredible value. I took a USB cable that sounded a bit edgy in my main system, and it actually improved the sound of my desktop system, without a hint of the glare I had been hearing in my other system. This makes no sense to me, but it illustrates that character and tone can be affected by the wires you connect your dac with. Full disclosure, I should mention that I added and AudioQuest Powerquest 3 power conditioner, and it is probably a combination of the two items. The point is, it sounded good out of the box, but with a few tweeks it is even more enjoyable. Great buy.
+Lots of Power
+Excellent Noise Floor
(Neutral)
+/- Clean Sound
+/- Balanced
(Negative)
- Build Quality Questionable
- Volume Potentiometer
- Short warranty
I've used my 789 for thousands of hours at this point. This was my first high-end amplifier, and initially, I was very pleased with my purchase. As a benchmark of good clean sound, the 789 is pretty much the gold standard. This is quite literally a double-edged sword, the 789 is so clean it seems to lack soul. I don't mean it in a bad way, it is just incredibly clean. Maybe too clean. It drives everything I've used with it very well, the build quality is meh, the buttons are not the nicest, and the volume potentiometer is unreliable. A potential fix to the potentiometer is to leave it at 100% volume and adjust line levels accordingly. The case doesn't sit totally flush. None of these things have impacted operation, but at this price, they shouldn't have these flaws which seem common according to other critical reviews.
It is totally clean sounding, very resolving, I'd say very close to 'neutral'. Conversely, it is not warm at all, in fact some say it's cold and clinical. I'd say its sound simply reflects everything else you have in the chain. I've tried numerous different cables and various tweaks upstream, and heard discernible differences every time I did. Just shows how revealing this little amp is. I'd say it's worth to own even as a secondary amp, but I'm using it as my primary and would have to justify spending 5-10x its cost for a 'better' amp. Not saying this is TOTL endgame, but surprisingly good in its own right. For $300? In this crazy $$$ headphone game? No brainer.
Tip: If your existing gear tends toward bright or lean, this amp might exacerbate those traits. Also, I added Mapleshade 2" footers underneath and brass weights on top, which to my ears sounds much fuller and more to my liking.
Top reviews from other countries
It runs very cool and has an auto power-off function.
Compared to my Dragonfly DAC/AMP, I can run a wider range of headphones with more detail and resolution.
Compared to my Shanling Class A amp, it is not as dark sounding and bass is not as emphasized or as warm sounding. It is also more silent with IEMs.
Compared to my Hifiman tube amp, it is more silent with a blacker background, but does not have the same atmospheric affect.
Overall it is now my favourite headphone amp, but I still prefer the Hifiman tube amp with my planar magnetics to bring out their delicate life-like affect with vocals, and the Shangling class-A amp with more bass-heavy music.
Update: please be aware that the XLR input cannot be outputted via the SE bypass output. The SE output only works with the SE input.
Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2021
Update: please be aware that the XLR input cannot be outputted via the SE bypass output. The SE output only works with the SE input.