SMSL VMV P2

Balanced headphone amplifier and preamplifier

The SMSL VMV P2 is a balanced desktop headphone amp that doubles as a preamp, designed to drive every kind of headphone, from the most sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs) to demanding planar and high-impedance headphones. Its fully balanced architecture and some of the lowest distortion figures on the market make it a transparent link that delivers music without coloring it.

Balanced architecture and power reserve

The VMV P2 is built on a fully balanced architecture organized around 4 ultra-low-distortion PLFC (precision linear feedback) circuits. The output stage combines 99 low-noise op-amps in parallel, allowing it to deliver plenty of current: up to 2 x 12 W into 16 Ω, 2 x 6 W into 32 Ω and still 2 x 700 mW into 300 Ω. With -123 dB THD+N (0.00006%) and a 133 dB signal-to-noise ratio, it is one of the headphone amps recommended by Audio Science Review, whose measurements confirmed near-perfect performance and the ability to drive any headphone.

From planar headphones to sensitive IEMs

Three gain levels, selectable on the rear panel, match the unit to each headphone. Low gain is optimized for sensitive IEMs, with an inaudible noise floor, while high gain provides the voltage needed by planar magnetic and high-impedance headphones. The volume potentiometer was specially designed to reduce channel imbalance, even at low volume, where most potentiometers reach their limits. A near-0 Ω output impedance ensures optimal driver control and a frequency response that does not change with the connected headphone.

Preamp and complete connectivity

Beyond headphone listening, the VMV P2 serves as a high-end preamp for a power amplifier or active speakers, thanks to its balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA pre-outs. It accepts both XLR and RCA sources and offers three headphone outputs: balanced 4.4 mm, balanced 4-pin XLR and unbalanced 6.35 mm jack. It pairs naturally with the SMSL VMV D2R DAC, which shares the same design, to form a coherent DAC and headphone amp stack.

Build quality and reliability

The CNC-machined aluminum chassis, tempered glass front panel and retro-style toggle switches give the VMV P2 a refined presentation. At 3.25 kg, it stays perfectly stable on the desk, even when plugging in stiff cables. Quality relays ensure pop-free power-on, and DC, overvoltage and overload protection safeguard your headphones and speakers. The high-efficiency, low-noise internal power supply keeps power consumption below 60 W.

Technical specifications

• Type: headphone amplifier and preamplifier, fully balanced architecture
• Amplification circuits: 4 PLFC (precision linear feedback) circuits, 99 low-noise op-amps in parallel
• Output power: 2 x 12 W / 16 Ω; 2 x 6 W / 32 Ω; 2 x 700 mW / 300 Ω; 2 x 350 mW / 600 Ω
• THD+N: -123 dB / 0.00006% (1 kHz, 32 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 133 dB
• Dynamic range: 133 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 100 kHz (-0.5 dB)
• Unbalanced gain: -9 / 0 / +18 dB
• Balanced gain: -3 / +6 / +24 dB
• Inputs: balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ
• Headphone outputs: balanced 4.4 mm, balanced 4-pin XLR, unbalanced 6.35 mm jack
• Headphone output impedance: near 0 Ω
• Preamp outputs: balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA
• Preamp output impedance: 44 Ω (balanced) / 22 Ω (unbalanced)
• Protection: DC, overvoltage, overload; relay-based pop-free power-on
• Power supply: internal, high-efficiency and low-noise
• Power consumption: < 60 W
• Certification: Hi-Res Audio (JAS)
• Construction: CNC-machined aluminum chassis, tempered glass front panel, toggle switches
• Dimensions: 280 x 51 x 235.7 mm
• Weight: 3.25 kg
• In the box: VMV P2, power cable, manual