Don't mean to go off topic but are you happy with the AO200? Did you also consider SMSL DA-9 and if so, just wondering why you picked the AO200? FYI, I'm considering one of those two models for my next purchase. Already have the SMSL SU-9n which I'm very happy with.
Yes, I am happy with the AO200. The primary reason I chose the AO200 over the DA-9 was availability in Canada. I could buy the AO200 directly through Amazon.ca and for the DA-9 I would have had to order from the US or Ali Express and I was more confident in not having any delivery unknowns with Amazon.ca. Sorry, probably not all that helpful in making your decision. I did also watch a few YouTube reviews and their comments, while subjective, also helped in my decision. That said if I already had the SU-9n I would probably be inclined to go the route of the DA-9 since they match, unless for some reason you need two sub-out connections.
they took your joke seriously and responded by making this one.....if you say that DO100 is still too much, SMSL will gladly respond and release a DO50 the next month and ure in the loop..... this release of new DAC craze must end and instead of asking for more we must say we had enough -- enuf is enuf. Every member on ASR has at least three SMSL DACs and we have to ask ourselves, do we need a new DAC?
Fortunately, so far, my count is only one SMSL DAC (plus one Topping DAC and an Allo hat)
. I was hoping that the DO100 would incorporate a new AKM chip and was a bit disappointed when I realized that it is the same chip configuration as a Topping D50s. I may end up still buying one for the balanced output we shall see. My preference would be a new version of a Topping D30, a very simple DAC with a high quality chip, no display, no filters, no preamp section, no remote, no MQA, XLR output and internal power. You know, you are right they could call it the SMSL DO50!My preference would be a new version of a Topping D30, a very simple DAC with a high quality chip, no display, no filters, no preamp section, no remote, no MQA, XLR output and internal power. You know, you are right they could call it the SMSL DO50!
Not a fan of Micro USB; I already have that on my SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII which has similar performance (same DAC chip) sans the XLR. Comparing the two ASR reviews the10th MKII unbalanced SINAD is virtually identical to the Modius XLR balanced.
I am looking forward to hearing your impressions, both for the DO100 and AO200 combination and a comparison with the SU-6. I have my suspicions, that for the audio configurations that I own, there wouldn't be a significant audible difference between either DAC and my Sanskrit 10th MKII . I expect that many on this forum are in the same boat regarding the number of systems we own.
Shenzhenaudio - SMSL SU-6 and SH-6
I like what you're thinking by pairing the DO100 with the AO200! For my office I'm wanting to add the flexibility of using headphones when people are around, hence the desire to see the O100 series rounded out with a power amp.
