SMSL M500 MKIII DAC & Amp Review

[Jimbob54]

Love the price, but in reading the review, the 4.4mm headphone output does not look like it a balanced output either.

Correct. Just out of interest , what headphones do you have/ will get? Balanced connection in and of itself buys nothing for a pair of headphones unless its to get more power into them.

 

[Jimbob54]

Interestingly, their website says the 4.4mm is balanced. I did not get that impression from Amirs review but I might have misinterpreted it

Lets just say sometimes some manufacturers websites arent as thoroughly fact checked as we would always like. Regardless, multiple sites report the output power is the same from either output.

 

[vitop]

Correct. Just out of interest , what headphones do you have/ will get? Balanced connection in and of itself buys nothing for a pair of headphones unless its to get more power into them.

I currently have a pair of STAX headphones, but the extra amp, etc is taking up too much room and I am going to go to either a pair of Meze Empyeans or a one of the HIFIMans planer headphones.

 

[Ceez]

I picked up an M500 MkIII last year after favorable reviews here and elsewhere. Despite some minor quibbles with the UI, I enjoyed it a great deal and had been using it for both headphone duties and to feed my speakers. That's until it started acting up, with the audio output randomly stopping, requiring a restart or switching between inputs to fix temporarily. Oddly, even though the output would stop, my PC would not lose connection to the DAC (USB) which seemed to indicate that it wasn't on the connection side that the issue came from. A firmware update to the latest one available made no difference.

I contacted SMSL as it's under warranty, and initially received no response. It took a couple of emails to finally hear back, although when they did finally get back to me, they told me to send it in so I could get a replacement. They've had it now for almost a month, and I've yet to receive any tracking information for the replacement, despite inquiring now twice. Frankly curious if I'll even get it back at this point, but I figure I'll keep trying for a bit longer.

I'm semi-peeved about the whole thing, as I frankly expected better from a 500 dollar device, both in regards to the device itself, but also the level of customer service and how much it seems that it requires constant prodding to get anything done. Although of course, I'm still without my supposed replacement.
Prior to this, I would have gladly recommended the M500, it looks nice, it sounds great (when it's working, natch), but given the issues with apparent longevity and the customer service... That's pretty difficult for me at this point.

Sorry you had to go through that. My M500 MkII just started exhibiting the exact same behavior, and on SMSL's Amazon page for the MkII many others complain about the same thing. I hoped SMSL would have resolved it with the Mk III, but your case proves otherwise. My bet is the power supply module (the only relay in the M500 that could make the clicking sound), and it seems the MkIII uses the same one. Even though my MkII is past its warranty period, SMSL replied quickly and said they will fix it if I send it to them. How is your replacement is doing?

 

[Thx1326]

Is anyone here have any experience in feeding these DAC's from a Raspberry Pi4 music server? I'm trying to find a good quality add-on board for the RPi4 that has a high quality USB, Coax and or Toslink connection to go to the DAC. An suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kchap]

Is anyone here have any experience in feeding these DAC's from a Raspberry Pi4 music server? I'm trying to find a good quality add-on board for the RPi4 that has a high quality USB, Coax and or Toslink connection to go to the DAC. An suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Is you are using a Rpi4b (and I think the Rpi3b) you would be better off sticking with usb. I have several Rpi4b with usb DACs and have had no issues.

 

[Nutul]

Is anyone here have any experience in feeding these DAC's from a Raspberry Pi4 music server? I'm trying to find a good quality add-on board for the RPi4 that has a high quality USB, Coax and or Toslink connection to go to the DAC. An suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

The issue here is that the Pi3 shared the bus with USB and ethernet. This is no longer true for the Pi4.

 

[Thx1326]

Thanks for the answer.... A couple of follow-up questions: Will the following scenario work properly?

RPI4 running Logitech Music Server and PiCore Player will be connected to an external USB DAC via one USB 3.0 port. A Crucial X6 4tb external SSD will be connected to the other USB 3.0 port with all FLAC files. This RPI4 will be connected hardwired to network via ethernet. The external DAC will be connected via RCA to System 1. A Logitech SqueezeBox Touch will be hardwired to the same network via ethernet and then connected to via RCA to System 2.

Questions:

1. This should allow both System 1 and 2 to access and stream music from the Crucial SSD connected to the RPI4?

2. Will PiCore Player run on Android Phone and Tablet to control System 1?

3. Will PiCore Player on the same Android devices control the SBT on System 2 or will I need other software? I also have the SBT factory remote. Suggestions?

4. Also, on the RPI4, is there a way to turn off the USB2.0 and HDMI ports?

5. Will a fan be beneficial in the RPI4 case or will it create "noise" on the USB Port?

Am I missing anything or should this work?

All suggestions are welcome and thanks in advance for your help!

Happy New Year!

 

[Nutul]

Thanks for the answer.... A couple of follow-up questions: Will the following scenario work properly?

RPI4 running Logitech Music Server and PiCore Player will be connected to an external USB DAC via one USB 3.0 port. A Crucial X6 4tb external SSD will be connected to the other USB 3.0 port with all FLAC files. This RPI4 will be connected hardwired to network via ethernet. The external DAC will be connected via RCA to System 1. A Logitech SqueezeBox Touch will be hardwired to the same network via ethernet and then connected to via RCA to System 2.

Questions:

1. This should allow both System 1 and 2 to access and stream music from the Crucial SSD connected to the RPI4?

2. Will PiCore Player run on Android Phone and Tablet to control System 1?

3. Will PiCore Player on the same Android devices control the SBT on System 2 or will I need other software? I also have the SBT factory remote. Suggestions?

4. Also, on the RPI4, is there a way to turn off the USB2.0 and HDMI ports?

5. Will a fan be beneficial in the RPI4 case or will it create "noise" on the USB Port?

Am I missing anything or should this work?

All suggestions are welcome and thanks in advance for your help!

Happy New Year!

Hmm, see if I can help, at least a little.
First of all, you probably want the DAC connected to a USB2.0 port, but you'll say. It may or not be recognized on a 3.0 port. YMMV, not a big issue.
1. to my knowledge, yes.
2. have no clue, but if it acts as a LMS control point it should.
3. as per 2. it should, as it will see any device on the LAN as LMS endpoint.
4. you have no need of this, but at least for the USB hubs (READ: not the single ports, the set of 2, either both the 2.0 or both the 3.0) yes, there is - it is not permanent (after a reboot you'll need to disable them again, and yes, it is a matter of issuing commands on the console via SSH, or to create a script that gets run automatically at boot and does the job for you - but again, I don't see the reason why...). For HDMI there could be the same kind of commands, but ATM I am not aware of them.
5. the need for the fan depends on the case, I have my Pi4 in the case for the official 7'' display, no fan, only heat-sinks, and it stays comfortably at about 50/55 C. I cannot tell if it might introduce noise on the USB, but consider this: the DACs using UAC2.0 (almost all of them nowadays) are immune to the noise because the stream is not being forced by the Pi into the DAC - as per UAC1.0 - but instead it is a) requested by the DAC in chunks as it sees fit, and b) it is reclocked on the DAC side. It is true that your Pi will be under bigger load (PCP + LMS) than mine (just moOde player) so you may want to monitor it for a while, and connect a fan only if its temperature reaches trespasses 60C.

Please, consider my answers with a grain of salt, especially those about LMS (I am not an expert, most probably you'll find more help in the PiCorePlayer documentation about its LMS server / client capabilities), as I said I am confident it should, but cannot guarantee 100%.

HTH
Cheers, Al.

 

[Vyscerath]

Sorry you had to go through that. My M500 MkII just started exhibiting the exact same behavior, and on SMSL's Amazon page for the MkII many others complain about the same thing. I hoped SMSL would have resolved it with the Mk III, but your case proves otherwise. My bet is the power supply module (the only relay in the M500 that could make the clicking sound), and it seems the MkIII uses the same one. Even though my MkII is past its warranty period, SMSL replied quickly and said they will fix it if I send it to them. How is your replacement is doing?

Hi everybody!

I originally bought an MkII in 2022/03 and I was very satisfied with it for almost a year, then the sound started to cut out sometimes with crackling and other noises. I wrote to SMSL on Amazon and got the unit replaced eventually (with another MkII).

Fast forward another year -> the replacement unit started doing the same thing again. I don't remember how long the warranty is, but I wrote them on Amazon again, but have no reply as of yet.

Currently I'd say there is a major issue somewhere, if even the MkIII has the same behaviour, probably only recommendable if you want to spend 400-500 EUR/USD for a product which only lasts a year.

Cheers,

Bjoern

 

[3dcnc]

Hi everybody!

I originally bought an MkII in 2022/03 and I was very satisfied with it for almost a year, then the sound started to cut out sometimes with crackling and other noises. I wrote to SMSL on Amazon and got the unit replaced eventually (with another MkII).

Fast forward another year -> the replacement unit started doing the same thing again. I don't remember how long the warranty is, but I wrote them on Amazon again, but have no reply as of yet.

Currently I'd say there is a major issue somewhere, if even the MkIII has the same behaviour, probably only recommendable if you want to spend 400-500 EUR/USD for a product which only lasts a year.

Cheers,

Bjoern

Can I ask what connections were you using when it broke. : XLR or RCA? were you using the headphone amp regularly? I have the Mk2 ( no issues for 1.5 years using RCA no headphone usage) I have just ordered Mk3

 

[3dcnc]

I picked up an M500 MkIII last year after favorable reviews here and elsewhere. Despite some minor quibbles with the UI, I enjoyed it a great deal and had been using it for both headphone duties and to feed my speakers. That's until it started acting up, with the audio output randomly stopping, requiring a restart or switching between inputs to fix temporarily. Oddly, even though the output would stop, my PC would not lose connection to the DAC (USB) which seemed to indicate that it wasn't on the connection side that the issue came from. A firmware update to the latest one available made no difference.

I contacted SMSL as it's under warranty, and initially received no response. It took a couple of emails to finally hear back, although when they did finally get back to me, they told me to send it in so I could get a replacement. They've had it now for almost a month, and I've yet to receive any tracking information for the replacement, despite inquiring now twice. Frankly curious if I'll even get it back at this point, but I figure I'll keep trying for a bit longer.

I'm semi-peeved about the whole thing, as I frankly expected better from a 500 dollar device, both in regards to the device itself, but also the level of customer service and how much it seems that it requires constant prodding to get anything done. Although of course, I'm still without my supposed replacement.
Prior to this, I would have gladly recommended the M500, it looks nice, it sounds great (when it's working, natch), but given the issues with apparent longevity and the customer service... That's pretty difficult for me at this point.

Can i ask how you connected to amp/speakers : XLR or RCA?

 

[Vyscerath]

My M500 MkII was connected to XLR. RCA is unbearable in terms of background noise/static (but this has nothing to do with the SMSL unit). I used the headphone amp around ~20-30% of the time, but I was generally using the unit very much, around 4-8 hours a day.

In my case, SMSL was forthcoming and we agreed to replace my MkII with a newer MkIII and extend the warranty for another year. I hope this one holds up better.

 

[worms]

I'm currently keeping an SMSL M500-3 at home, and I'm very impressed with how this kit plays with my IEM. This is a product I would be willing to splurge on, as it meets all my expectations.
I previously enjoyed the K11, K7, DX5, K9Pro ESS. None impressed me as fully as the M500-3 just did.
I'm not saying that the earlier ones are bad , but there was always something missing in them for me in terms of technical operation( display, DSD512, remote control).
I am also coming to the conclusion that the sound I get from the M500-3 with my IEM is the fullest and gives me the most fun. This sound also has the best depth, three dimensionality, compared to the others.
These are just my impressions, after what I have heard.
What concerns I have , is the warranty, but I hope that if I take a chance it will serve me for a long time.
What I would like more in the development of the M500-3. even more stage in depth and width, more power. I am afraid that if in the future I buy better headphones such as HD800s it would be too weak.
I intend, if it works out, to check out some more Aune s9c, Fiio R9, K19, Tooping DX9.
These are already equipment that perform nicely on paper and in reviews I've seen on YT, just curious if I'll hear it and how much the principle of increasing costs, decreasing profits works here. Which I noted when comparing the K9Pro ESS vs M500-3.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

 

[3dcnc]

I'm currently keeping an SMSL M500-3 at home, and I'm very impressed with how this kit plays with my IEM. This is a product I would be willing to splurge on, as it meets all my expectations.
I previously enjoyed the K11, K7, DX5, K9Pro ESS. None impressed me as fully as the M500-3 just did.
I'm not saying that the earlier ones are bad , but there was always something missing in them for me in terms of technical operation( display, DSD512, remote control).
I am also coming to the conclusion that the sound I get from the M500-3 with my IEM is the fullest and gives me the most fun. This sound also has the best depth, three dimensionality, compared to the others.
These are just my impressions, after what I have heard.
What concerns I have , is the warranty, but I hope that if I take a chance it will serve me for a long time.
What I would like more in the development of the M500-3. even more stage in depth and width, more power. I am afraid that if in the future I buy better headphones such as HD800s it would be too weak.
I intend, if it works out, to check out some more Aune s9c, Fiio R9, K19, Tooping DX9.
These are already equipment that perform nicely on paper and in reviews I've seen on YT, just curious if I'll hear it and how much the principle of increasing costs, decreasing profits works here. Which I noted when comparing the K9Pro ESS vs M500-3.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

or just first get a dedicated headphone amp. i dont really use headphones at home ( only on the go) , but i think this is the slight weakness of this unit. Its probably very good, but wont compete with a dedicated amp.

 

[worms]

What does a dedicated headphone amplifier mean?
Can you give some examples?
I am looking for equipment for Pc, listening to music and gaming.

 

[staticV3]

What does a dedicated headphone amplifier mean?
Can you give some examples?

Topping L30II, JDS Atom Amp 2, Schiit Magni Unity.

 

[3dcnc]

What does a dedicated headphone amplifier mean?
Can you give some examples?
I am looking for equipment for Pc, listening to music and gaming.

​

Amp with no dac, like SMSL HO150X, Smsl Ho200, Smsl Ho300 or topping a30 pro. you already have a good dac. extra amp power will be an advantage to sound. IMHO

I ordered Topping G5 , for mobile use. Like to sit in coffee shops listening to music, while people watching.

 

[worms]

Topping L30II, JDS Atom Amp 2, Schiit Magni Unity.

​

Amp with no dac, like SMSL HO150X, Smsl Ho200, Smsl Ho300 or topping a30 pro. you already have a good dac. extra amp power will be an advantage to sound. IMHO

I ordered Topping G5 , for mobile use. Like to sit in coffee shops listening to music, while people watching.

Thank you gentlemen for your response.
But I don't think I'm getting it, but when I get off the computer, I think I need some sort of DAC, preferably under usb?
So the split units will be better than the M500-3 for a similar amount?
They must have display, DSD512 support, no lag in games(sound-image), mqa, similar tone or even better a development on the plus side of the M500-3.

 

[3dcnc]

Thank you gentlemen for your response.
But I don't think I'm getting it, but when I get off the computer, I think I need some sort of DAC, preferably under usb?
So the split units will be better than the M500-3 for a similar amount?
They must have display, DSD512 support, no lag in games(sound-image), mqa, similar tone or even better a development on the plus side of the M500-3.

You said you already had SMSL M500-3 at home . This is a DAC and headphone amp combination.
You can use SMSL M500-3 just as a DAC . Then get a better headphone amp.