Introducing the SMSL R100 – R2R High-Resolution Audio DAC

[Kitty (S.M.S.L Marketing)]

Hello ASR members,

We're excited to officially introduce the SMSL R100, our new R2R high-resolution audio DAC designed to redefine the classic analog sound for modern audiophiles and desktop audio enthusiasts.

R100 Design Philosophy: A Tribute to the Classic R-2R Architecture​

The R-2R DAC architecture once represented the pinnacle of digital audio conversion technology. With its natural, realistic, and highly musical sound signature, it became the heart of many legendary high-end audio products. However, true classics should not simply remain in the past.

The SMSL R100 is not a simple reproduction of traditional designs. Instead, it re-examines and unlocks the full potential of classic R-2R technology through modern audio engineering. By combining advanced digital processing, ultra-precise clock management, optimized analog output design, and sophisticated power supply solutions, the R100 allows these legendary DAC chips to achieve a level of performance that exceeds their original era.

We believe that true technological heritage is not about repeating the past, but about understanding its essence and giving it new life with the most advanced technologies available today. This is not only a tribute to a classic technology — it is a new exploration of the ultimate potential of R-2R digital audio.

Every element of the R100 has been carefully considered: this DAC pairs two premium ADI AD1861-J chips in a classic R2R architecture with built-in De-glitch circuit. This advanced design minimizes switching errors, delivering a pure, natural, and deeply musical analog sound.

To ensure uncompromising performance, every unit is individually calibrated via a precision MSB adjustment circuit, utilizing carefully screened J-Grade chips for perfect channel matching. It supports a proprietary USB receiver (up to 768kHz/32-bit), a proprietary DSD conversion algorithm for native high-res playback, and a proprietary SPDIF algorithm to significantly reduce Jitter.

Versatility is at its core, featuring web-based PEQ customization, three switchable sound modes (Direct, EQ1, EQ2), and a custom FIR digital filtering algorithm with 16x oversampling. Building upon the legacy of the flagship VMV D3 platform, its analog filter circuitry ensures transient response and musical detail. Encased in a precision CNC-milled chassis with two oversized transparent viewing windows, this DAC flawlessly merges high-end engineering with elegant modern aesthetics.

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High-Performance U.S. ADI R2R Professional DAC Chips​

The R100 features two high-performance ADI R2R professional DAC chips, AD1861-J, staying true to the core essence of analog audio.The device is equipped with a proprietary, factory-built “De-glitch” circuit that optimizes the signal processing workflow at the core of the analog-to-digital conversion, effectively avoiding and reducing transient errors and signal distortion during conversion, while filtering out excess digital noise and harsh artifacts. This ensures that every audio signal conversion is precise, stable, and pristine, delivering a warm, transparent, and authentic analog listening experience—characterized by a natural, relaxed timbre and a nuanced reproduction of the music's true texture—far removed from the coldness often associated with digital audio.

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Customized Personal Listening Acoustics​

Featuring a convenient web-based PEQ customizable equalizer, the R100 requires no software installation or professional technical knowledge. Simply enter the settings interface through a web browser to fine-tune the sound to your preference.The device provides Direct EQ, EQ1, and EQ2 three independent sound effect storage modes, supporting customized parameter saving. Once your preferred sound settings are tuned, they can be saved with one click, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments.

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Precision Calibration & Comprehensive Engineered Layout​

To ensure uncompromising performance, every unit is individually calibrated via a precision MSB adjustment circuit, utilizing carefully screened J-Grade chips for perfect channel matching. The device supports a proprietary USB receiver (up to 768kHz/32-bit), a proprietary DSD conversion algorithm for native high-res playback, and a proprietary SPDIF algorithm to significantly reduce Jitter.

Furthermore, the entire chassis is crafted using high-precision integrated CNC milling, formed through multiple fine grinding and polishing processes. With clean and minimalist body lines, it combines minimalist aesthetics with hardcore craftsmanship. It is not only a professional audio decoding device but also a highly textured desktop craftsmanship ornament.

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Self-Developed High-Precision Reception Algorithm​

Addressing the pain points of digital audio transmission, the dedicated self-developed high-precision SPDIF receiving algorithm deeply optimizes the digital signal transmission logic, effectively suppressing and reducing the JITTER clock jitter generated during signal transmission. It eliminates issues such as dry sound, blurred soundstage, dynamic compression, and loss of detail caused by clock jitter, making digital signal transmission more accurate and stable. While strengthening the foundation of the sound, it effectively expands the musical soundstage, enhancing the separation and three-dimensionality of the sound, resulting in an overall listening experience that is transparent, solid, and clean.

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Perfect Fusion of Classic R2R and Modern High-Res​

Breaking through the limitations of traditional R2R architecture sources, it incorporates a self-developed DSD high-resolution conversion algorithm, allowing the classic R2R decoding architecture to seamlessly accommodate DSD high-resolution audio input. Through high-precision algorithmic conversion, the massive volume of DSD high-resolution audio data is precisely transformed into the analog signals where the R2R architecture excels. This not only preserves the traditional R2R sound characteristics—a thick, warm, and relaxed analog timbre—but also combines it with the delicate analysis and rich details of DSD high-resolution sources, achieving a perfect fusion of retro analog charm and modern high-resolution audio quality, resulting in a sophisticated and enduring listening experience.

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Balanced Liine Out THD+N(AD1861 Spec was0.003%）

Balanced Dynamic Range Reaches 107dB

Balanced SNR reaches 107 dB​

Balanced Crosstalk​

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Inputs and Outputs​

Specification:

Specification	Details
Input	USB / Optical / Coaxial
Output	XLR / RCA
Output Level	XLR: 3.5Vrms RCA: 1.75Vrms
THD+N	0.003% (-90dB)
Dynamic Range	XLR: 107dB RCA: 108dB
SNR	XLR: 107dB RCA: 108dB
Output Impedance	33Ω
USB Transfer Mode	Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 / 11 (Driver required) Mac OSX 10.6 or Later, Linux (Driver not required)
Bit Depth	USB: 1bit, 16-32bit Optical / Coaxial: 1bit, 16-24bit
Sampling Rate (USB)	PCM: 44.1 ~ 768kHz DSD: 2.8224 ~ 22.5792MHz DoP: 2.8224 ~ 11.2896MHz
Sampling Rate (Optical / Coaxial)	PCM: 44.1 ~ 192kHz DSD: DSD64 (DoP)
Power Consumption	2.6W
Standby Power	< 1W
Dimensions (WxHxD)	170 x 39.8 x 136mm

SMSL R100 – Precision Redefined for Desktop Listening.

The SMSL R100 is now available. For more details, please visit our official website: [https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/957.html]

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on ASR!

 

[staticV3]

What is the science behind using a four decades old DAC chip?

 

[welwynnick]

What is the science behind using a four decades old DAC chip?

Subjective preference.

 

[staticV3]

Subjective preference.

Surely double blind and level matched, right? What p-value are we talking here?

 

[Sir Sanders Zingmore]

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on ASR!

My thoughts are…

 

[Redacted]

Number-chasers might look at the upcoming generation of DAC chips - pretty wild figures for those who care.

As for R2R, it's boutique niche market, and undoubtedly over-selling the idea (again). It will turn in a profit of course, so that's good for SMSL. Nobody is being forced to buy one.

Nevertheless, I say get the cleanest possible sound first and then, if you must, add colouration or distortion or noise to your taste - you could add hiss, and pops and clicks if that's your thing. I'm sure this approach will catch on and be cheaper if done well.

 

[welwynnick]

Surely double blind and level matched, right? What p-value are we talking about?

Of course.
EDIT: in second thoughts, not. It's not about finding a difference, its about finding a preference.

As for R2R, it's boutique niche market, and undoubtedly over-selling the idea (again). It will turn in a profit of course, so that's good for SMSL. Nobody is being forced to buy one.

It's commercial science rather than audio science. No objections, we chose to live in a capitalist society and we all have to make money.

Nevertheless, I say get the cleanest possible sound first and then, if you must, add colouration or distortion or noise to your taste - you could add hiss, and pops and clicks if that's your thing. I'm sure this approach will catch on and be cheaper if done well.

There are several DACs that give you option to arbitrarily increase second and third harmonic distortion if you chose to.
It's a choice, and it might make sense if the playback system has similar behaviour to the monitoring system that was used for mastering.

 

[DavidEdwinAston]

I suppose this product would very adequately replace my Qutest, at a quarter of the price, should replacement be necessary! Also, I think it does look great!

 

[welwynnick]

I suppose this product would very adequately replace my Qutest, at a quarter of the price, should replacement be necessary! Also, I think it does look great!

Its a very different product.
If you want to save money, pretty much any good modern DAC will do.

 

[staticV3]

Of course.
EDIT: in second thoughts, not. It's not about finding a difference, its about finding a preference.

A preference in sound cannot be established without the ability to differentiate.

If you do, then that is nothing but bias.

So again: what p-value are we talking about here?

 

[gzost]

It looks nice, should sound fine, has integrated PEQ, and is 300 USD. People may be misguided in thinking that R2R gives "analogue" sound, but at least they're not paying much extra here for the bragging rights of using outdated technology.

 

[staticV3]

at least they're not paying much extra here for the bragging rights of using outdated technology.

Except that they're paying 2.5x the cost of a Topping DX1 II for a device that is less capable.

 

[eddantes]

While I agree with most ASR on the value of R-2R... It does a PEQ = and it looks nice - and it isn't really expensive - and if any of you can prove you can hear the diff between 107 SINAD and 117 SINAD - I will drink nothing but lite beer for the rest of the year.

All to say that - we have a competent, but not SOTA, product for a niche audience for whom the rest of the features will outweigh the SINAD bragging rights.

 

[staticV3]

While I agree with most ASR on the value of R-2R... It does a PEQ = and it looks nice - and it isn't really expensive - and if any of you can prove you can hear the diff between 107 SINAD and 117 SINAD - I will drink nothing but lite beer for the rest of the year.

Just FYI, the R100 has a SINAD of 92dB, which is worse than the $9 Apple Headphone Adapter.

 

[eddantes]

And you're telling me you can hear 92 vs 117? Or are you telling me - that "knowing" that fact will ruin the experience for you? Because I know what can be heard - the effect of that PEQ.

Again - all I am saying is - SINAD is objective evidence of good engineering that should translate to other factors of the product (but not always). And, assigning too much value to it is really academic when it comes to the effectiveness of the product to deliver listening enjoyment.

You know - there are people who listen to tube amps and really enjoy them, SINAD be damned.

 

[welwynnick]

A preference in sound cannot be established without the ability to differentiate.
If you do, then that is nothing but bias.

Oh, I don't think that's true. You can establish preference without bias. But is anyone actually going to try?
I also think it's not important at all.

 

[staticV3]

Oh, I don't think that's true. You can establish preference without bias.

Yes you can, via controlled listening test and a resulting p value < 0.05

Everything else is make-believe (often in the financial interest of dishonest brands).

 

[Gabb]

Hi guys,
I’m looking forward to seeing this R2R DAC tested here. I like SMSL products, although.
I’d buy it right now, but I think I’ll wait for the review.
I really didn't care for the recent SMSL DO100 pro DAC. It wasn't the sound quality that was the issue; it handled music with varying sample rates terribly. It kept popping and crackling—it was unpleasant to listen to.
Yet, I didn't read about this in any reviews. Aoshida-Audio customer service claimed it wasn't a problem.

 

[gzost]

Except that they're paying 2.5x the cost of a Topping DX1 II for a device that is less capable.

The cheapest possible device with a given feature set is not the only acceptable choice. People have different priorities. The R100 isn't audibly broken and isn't particularly expensive. If somebody likes its looks over the DX1 then I don't consider buying it a bad decision.

 

[Kitty (S.M.S.L Marketing)]

Hi guys,
I’m looking forward to seeing this R2R DAC tested here. I like SMSL products, although.
I’d buy it right now, but I think I’ll wait for the review.
I really didn't care for the recent SMSL DO100 pro DAC. It wasn't the sound quality that was the issue; it handled music with varying sample rates terribly. It kept popping and crackling—it was unpleasant to listen to.
Yet, I didn't read about this in any reviews. Aoshida-Audio customer service claimed it wasn't a problem.

Thanks for your interest and for sharing your feedback. We appreciate your support for SMSL products.
We will arrange for a review sample of the R100 to be sent out to this forum soon, so please stay tuned for the upcoming review!