Introducing the SMSL R100 – R2R High-Resolution Audio DAC

[Soniclife]

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

A very significant one, assuming p stands for pandering.

 

[PristineSound]

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

Whether you like it or not, whether ASR members like it or not, there is an army of audio subjectists who believes there is a sonic difference with R2R. Somehow there is something "organic," something "analog" about R2R.

So if there is a demand, there is a market, and there is money to be made.

Not for me, but for others, yes.

 

[hi_fidelity_forum]

It looks interesting.
Will give it a try.
Maybe.

 

[Ruediger]

Whether you like it or not, whether ASR members like it or not, there is an army of audio subjectists who believes there is a sonic difference with R2R. Somehow there is something "organic," something "analog" about R2R.

I heard about R2R in DAP being more efficient and therefor enabling (a lot) more playback time than with delta-sigma. A good argument if true.

But if the reconstruction can't compete in the end, it's just shortcomings sold as warm air.

Measurements would be interesting!

 

[staticV3]

I heard about R2R in DAP being more efficient and therefor enabling (a lot) more playback time than with delta-sigma. A good argument if true.

Doesn't hold any water I'm afraid.

Decent DS DAC chips exist that consume like 0.05W during playback.

 

[Middle Earth]

As an audio scientistologist I prioritize SINAD.
But I would like to give it a listen.
Like everyone here, I use a SMSL SM D1 unless it breaks a I get the new DX1 from Topping. Getting anything else is super stupid.

 

[xema]

will it be a h100 suit with r100 as headamp and preamp?

 

[xema]

it will looks better if the case is black....not two black hole on top of a white case

 

[rocksteady]

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.

View attachment 557653

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.

View attachment 557654

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

View attachment 557662

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

View attachment 557664
Balanced Dynamic Range Reaches 107dB

View attachment 557665
Balanced SNR reaches 107 dB​

View attachment 557667

Balanced Crosstalk​

---

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!

If you are reading this, SMSL, do a R200, with 1/2 Rack Chassis, Neutral-leaning, AD1861J-class ladder, proper discrete I/V stage, 2× coax + 2× optical, digital volume, Improved SNR, $500–700. AS it is, a very interesting concept and ingredients, but It lacks ambition. A missed opportunity, IMHV...

 

[Loomynarty]

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).

How many double blind listening tests with modern DACs that encompass D-S and R-2R exist? Seems like a rather boring thing to do for even most discerning audiophiles... Unless you've done it yourself?

Archimago's Musings did a blind DAC test recently between 3 D-S dac's that measure quite well and the results might surprise you. Hint: there are statistically significant differences between what should be audibly transparent DACs.

 

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

it will looks better if the case is black....not two black hole on top of a white case

Thanks for your feedback! We currently don't have any plans for an H100. Regarding the color, we will take your suggestion into consideration.

 

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

If you are reading this, SMSL, do a R200, with 1/2 Rack Chassis, Neutral-leaning, AD1861J-class ladder, proper discrete I/V stage, 2× coax + 2× optical, digital volume, Improved SNR, $500–700. AS it is, a very interesting concept and ingredients, but It lacks ambition. A missed opportunity, IMHV...

Thanks for the detailed feedback and suggestions! We will pass them along to our engineering team.

 

[xema]

Thanks for your feedback! We currently don't have any plans for an H100. Regarding the color, we will take your suggestion into consideration.

good news for the color! you should seriously consider the preamp/headamp suit for a retro R2R chip dac because of the SNR problem for the digital volume AND the suitable visual effect (which is more important)