I mostly ignore what YouTubers and audio critics say. I rely solely on explanations of features and internal structure. Their reviews have a different purpose, and their comments are based on that purpose. If there's something you're curious about, it's important to try it out for yourself.
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SMSL D200 DAC Review
- Thread starter NTTY
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Gradius
Addicted to Fun and Learning
It's true, but it's not 100% of cases (not everyone). Somes even say they spend their own money to buy the product for review, they even mention it.
Yes, I understand that point.
Roland68
Major Contributor
But all these YouTubers and audio critics want clicks and views.
And actually, nobody wants to see a bad review of their favorite gadget or next potential purchase.
I've noticed this recently in the 3D printing sector. The more honestly the reviewer addresses problems and flaws and points them out, the less interest the masses generate.
The problem is that it's not who watches these videos that matters, but how many.
Exaggeratedly positive reviews and exaggerated claims about the much better sound = lots of clicks!
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Wouldn't that be equivalent to NOS mode? Check the single sample impulse response and stairsteps on sine playback.
OP
- Thread Starter
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I
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I realize that this forum is the last place online where one should share subjective opinion about the sound of audio equipment, but I still believe that some of you are looking for opinions that will confirm that this is truly a great DAC.
Since I've had it for two days already, I can say this with full conviction. It is truly exceptional. As many of you live in the States, I will refer to the popular American Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Imagine if the MM2 had much better resolution, stereo imaging, separation, layering, and generally delivered a much more sophisticated sound, without losing its uniquely pleasant and organic timbre and dynamic presentation. This is the shortest review of the SMSL D200.
This DAC plays in a very engaging way, yet it doesn't cause listening fatigue like most contemporary delta-sigma converters. Its greatest asset is the saturated midrange and mid-bass, which, unlike old converters or the aforementioned MM2 with a similar signature, do not lose transparency and detail. In contrast to modern systems featuring Sabre chips, it is much less aggressive/insistent, while still maintaining dynamics. Compared to AKM, however, it offers a more palpable, direct, weighted and credible sound.
Of course, there will be people who prefer a more analytical and detailed sound, but if you prioritize the impression of sound dimensionality and palpability (combined with high dynamics), then this is a device you should be interested in.
As an aside: the D200 gets quite warm. It is warm even when not in use, and just switched on (there is no stand-by mode). I don't know if this is a matter of the built-in power supply or the general low efficiency of the circuit. It's not an alarming level of heat, but contemporary devices with ESS or AKM chipsets run cooler.
Since I've had it for two days already, I can say this with full conviction. It is truly exceptional. As many of you live in the States, I will refer to the popular American Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Imagine if the MM2 had much better resolution, stereo imaging, separation, layering, and generally delivered a much more sophisticated sound, without losing its uniquely pleasant and organic timbre and dynamic presentation. This is the shortest review of the SMSL D200.
This DAC plays in a very engaging way, yet it doesn't cause listening fatigue like most contemporary delta-sigma converters. Its greatest asset is the saturated midrange and mid-bass, which, unlike old converters or the aforementioned MM2 with a similar signature, do not lose transparency and detail. In contrast to modern systems featuring Sabre chips, it is much less aggressive/insistent, while still maintaining dynamics. Compared to AKM, however, it offers a more palpable, direct, weighted and credible sound.
Of course, there will be people who prefer a more analytical and detailed sound, but if you prioritize the impression of sound dimensionality and palpability (combined with high dynamics), then this is a device you should be interested in.
As an aside: the D200 gets quite warm. It is warm even when not in use, and just switched on (there is no stand-by mode). I don't know if this is a matter of the built-in power supply or the general low efficiency of the circuit. It's not an alarming level of heat, but contemporary devices with ESS or AKM chipsets run cooler.
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