SMSL D300 Review (Balanced DAC)

[pickyAudiophile]

Are you sure the older firmware can be installed to newer devices with firmware 1.21?

For me it worked properly, then time, I mean downgrading back to initial firmware version, down from that later release provided inside this thread. But 4 + years have gone by since... D300 buyer on eBay gave me positive review and within a month did not open a case.
@vazakh I used to put in-line-attenuators in between DAC and amp for protection, -12dB did the job just fine to tame potential excess volume risks. I am on the cautious side, too. Bad things can happen easily. Like just e/g broken-off-from-PCB RCA jack ground connector latches which suffered too much of tear and wear by flexing from user's in-and-out plugging.

 

[bogi]

For me it worked properly

It could, but there are many reports published in this thread about devices bricked during downgrade. It looks to me that at least some batch of devices, or from some time point all newer D300 devices were produced with a slightly different hardware. That could cause incompatibility issues with older firmware not intended for these devices.

Read from here about 10 posts: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...l-d300-review-balanced-dac.28919/post-1791132

 

[vazakh]

Это не связано напрямую с D300, но, скорее всего, вызвано проблемами заземления нескольких устройств, включая усилитель.

If this problem is related to grounding, what are the ways to solve it?

 

[Roland68]

If this problem is related to grounding, what are the ways to solve it?

As mentioned, grounding problems can be very complex and always involve multiple devices.
With USB connections, the simplest solution is galvanic isolation. The most reliable method is via an optical connection, for example, from a PC/Mac, if available, or via a DDC, such as the PO100 2024 or PO100 Pro.
Alternatively, galvanic isolation via USB is possible, for example, with an Intona USB isolator. Be careful with inexpensive USB isolators; they may work well, or they may not.
Anything else requires measurements or a lot of trial and error.

Often, the problem is related to the PC/Mac and the amplifier. Some of our measurements have shown that the crackling noise/pulse was already present in the USB signal and disappeared when a different amplifier was connected.

 

[Roland68]

I guess the DO300EX doesn't suffer the afflictions of it's ES9039... sibling. Have nothing but high praise for the EX. The quality is first rate too.

This thread is about the D300 ROHM DAC, which has nothing to do with the DO300 or the other ES9039 DACs.
The D300 hasn't actually had any problems since the update. Grounding issues and problems with the optical connection, especially with TVs, can occur with all DACs.

 

[redjr]

Ah ha, I see. My old mind gets confused from time to time. Thanks for informing/correcting me. But, I did have that DAC a few yrs ago. Had forgotten it used the ROHM DAC chip. Was not too impressed mostly with the build quality so I returned it. Since then SMSL have really stepped up their quality, and DAC electronics game. I currently, have 3 of their DACs; SU-1, D-6s, and the DO300EX. I know the 300EX is a little older model, but it had the connectivity I wanted, plus a respectable headphone amp - capable of driving my Hifiman Edition XS cans with ease. Music sound marvelous.

 

[vazakh]

I solved the clicking problem, albeit with some workarounds. I'm transmitting the signal through a USB-to-optical converter. No clicking at all.

 

[Roland68]

I solved the clicking problem, albeit with some workarounds. I'm transmitting the signal through a USB-to-optical converter. No clicking at all.

This actually points to a grounding problem and not to something that only arises in the DAC.
Glad it's working for you now.

 

[aiken]

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare D300 with the new SMSL D200? The new DAC is based on the new ROHM BD34352EKV chip. As far as I understand, this chip is positioned lower in the ROHM line than the BD34301EKV:

https://sun9-51.userapi.com/s/v1/ig...0,720x360,1080x540,1200x600&from=bu&cs=1200x0

However, the D200 model has obvious advantages in terms of design, user-friendliness, and build quality. Is there any difference in sound quality between these two DACs?

 

[RandomEar]

Is there any difference in sound quality between these two DACs?

No.

 

[wrk24wheel]

Has anyone found 1.21 firmware to unbrick the D300? I didn't read to the end and flashed just the 1.0 firmware and not the USB firmware. Now I have no sound.

 

[Rik88]

Hello. My device has a completely erased flash. I need the Full Flash Dump (512KB) that starts at address 0x08000000, including the bootloader. Help me .Can someone read the data from the boot area of mm32f103 and send it to me?

 

[Rik88]

Has anyone found 1.21 firmware to unbrick the D300? I didn't read to the end and flashed just the 1.0 firmware and not the USB firmware. Now I have no sound.

Hello.
What are you interested in?

 

[Toku]

To resolve the issue of flashing with the wrong firmware, contacting SMSL directly is the quickest way to find a solution.
You will need to explain where you obtained the firmware and the steps you took.
There are two types of firmware for the D300: one for the MCU and one for the USB.

 

[Rik88]

To resolve the issue of flashing with the wrong firmware, contacting SMSL directly is the quickest way to find a solution.
You will need to explain where you obtained the firmware and the steps you took.
There are two types of firmware for the D300: one for the MCU and one for the USB.

I did just that. But they insist on sending the device in for repair, which is problematic for me. They won't provide a full firmware dump, citing the device needs repair. But I've almost found the problem myself and need a full dump or boot area 0x08000000-0x08004000. If anyone can read it and send it to me, I'd be very grateful. It won't damage your device.

 

[Toku]

If you have erased the MCU's firmware, you will need to connect a special writing tool to the circuit board and write the firmware to the MCU chip. The circuit board has a port for connecting the tool.

 

[Rik88]

If you have erased the MCU's firmware, you will need to connect a special writing tool to the circuit board and write the firmware to the MCU chip. The circuit board has a port for connecting the tool.

Yes. Everything is ready. I just can't find the data.

 

[Toku]

Yes. Everything is ready. I just can't find the data.

Hmm, I see, SMSL's response is a bit cold.

 

[Rik88]

Hmm, I see, SMSL's response is a bit cold.

They asked me to update the MM32 again using a utility. Then they suggested sending the device to China for repairs!

 

[Snoopy]

They asked me to update the MM32 again using a utility. Then they suggested sending the device to China for repairs!

Im glad I managed to sell mine along everything else from SMSL. Support is junk