SMSL DL200 the best ever value DAC/AMP?

[Bleib]

What does this mean if you hook it up to an amp via TRS/XLR - you can lower the gain setting further? Or do you expect problems?

Yeah, you can use the volume of the DAC to come to a level where it should be at 2 or 4v. Not sure exactly which number would give that though.
Ideally SMSL should release a new firmware with which this could be set by the user like Topping E70

 

[funkyblue]

I get so mixed up! . Wanted to be able to use speakers as well. So I think I want the SMSL AL200 to replace Loxjie A30?

 

[nerdemoji]

I get so mixed up! . Wanted to be able to use speakers as well. So I think I want the SMSL AL200 to replace Loxjie A30?

yep, thats like the power amp version of the dl200

 

[David_M]

Smsl c200 vs dl200

Short:
Size and weight (obvious);
Both are sturdy an well built, but the dl200 motherboard layout is cleaner and feels more premium. No surprise here, because it's larger and there is more space to "work";
Can use dP1 on dl200 in USB 2.0. On C200 it must be on dP4 (same pc system);
Almost the same power output. Tried 4,4mm on both (note that dl200 is balanced). No major diference (at least for my ears). Only compared with the Kiwi Quintet with balanced cable;
Slight problem with dl200 BT antenna. The screw thread is shorter because it stays a bit away from de back panel (see picture),
so the antenna becomes a bit loose because it doesn't press all the way down. However, I didn't noticed any problem with the connection.
Also, removing the hex nut solves the issue. The screw is soldered on the motherboard and is sturdy enough.
This is only a brief impression.

I wonder why the larger DL200 PCBA is necessary since the C200 and DL200 have the same IO. What extra features am I missing here?

 

[Bleib]

It's on a deal at least at hifi express now

 

[TonyJZX]

I wonder why the larger DL200 PCBA is necessary since the C200 and DL200 have the same IO. What extra features am I missing here?

mqa

2nd vs 3rd gen xmos

bt5.0 vs 5.1

 

[Bleib]

mqa

2nd vs 3rd gen xmos

bt5.0 vs 5.1

The headphone amp has more power too

 

[Fresno]

I follow this topic with interest.

Not sure if I should buy this or the smsl su-1 to connect with my Wiim pro. Basically I don't need the headphone output. But I am curious if this chip ES9039Q2M outperforms the AKM AK4493S.

 

[David_M]

mqa

2nd vs 3rd gen xmos

bt5.0 vs 5.1

mqa --- that's inside the ESS dac ship. Size differences between the two ESS dac chips is miniscule.
Ditto for Gen2/Gen3 xmos and bt 5.0/5.1 chips.

A more powerful HP amp maybe may justify a board increase for better thermals but still, they increased it a lot. Anyways, no harm done!

 

[nerdemoji]

I follow this topic with interest.

Not sure if I should buy this or the smsl su-1 to connect with my Wiim pro. Basically I don't need the headphone output. But I am curious if this chip ES9039Q2M outperforms the AKM AK4493S.

No it does not. They should be both transparent for music. I guess the better question you should ask yourself is: are the features on the DL200 worth the $110 dollars above the su-1? I don’t know what you want so that you will need to answer yourself

 

[marekm]

SU-1 does not have balanced out, BT, display or remote.

 

[Fresno]

Thank you for your answers. The difference is therefore more in the extras, such as a normal power connection. Not noticeable in terms of sound. At the moment the price difference is about $90 in the Netherlands.

 

[jaatre]

SU-1 does not have balanced out, BT, display or remote.

And a headphone amp too

 

[marekm]

And a headphone amp too

Correct.

On the other hand, SU-1 is no larger than a deck of cards. Small is cute and sometimes the only option.

 

[funkyblue]

I've ordered the SMSL AL200 to replace a Loxjie A30. I'm suprised how hard it is to find reviews or information for a combined unit. I cannot be the only person that wants to shovel speaker cables onto a simple box and play music from a PC via USB?

 

[marekm]

Reviewers can not keep up with SMSL

Every week a new product: different concept, different size, different design / shape, different materials, etc

 

[nerdemoji]

I've ordered the SMSL AL200 to replace a Loxjie A30. I'm suprised how hard it is to find reviews or information for a combined unit. I cannot be the only person that wants to shovel speaker cables onto a simple box and play music from a PC via USB?

Yep, as stated reviewers simply can’t keep up with SMSL’s and other Chinese hifi companies’ (just look at the iem companies) new products. Thankfully most of them make good measuring products and value so they most likely have good quality even if not reviewed. And reliability seems to be improving. These days, you can get iems for twenty bucks that are better than essentially every iem 5 years ago. Some hifi markets are simply adjusting to the shift in consumers who want good measuring equipment and not a good review by the usual payed off reviewers.

 

[marekm]

And reliability seems to be improving.

"Seems" is the key word here

Most recent spectacular flops:

• Topping L30 - first batch damaging headphones
• Topping A70 Pro - first batch freezing-up with a "HP DC abnormal" message on the display.

 

[funkyblue]

Yep, as stated reviewers simply can’t keep up with SMSL’s and other Chinese hifi companies’ (just look at the iem companies) new products. Thankfully most of them make good measuring products and value so they most likely have good quality even if not reviewed. And reliability seems to be improving. These days, you can get iems for twenty bucks that are better than essentially every iem 5 years ago. Some hifi markets are simply adjusting to the shift in consumers who want good measuring equipment and not a good review by the usual payed off reviewers.

I get that too. It suprises me why companies do that. Why so many slightly different models etc? I guess it's also good, to see tests as a cheaper option can still be great bang for buck, hence my purchase of the Loxjie A30, based on reviews and help here. I'm sure the AL200 will be reviewed in due course.

 

[joqueval]

Hello.
I have the C200 with the ES9038Q2M and the DO300 with the 9039 ES9039MSPRO.

In the same equipment, the 9039 sounds better, but as you say, not only the Chip influences, but also what is in front and behind.

The dl200 seems to me a good evolution and with a good design.