SMSL DL400

[Roland68]

Yeah, I have three of those PO100 Pros. That's another issue with these DACs: they rarely have UAC control for game console use. The main issue I have with I²S are the loud pops I experience when locking a signal.

As for the Topping DX5II, I almost bought that and then considered all the jank I went through with previous Topping hardware (12v trigger causing startup errors on the L70, settings not getting remembered on multiple models that could have equipment-damaging implications, and so on). I certainly would not expect them to get software right now that they've added EQ.

I also use several PO100 Pros, including with i2s, without any problems. The popping noises are due to problems with the ground connection, and multiple devices are always involved, and rarely is one of them solely responsible. This is also one of the most complex topics in the audio field.

12V triggering is a very imperfect and poorly documented standard. The problems with it can be found in all device classes and price ranges.
I also don't understand the 12V triggering story. Additional cables and all devices must be switched on and connected? A switchable power strip, like the one I've been using for over 40 years, never gave me any thought to 12V triggering, and none of my devices are connected to the mains when not in use.
I often criticize Topping here, but the L70 has been one of my most reliable devices for two years, alongside my Violectric treasures.

 

[Roland68]

So the newer DX5II is better then the DL400/DO400?

Ask 5 people and you'll get 7 different answers. The final decision is always yours.

What bothers me most about SMSL DACs (and the other devices) is that they're often just an implementation of the chip manufacturer's circuitry, with a significant optimization of the measured values. Functionality, user-friendliness, firmware, etc., are completely neglected and are outside their area of expertise. As far as I know, the problem with the incorrectly labeled filters in the DO400 and other devices is still not resolved, which is absolutely ridiculous and a disgrace for SMSL. I don't know whether the problem also exists with the DL400.
The HPA consisting of 4 x TPA6120a doesn't come close to Topping's development either.

Topping has demonstrated a high level of in-house development for years, and in the last two years they seem to be putting more effort into customer satisfaction. While it's still far from perfect, it's at least an improvement.
Firmware handling also seems to have improved significantly.
In my opinion, the DX5 II is currently unbeatable in terms of price/performance. They're also making a lot of effort to fix all the firmware issues. In the last few weeks, Topping has released about as many consecutively numbered firmware versions as SMSL has released for all its devices in the last two years. And SMSL definitely needed more fixed firmware versions.

I had the DX5 II here for a few days and didn't notice any problems other than the PEQ function, which wasn't working well at the time.

Addendum:
Of course, we're in a lower price range here, where you can't expect much in terms of warranty, service, and possibly even longevity, but you might get lucky.
Otherwise, you should look into manufacturers like RME, Violectric, Lake People, etc.

 

[Rastofer]

Hello!!
I've never owned any DAC other than the SMSL, so I can't say whether the DL400 or the DX5 II is better.

On paper, the DX5 II seems to offer a slightly better signal-to-noise ratio than the DL400, as well as more headphone amplification power.
The difference I think is most significant is the inclusion of the 10-band parametric EQ. This may be the most significant difference in favor of the DX5 II (the fact that the SMSL has a higher-end DAC chip than the one used in the Topping shouldn't make any audible difference).

As a DL400 owner, all I can say is that it's working perfectly fine from the start, and the sound quality offered shouldn't be any different from any other DAC in this class. As for headphone amplification power, i think it should be sufficient for most headphones.

The choice between one or the other should be purely a matter of aesthetics, or whether you'd prefer the DX5 II because of the parametric EQ.

Best regards!!

 

[ejr]

My Loxjie D60 just started some weird behavior. The text on the screen (I don't know whether it is OLED or LED) is breaking up. It looks like a ragged double image superimposed over the original text. It doesn't matter what I am doing or what info is appearing on the screen. Never seen this before on any display, for audion or anything else. So much for quality control. The sound isn't affected.

 

[Roland68]

My Loxjie D60 just started some weird behavior. The text on the screen (I don't know whether it is OLED or LED) is breaking up. It looks like a ragged double image superimposed over the original text. It doesn't matter what I am doing or what info is appearing on the screen. Never seen this before on any display, for audion or anything else. So much for quality control. The sound isn't affected.

This has little to do with quality control, but rather with purchasing. SMSL, Sabaj, and Loxjie don't manufacture displays.

I've seen such display failures many times, regardless of whether they're in audio or other areas.
Due to the low price of the devices, inexpensive displays have to be used. Every additional €/$ in purchasing increases the final selling price by a factor of 3-4.

According to the description, the failure could be due to the control system, the ribbon cable/connectors, or the display itself.
If it's under warranty, have it replaced or repaired. Otherwise, I would try unplugging and plugging the ribbon cable on both sides, but be careful with the sockets and terminals, they break easily.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

You can now by the DL400 for 400€ on Amazon.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Hello!!
I've never owned any DAC other than the SMSL, so I can't say whether the DL400 or the DX5 II is better.

On paper, the DX5 II seems to offer a slightly better signal-to-noise ratio than the DL400, as well as more headphone amplification power.
The difference I think is most significant is the inclusion of the 10-band parametric EQ. This may be the most significant difference in favor of the DX5 II (the fact that the SMSL has a higher-end DAC chip than the one used in the Topping shouldn't make any audible difference).

As a DL400 owner, all I can say is that it's working perfectly fine from the start, and the sound quality offered shouldn't be any different from any other DAC in this class. As for headphone amplification power, i think it should be sufficient for most headphones.

The choice between one or the other should be purely a matter of aesthetics, or whether you'd prefer the DX5 II because of the parametric EQ.

Best regards!!

Looks like you are the only owner of a SMSL DL400.
Still no reviews on youtube or google.

 

[Roland68]

Looks like you are the only owner of a SMSL DL400.
Still no reviews on youtube or google.

The measurements are unlikely to differ much from the Loxjie D40 Pro, especially regarding the headphone amplifier. Past measurements of internally identical devices from SMSL/Sabaj/Loxjie have repeatedly confirmed this. They are simply externally different devices, manufactured for various distribution channels/retailers. This is why many devices exist two to four times in different designs.
Loxjie D40 Pro DAC & HP Amp Review

 

[Mike_Trueman]

I could not find a way to buy a DL400 in Europe so i ordered the Gustard Audalytic AH90 trough Audiophonics website.

歌诗德官网 | AH90

www.gustard.com

 

[Mike_Trueman]

The measurements are unlikely to differ much from the Loxjie D40 Pro, especially regarding the headphone amplifier. Past measurements of internally identical devices from SMSL/Sabaj/Loxjie have repeatedly confirmed this. They are simply externally different devices, manufactured for various distribution channels/retailers. This is why many devices exist two to four times in different designs.
Loxjie D40 Pro DAC & HP Amp Review

You never guess what happend last night. I changed my order at Audiophonics and bought the SMSL DO400 because it has alot of more power.

Dear customer,

Your order has been modified.
Your order is being prepared and will be shipped by tomorrow.
Pending your delivery, we remain at your disposal.

Best regards,

Joan COMBET Administration des ventes - Service clients

 

[Roland68]

You never guess what happend last night. I changed my order at Audiophonics and bought the SMSL DO400 because it has alot of more power.

Dear customer,

Your order has been modified.
Your order is being prepared and will be shipped by tomorrow.
Pending your delivery, we remain at your disposal.

Best regards,

Joan COMBET Administration des ventes - Service clients

I already explained why I would recommend the DX5 II.

 

[Rastofer]

Looks like you are the only owner of a SMSL DL400.
Still no reviews on youtube or google.

Hello!!
Yes, I think so too, but I don't understand why , it's a very good DAC whitout flawless.

 

[Rastofer]

I could not find a way to buy a DL400 in Europe so i ordered the Gustard Audalytic AH90 trough Audiophonics website.

歌诗德官网 | AH90

www.gustard.com

I bought mine from Hifi-express; it arrived from China to Spain with no extra charge and perfectly packaged.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy your new DAC

Cheers!

 

[Mike_Trueman]

I bought mine from Hifi-express; it arrived from China to Spain with no extra charge and perfectly packaged.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy your new DAC

Cheers!

Plans where changed i have now the DO400.

 

[ChenHui]

Plans where changed i have now the DO400.

Where do you plan to buy the DO400? Is this model available for purchase in Europe?

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Where do you plan to buy the DO400? Is this model available for purchase in Europe?

I bought it here:

SMSL DO400 DAC ES9039MSPRO Headphone Amplifier XMOS XU316 Bluetooth 5.1 LDAC 32bit 768kHz DSD512 MQA-CD Black - Audiophonics

SMSL unveils the DO400, a powerful, high-quality DAC/headphone amplifier. It incorporates quality components such as an ESS ES9039MSPro chip, XMOS XU316 USB interface, 11 AOP 1612A, QCC5125 Bluetooth chip and MQA decoder.

www.audiophonics.fr

I am using the amp and headphones for 2 days now. Still prefer my nearfield system more but for the late nights sesions i use the headphones so my family can sleep.