SMSL DO100 Review (Stereo DAC)

[Abu Rashid]

Thank you so much .
Is it the same thing for the topping e50 DAC? In case you tired it please

 

[sejarzo]

Hi ,
So is there a need to connect it to preamp so I can set the do100 volume control on full and control the volume from the preamp ? Or the do100 does a good job here and preamp is not needed .
Note : the amp/preamp I'm planning to buy is Smsl AO200
TIA

Just set the DO100 output control to maximum and adjust your speaker volume using the AO200 volume knob or the remote.

That applies to any DAC that has an output level control. I don't have an E50, but I do have an E30 that I set to fixed output level mode if using with an amp that has volume control.

 

[Abu Rashid]

Thank you

I have a class d amp Ayima a07 max

I'm trying to get the best of the DAC .
Do you really think I need a preamp on my setup to control the volume or the smsl do100 volume control doing decent job and not holding anything back
That's my only concern and why I'm considering getting smsl AO200
TIA

 

[Pulkass]

Setting the volume to 100 will disable the attenuation feature.


The DO100's volume control does not affect sound quality.

Can you help?? You are so kind, well I have re installed Windows 10 PC from scratch,now listening to Qobuz via optical cable--5 metres long---stereo system is far away, usb wont work, how come that smsl DO100 doesn change on display the frequency?? It used to, I have unchecked on sounds : allow application to take......but still no change of frequency. What to do ????

 

[staticV3]

Can you help?? You are so kind, well I have re installed Windows 10 PC from scratch,now listening to Qobuz via optical cable--5 metres long---stereo system is far away, usb wont work, how come that smsl DO100 doesn change on display the frequency?? It used to, I have unchecked on sounds : allow application to take......but still no change of frequency. What to do ????

The Qobuz App must be set to either Wasapi Exclusive or ASIO for automatic sample rate adjustment.

Wasapi Exclusive works plug-and-play, whereas to use ASIO you first have to install the SMSL driver.

 

[J84]

Hi does the DO100 sound warm like the
SMSL D-6? Some say ESS chips can sound bright compare to AKM which sound warm?

I don't want a bright/fatigue DAC

 

[PyramidElectric]

"Some say ESS chips can sound bright compare to AKM which sound warm?" if this was true (it isn't) it would show in the measurements (it doesn't).

 

[Ropeburn]

It... doesn't sound at all. Warm music sounds nicely warm, and cold music sounds cold as ice. Which is a good thing. It's one of many good examples of a perfectly neutral DAC, as they should be.

 

[staticV3]

Hi does the DO100 sound warm like the
SMSL D-6? Some say ESS chips can sound bright compare to AKM which sound warm?

I don't want a bright/fatigue DAC

If there was inherent warmth to be found in the DAC, then it wouldn't get Amir's recommendation as that would correspond to a distortion of the source material which is unacceptable in a modern, high performance DAC.

In stock form, we want to hear the input as it is, not a bastardized version of it.

 

[J84]

It... doesn't sound at all. Warm music sounds nicely warm, and cold music sounds cold as ice. Which is a good thing. It's one of many good examples of a perfectly neutral DAC, as they should be.

Thanks

 

[J84]

If there was inherent warmth to be found in the DAC, then it wouldn't get Amir's recommendation as that would correspond to a distortion of the source material which is unacceptable in a modern, high performance DAC.

In stock form, we want to hear the input as it is, not a bastardized version of it.

Thanks

 

[Graham849]

Hi does the DO100 sound warm like the
SMSL D-6? Some say ESS chips can sound bright compare to AKM which sound warm?

I don't want a bright/fatigue DAC

I have had my D0100 for several years. I find the sound neutral, almost clinical at times as so many other DACs/amps have subtle distortion. It is not fatiguing.

 

[J84]

I have had my D0100 for several years. I find the sound neutral, almost clinical at times as so many other DACs/amps have subtle distortion. It is not fatiguing.

Thanks

 

[Pulkass]

Hi does the DO100 sound warm like the
SMSL D-6? Some say ESS chips can sound bright compare to AKM which sound warm?

I don't want a bright/fatigue DAC

It sounds velvetry detailed, stunning highs, l was in favour previously, of tubed out dacs, which l owned, l dont feel that urgency anymore. I own a SMSL do200pro too, which is even better.

 

[J84]

It sounds velvetry detailed, stunning highs, l was in favour previously, of tubed out dacs, which l owned, l dont feel that urgency anymore. I own a SMSL do200pro too, which is even better.

Thanks

 

[Pulkass]

I am trying to connect SMSL DO100 to my new mini PC--AMD RYZEN 7 6000 series, via usb c to c---but no sound comes out---while usb c to usb a , works perfectly, is it the cable not worth for data ??? The display sign USB but no sounfd out

 

[JSmith]

usb c to c---but no sound comes out

Are you sure the cable isn't charge only cable? USB-C is just the connector type... cables can vary.

The display sign USB

That's showing the input selection and likely that power is active, probably not an accurate indicator of any data connection.


JSmith

 

[PyramidElectric]

I am trying to connect SMSL DO100 to my new mini PC--AMD RYZEN 7 6000 series, via usb c to c---but no sound comes out---while usb c to usb a , works perfectly, is it the cable not worth for data ??? The display sign USB but no sounfd out

Whilst this could be a cable issue for you, I have the same issue with a Macbook Pro, i.e. USB-C to USB-C does not work with this DAC. If I use an Apple USB-C- to USB-A adapter, and then a USB-A to USB-C cable it works fine.

 

[Count Dacula]

I find that a good dac helps with fluttering sounds. Lots of shuffle beats with shakers and hats do this.

 

[Schlippwhip68]

Whilst this could be a cable issue for you, I have the same issue with a Macbook Pro, i.e. USB-C to USB-C does not work with this DAC. If I use an Apple USB-C- to USB-A adapter, and then a USB-A to USB-C cable it works fine.

Something I have encountered too with the Douk Audio U2 Pro. The cable is specific, ie data and charge usb c to c but unless I use a usb a adapter no communication from the PC to the DDC. I have a couple of cables that will not work without the adapter. Weirdly though this one:

FiiO LT-TC5 Type C to Type C​

which I thoroughly recommend for price/quality ratio, works perfectly well and no need for an usb a adapter.