SMSL DO200 MKII DAC Review

[cavedriver]

Maybe you are asking too much?

I really don't see where it's asking for too much considering that the A300 for $200 already does more., nor do I see where you have offered one detail on why, from an engineering or design standpoint, that it might be "too much". In fact the A300 even offers mono-amp mode where it sends a pre-out for the second channel to a second A300 without compromising the high-pass filter, suggesting that the filtering is being done in the DAC stage and not in the amplifier chip. SMSL even describes this filtering as patented "SDB/ SMSL Dynamic Bass", and uses that same terminology across multiple DAC/AMPs, again suggesting that the technology is happening between the DAC chip and the amp chip. But thanks for letting me know that on a forum where we discuss the pros and cons of various audio devices it's unacceptable to suggest the current string of DACs has a con.

 

[Joffy1780]

It is not a con that a product doesn't offer a very specific combination of functions that you would like, for a very specific price.
And the reason I don't think it is appropriate for this review thread is that this device does what it was designed to do brilliantly.
Why have you not commented on the Minidsp Flex review and said you think that it should be under $300? It amounts to the same thing in my opinion.
A separate thread would be more appropriate, there are probably many discussing this already.

 

[cavedriver]

It is not a con that a product doesn't offer a very specific combination of functions that you would like, for a very specific price.
And the reason I don't think it is appropriate for this review thread is that this device does what it was designed to do brilliantly.
Why have you not commented on the Minidsp Flex review and said you think that it should be under $300? It amounts to the same thing in my opinion.
A separate thread would be more appropriate, there are probably many discussing this already.

I originally searched for similar threads but didn't find an answer, just one very short thread that mentioned the miniDSP unit. I chose an SMSL thread because 1) I own an SMSL M300 DAC that works quite well and was $300, 2) SMSL makes a lot of good, cheap stuff, 3) the DO200 is one of their units most recently reviewed by Amir, 4) SMSL is the company that makes the most DAC/AMP's that include the subwoofer outputs, demonstrating that it is well within their ability. For the record i didn't actually originally pose it as a con, simply pointed out, "why not?"

 

[Joffy1780]

I originally searched for similar threads but didn't find an answer, just one very short thread that mentioned the miniDSP unit. I chose an SMSL thread because 1) I own an SMSL M300 DAC that works quite well and was $300, 2) SMSL makes a lot of good, cheap stuff, 3) the DO200 is one of their units most recently reviewed by Amir, 4) SMSL is the company that makes the most DAC/AMP's that include the subwoofer outputs, demonstrating that it is well within their ability. For the record i didn't actually originally pose it as a con, simply pointed out, "why not?"

Ok, and as I said I hadn't even read your original post, but you decided I had somehow 'attacked' you.
Good luck with it.

 

[Burns]

Can't you create your own topic for your dilemmas?

There is a real problem with the SMSL DAC that in DAC only mode a meaningless -0.0dB level takes up the entire display and there is more important information to show.

 

[cavedriver]

Can't you create your own topic for your dilemmas?

There is a real problem with the SMSL DAC that in DAC only mode a meaningless -0.0dB level takes up the entire display and there is more important information to show.

I'm glad you're here to tell me what's important, because I didn't know.

 

[Burns]

I'm glad you're here to tell me what's important, because I didn't know.

I'm sure you still don't know anything about this device.

 

[cavedriver]

I'm sure you still don't know anything about this device.

my concerns about the product do not make your concerns invalid. I never criticized that there was something you found inadequate about the product, only that you dismissed my concerns. Live and let live.

 

[Burns]

I have a super DAC for millions, it plays like a fool, it handles everything and its handling pisses me off. It's so bizarre and counter-intuitive that I wouldn't even think of it when I was hungover.

 

[Big White]

Why do some reviews have Spdif measurements and some don't, like this review !

 

[Nuforce]

I feel compelled to add my personal experience of this truly horrible DAC. I have a love of jazz and as such piano reproductive is extremely important. The SMSL adds a nasty layer of digital sheen that makes the listening experience unbearable.

I assume you people haven't actually listened to one, rather than geek out on measurements?

 

[boobled]

Well, I can say it doesn't perform well as a preamp but I have no complaints on sound quality. I listen to a fair bit of jazz and I haven't experienced any issues with the reproduction of piano passages. In fact, I find Nojima Plays Liszt to be quite enjoyable (not jazz but certainly piano) through the DAC, but to each his own I guess.

 

[Joffy1780]

I feel compelled to add my personal experience of this truly horrible DAC. I have a love of jazz and as such piano reproductive is extremely important. The SMSL adds a nasty layer of digital sheen that makes the listening experience unbearable.

I assume you people haven't actually listened to one, rather than geek out on measurements?

Digital sheen is a new one for me!!

 

[Joffy1780]

I feel compelled to add my personal experience of this truly horrible DAC. I have a love of jazz and as such piano reproductive is extremely important. The SMSL adds a nasty layer of digital sheen that makes the listening experience unbearable.

I assume you people haven't actually listened to one, rather than geek out on measurements?

This is Audio 'Science' Review not Audio 'Feel' Review. There are no listening tests as part of Amir's reviews on DACs, simply because DACs don't have a sound.

 

[BDWoody]

I feel compelled to add my personal experience of this truly horrible DAC.

I assume you people haven't actually listened to one, rather than geek out on measurements?

 

[AdamG247]

View attachment 272340

Hold my Beer!

 

[VintageFlanker]

simply because DACs don't have a sound.

Shouldn't*

 

[Joffy1780]

Shouldn't*

Noted

 

[GPJ]

The SMSL adds a nasty layer of digital sheen that makes the listening experience unbearable.

Can you provide a sample recording of this "sheen". Would love to hear it. Thanks!

 

[Veri]

Can you provide a sample recording of this "sheen". Would love to hear it. Thanks!

Sorry mate your gear just isn't resolving enough. Either that or your ears are terrible..