SMSL DO200 Pro arrived today: initial impressions review.

[BDWoody]

It is always "challenging" to wade through opinions and subjectivism of either side as long as no measurements supporting one side are available

We don't always need measurements, but the subjective stuff needs controls to be taken seriously. Zero measurements needed.

Otherwise, don't expect to have your impressions taken seriously.

They are all measuring distortion/noise/frequency response etc.

We only care about those if they are impacting the sound. In nearly all modern DACs, they are not.

Put it another way - those are not "other factors" than sound, they are measurements of stuff that can impact the sound.

The game of whack-a-mole continues.

 

[BDWoody]

Not at all,
Isn't it wonderful that we have many great mentors on this forum.

Yes, it truly is. We don't want to be polluted by the nonsense that pervades this industry, and we have plenty around with the ability to help with most any questions that the misinformed/uninformed may have, and to hold those who try to take advantage of ignorance to account.

This is an industry that confuses stories with evidence, but we try to keep the site as a refuge for those who just want honest, verifiable answers and discussion based on reality, not fantasy and imagination.

We are very fortunate indeed.

 

[burkm]

They are all measuring distortion/noise/frequency response etc.

We only care about those if they are impacting the sound. In nearly all modern DACs, they are not.

Put it another way - those are not "other factors" than sound, they are measurements of stuff that can impact the sound.

We probably mean the same...
I haven't found any reliable measurements on the internet except those from the manufacturer SMSL/Aoshida themselves, thus my "ignorance" and perseverance of seeing them done here...

 

[johny_2000]

Noise level is, I think, one of the most important characteristics of audio devices. THD seems to be at levels inaudible to modern devices.