Pearljam5000
Master Contributor
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I don't get why they don't add a steamer to it so it could compete with WiiM Ultra
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SMSL DO400 DAC & HP Amp Review
- Thread starter amirm
- Start date
Neale
Member
re HDMI ARC: and me too … especially if CEC volume control is implemented. Actually, HDMI ARC without CEC is just annoying!
Last edited:
When you think about it... the Loxjie D40 Pro cost $285 and offers exactly the same performance as the SMSL DO400... There's absolutely nothing revolutionary here except for the price rip-off.
PS : check the PCB pictures they are quasi identical.
Awaken your consciences, friends...
www.audiosciencereview.com
www.hifi-express.com
PS : check the PCB pictures they are quasi identical.
Awaken your consciences, friends...
Loxjie D40 Pro DAC & HP Amp Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Loxjie D40 Pro balanced stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company. It normally costs US $430 but is on sale for $388. The enclosure is metal but the silver look makes you think it is made out of plastic. The 7 segment...
www.audiosciencereview.com
LOXJIE D40 PRO Audio DAC & Headphone AMP MQA-CD ES9039MSPRO
The LOXJIE D40 PRO offers superior audio quality with the latest technologies, including MQA-CD ES9039MSPRO XU316, DSD512, Bluetooth LDAC, APTXHD, I2S, and AES — plus convenient remote control. Enjoy high-resolution sound with the industry's most advanced DAC, and it have a full balanced...
www.hifi-express.com
Nice, thank you for the information, and I ordered the Loxjie as an opportunity for me to check how far my little analyzer is from the big APWhen you think about it... the Loxjie D40 Pro cost $285 and offers exactly the same performance as the SMSL DO400... There's absolutely nothing revolutionary here except for the price rip-off.
PS : check the PCB pictures they are quasi identical.
Awaken your consciences, friends...
Loxjie D40 Pro DAC & HP Amp Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Loxjie D40 Pro balanced stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company. It normally costs US $430 but is on sale for $388. The enclosure is metal but the silver look makes you think it is made out of plastic. The 7 segment...
LOXJIE D40 PRO Audio DAC & Headphone AMP MQA-CD ES9039MSPRO
The LOXJIE D40 PRO offers superior audio quality with the latest technologies, including MQA-CD ES9039MSPRO XU316, DSD512, Bluetooth LDAC, APTXHD, I2S, and AES — plus convenient remote control. Enjoy high-resolution sound with the industry's most advanced DAC, and it have a full balanced...
Roland68
Master Contributor
And what benefit would you gain from having a USB-C port on the device?Thank you for the review, @amirm,
I hope someday soon, I will be able understand the rationale for including AES/EBU and/or I^2S interfaces, in consumer products.
If only they had designed the DO400 with an HDMI/eARC and a USB-C I/O, they would have sold more and at same price-point!
Sad.
It remains a 4-wire USB 2.0 connection. You would simply end up with a much more delicate port—one that is far more prone to failure. USB-B ports are many times more robust and resilient.
eARC is, in fact, much more difficult to integrate and far more prone to issues—as problems encountered with other devices repeatedly demonstrate. The use of official HDMI ICs—along with the associated licensing fees—would drive up the cost of the device even further. I can certainly understand why they chose not to integrate it.
AES/EBU and/or I²S interfaces require virtually no development effort and can be integrated for mere pennies. Furthermore, these devices are frequently deployed in (semi-)professional environments.
While I²S tends to be of greater interest to the audiophile community, it offers a practical solution: if needed, a high-quality supplementary USB interface can be added for just €69—without sacrificing any of the device's existing inputs.
PoorishDecision
Member
I'm torn on smsl, had an su-8/sh-8 stack worked flawlessly until i sold it. got an su-9n didn't last 6 months before it failed, usb went first then spdif. kinda not interested now, too risky. i got my cash back eventually via amazon but it took more effort than i appreciated spending amazon were like "but 3 months is the warranty" luckily nz has a consumer guarantees act that products have a 12 month warranty so they eventually obliged. i understand every manufacturer has duds but once bitten twice shy.
The GM of the 21st Century...
Herbert Shooler
Member
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- Jan 27, 2025
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- 72
Anyone know of any software (the best if possible) for tube harmonics simulation, I have VLC player so would like to use that with it please.Thanks
Roland68
Master Contributor
Well, I have some very bad news for you.
There are only a few manufacturers left who build high-quality equipment and who actually care about things like support, warranties, and affordable repairs—even after the warranty period has expired.
The names that immediately come to mind are Lake People / Violectric and RME, as well as Teac and Tascam. And even though I’ve been in the industry for nearly 40 years and know a great many companies, the list gets pretty thin right there.
Many formerly excellent companies no longer exist, or have been sold off—once, twice, or even more times—to the point where nothing remains of their original ethos. Other companies have withdrawn from the market entirely—Sony, for instance, among others.
Even a renowned manufacturer like Yamaha hasn't exactly covered itself in glory in recent years; for example, expensive SACD players purchased within the last decade can no longer be repaired.
As you can see from the prices of the aforementioned devices, there is also a significant price difference involved. If SMSL and Topping were to meet all these criteria, they wouldn't be nearly as affordable as they are now—because the potential sales volume depends heavily on the selling price. Every 10% price hike would cost them 10% of their sales.
On the other hand, however, these high sales volumes are essential for spreading the very high development costs across as many units as possible, and for securing lower production costs and better purchasing terms—without which such low selling prices would simply not be possible in the first place.
Do you see the vicious cycle?
Furthermore, customer-friendly warranties, customer-oriented support, development processes designed to minimize errors, extensive long-term testing, and the use of superior components—along with rigorous production quality control—are all far more expensive than most buyers can possibly imagine.
In most cases, a price increase of 50% to 100% wouldn't even be enough. For instance, a Topping DX5 II could hardly be manufactured at a price lower than that of an RME ADI-2 DAC—assuming all requirements were met—quite apart from the fact that neither Topping nor SMSL possesses the necessary know-how, as that is something one must work hard to earn.
Nice to see it is powered by AC lines and doesn't require yet another wall wart supply.
My house and outlets are being overrun by them.
My house and outlets are being overrun by them.
Pierun
Member
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2026
- Messages
- 16
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- 14
Yeah. That's why DO400 doesn't make sense nowadays ngl. Unless one absolutely needs the display and better aesthetics, I don't think it's worth paying the extra 100+ USD (vs Loxjie D40 Pro) just for these things.When you think about it... the Loxjie D40 Pro cost $285 and offers exactly the same performance as the SMSL DO400... There's absolutely nothing revolutionary here except for the price rip-off.
PS : check the PCB pictures they are quasi identical.
Awaken your consciences, friends...
Loxjie D40 Pro DAC & HP Amp Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Loxjie D40 Pro balanced stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company. It normally costs US $430 but is on sale for $388. The enclosure is metal but the silver look makes you think it is made out of plastic. The 7 segment...
LOXJIE D40 PRO Audio DAC & Headphone AMP MQA-CD ES9039MSPRO
The LOXJIE D40 PRO offers superior audio quality with the latest technologies, including MQA-CD ES9039MSPRO XU316, DSD512, Bluetooth LDAC, APTXHD, I2S, and AES — plus convenient remote control. Enjoy high-resolution sound with the industry's most advanced DAC, and it have a full balanced...
Nonetheless I'd still get the DO400 over the DX5 II (maybe even at the DO400's pricetag lol).
Finally, there is my semi-yearly shipping of exact the same SMSL device with a new case and name!
I am guessing you are trying to answer your own questions with justifications.
I am willing to help:
*USB-C: Take, for example, the *use-case of a NAS music library that is connected to a PC, that you'd prefer to route the digital audio to DO400-similar device and have it perform the DAC function.
*eARC: Take, for example, the *use-case of a DAC as a part of an HTPC (or a smartTV) integration but w/o relying on S/PID (opto/coax).
*Your HDMI justification about 'difficult to integrate' does not hold true. My *home *use-case, relies on a SMSL DO100Pro for eARC integration.
Please do tell, how AES/EBU or I^2S serve any meaningful *use-case for Joe-the-Consumer?
Note: *These are all consumer use-cases, not nearing anything 'semi-pro'.
Roland68
Master Contributor
You didn't understand my last post at all—or perhaps you simply chose not to.
All Hi-Fi DACs—especially those featuring XMOS chipsets—operate exclusively via USB 2.0, and this is entirely independent of the specific connector type used. Whether the DAC is equipped with a USB-A, B, Mini/Micro, or C port makes absolutely no difference, as only the four lines utilized by USB 2.0 are present anyway (Data +/- and Power +/-). This is precisely why USB 2.0 cables are available with various connectors, such as USB-C or USB-B. However, an adapter works just as well.
I2S and AES may hold no utility for most end users, but some utilize them regularly. And once again: no additional development work is required to include them, as the necessary internal connections have existed for years; omitting them would—quite literally—save mere pennies. Their inclusion does not necessitate the omission of any other features. So why would they leave these ports out and thereby alienate a segment of their customer base that actually uses them?
I’m sure you wouldn't pass up the opportunity to buy your dream car simply because it comes standard with built-in ashtrays that you don't need.
HDMI eARC presents an entirely different issue. They are not members of the HDMI Consortium and, consequently, lack access to official, licensed ICs.
The "hacked" implementations do not perform particularly well—you can easily find reports of the associated issues online. I have personally tested three SMSL devices—two with eARC and one with standard ARC—and not a single one operated without errors or with any degree of reliability. I encountered everything from failure to connect and dropped connections to crackling, static, and digital clicks. Two friends of mine experienced the exact same issues with their LG and Samsung TVs—though the specific problems varied from one TV to another. Any used AVR costing under €100 can handle this task far better.
Of course, there are certainly TVs with which these devices *do* work, but for the customer, it remains a complete gamble.
And in this regard, I can certainly understand why SMSL might choose not to incorporate this feature into one of their higher-end DACs. After all, if threads across various forums become flooded with complaints regarding eARC issues—as is likely, given that many buyers possess a certain "tinkerer's spirit" and will test the functionality immediately after purchase, posting their results even if they have no intention of actually using the feature—it creates the impression that the device is defective or flawed.
This can quickly spell the end of the product's commercial success, resulting in a disaster for SMSL—or rather, for Aoshida—characterized by a rapid depreciation in the device's market value.
That is not to say, however, that SMSL won't eventually find a solution for this issue in the future and integrate it into their upcoming devices.
For my part, the DIY HDMI ARC-to-SPDIF/I2S extractor board I purchased from AliExpress works flawlessly with my DO400—as well as with the aforementioned LG and Samsung televisions—though it did require some minor adjustments to get up and running.
What about the optical toslink inputs? I've always utilized a optical connection to my 2 ch DAC for the complete ground isolation it provides.
My old Emotiva DC-1 DAC/Headphone Amp was measured by Amir here back in Feb 2018, it's still running fine other than a slightly wonky OLED display.
Emotiva Stealth DC-1 DAC/Preamp Review
Review: The Emotiva Stealth DC-1 is a two channel preamp, DAC, and headphone amp all in one. The $500 price tag would be worth it for any 2 of those but Emotiva gave you all 3. Highly Recommended!
www.audioholics.com
But certainly, I will not buy the one with options that are of absolute no use to me [ahem, AES/EBU + I^2S]
You didn't answer, but do you have a *?
Roland68
Master Contributor
So, you wouldn't buy a device if it were otherwise perfect, simply because it includes additional—and free—interfaces that you don't happen to need? That makes a lot of senseBut certainly, I will not buy the one with options that are of absolute no use to me [ahem, AES/EBU + I^2S]
You didn't answer, but do you have a *?
.As I mentioned, this device isn't used solely by end consumers. With the inclusion of I²S, SMSL is specifically targeting audiophile customers who wish to utilize their Digital-to-Digital Converters (DDCs).
Many people own equipment featuring an AES/EBU output.
Furthermore, this connection is of interest to any end user who needs—or simply wants—to connect the device using longer cable runs. Distances of 10, 20, or even 30 meters pose no problem in this regard, and the connection is far less susceptible to interference than S/PDIF (coaxial) or optical links.
Any further discussion on this matter strikes me as pointless.
If someone believes that additional interfaces on a device are "useless" simply because *they* personally have no need for them, that speaks volumes.
Fortunately, SMSL takes a different view and chooses to disregard such sentiments. After all, there are plenty of other devices available that lack AES and I²S connectivity.
Roland68
Master Contributor
Are you referring to the optical interface on the DO400? It works perfectly—even with a TV.What about the optical toslink inputs? I've always utilized a optical connection to my 2 ch DAC for the complete ground isolation it provides.
My old Emotiva DC-1 DAC/Headphone Amp was measured by Amir here back in Feb 2018, it's still running fine other than a slightly wonky OLED display.
Emotiva Stealth DC-1 DAC/Preamp Review
Review: The Emotiva Stealth DC-1 is a two channel preamp, DAC, and headphone amp all in one. The $500 price tag would be worth it for any 2 of those but Emotiva gave you all 3. Highly Recommended!
Your Emotiva DC-1 was far ahead of its time, featuring analog Muses volume control and an additional analog input. This is a point that SMSL (and many others) still haven't grasped to this day—as is evident from the D200.
The AK4118 is another component that, unfortunately, is rarely found anymore; it is the best, most trouble-free, and most compatible transceiver chip for S/PDIF inputs. Having a total of four S/PDIF inputs is, of course, a great feature.
The only thing that feels a bit outdated is the CMedia USB input; in my experience, it can be audibly—albeit slightly—inferior to more modern XMOS XU316 interfaces, though these are really just nuances.
However, this can be remedied by using a DDC costing between €35 and €70.
The issue with the display is, of course, a shame.
Roland68
Master Contributor
Seriously? So now, all of a sudden, an example from the pro audio sector is acceptable—yet when I used one earlier regarding AES, it wasn't?
You do realize, don't you, that far fewer end users utilize Dante compared to AES?
Quite apart from that, you don't seem particularly knowledgeable about USB, nor does it appear you read my previous post on the subject.
Even the Dante AVIO USB-C units are merely USB 2.0 devices—they simply feature a USB-C port and come with a bundled USB-C-to-USB-C cable.
Thomann offers the appropriate USB-C-to-USB-A cable for this purpose under item number 491488; however, naturally, any USB 2.0 cable—provided it has a USB-C connector on one end and a USB-A, B, Micro, or Mini connector (or an adapter) on the other—will work just as well.
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