SMSL PL200T Review (CD Transport)

[Johnkeizer]

Have one of these.
Beautifully made, works like a dream.
Bought it for it’s small size as I have only a small space for my headphone system.
I use the I2S connection into my topping raw dac, don’t know if it’s any better than the other digital options but as it’s there, thought I’d give it the best .

 

[Cccddd]

Kupiłem pl200t plus G1 i jestem zaskoczony jakością dźwięku z tego zestawu.
G1 wnosi ,dodaje głębi,naturalności i nasycenia dźwięku .
Otrzymane powiadomienie o Teac pd 507t ale jest sporo droższy.
Chciałem zobaczyć co wnosi Clock G1 do dźwięku, myślę, że warto go poprosić, aby uzyskać co najlepsze.
Zastanawiam się ile może poprawić jeszcze zasilacz 5v dc w pl200t.

 

[Jimmyblues1959]

Hello Everyone,

This is a review and details measurements of the SMSL PL200T CD Player and Transport.
It was kindly sent to me by Aoshidaudio.com.

View attachment 486897


SMSL PL200T - Presentation

I already reviewed the SMSL PL200 which is nearly the same, having an internal DAC on top. This is the transport version called PL200T, that adds HDMI and AES/EBU digital outputs, as well as a word clock input for roughly $170 less.

View attachment 486899

We also get a USB input, as you can see, so it can be used as a Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC) from the USB to other digital outputs, in case you want to use an older DAC that does not offer a USB input, or for other purposes.

The other change is the partially transparent lid:

View attachment 486904

The SMSL PL200T can still be operated without it, by pressing 2sec on the play button. I must admit this is better that the full aluminum one of the PL200, but it is prone to leave visible fingerprints.

Rest is the same as the PL200, the mechanism is equally fast and it is a little transport, pleasant to use.

SMSL talks about an improved clock too, and the PL200 was precise at -4.5ppm, we’ll see if this one does better.


User experience

In my recent reviews, I starter talking about the user experience, so I'll continue. But for this one, allow me to simply copy/paste from the PL200, since it is the same drive and same feedback I have:

• It can play a CD with the top cover removed provided you press "Play" for 2 seconds.
• It's fast at reading the TOC of my 40 tracks test CD (less that 2 seconds as per the above)
• It will play on the side, which is funny
• It's nice to see the disc rotating, really
• Skipping a track is way faster than most modern players, I like it
• FFW and REW are fast too
• The buttons are a bit too narrow for my fingers, but they react well
• The laser head is noisy when going from the last track to the first one
• It is gapless playback compatible

SMSL PL200T - Measurements (Optical Out)

As a transport I only have the digital output to measure to verify it is "bit perfect". I did the same tests from the SMSL PL200, and no surprise this one performs flawlessly the same way.

This is my standard 999.91Hz test tone @0dBFS (without dither):

View attachment 486923

It is the same as the digital WAV source file that was burnt on the test CD.

Same with the good old 3DC test from Stereophile (undithered 997Hz sine at -90.31dBFS. With 16bits, the signal should appear (on a scope) as the 3DC levels of the smallest symmetrical sign magnitude digital signal):

View attachment 486924

It is the expected square view that we want to see, with Gibbs Phenomenon showing itself. That means no modification of the digital signal.

One update that SMSL advertise is the precision of the clock which I can tell is probably the most stable one I measured so far. It is actually better that what I can measure with my standard test, showing no deviation. The test is based on a 19'997.00Hz test tone and I verify the replay, which is a very precise ultra-stable 19'997.00Hz. That means it is better than 1ppm.

View attachment 486926

And actually, this view is made from a 128k FFT length averaged 32 times. So if the clock would have a tiny deviation, it would generated windowing errors and prevent me from capturing the above. This test is performed leaving the clock of the Player free running, as opposed to forcing the resync option that I usually have to use to capture such beautiful traces.

Of course, jitter is absent:

View attachment 486927

In the end, my ultimate proof of "perfect" digital output is when I reuse the intersample overs test at 5512.50Hz, with a phase shift of 67.5°, like I did for the TASCAM CD-200 review. This signal generates an overshoot of +0.69dB and so if the signal would be modified before being sent, it would show either a reduction of amplitude or we'd see some sort of saturation/increase noise/distortion. So here we go:

View attachment 486925

No changes when compared with the WAV file, again.

So we get a perfect transport.


SMLS PL200T - USB-DDC Measurements

I briefly tested the USB Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC) function, feeding if from my computer and using its Optical output that was feeding an SMSL D200. It had no issue to quickly lock with sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz (and all in between).

This is my standard 999.91Hz test tone @0dBFS feeding an SMSL D200 at a sampling rate of 192kHz:

View attachment 487246

These are the results I obtained directly feeding the D200, when I reviewed it. So that means you can trust the quality of the DDC.


SMLS PL200T - Testing the drive

What would be good measurements if the drive would not properly read a slightly scratched CD, or one that was created at the limits of the norm? The below tests reply to these questions.

Here are the results:

Test type	Technical test	Results
Variation of linear cutting velocity	From 1.20m/s to 1.40m/s	Pass
Variation of track pitch	From 1.5µm to 1.7µm	Pass
Combined variations of track pitch and velocity	From 1.20m/s & 1.5µm to 1.40m/s & 1.7µm	Pass
HF detection (asymmetry pitch/flat ratio)	Variation from 2% to 18%	Pass
Dropouts resistance	From 0.05mm (0.038ms) to 4mm (3.080ms)	2mm
Combined dropouts and smallest pitch	From 1.5µm & 1mm to 1.5µm & 2.4mm	1.5mm
Successive dropouts	From 2x0.1mm to 2x3mm	2.4mm

The above are very good results, although not repeating the excellence of the OPPO BDP-95. They are actually exactly the same as the PL200, without surprise since they share the same drive.
As with the PL200 these results are unusual for that they vary, while usually I would see a 2mm resistance everywhere. I think this little drawdown is what it takes to be so fast for a modern player. In that area, the OPPO is nothing else but ashamed. Choose your camp.


SMSL PL200T - Conclusion

This is a very nice transport and the price saved for not having an internal DAC might satisfy more of you, compared to the PL200.

The PL200T did the same as the PL200, per my digital measurements, and did better on the clock precision (the SMSL PL200 was at -4.5ppm, while this one is way below 1ppm). Their respective drives are the same and I measured the same mechanical resistance to faulty CDs, which means they are consistent and that is good news too.

My intention was to check the clock input, using an external one, but the internal one being so good, I need to find a refined way to test it, if I can!

Important note: I don’t think it outputs the pre-emphasis flag in SPDIF outputs, but I need to run complementary tests to confirm.

I hope you enjoyed this short review.

Happy Halloween!

PS: If you want me to test other features, feel free to ask since it will stay on the test bench for the weekend

I received an SMSL PL200T a few weeks ago and continue to be impressed with both the build and sound quality of this little CD transport. IMHO it's a bargain at the $499 price!

 

[Rick63]

I received an SMSL PL200T a few weeks ago and continue to be impressed with both the build and sound quality of this little CD transport. IMHO it's a bargain at the $499 price!

I'm glad and not surprised that you are as happy as I am with mine! I got mine for $424 during the holiday sales. Between the build quality, sound quality, speedy operation, small form factor, and great looks, I'm totally in love with this transport. And with it being a toploader and seeing the discs spin is way cool to me, and it has further increased my enjoyment of my beloved CD collection.

Plus there are health benefits, as it's good for you to get up off your ass to change discs every 30 minutes or so.

 

[Rick63]

Kupiłem pl200t plus G1 i jestem zaskoczony jakością dźwięku z tego zestawu.
G1 wnosi ,dodaje głębi,naturalności i nasycenia dźwięku .
Otrzymane powiadomienie o Teac pd 507t ale jest sporo droższy.
Chciałem zobaczyć co wnosi Clock G1 do dźwięku, myślę, że warto go poprosić, aby uzyskać co najlepsze.
Zastanawiam się ile może poprawić jeszcze zasilacz 5v dc w pl200t.

I'd sure like to see this translated to English because I'd like to read your post.

And welcome to the forums!

 

[Cccddd]

Bardzo chętnie zobaczyłbym tłumaczenie na angielski, bo chętnie przeczytałbym Twój post.

Witamy na forum! :Fajny:

I'd sure like to see this translated to English because I'd like to read your post.

And welcome to the forums!

I bought the PL200T plus the G1 and I'm surprised by the sound quality of this set.
The G1 adds depth, naturalness, and saturation to the sound.
I received a notification about the Teac PD 507T, but it's much more expensive.
Note what the Clock G1 adds to the sound; I think it's worth upgrading to get the best.
The device can also supply a 5V DC power supply to the PL200T.

 

[Jimmyblues1959]

I'm glad and not surprised that you are as happy as I am with mine! I got mine for $424 during the holiday sales. Between the build quality, sound quality, speedy operation, small form factor, and great looks, I'm totally in love with this transport. And with it being a toploader and seeing the discs spin is way cool to me, and it has further increased my enjoyment of my beloved CD collection.

Plus there are health benefits, as it's good for you to get up off your ass to change discs every 30 minutes or so.

I agree with you. The PL200T is definitely a keeper! And the exercise is a bonus. lol

 

[Cccddd]

I have some comments about the PL200T: the magnetic disc holding the CD has some side play, the recess where the CD spins should be black, not silver, as it affects the sound, a problem known to other CD player manufacturers. And the lid holder should be higher, as it's difficult to hold.

 

[Cccddd]

what 5v psu do you recommend

 

[Roland68]

what 5v psu do you recommend

Simply get a Mean Well SMPS power supply with the appropriate connector that's readily available and inexpensive in your country.

If you then combine that with the wall wart filter from the diyaudio forum, you'll have a power supply that outperforms even much more expensive, so-called "audiophile" power supplies.

 

[Cccddd]

Is the BNC cable included with the smsl g1 50ohm or 70ohm?

 

[Roland68]

Over the past two years, I had tried out various small desktop CD players and transports, but none had been entirely trouble-free. Thanks to @NTTY and the ASR community, I was spared the need to test a few other models, thereby avoiding further negative experiences.

I hadn't originally intended to spend that much, but the current HiFi-Express offer made me waver a bit. Then, when a used PL200T in mint condition popped up on a classifieds site earlier this week, I decided to snap it up without hesitation.

What can I say? It played all my problematic CDs right off the bat—without a hitch and with gapless playback. It even played a 73.33-minute burned CD—one where you can actually see the writing through the disc (whether printed or written in permanent marker)—flawlessly from start to finish and from any point on the disc.
And it runs very quietly, even when you're just 20 cm away.

 

[Jimmyblues1959]

Over the past two years, I had tried out various small desktop CD players and transports, but none had been entirely trouble-free. Thanks to @NTTY and the ASR community, I was spared the need to test a few other models, thereby avoiding further negative experiences.

I hadn't originally intended to spend that much, but the current HiFi-Express offer made me waver a bit. Then, when a used PL200T in mint condition popped up on a classifieds site earlier this week, I decided to snap it up without hesitation.

What can I say? It played all my problematic CDs right off the bat—without a hitch and with gapless playback. It even played a 73.33-minute burned CD—one where you can actually see the writing through the disc (whether printed or written in permanent marker)—flawlessly from start to finish and from any point on the disc.
And it runs very quietly, even when you're just 20 cm away.

Glad you're enjoying your pl200t. It's an excellent transport at a very reasonable price. IMHO if you add the G1 clock, this transport favorably competes with some of the best transports on the market and at a fraction of the price.

 

[DavidM1]

IMHO if you add the G1 clock, this transport favorably competes with some of the best transports on the market and at a fraction of the price.

There is some nonsense spouted about accessory clock devices. They help to synchronise studio equipment. They won’t add anything to a single device like this one.

Just a reminder from @NTTY’s review:

“One update that SMSL advertise is the precision of the clock which I can tell is probably the most stable one I measured so far. It is actually better that what I can measure with my standard test, showing no deviation. The test is based on a 19'997.00Hz test tone and I verify the replay, which is a very precise ultra-stable 19'997.00Hz. That means it is better than 1ppm.

And actually, this view is made from a 128k FFT length averaged 32 times. So if the clock would have a tiny deviation, it would generated windowing errors and prevent me from capturing the above. This test is performed leaving the clock of the Player free running, as opposed to forcing the resync option that I usually have to use to capture such beautiful traces.”

 

[Roland68]

Glad you're enjoying your pl200t. It's an excellent transport at a very reasonable price. IMHO if you add the G1 clock, this transport favorably competes with some of the best transports on the market and at a fraction of the price.

Many users do not realize that even most expensive CD players and CD transports—including units in the high four-figure price range and those costing over €10,000—actually use CD mechanisms costing only €30–80 (retail price).
The Sanyo SF-HD850 mechanism found in the PL200 and PL200T is also used in players and transports from brands such as Simaudio Moon, Aura Note V2, Advance Acoustic, Audio Analogue, Heed Thesis Delta, Cyrus (CD XT SE / CD XT Signature), Musical Fidelity (M6cd / M6scd), Opera Consonance, Shanling, Denon, Creek, and others. Furthermore, this mechanism offers superior mechanical precision because it was originally designed as a DVD drive.

A second example is the TEAC CD-5020A mechanism, which is also installed in the Tascam CD 200 (tested by @NTTY), where it delivered excellent measured performance.
This mechanism is used in players and transports from TEAC (PD-505T / PD-507T), Primare, Atoll, Audio Analogue, and others. The CD-5020A was developed specifically as a dedicated CD audio drive for professional studio and broadcast applications and is considered extremely robust.

A few exceptions include the TEAC VRDS mechanisms—also found in Esoteric products (effectively the same company)—which involve impressive engineering complexity. This category also includes belt-driven Sanyo mechanisms, which are used in many expensive, well-known devices. However, these are essentially standard CD mechanisms in which the conventional direct drive has been replaced by a belt-driven spindle assembly. Then there are a few highly customized, elaborately constructed transport mechanisms—the kind found in certain Sony players and other devices—as well as, of course, some modified Philips drives.

Ultimately, however, this yields neither better measurable nor better audible results than what can be achieved with good standard drives like the TEAC CD-5020A and the Sanyo SF-HD850.

 

[antcollinet]

They won’t add anything to a single device like this one.

In fact if anything they will degrade performance. Delivering a clock along cable will introduce jitter that will likely be worse than any internal clock jitter.


Still inaudible, but definitely no improvement.

 

[Jimmyblues1959]

There is some nonsense spouted about accessory clock devices. They help to synchronise studio equipment. They won’t add anything to a single device like this one.

Just a reminder from @NTTY’s review:

“One update that SMSL advertise is the precision of the clock which I can tell is probably the most stable one I measured so far. It is actually better that what I can measure with my standard test, showing no deviation. The test is based on a 19'997.00Hz test tone and I verify the replay, which is a very precise ultra-stable 19'997.00Hz. That means it is better than 1ppm.

And actually, this view is made from a 128k FFT length averaged 32 times. So if the clock would have a tiny deviation, it would generated windowing errors and prevent me from capturing the above. This test is performed leaving the clock of the Player free running, as opposed to forcing the resync option that I usually have to use to capture such beautiful traces.”

So basically a waste of $500 for the clock unless you're using it for studio use. To the posters who answered with regard to my last post, thanks gentlemen, you just saved me some money!

 

[dvdr]

May I ask a question about the laser transport, please?

Every about 10-15 seconds, I do hear the laser unit’s motor “searching” back and forth for a few moments (even with the lid closed), then it’s quiet again. This happens with ALL my CDs, even mint and new ones. No skipping audio, though.

Do you rate this as a problem? How do your transports behave?

In theory, to me, it seems, as if the laser looses track and frequently needs to involve the motor unit to get back on track.
Could this be caused be a de-adjusted laser, that is prone to loose track more easily, which involves this constant, heavier re-tracking?

Since this is a new unit, I could try to ask for an exchange, if you deem this to be a problem, that might only get worse.

Thanks!

 

[Roland68]

May I ask a question about the laser transport, please?

Every about 10-15 seconds, I do hear the laser unit’s motor “searching” back and forth for a few moments (even with the lid closed), then it’s quiet again. This happens with ALL my CDs, even mint and new ones. No skipping audio, though.

Do you rate this as a problem? How do your transports behave?

In theory, to me, it seems, as if the laser looses track and frequently needs to involve the motor unit to get back on track.
Could this be caused be a de-adjusted laser, that is prone to loose track more easily, which involves this constant, heavier re-tracking?

Since this is a new unit, I could try to ask for an exchange, if you deem this to be a problem, that might only get worse.

Thanks!

Does that happen during playback?
In that case, it’s not really normal.

 

[dvdr]

Does that happen during playback?
In that case, it’s not really normal.

Yes, that is during playback. It’s not a very loud “noise”, to be clear, but you can hear the transport working as described, up close.
The center puck, btw., seems not to be 100% perfectly centered. Don’t know, whether that might additionally introduce some unwanted vibrations as well.