This is a review and measurements of the SMSL PS200 stereo budget DAC. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $89.99.
The unit comes in a lightweight plastic package which allows my rather stiff RCA test cables to yank on it. A simple toggle switch changes inputs. There is an indicator for DSD and another for MQA. Back panel shows a feature I haven't seen in a while: selection of USB audio class:
Looking at product description, it says that is to enable playback with Sony PS5 which I assume only works with ancient class 1 devices. Other than, power and data is provided through USB-C.
Measurements are abbreviated in order to make progress with the backlog.
SMSL PS200 DAC Measurements
Let's start with our dashboard:
Wow, I must say, I was not prepared to see such excellent performance! Distortion is vanishingly low at near -130 dB. So it is our dynamic range that sets SINAD to the tune of 118 dB, easily landing the DAC in our "excellent" category:
Multitone shows off yet again the very low distortion of PS200:
Even wideband measurement doesn't disadvantage the PS200:
Conclusions
Being so used to metal boxes for DACs, I was dismayed at the light, plasticky feel of the PS200. I expected measurements to be just "good" but it was way, way better. There is nothing remotely to apologize for. Hide the DAC some place people won't see and you will have all the performance you need, while saving some money for a cup of coffee.
I am happy to recommend the SMSL PS200.
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As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
The unit comes in a lightweight plastic package which allows my rather stiff RCA test cables to yank on it. A simple toggle switch changes inputs. There is an indicator for DSD and another for MQA. Back panel shows a feature I haven't seen in a while: selection of USB audio class:
Looking at product description, it says that is to enable playback with Sony PS5 which I assume only works with ancient class 1 devices. Other than, power and data is provided through USB-C.
Measurements are abbreviated in order to make progress with the backlog.
SMSL PS200 DAC Measurements
Let's start with our dashboard:
Wow, I must say, I was not prepared to see such excellent performance! Distortion is vanishingly low at near -130 dB. So it is our dynamic range that sets SINAD to the tune of 118 dB, easily landing the DAC in our "excellent" category:
Multitone shows off yet again the very low distortion of PS200:
Even wideband measurement doesn't disadvantage the PS200:
Conclusions
Being so used to metal boxes for DACs, I was dismayed at the light, plasticky feel of the PS200. I expected measurements to be just "good" but it was way, way better. There is nothing remotely to apologize for. Hide the DAC some place people won't see and you will have all the performance you need, while saving some money for a cup of coffee.
I am happy to recommend the SMSL PS200.
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/