SMSL PS200 Budget DAC Review

[Bleib]

I have the first version, but I will buy this new one simply for metal housing and better OPA.

I doubt it's possible to hear any difference. But in case there's no need for BT I'd certainly go for the new version

 

[sabih]

A pro version has been released

SMSL PS200 PRO ES9039Q2M High-End DAC

Buy SMSL PS200 PRO ES9039Q2M High-End DAC on HiFiGo, and you can enjoy a year warranty and the best after-sales service.

hifigo.com

No more BT, quite a bit heavier and slightly better performance numbers

View attachment 484469

What is the price differece?

 

[Bob101]

Price increase (estimate) = price of weight in Aluminium (~0.5$) - price of BT.

If BT is worth 0.5$ it might be cheaper...

 

[sabih]

I think BT option should have been retained with added codec i.e APTX HD /LDAC.

 

[adelaidestevens]

I have the first version, but I will buy this new one simply for metal housing and better OPA.

what's the benefit of the new opamp?

 

[adelaidestevens]

I have the first version, but I will buy this new one simply for metal housing and better OPA.

not that you have a choice lol, they're phasing out the old one, now the pro is the default in this price range for them

 

[somebodyelse]

what's the benefit of the new opamp?

Nothing you'll hear. They claim a couple of dB on the already inaudible THD+N, Dynamic range etc. but that could be because of the shielding from the aluminium case, or the removal of the bluetooth module.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Still no balanced outputs...maybe with a PRO II (LOL)

 

[IamJF]

Still no balanced outputs...maybe with a PRO II (LOL)

What's the cheapest DAC in this quality range with balanced outputs?
Price/performance is incredible with these little units.

 

[sabih]

What's the cheapest DAC in this quality range with balanced outputs?
Price/performance is incredible with these little units.

I think SMSL d6s, DL100 and DL200

 

[staticV3]

What's the cheapest DAC in this quality range with balanced outputs?

D10 Balanced

 

[Bleib]

M300 Se is pretty cheap too

 

[dobson156]

PLEASE MAKE A PC AUDIO INTERFACE WITH PERFORMANCE LIKE THIS.

I'm going to sound really thick here... but is this not an audio interface? Or do you mean something with ADC too?

 

[Bob101]

I'm going to sound really thick here... but is this not an audio interface? Or do you mean something with ADC too?

He indeed means what you refer to as 'something with an ADC too'. And: there are interfaces wtih performance like this. They just cost more money. Most interfaces' output specs are less than those of these simple and very affordable DAC's for cost reasons. Just look at the specs of truly professional interfaces, and their price...
The following may be unnecessary info to you if you already know, but: simply put, an interface is an audio device with one or more outputs AND inputs, to 'interface' with a DAW in the form of a computer/laptop or a smartphone/tablet. It has both a ADC-chipset and a DAC-chipset for digitising (recording) and 'de-digitising' (playback). It's, like everything, more complex if you really get down to the definition, but this is generally accepted terminology. I hope I interpreted your question the right way, and that this answers your question.

 

[dobson156]

Simply put, an interface is an audio device with one or more outputs AND inputs, to 'interface' with a DAW in the form of a computer/laptop or a smartphone/tablet. It has both a ADC-chipset and a DAC-chipset for digitising (recording) and 'de-digitising' (playback). It's, like everything, more complex if you really get down to the definition, but this is generally accepted terminology. I hope I interpreted your question the right way, and that this answers your question.

That's very helpful, thanks.

 

[IamJF]

D10 Balanced

It's a pity it doesn't have digital inputs to be a "real" DAC ... price/performance is great.
I also found DM7 for multi channel use if you want to do your DSP with a computer - interesting device!

It seems you are set to about 100-120,- per channel with "bigger" DACs with internal power supply, like d6s and DO100(pro).

 

[somebodyelse]

I also found DM7 for multi channel use if you want to do your DSP with a computer - interesting device!

It was discontinued due to poor sales. You might find one in stock somewhere, or perhaps a used one. It was priced uncomfortably close to full interfaces that performed almost as well but had a heap more functionality and better support, like the MOTU Ultralite Mk5.

 

[IamJF]

It was priced uncomfortably close to full interfaces that performed almost as well but had a heap more functionality and better support, like the MOTU Ultralite Mk5.

Most interfaces are far from 130dB(A) DR, even very good ones. (and the newer Motu seem pretty good).
They should have added digital inputs so you can use it as D/A with an DSP - would be best performance in the market.

 

[AcousticTheory]

I think BT option should have been retained with added codec i.e APTX HD /LDAC.

FWIW, I never use Bluetooth with any of my DACs. So this is a feature that is important to some but not everybody. The diversity of offerings to meet each customer's set of priorities is where these chinese manufacturers do really well. Hopefully they will still keep a DAC around that has bluetooth but just because this one doesn't have it, I'm not mad about that.

 

[rammster]

FWIW, I never use Bluetooth with any of my DACs. So this is a feature that is important to some but not everybody. The diversity of offerings to meet each customer's set of priorities is where these chinese manufacturers do really well. Hopefully they will still keep a DAC around that has bluetooth but just because this one doesn't have it, I'm not mad about that.

FWIW, I use bluetooth connection frequently. I prefer listening podcasts in YouTube before going to sleep or taking a nap or when I just rest on my sofa, so I use my android phone for to have control over the playback. Bluetooth is handy in my case.