Almost half a year ago, a new DAC from SMSL: DO200 fell into my hands. And if the old SU-8S evoked frank respect from me, then the new model brought me simply the wildest delight. Without any reservations, this is the best sound that I have ever heard. The device is based on a dual converter of the latest generation ESS ES9068AS, 32-bit XMOS XU216 is on USB, and Qualcomm QCC5125 is responsible for bluetooth with support for AptX HD and LDAC codecs. As a result, we get some extreme values for PCM and DSD formats, full MQA decoding and the highest measurement class. Regarding the inputs and outputs, there is generally everything that, in principle, may be needed. I’ve been chasing it for a very long time, I managed to compare it with a lot and listen to it, so it will be interesting.

Characteristics

• DAC: 2 x ESS ES9068AS
• USB: XMOS XU216
• Bluetooth: 5.0, Qualcomm QCC5125 with AptX HD and LDAC
• Amplifiers: 5 x OPA1612A
• Audio resolution: up to 768kHz/32bit, DSD512
• Support for decoding formats: PCM, DSD, MQA
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
• Inputs: AES/EBU, I2S, bluetooth, optical, coax, USB
• Outputs: RCA and balanced XLR
• Power supply: built-in power supply
• Dimensions: 210 x 170 x 40 mm
• Weight: 1.2 Kg.
• OS: Windows, MAC OS, Android, iOS

Packaging and equipment

The device came in just a huge cardboard box with a schematically depicted hero of the review, the address of the official website and the logo of the passed Hi-Res Audio certification.

In the kit, we put a small but rather detailed instruction, a new-style control panel, a bluetooth antenna, a USB cable and a classic power cord. The power supply, like all significant models of the company, is built directly into the body of the device.

The remote control is made of excellent quality matte plastic with rubberized buttons and is powered by two AAA batteries.

From the functionality, power on/off, signal level adjustment, switching inputs and outputs, as well as temporarily turning off the “mute” sound were taken out to it. The four directions located on top are intended for moving through the built-in menu, where the central button is used to call it up and confirm the changes made. As you can see, unlike the previous generation, all keys are now involved, and their meaning is intuitive.

Design/Ergonomics

The body of the DAC is completely metal, on top it has the logo of the passed Hi-Res certification, and on the bottom it is securely fixed on 4 rubberized legs.

Of the inputs, we have access to probably the widest set of AES / EBU, I2S, bluetooth with AptX HD and LDAC codecs, coaxial, optics and USB. And at the output – the already familiar set of RCA and balanced XLR.

The front part was designed to match the HO200 amplifier: with a color IPS display shifted to the right and a large multifunctional knob in the center. The rotation of which occurs with recognizable, tactilely pleasing mechanical clicks, by default changing the output level. A quick press opens the system menu.

System menu

Here you can choose one of 6 inputs and output, both with and without inversion, then there are three digital filters, the division on which SPDIF will work (via DAC or XMOS), as many as 9 types of tonal coloring of the sound, fixed volume mode , FN programmable button setting, jitter correction, I2S inversion, a couple of I2S settings for DSD stream, screen backlight time, screen brightness and reset all settings to default values. Coloring, judging by the instructions, uses the DSP of the converter chip and does not change the frequency response. Of course, you can notice it by ear, but somewhere at the “seems” level.

On the main screen, everything is classic: the type of the stream being played and its characteristics are displayed on the left, the active output and the presence of inversion are displayed on the top, and the current volume level is indicated by huge numbers on the left.

Iron and fundamentals

During operation, the device heats up slightly, it looks very decent, except that it takes up decent space on the table, but evenly enough to stand in a rack with its HO200 amplifier.

I don’t plan to disassemble the hero of the review, and there’s no point in that, the network is full of both photos and videos with its filling. SMSL DO200 is based on two fresh and rather cool ESS ES9068AS converters with full MQA stream decoding and OPA1612 operational amplifiers, perhaps the best XMOS implementation is also responsible for USB: XU216, and Qualcomm QCC5125 with support for AptX HD and LDAC codecs is installed on the bluetooth. Compared to my previous favorite SU-8S, there was a single converter, a noticeably smaller number of digital inputs, and there was no support for the LDAC codec on bluetooth. That is progress.

To work with the DAC, you need to connect a digital signal source, in my case it is USB, and the output can immediately go to active monitors or, through an additional amplifier, to passive acoustics. Headphones cannot be connected directly to the device, there is another amplifier for this. For example, I use a specially designed SMSL HO200 paired with it.

The DAC turns on automatically, select the active input and output from the menu or remote control, adjust the signal level and start enjoying listening to your favorite music. Naturally, he remembers all the settings, you don’t need to set them every time.

Software

Under Windows 10, the device is automatically detected, ready for use via WASAPI.

To support older versions of the system and the ASIO interface, you need to download drivers from the official site. There, as always, I recommend not to change anything.

In terms of formats, PCM up to 32 bit 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512 and full MQA decoding are available to us. In the Windows system menu, the numbers are, of course, a little more modest, but that’s what ASIO exists for.

With a smartphone, the DAC works great with all applications and services, including through a specialized BitPerfect mode.

The possibilities of the device for bluetooth are not limited at all. Almost all the most advanced codecs are at your service, including AptX HD and LDAC. However, one must understand that the best quality today can only be achieved via cable. Leave wireless options for guests to conveniently showcase music directly from their smartphone.

measurements

I took measurements in 24 bits 96 kHz on the E1DA ADC from the balanced output of the device. As a result, we see all the graphs in the “excellent” position, which, in fact, is not surprising.

Just an excellent frequency response, noise level below minus 150 dB, great dynamic range, intermodulation distortion below minus 125 dB, and harmonics below minus 135 dB with a percentage value equal to 0.00008, as stated in the documentation.

Almost perfect measurements, nothing to add here.

Sound

In order to objectively assess the capabilities of the SMSL DO200, I alternately used it and my past favorite SU-8S for four months. At the same time, a HO200 apparatus was used as a headphone amplifier, and Yamaha HS80M active near-field monitors were used as acoustics. It is clear that the SU-8S DAC belongs to a lower price niche, but inside they have identical converter chips and USB. The only difference is that the DO200 has two of them, while the SU-8S only has one. So, by ear, these are two completely different approaches to building a musical canvas. The SU-8S do this with an emphasis on clarity, transparency and attention to detail. It would seem, what could be better?

I myself asked this question, until I listened to the hero of the review. However, after the first acquaintance, I immediately felt the manifested depth, volume and space, which, of course, were also present in my last favorite, but not so thoroughly. Against the background of the DO200, the sound of the SU-8S seems clearer, the attacks are sharper, but it is still inferior in timbre, because it is not so deep in the elaboration of each of the musical images and the entire space of the stage as a whole. Although, if we discard this moment, then the general nature of the DACs, of course, can be traced.

Topping DX5 would probably be better compared to E50, because this brand has a radically different approach in circuitry, but I took the trouble to compare it with it. After that, I was incredibly surprised by the fact that the DX5, by its nature, turned out to be directly very close to the SU-8S. There is also a decent such a bias in the brightness and speed of working out transient responses. Which, in my opinion, is simply wonderful, but once you have tried the scale and effect in transferring textures that the DO200 offers, you already look at everything else with such a slight skepticism. Well, all sorts of even the most advanced whistles and players from the same price segment today are generally out of work, listening to them after the hero of the review is real torture. It’s not even a step, but a whole span in quality.

In general, SMSL does not change itself, promoting the same immersive effect with the most detailed rendering of each of the instruments, regardless of how deep the stage is. That is, not the foreground and accompaniment, but the construction of the entire three-dimensional space as a whole. In terms of presentation, the sound turned out to be lively, melodic and simply incredibly tasty. A little softer than the SU-8S, but still. From the style, I liked absolutely everything, with a reservation to my park of headphones, amplifiers and acoustics. And although I can quite understand those who will choose the SU-8S for this particular factor, however, I myself can hardly go back. The way DO200 present jazz, soul, ethnic, diverse electronics, some large orchestras and already classical organ or piano music is simply enchanting, right up to goosebumps. I can especially highlight the connection with the Kinera Impereal URD headphones through the HO200 amplifier, I have not received so much listening pleasure, probably for a couple of years. One word – delight.

If we disassemble the sound by frequencies, then the bass here is simply super deep and transparent in terms of textures, the middle has softening, saturation, volume, pleasant to the ear, and almost meticulous attention to even the smallest nuances. Where the emphasis is not purely on speed, as in most models from other manufacturers, but on dynamics in conjunction with the accuracy of transferring scene space. That is why the sound gets such volume that it literally takes you to the studio or to the concert of your favorite performers. At the same time, saturation, expressiveness and melody naturally follow all the advantages already described. The tops here are also weighty, long and just super clear, without any unnecessary accents and attempts to somehow embellish them.

Video version of the review

findings

Summing up, the stationary DAC SMSL DO200 first of all looks solid, has a set of digital inputs and outputs expanded with the help of AES / EBU, I2S and bluetooth both on RCA and on much more serious balanced XLRs. A huge list of settings in the system menu, a chic new-style remote control, support for AptX HD and LDAC codecs for wireless connection and, of course, simply outrageous values for PCM, DSD and MQA streams. Almost perfect measurement results speak about how competently this device is designed.

Sound-wise, it’s probably the best sound I’ve ever heard. Moreover, comparison with other DACs on the same element base, in my opinion, is not even close. It turned out so spectacularly, expressively and in detail that I personally cannot find other words, except for the expression of utter admiration. Any instrument, no matter where exactly it is located on the stage, the path even at its very end, is drawn to the smallest detail, and everything is presented so realistically that you literally dive headlong into the sound.

Yes, friends, stationary DACs are not a player for you, and even more so not mobile or portable solutions, everything here is much more serious and cool. I have been enjoying the sound of the DO200 for half a year already, and I recommend it to you with all my heart. The device is just fire.

SMSL DO200 on Aliexpress SMSL DO200 in the store

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