I'd love to hear your review of the new DO100 PRO that adds the HDMI arc to the inputs, a great plus for me, but I don't know if it's still a valuable choice as a DAC.
I don't know if there's a default as such (or what it is), but I always go for a linear phase filter which generally means Linear Fast or Linear Slow. From there, it depends on the rest of the source chain
It's been a year since I first watched and commented on this video. Would the Magni+ be an upgrade to the HO100 paired with the DO100? Thanks in advance!
I haven't compared them directly, but the Magni+ should be a minor upgrade thanks to its discrete design (versus the integrated op-amps in the HO100). Personally, I'd probably look to go a step higher to the Midgard or Asgard 3 to get a better improvement from your next upgrade though.
Thanks for the review! For the price it does seem to have a great deal of features and functionality. SMSL and topping seem to release new products each month so it's hard to stay on top of their lineup. The performance always seems to be very similar but great budget gear. They always seem to have a performance ceiling on technical capabilities though where they can't really compete above a certain price point.
Really well said, Ace. I agree and their performance ceiling and I also think much of their gear is irrelevant due to being largely identical. The 100-stack is a bit of a standout to me. It's not vastly different from the other, but it is the best combination I've heard at the price I think
Thank you for review. I'm thinking about buying SMSL DO100 for my Topping A90 AMP. Would you recommend it? My only requirement is balanced output for DAC :)
The D100 will do well, but be aware (if it matters to you) that you can get better performance by spending more money. Higher quality DACs like the DO200, D90SE, SU-9, etc. will provide better detail retrieval, etc. but they're not huge differences
I haven't compared those two so can't say exactly, but most amps with analog controls will have a similar level of low volume channel imbalance. Having a good low gain mode definitely helps, but I think both of these are the same in that regard, but the HO200 might do slightly better being a higher priced unit that might use a higher quality volume pot. I'm away at the moment so can't offer to check for you. Sorry.
There's no reason not to mix and match like that. Keep in mind though that the E50 uses TRS outputs for balanced and the HO100 takes XLR inputs so you'll need custom cables (or pro audio cables)
Great review! I really appreciated the comparisons as it helped to put this combo in perspective for me. Looking forward to your next review. Enjoy your day!
Sorry already way too long since this video posted. 1 question: is HO100 have similar audio performance (sound signature, technicalities) like SP200 or its a step up from SP200?
Thank you for another great video. It was very informative. How would you say the DO100 would sound married to a SH-6 instead of the HO100? I wanted the preamp out on the SH-6, but wasn't sure how that would affect overall sound.
I think the HO100 and SH-6 are performing fairly similarly to the point that they're maybe a little different rather than specifically better/worse. You should be fine with that combo 🙂
I just got the SMSL DO100 thank you for helping me out .I do not use head phones. how can i connect the highest quality from computer to DAC and then to my 2 XLR powered speakers . I will be connecting a computer usb into my DAC with usb-c to Dac and a WiiM Mini streamer .not sure of the best way to connect everything together... Is there any other way to connect from my computer because my puter does not connect optical or toslink or coaxle . I was told usb is not quality audio cable and I do not want Bluetooth ...I want the best possible signal to my powered speakers .
Glad I could help with your decision. Don't worry about the quality of USB - it's completely fine. There are devices from companies like iFi that can help to improve the quality of USB connections by filtering out noise, etc. but I'd recommend just starting with a direct USB connection and then see if you feel the need for improvements once you hear it.
I just have one more question .You are so kind and helpful . Can I send an audio signal from USB A from my computer to USB C connected to the USB C port in the DO100 power input (or is that usb c on the DO100 only for power) and then out XLR to my powered speakers ? Do I need a USB A connects to computer via USB and outputs TOSLINK to DO100 ? Will this then allow me to play my uhd music service from my computer Amazon playlist
You can definitely run USB-A out of the computer and into the USB-C on the DO100 for your active speakers. I'm pretty sure a suitable cable is provided with the unit. That means you can definitely use the DO100 to stream Amazon music from your computer
The DX5 is an all-in-one so you're paying for the amp stage too. As for pure DAC performance, I haven't compared the directly, but would expect the DX5 to be a slight upgrade. What amp are you using at the moment?
@@PassionforSound I use the balanced output available on the smsl do100 connected to a Sansui amp and use a Pioneer 1 80A speaker. does topping dx5 really make the sound more balanced and detailed than do100 ???
I'd have to compare them to be certain, but I would probably skip the DX5 for your setup (unless you need a headphone output), save up a bit and go for something significantly better like a Bifrost 2, Geshelli J2, Soncoz SGD-1, etc.
Can you review the SMSL D300 DAC? I saw some other reviews that said it has a more analog sound. Be interested to hear what you think about it. Trying to do some research for my next stack upgrade.
@@PassionforSound I currently have a jds atom stack. Thinking about upgrading because I have a pair of HE6se-v2 coming. Thanks, appreciate your videos.
They're all good so it really depends on your budget. The HE-6 do benefit from a solidly powerful amp so you're not stretching the amp to its limits. What is your budget and are you only considering SMSL or would you buy other brands too?
Is the dac transparent ? In a audible way. How low would noise and distortion have to be for a human not to hear it. I am plucking a number out of the air of -140dB, or do you think more.
I haven't found any decent DACs in the modern market to have audible noise. Measurements get vastly overemphasized in this hobby and I'd recommend not putting much weight in measurements and instead check out reviews to understand how it actually sounds. Whilst all good DACs are basically transparent from a frequency response perspective (i.e. they're flat from 20-20,000Hz), they all impart some character to the sound. That's neither good nor bad, but it's important to understand. Some DACs will have a slightly drier, crisper character while others will be smoother, etc. One final point is that there are good measuring products that don't sound very good (Topping EX5) so I'd recommend placing more emphasis on descriptions and comparisons of how products actually sound and you'll make better decisions.
It's not about wanting a DAC to have a sound - in a perfect world they would all be 100% transparent. The reality is though that every component in the signal path can potentially impart some sonic character while still measuring flat in terms of frequency response. Things like the sense of smoothness or attack, or the degree of dynamics can alter from one device to the next so it's about understanding that and helping people to find the best match for their system while also identifying if a DAC is particularly colouring the sound (which is not ideal IMO)
That's a good question. I haven't compared them, but I'm a sucker for the sound and look of the Geshellis. I think, based entirely on memory, the Geshellis might sound a touch more articulate and less punchy than the HO100, but it'll be a close call as all three are excellent amps.
@@PassionforSound thanks for your thoughts. I'm looking for an Amp for my 2 headphones, Sundara & HD6xx, and this new HO100 might be on the shortlist now. Have an E50 dac and was using L50 but sold it as it sounded too flat. Do like the look of the Geshelli amps as well 👍
I might have removed the two-tone hoodie by mistake. I'll fix it in the morning (it's late here now) and let you know when it's available again. Sorry for the inconvenience!
All fixed. Sorry it took a while: passion-for-sound.myspreadshop.com.au/usb+cable+definition-A5fb462280903d417173b11bc?productType=1007&sellable=nObq5wZovdSzrmVOnkvL-1007-22&appearance=707
I have a different setup as you know, and I would be curious about a comparison of the HO100 to a Loki Mini+ and Magni Heresy coming from the DO100. I know that we all can't just mix and match every component available and run these comparisons. With that being said, when I have it finally set up, I'll be feeding the DO100 into that Schiit combo to drive my DT 1990's. This will then feed my speaker amp stack from the Heresy preamp. I certainly am looking forward to testing this all out. In the curremt state, my speaker amp is the Aiyima A07. A very good implementation of the TPA3255 chip. My unit achieves on a higher level as I have upgraded to a more robust power supply, provided it with excellent DC cables and the amplifier has been upgraded with 2 SparkosLabs dual discrete op-amps. My headphones obviously will not benefit from this setup though. I am also experiencing something I can't explain that feels a bit like shame, as I've just recently purchased a second Schiit Hel 2E in order to test some solutions to inherent issues with the unit in order to help their community. Having run one in my system for a year now and it being the launchpad for a now non-stop audio-enthusiast journey... Moving to the DO100 made me feel like I was a abandoning this special moment in the story. As if I was being disloyal to the Schiit Brand. This is not something I usually experience. On the other side of that, I found that the Aune X8 XVIII, with it's dedicated line out and ability to install a SparkosLabs op-amp into that DAC, I feel like I might have bought the wrong DAC. There is something to be said for when a system, across the board, has the same technologies used in each of the components. My headphone setup, I believe would benefit from this idea. *Really Great Review! It was one of many that brought me to purchase the D0100. A noticeable upgrade from the Hel.
It's interesting how some products really capture our hearts for one reason or other. I totally get what you mean and have also experienced this a few times. Glad I've been able to help in your audio journey!
![ได้เวลา! พาน้องแฝดฉีดวัคซีนครบ 1 เดือน🫣 [cc] แดนแพทตี้ SS2 | EP.52 |](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IzeLtaXBLNE/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Live] ศึกมหึมันส์มวยไทยสังเวียนเดือด เวทีมวยชั่วคราวสวนสยาม | จันทร์ 30 กันยายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pM1k6f7JXUc/mqdefault.jpg)
I'd love to hear your review of the new DO100 PRO that adds the HDMI arc to the inputs, a great plus for me, but I don't know if it's still a valuable choice as a DAC.
I'll see if I get the chance to try one 🙂
Do you know which Filter is the Default setting (F1-F7)? Did you play with these, any favorite?
I don't know if there's a default as such (or what it is), but I always go for a linear phase filter which generally means Linear Fast or Linear Slow. From there, it depends on the rest of the source chain
It's been a year since I first watched and commented on this video. Would the Magni+ be an upgrade to the HO100 paired with the DO100? Thanks in advance!
I haven't compared them directly, but the Magni+ should be a minor upgrade thanks to its discrete design (versus the integrated op-amps in the HO100). Personally, I'd probably look to go a step higher to the Midgard or Asgard 3 to get a better improvement from your next upgrade though.
@@PassionforSound Yeah, I was kinda worried it might be sort of a side-grade. Thanks for taking the time to give me a better suggestion!
My pleasure!
Thanks for the review! For the price it does seem to have a great deal of features and functionality. SMSL and topping seem to release new products each month so it's hard to stay on top of their lineup. The performance always seems to be very similar but great budget gear. They always seem to have a performance ceiling on technical capabilities though where they can't really compete above a certain price point.
Really well said, Ace. I agree and their performance ceiling and I also think much of their gear is irrelevant due to being largely identical. The 100-stack is a bit of a standout to me. It's not vastly different from the other, but it is the best combination I've heard at the price I think
I think they do a large batch production... after sold out, they do some incremental changes with a new body and make it another new model....
The thing is, they seem to keep the old models around as well until there's an update to that specific model.
Thank you for review. I'm thinking about buying SMSL DO100 for my Topping A90 AMP. Would you recommend it? My only requirement is balanced output for DAC :)
The D100 will do well, but be aware (if it matters to you) that you can get better performance by spending more money. Higher quality DACs like the DO200, D90SE, SU-9, etc. will provide better detail retrieval, etc. but they're not huge differences
How is the channel imbalance on the H0100??? Is the channel imbalance the same as on the SMSL sH6??
I haven't compared those two so can't say exactly, but most amps with analog controls will have a similar level of low volume channel imbalance. Having a good low gain mode definitely helps, but I think both of these are the same in that regard, but the HO200 might do slightly better being a higher priced unit that might use a higher quality volume pot. I'm away at the moment so can't offer to check for you. Sorry.
ZEN stack, Gesheli stack, or the RME-ADI2 on sale? For HD800
The ADI-2 is probably the best DAC of the lot so I'd maybe start there and add a better amp later if you want to.
Thanks for very useful review as usual. Would it make sense if I use E50 to combine HO100 to get the best out of both?
There's no reason not to mix and match like that. Keep in mind though that the E50 uses TRS outputs for balanced and the HO100 takes XLR inputs so you'll need custom cables (or pro audio cables)
All I wish is connect the 100 to my CD player to my tube ampp
If your CD player has either optical or coaxial output, connect that to the DO100 and then RCA out of the DO100 to the tube amp 🙂
Great review! I really appreciated the comparisons as it helped to put this combo in perspective for me. Looking forward to your next review. Enjoy your day!
Thanks Jerad. Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great day too 🙂🙂
Good review, hope you can also review the AKM version of the DAC, called the D-6
Glad you liked the review. I'll see if someone offers to send me the D-6
Sorry already way too long since this video posted. 1 question: is HO100 have similar audio performance (sound signature, technicalities) like SP200 or its a step up from SP200?
I haven't compared them directly, but the SP200 was a pretty poor sounding amp IMO. The HO100 is much better I think
@@PassionforSound thank you for your opinion!
My pleasure
Thank you for another great video. It was very informative. How would you say the DO100 would sound married to a SH-6 instead of the HO100? I wanted the preamp out on the SH-6, but wasn't sure how that would affect overall sound.
I think the HO100 and SH-6 are performing fairly similarly to the point that they're maybe a little different rather than specifically better/worse. You should be fine with that combo 🙂
@@PassionforSound That's great! I appreciate you taking the time to reply. Have a great weekend!
Thanks for the review mate. Please consider the Hifiman EF400 for review. I am curious how it compares to the chip based K9 Pro ESS.
Glad you liked the review! I'll have a chat to HiFiMan and see what we can arrange
@@PassionforSound thank you very much
Does it have a simple EQ to lower Bass or Treble?
No, just straight outputs
Thanks!.
I just got the SMSL DO100 thank you for helping me out .I do not use head phones. how can i connect the highest quality from computer to DAC and then to my 2 XLR powered speakers . I will be connecting a computer usb into my DAC with usb-c to Dac and a WiiM Mini streamer .not sure of the best way to connect everything together... Is there any other way to connect from my computer because my puter does not connect optical or toslink or coaxle . I was told usb is not quality audio cable and I do not want Bluetooth ...I want the best possible signal to my powered speakers .
Glad I could help with your decision.
Don't worry about the quality of USB - it's completely fine. There are devices from companies like iFi that can help to improve the quality of USB connections by filtering out noise, etc. but I'd recommend just starting with a direct USB connection and then see if you feel the need for improvements once you hear it.
@@PassionforSound you are so kind thank you so much and thank you for your helpful channel .I have learned a lot from you !!!
So glad I could help
I just have one more question .You are so kind and helpful . Can I send an audio signal from USB A from my computer to USB C connected to the USB C port in the DO100 power input (or is that usb c on the DO100 only for power) and then out XLR to my powered speakers ? Do I need a USB A connects to computer via USB and outputs TOSLINK to DO100 ? Will this then allow me to play my uhd music service from my computer Amazon playlist
You can definitely run USB-A out of the computer and into the USB-C on the DO100 for your active speakers. I'm pretty sure a suitable cable is provided with the unit. That means you can definitely use the DO100 to stream Amazon music from your computer
@@PassionforSound Thank you so much you’re the best
My pleasure
between smsl do100 and topping dx5 is there much difference in sound quality?
is it worth it for me to upgrade do100 to dx5 ?
The DX5 is an all-in-one so you're paying for the amp stage too. As for pure DAC performance, I haven't compared the directly, but would expect the DX5 to be a slight upgrade. What amp are you using at the moment?
@@PassionforSound I use the balanced output available on the smsl do100 connected to a Sansui amp and use a Pioneer 1 80A speaker.
does topping dx5 really make the sound more balanced and detailed than do100 ???
I'd have to compare them to be certain, but I would probably skip the DX5 for your setup (unless you need a headphone output), save up a bit and go for something significantly better like a Bifrost 2, Geshelli J2, Soncoz SGD-1, etc.
Can you review the SMSL D300 DAC? I saw some other reviews that said it has a more analog sound. Be interested to hear what you think about it. Trying to do some research for my next stack upgrade.
I can't make any promises because it depends on what I can arrange to have sent out, but I'll see what I can do. What are you upgrading from?
@@PassionforSound I currently have a jds atom stack. Thinking about upgrading because I have a pair of HE6se-v2 coming. Thanks, appreciate your videos.
My pleasure. The SMSL should be a step up from the JDS
@@PassionforSound which SMSL stack do you recommend for my case ?
They're all good so it really depends on your budget. The HE-6 do benefit from a solidly powerful amp so you're not stretching the amp to its limits. What is your budget and are you only considering SMSL or would you buy other brands too?
Is the dac transparent ? In a audible way. How low would noise and distortion have to be for a human not to hear it. I am plucking a number out of the air of -140dB, or do you think more.
I haven't found any decent DACs in the modern market to have audible noise. Measurements get vastly overemphasized in this hobby and I'd recommend not putting much weight in measurements and instead check out reviews to understand how it actually sounds. Whilst all good DACs are basically transparent from a frequency response perspective (i.e. they're flat from 20-20,000Hz), they all impart some character to the sound. That's neither good nor bad, but it's important to understand. Some DACs will have a slightly drier, crisper character while others will be smoother, etc.
One final point is that there are good measuring products that don't sound very good (Topping EX5) so I'd recommend placing more emphasis on descriptions and comparisons of how products actually sound and you'll make better decisions.
@@PassionforSound why would you want a dac to have a sound of its own. It's doing the job, or it's not.
It's not about wanting a DAC to have a sound - in a perfect world they would all be 100% transparent. The reality is though that every component in the signal path can potentially impart some sonic character while still measuring flat in terms of frequency response. Things like the sense of smoothness or attack, or the degree of dynamics can alter from one device to the next so it's about understanding that and helping people to find the best match for their system while also identifying if a DAC is particularly colouring the sound (which is not ideal IMO)
Thanks for the review. Was wondering how, in your opinion, the HO100 compares to the Geshelli archel or E2 amp?
That's a good question. I haven't compared them, but I'm a sucker for the sound and look of the Geshellis. I think, based entirely on memory, the Geshellis might sound a touch more articulate and less punchy than the HO100, but it'll be a close call as all three are excellent amps.
@@PassionforSound thanks for your thoughts. I'm looking for an Amp for my 2 headphones, Sundara & HD6xx, and this new HO100 might be on the shortlist now. Have an E50 dac and was using L50 but sold it as it sounded too flat. Do like the look of the Geshelli amps as well 👍
Either option will be great. Good luck with the decision!
Where can I buy the hoodie? I can't see the same colour online.
I might have removed the two-tone hoodie by mistake. I'll fix it in the morning (it's late here now) and let you know when it's available again. Sorry for the inconvenience!
All fixed. Sorry it took a while: passion-for-sound.myspreadshop.com.au/usb+cable+definition-A5fb462280903d417173b11bc?productType=1007&sellable=nObq5wZovdSzrmVOnkvL-1007-22&appearance=707
I have a different setup as you know, and I would be curious about a comparison of the HO100 to a Loki Mini+ and Magni Heresy coming from the DO100.
I know that we all can't just mix and match every component available and run these comparisons. With that being said, when I have it finally set up, I'll be feeding the DO100 into that Schiit combo to drive my DT 1990's. This will then feed my speaker amp stack from the Heresy preamp.
I certainly am looking forward to testing this all out. In the curremt state, my speaker amp is the Aiyima A07. A very good implementation of the TPA3255 chip. My unit achieves on a higher level as I have upgraded to a more robust power supply, provided it with excellent DC cables and the amplifier has been upgraded with 2 SparkosLabs dual discrete op-amps. My headphones obviously will not benefit from this setup though.
I am also experiencing something I can't explain that feels a bit like shame, as I've just recently purchased a second Schiit Hel 2E in order to test some solutions to inherent issues with the unit in order to help their community. Having run one in my system for a year now and it being the launchpad for a now non-stop audio-enthusiast journey... Moving to the DO100 made me feel like I was a abandoning this special moment in the story. As if I was being disloyal to the Schiit Brand. This is not something I usually experience. On the other side of that, I found that the Aune X8 XVIII, with it's dedicated line out and ability to install a SparkosLabs op-amp into that DAC, I feel like I might have bought the wrong DAC. There is something to be said for when a system, across the board, has the same technologies used in each of the components. My headphone setup, I believe would benefit from this idea.
*Really Great Review! It was one of many that brought me to purchase the D0100. A noticeable upgrade from the Hel.
It's interesting how some products really capture our hearts for one reason or other. I totally get what you mean and have also experienced this a few times.
Glad I've been able to help in your audio journey!
@@PassionforSound setup tested... Magni Heresy has no right channel audio output from the jack. #sadface
Oh no! Faulty amp then?
@@PassionforSound Only in regards to the headphone socket. Pre-outs worked fine. Already boxed...FedEx picked it up today.
Thanks for the review!
My pleasure