Hey man I just had my SMSL da9 break down after 8 months usage - the support window is only 6 months long, so I am unable to receive any support. Not to mention it's nearly impossible to even get in touch with their support in the first place. Saw a similar review on the da9 on amazon as well (breakdown after 8 months usage), so wanted to leave this here for awareness. I think SMSL is putting out products that punch above their price, but I have serious concerns about their lack of support and longevity of their products. This is probably my first piece of audio related equipment that has not lasted a year, and I will probably never purchase an SMSL piece ever again due to this experience.
Thank you for sharing Chris. I'm sorry that happened to you. When I think about it, I don't use most of the devices tested here longer than a month or two so reliability of the product is really difficult to assess.
@@iiWiReviews I have more fundamental concerns about buying such and similar technical devices in non-European countries, whether the USA or China as examples, because outside of Germany, where I live, there are significantly worse or no regulations regarding buyer's rights guarantee after purchase. Especially in Germany, buyers have legally regulated warranty claims and exchange rights against the manufacturers and sellers who sell their goods in this country, no matter how, for at least one year after purchase in the case of defects that are not the fault of the buyer, these rights are generally recognized, automatically part of sales contracts and enforceable in court. In addition, there are consumer protection organizations that advise and support the buyer free of charge or for a small fee in special cases, or even provide legal help if one cannot afford one. Because the dealers and companies working here have known all this for a long time, they are much more helpful and accommodating in such and similar cases.
I love this video for one main reason... It means that that your Topping D90LE video is next!! Lol... Checking my TH-cam notifications every hour!! - You're the best!
USB-C port is Not just smaller it's just better all audio companies should adopt it it's 2022 it has much more functionality then the old B 2.0 connector and iteven better then B 3.0 connector theres no Reason to stay with the old connectors aside from paying few cents less for manufacturing especially on BUS powered units like Ifi Zen Dac v2
Thank you for another great review Srboljub. I buy T-Shirts several at a time too. It makes sense to buy what you like, when it’s available at the right price! There really is a big choice of amplifiers and DAC’s from Topping and SMSL at these price points, so it’s good to get some great advice, which you always provide in your reviews. Thank you for your excellent video review. 👍😀
i'd love to see your review of the SMSL DO100 PRO, recently released. It adds the HDMI ARC input, which is a big plus for me, but I'm wondering if it's still good as dac.
It's an acronym, originally I planed to name the channel "Is It Worth It". I have actually started that way, and in the early videos (that nobody should watch cause they were bad) the whole phrase is written in the intro.
@@iiWiReviews "Is It Worth It". I really like this a lot! I always look for your videos first thing every day! This channel will expand big time...my prediction.
I have this DAC, the DO100, along with other DACs. I find DAC reviews somewhat amusing and take them with a grain of salt. When programmers write the software for DAC chips, they don’t code for”warmth” or “depth of soundstage” . DAC chips start off as code written on a computer. The software is written to be as accurately as possible then that code is etched onto a chip. The 0s and 1s streaming into the DAC determine the sound. Getting back to the DO100, its soundstage is the same as my other DACs because that voicing is in the recording not the DAC chip.
Always look forward to your reviews as you have a great talent describing equipment sound quality which after all is the most important aspect. Can I ask what music you use as your intro / outgoing on your videos?
Great stuff, very detailed information and pretty humorous :) How do you think the HO100 compare with Toppings L50? I figure it might be comparable to HO100 vs L30, however the L50 has a real balanced output (as far as I know), so I would like to know if stretching my budget to Topping's offering might give me more room to upgrade, or if it isn't much worth it :)
Great review! Nice comparisons with the other DACs. I also have the SU-9, M500 MK II, and this DO100 DAC. They are everything you say they are! I also have the SMSL D300 that is more compared to the M500 MK II. Thinking about getting the Loxjie D40 next month. I was thinking the same thing as your comparison of the headphone amps too. I really like the DO100, and HO100 offerings. For their price point, I find it hard to beat this stack. I was wondering how the DO100, and HO100 stack compare to the DO200, and HO200 stack?
I just returned the HO100. It is not powerful enough for my new 64 ohms custom headphones. Also it doesn't have a true balanced output. I connected to my 1984 Technics integrated amp, and was blown away. I just bought a Topping D90le, and want a good amp to compliment it.
I do not use head phones. I have the SMSL DO100 . 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 .
I hope at some point you can review the SMSL VMV D1se - this is supposed to be the top of the line? Though they have a much more expensive one, now. The D1se is a lot like the M500 MkII but with a linear power supply, I think?
At this point I would actually go for the new SMSL SU-1. Yes it's cheaper but so good that I actually prefer it to both of these. You would have to go to more expensive SMSL SU-9 pro to truly beat the SU-1.
I’ve read that USB C is able to pass a higher data rate than A or B and the EU is heading toward having C as the standard, replacing A and B. Time will tell.
As a data standard, yes it is better, especially for devices that need high bandwidth. Audio however is very undemanding in that regard and USB B is simply physically more sturdy. I have seen many micro USB and USB-C ports that went loose, but I have rarely seen USB-B having similar problems.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks for your reply. So, during the us-8s is on sale at $180 usd, and I do like warmer sound, but I use MQA, which one you would recommended for me? I already have the HO100 amp, and I like it. And I’m using smsl sanshrik mk I.
In that case I would go for DO100. MQA is really not something worth pondering about, especially if you hook your DAC to a PC or phone with official Tidal app that can unfold MQA itself.
HI. I am currently using the WIIM PRO puns as a streamer and DAC. Have you had the opportunity to test it? What do you think about it? If I combined it with an SMSL DO100 would I improve? Thank you.
Just got the DO100, sounds great to me but here I am already wondering if AKM based SMSL D-6 DAC sounds better to my ears. I expect no difference really as both should measure far better than we can hear. Edit: Some claim to hear the difference between the AKM and ESS DACs. I'm skeptical.. and curios
I bet the output power of the amp that SMSL claims is when it's connected via XLR (balanced) input, getting 4V, and the output when connected to RCA input measures less, without disclosing that. SMSL loves to do that, basically misleading people. To be fair, Topping does it too...
Most likely but even through the RCA it still feels like plenty of power subjectively. But I agree it would be the best if they start providing full specs for every possible scenario.
Great review, and I have question for you. When both RCA and XLR are connected via input, even with a toggle switch on HO100, both output comes out. I have RCA to speaker, and XLR to HO100. If I toggle switch to XLR, the sound comes out from both speaker and headphones. Do you experience the same or is my unit defect?
WOW...A complete review. Incredible coverage mate, you talked on every aspect. Thank you
Hey man I just had my SMSL da9 break down after 8 months usage - the support window is only 6 months long, so I am unable to receive any support. Not to mention it's nearly impossible to even get in touch with their support in the first place. Saw a similar review on the da9 on amazon as well (breakdown after 8 months usage), so wanted to leave this here for awareness. I think SMSL is putting out products that punch above their price, but I have serious concerns about their lack of support and longevity of their products. This is probably my first piece of audio related equipment that has not lasted a year, and I will probably never purchase an SMSL piece ever again due to this experience.
Thank you for sharing Chris. I'm sorry that happened to you. When I think about it, I don't use most of the devices tested here longer than a month or two so reliability of the product is really difficult to assess.
@@iiWiReviews I have more fundamental concerns about buying such and similar technical devices in non-European countries, whether the USA or China as examples, because outside of Germany, where I live, there are significantly worse or no regulations regarding buyer's rights guarantee after purchase. Especially in Germany, buyers have legally regulated warranty claims and exchange rights against the manufacturers and sellers who sell their goods in this country, no matter how, for at least one year after purchase in the case of defects that are not the fault of the buyer, these rights are generally recognized, automatically part of sales contracts and enforceable in court. In addition, there are consumer protection organizations that advise and support the buyer free of charge or for a small fee in special cases, or even provide legal help if one cannot afford one. Because the dealers and companies working here have known all this for a long time, they are much more helpful and accommodating in such and similar cases.
I just purchased one with 2 years extended warranty.
Looool the tshirt beginning 😂
Excellent comprehensive review, as always. Trying to decide between s stack or all in one, this is really helping. Loved that creepy ending 🤣
A DAC is supposed to be transparent. Is it adding bass content?
You are really good and creepy as well, the natural one.
Black shirts fit you perfectly!
Nice review! It is very valuable that you compare multiple low budget gears. Very useful for a lot of people. Thanks!
And the ending. Great review as always.
I love this video for one main reason... It means that that your Topping D90LE video is next!! Lol... Checking my TH-cam notifications every hour!! - You're the best!
Have you tried SMSL DO100 Pro? Comparing SMSL DO100 with SMSL DO100 Pro.. . What about SMSL DO200 Pro?
USB-C port is Not just smaller it's just better all audio companies should adopt it it's 2022 it has much more functionality then the old B 2.0 connector and iteven better then B 3.0 connector theres no Reason to stay with the old connectors aside from paying few cents less for manufacturing especially on BUS powered units like Ifi Zen Dac v2
Thank you for another great review Srboljub. I buy T-Shirts several at a time too. It makes sense to buy what you like, when it’s available at the right price! There really is a big choice of amplifiers and DAC’s from Topping and SMSL at these price points, so it’s good to get some great advice, which you always provide in your reviews. Thank you for your excellent video review. 👍😀
i'd love to see your review of the SMSL DO100 PRO, recently released. It adds the HDMI ARC input, which is a big plus for me, but I'm wondering if it's still good as dac.
How I wish SMSL had od dropped the XLR inputs and gone for TRS like the L50 with the space saved we could have got outputs.
Anyone know what “iiWi” means? Is it referring to the Hawaiian bird of that name or is it a Serbian acronym or … ???
Or is it an English acronym....?
@@dejanjerkic5761 I’ve searched the site and TH-cam channel (and googled it) and found nothing.
It's an acronym, originally I planed to name the channel "Is It Worth It". I have actually started that way, and in the early videos (that nobody should watch cause they were bad) the whole phrase is written in the intro.
@@iiWiReviews "Is It Worth It". I really like this a lot! I always look for your videos first thing every day! This channel will expand big time...my prediction.
If anything the tshirt producer paid you for the subliminal message to make us buy more shirts.
Great review as always.
You got me .
Now I can't sleep
Psyco.
Great review for an old senile guy 😎😎
Can it be connected to android phone via USB C?
Great review 👍
You ar the best . great review thank you
I have this DAC, the DO100, along with other DACs. I find DAC reviews somewhat amusing and take them with a grain of salt. When programmers write the software for DAC chips, they don’t code for”warmth” or “depth of soundstage” . DAC chips start off as code written on a computer. The software is written to be as accurately as possible then that code is etched onto a chip. The 0s and 1s streaming into the DAC determine the sound. Getting back to the DO100, its soundstage is the same as my other DACs because that voicing is in the recording not the DAC chip.
Extremely helpful video
Always look forward to your reviews as you have a great talent describing equipment sound quality which after all is the most important aspect. Can I ask what music you use as your intro / outgoing on your videos?
Thanks, sorry for the late reply but I needed to find the name of the song, it's this one: th-cam.com/video/QYPIwQbx-FE/w-d-xo.html
@@iiWiReviews Many thanks for the link .
Great stuff, very detailed information and pretty humorous :) How do you think the HO100 compare with Toppings L50? I figure it might be comparable to HO100 vs L30, however the L50 has a real balanced output (as far as I know), so I would like to know if stretching my budget to Topping's offering might give me more room to upgrade, or if it isn't much worth it :)
I don't think it's worth stretching. Pretty comparable performance.
Great review! Nice comparisons with the other DACs. I also have the SU-9, M500 MK II, and this DO100 DAC. They are everything you say they are! I also have the SMSL D300 that is more compared to the M500 MK II. Thinking about getting the Loxjie D40 next month. I was thinking the same thing as your comparison of the headphone amps too. I really like the DO100, and HO100 offerings. For their price point, I find it hard to beat this stack. I was wondering how the DO100, and HO100 stack compare to the DO200, and HO200 stack?
Do you like the SMSL D300? Something special? I only have the SMSL SU8, is the d300 a big step above and what about do100 dac?
Why do you have so many DACs?
great review once again!!
Lovely detailed review...
I just returned the HO100. It is not powerful enough for my new 64 ohms custom headphones. Also it doesn't have a true balanced output. I connected to my 1984 Technics integrated amp, and was blown away. I just bought a Topping D90le, and want a good amp to compliment it.
How different and in what ways do you think the DO100 + SH-6 stack will sound compared to DO100+HO100 stack? Thanks!
between smsl do100 and topping dx5 is there much difference in sound quality?
is it worth it for me to upgrade do100 to dx5 ?
Good review, hope you can review the AKM version of the DAC, called the SMSL D-6 as well!
I do not use head phones. I have the SMSL DO100 . 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 .
How would the DO100 compare to the soncoz la-qxd1?
I hope at some point you can review the SMSL VMV D1se - this is supposed to be the top of the line? Though they have a much more expensive one, now. The D1se is a lot like the M500 MkII but with a linear power supply, I think?
just moved from a Sound Blaster X3 to this gear and honestly its a 1000% better!
Hello! Please let me know are you planning to review the new SMSL D-6 DAC?
A great review as always, i would like your opinion for the following do you think that ifi zen dac v2 as a dac is inferior of the ex5 as a dac?
Smsl do100 vs d300 smsl เลือกตัวไหนดีครับใช้กับชุดเครื่องเสียงบ้านhi end speaker AE300 Acoustic Energy . From thailand
At this point I would actually go for the new SMSL SU-1. Yes it's cheaper but so good that I actually prefer it to both of these. You would have to go to more expensive SMSL SU-9 pro to truly beat the SU-1.
@@iiWiReviews thank you very much Think hard. Buy only one device.
Great review. I agree with you on USB "B" vs Type "C".
Please review the Wattson somerset.
I’ve read that USB C is able to pass a higher data rate than A or B and the EU is heading toward having C as the standard, replacing A and B. Time will tell.
As a data standard, yes it is better, especially for devices that need high bandwidth. Audio however is very undemanding in that regard and USB B is simply physically more sturdy. I have seen many micro USB and USB-C ports that went loose, but I have rarely seen USB-B having similar problems.
Is this better then the m200
hey one cuestion, can i use the SU-6 with the HO100??
As long as you use the RCA ports, sure! They will work just fine together :)
Great!
How about compare to small su-8s
I think both of these are very similar in most ways but D0100 is probably more bassy, like SU-9.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks for your reply. So, during the us-8s is on sale at $180 usd, and I do like warmer sound, but I use MQA, which one you would recommended for me? I already have the HO100 amp, and I like it. And I’m using smsl sanshrik mk I.
In that case I would go for DO100. MQA is really not something worth pondering about, especially if you hook your DAC to a PC or phone with official Tidal app that can unfold MQA itself.
@@iiWiReviews Oh, it's good to know about this. I'm new to this erea, so, thanks for your recomendation.
HI.
I am currently using the WIIM PRO puns as a streamer and DAC. Have you had the opportunity to test it? What do you think about it?
If I combined it with an SMSL DO100 would I improve? Thank you.
The dac in wiim pro is bad, you need to add an external dac with it. I suggest this smsl or topping e50 both are good for the price.
Just got the DO100, sounds great to me but here I am already wondering if AKM based SMSL D-6 DAC sounds better to my ears. I expect no difference really as both should measure far better than we can hear.
Edit: Some claim to hear the difference between the AKM and ESS DACs. I'm skeptical.. and curios
S.M.S.L D-6 Dual AK4493S (new chip) .... good question. The S.M.S.L D-6 is on my radar as well.
I bet the output power of the amp that SMSL claims is when it's connected via XLR (balanced) input, getting 4V, and the output when connected to RCA input measures less, without disclosing that.
SMSL loves to do that, basically misleading people.
To be fair, Topping does it too...
Most likely but even through the RCA it still feels like plenty of power subjectively. But I agree it would be the best if they start providing full specs for every possible scenario.
Are you back to using the Ares II as your main DAC?
No, I was using M500 MKII last few months and I've sold Ares II. But now there are few serious newcomers and one of them is R2R.
Great review, and I have question for you. When both RCA and XLR are connected via input, even with a toggle switch on HO100, both output comes out. I have RCA to speaker, and XLR to HO100. If I toggle switch to XLR, the sound comes out from both speaker and headphones. Do you experience the same or is my unit defect?
Switch on the HO100 selects which input is active on the headphone amp... The DAC itself outputs both at the same time.
@@iiWiReviews it makes sense... thanks for the advice!!!