I hope you all are enjoying the time, money, and effort I put into this video, as much as you enjoy your audio system. I hope all of you can achieve the highest level of audio satisfaction and be as happy with it as possible. Feel free to leave a like, subscribe to my channel, comment your thoughts, and share this video with your audiophile friends.
Absolutely! Each component contributes to the overall sound, and understanding that can really enhance your listening experience. Glad you found it insightful!
Thanks for the feedback! It's definitely something many overlook, but once you start listening with those factors in mind, it really enhances the experience.
Thanks for the support! It’s always good to challenge common beliefs and encourage deeper thinking about audio gear. What are your thoughts on DACs now?
Thanks for noticing! It's easy to focus on the DAC chip, but the entire signal chain plays a huge part in performance. I appreciate you watching and pulling those insights from the video!
Absolutely! The ES9039Q2M really does deliver impressive performance for the price. It's exciting to see how such technology is making high-fidelity sound more accessible.
That's the beauty of audio! It's a complex puzzle, and knowing how everything fits together can make such a difference in your system. It’s all about understanding the full picture.
I’m happy you found it interesting! The DAC debate certainly has many layers, and I’m glad I could shed some light on it for you. I'll definitely keep the nuanced discussions coming!
The optical input is definitely a standout feature! It makes a big difference in reducing noise, especially in setups that aren’t the quietest. I think you’ll really appreciate that in your own setup.
Great review. I have owned this dac for about 1 month and I must say I am very impressed. Perfect for a mid level/price setup. I bought for my secondary stereo setup. Very transparent sound and solid bass. I also have the smsl d6s dac in my main setup and yes there is a difference. Is it a lot? No. Bigger sound stage and more sound separation on d6s. For the money the ps200 is amazing. Most people will not regret buying it. I don't.
You're absolutely correct. I'd say that for more of a mid range setup, something slightly pricier would be advised though. Anyway, you're not missing out a lot!
The $90 price point is hard to beat, right? It’s refreshing to see good quality gear at an accessible price. Hope you enjoy it if you decide to pick one up!
I'm happy you're satisfied with the value! The soundstage can definitely vary based on the environment and setup, but it's something I'm always looking to address in future reviews.
Upgrading your setup can definitely enhance your audio experience! Investing in quality cables can also make a noticeable difference, so it’s worth considering.
Absolutely! System synergy plays a huge role in the overall sound quality. It's one of those things that can easily get overlooked. Glad to see you're thinking about it too!
That’s a great idea! I’d be happy to explore different DAC designs in more detail-there’s so much depth to this topic. Stay tuned for more content on that!
Yeah, I get where you're coming from! While the PS200 is solid, I also noticed it could use a little more depth. There's always room for improvement, but it's nice to have an affordable option that doesn’t sound bad at all.
The SMSL PS200 is a great little DAC for the price. It's small, lightweight, and easy to use. The sound quality is decent, but it's not going to blow you away. If you're on a budget, this is a good option.
I appreciate your thoughts on the SMSL PS200! It's definitely a solid choice for those on a budget. So glad you found it user-friendly-sometimes simplicity is key when you just want to enjoy the music.
The PS200 is impressive in terms of mobile use. It holds up well against many portable DACs, especially regarding clarity and detail. I think it's a solid choice for on-the-go listening!
I will be doing an a/b listening test against the SMSL SU-1 that features the AKM4493S dac chip. Specs are pretty close to each other. Just wish the PS200 used the same metal frame as the SU-1 though.
That sounds like a solid plan! A/B listening tests can really help clarify things in this space. I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts on how the SMSL SU-1 stacks up against the PS200. Every little detail matters, and it's interesting to see how different setups can impact the listening experience.
That's an interesting perspective! Sometimes, spending less on a DAC can lead to a better overall sound if it suits the rest of your audio setup well. It’s all about synergy!
Exactly! The DAC chip is definitely a key player, but the entire setup really needs to work together for the best listening experience. Synergy is key in achieving that top-tier sound quality.
I appreciate that! A balanced approach is important in audio reviews, and I’m glad you found the insights helpful. The PS200 opens up a lot of possibilities!
The PS200 is a great DAC for beginners. It's easy to use and has a lot of features. The sound quality is good, but it's not as good as more expensive DACs.
You make a great point about the PS200 being beginner-friendly. It's nice to have a gateway DAC that offers good features without overwhelming new users!
Even the apple dongle sounds fine in this day n' age. The conversation of whether dacs sound better is from the 80s, and even then I have CD players from the 80s/90s that sound good so who cares.
@@TheAudioStuff Look up No theme reviews or any other source that tries to do the minimal test rigs for AB testing and blind, if you dare, you might not like the results.
Honestly saying "dac chip is all that matter statement", has never been heard. All reviewers repeat this phrase 'people are saying.....' well, never had heard other people saying this. Except of reviewers saying that people are saying. Please stop reproduce this BS without slightest reflection. Because looks like reviewers only, want to BELIEVE that people say that. Truth is opposite of course, but this is another story....
I personally know some people that think DAC chips are all that matters in a digital to converter. There aren't many such folks, but there are indeed some. They are mostly measurement chasers, that think the SINAD, dynamic range, THD and such things is all that matters. I have no intention of making up such details. And if you're trying to indicate that I'm being paid for this video, and I have to make it positive in some way or another. It's not the case. I always keep my content genuine, honest.
SMSLPS200 over rated, over hyped piece of crap, never has any bit of equipment come & gone so fast in my system in my 50 years of enjoying the audio hobby. It lasted 3 minutes in my system. Waiting for my refund from amazon as I type.
You said the exact same statement on another video about this dac. Post what you currently use in your system? You never posted a reply when asked that question in the other video. Will you post the reply here? Or are you here just to bash this dac?
I hope you all are enjoying the time, money, and effort I put into this video, as much as you enjoy your audio system. I hope all of you can achieve the highest level of audio satisfaction and be as happy with it as possible. Feel free to leave a like, subscribe to my channel, comment your thoughts, and share this video with your audiophile friends.
I appreciate that you also focused on the entire audio chain. It’s easy to forget how each component plays a role.
Absolutely! Each component contributes to the overall sound, and understanding that can really enhance your listening experience. Glad you found it insightful!
Nice to see a product that's focused on practical features instead of flashy designs. Good for audiophiles on a budget!
Agreed!
I enjoy your reviews, especially when you break down the sound characteristics like you did here!
I appreciate that!
Your science-backed approach to audio gear is so appreciated. I feel more confident in my buying decisions!
Cool, thanks!
Hearing how other parts of the setup influence sound is super helpful. I'll definitely pay more attention to this going forward.
Thanks for the feedback! It's definitely something many overlook, but once you start listening with those factors in mind, it really enhances the experience.
keep up with the good work, you're doing amazing!
Thanks a lot! I'm planning on improving everything regarding my content even further!
Thanks for breaking down those technical specifications! It really helps to understand what I'm investing in.
Very welcome!
Thanks for diving into this topic. It really opened my eyes to the importance of matching components properly.
Very welcome!
I found it particularly helpful when you explained jitter and its impact on audio quality. Great detail!
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve always focused on DAC chips but you’ve changed my viewpoint; great content!
I'm really glad to have changed your perspective! It’s so important to have a holistic view of audio setups.
This is such a refreshing perspective! It’s important to remember that the entire audio chain matters, not just the DAC chips.
Exactly! The audio chain is crucial, and I’m glad this perspective resonated with you. It’s all about the synergy of each component in your setup.
This is a bold statement! I love how you challenged the common belief surrounding DACs. Really makes you think!
Thanks for the support! It’s always good to challenge common beliefs and encourage deeper thinking about audio gear. What are your thoughts on DACs now?
I recently stumbled onto your channel and have been enjoying the videos so far.
Welcome aboard!
Your examples of how DAC performance can vary with the entire chain were enlightening.
Thanks for noticing! It's easy to focus on the DAC chip, but the entire signal chain plays a huge part in performance. I appreciate you watching and pulling those insights from the video!
The ES9039Q2M chip is impressive for a DAC in this price range. Sounds promising!
Absolutely! The ES9039Q2M really does deliver impressive performance for the price. It's exciting to see how such technology is making high-fidelity sound more accessible.
I appreciate SMSL's approach with this budget DAC. Sometimes less is more, especially for us beginners!
Very welcome!
I had no idea so many factors played into audio quality. Makes me rethink how I approach upgrades in my system.
That's the beauty of audio! It's a complex puzzle, and knowing how everything fits together can make such a difference in your system. It’s all about understanding the full picture.
Really interesting take on the whole DAC debate; it feels more nuanced than I realized.
I’m happy you found it interesting! The DAC debate certainly has many layers, and I’m glad I could shed some light on it for you. I'll definitely keep the nuanced discussions coming!
I can highly recommend the SMSL RAW-MDA1 DAC/AMP.
A true gem for its price.
I love your channel,, 💖
Cheers from Sweden,, 🥂😎👍
Thanks for sharing this information and such nice words about my channel!
Cheers! ;0
@@TheAudioStuff 💞💖
I'm particularly interested in that optical input for noise reduction. It could help my noisy setup!
The optical input is definitely a standout feature! It makes a big difference in reducing noise, especially in setups that aren’t the quietest. I think you’ll really appreciate that in your own setup.
Great points about synergy! I’ve tried some high-end DACs that didn’t sound great with my gear.
Exactly!
Great review. I have owned this dac for about 1 month and I must say I am very impressed. Perfect for a mid level/price setup. I bought for my secondary stereo setup. Very transparent sound and solid bass. I also have the smsl d6s dac in my main setup and yes there is a difference. Is it a lot? No. Bigger sound stage and more sound separation on d6s. For the money the ps200 is amazing. Most people will not regret buying it. I don't.
You're absolutely correct. I'd say that for more of a mid range setup, something slightly pricier would be advised though. Anyway, you're not missing out a lot!
The pricing at $90 is really appealing. I may just give this one a try!
The $90 price point is hard to beat, right? It’s refreshing to see good quality gear at an accessible price. Hope you enjoy it if you decide to pick one up!
I'm happy with it. It's a great value for the price, and it sounds good. The only downside is that the soundstage could be wider.
I'm happy you're satisfied with the value! The soundstage can definitely vary based on the environment and setup, but it's something I'm always looking to address in future reviews.
Interesting! I never really thought about the DAC chip being just one piece of the puzzle.
Indeed it is!
I’m definitely considering upgrading my setup! Do you think it’s worth investing in better cables too?
Upgrading your setup can definitely enhance your audio experience! Investing in quality cables can also make a noticeable difference, so it’s worth considering.
Is it safe to say that system synergy is more important than the chip itself?
Absolutely! System synergy plays a huge role in the overall sound quality. It's one of those things that can easily get overlooked. Glad to see you're thinking about it too!
Can you delve deeper into the differences between various DAC designs in future videos?
That’s a great idea! I’d be happy to explore different DAC designs in more detail-there’s so much depth to this topic. Stay tuned for more content on that!
It’s reassuring to hear that the PS200 doesn't sound terrible, but I wish it had a bit more depth.
Yeah, I get where you're coming from! While the PS200 is solid, I also noticed it could use a little more depth. There's always room for improvement, but it's nice to have an affordable option that doesn’t sound bad at all.
The SMSL PS200 is a great little DAC for the price. It's small, lightweight, and easy to use. The sound quality is decent, but it's not going to blow you away. If you're on a budget, this is a good option.
I appreciate your thoughts on the SMSL PS200! It's definitely a solid choice for those on a budget. So glad you found it user-friendly-sometimes simplicity is key when you just want to enjoy the music.
Great!
Can you compare SMSL Su-1 with SMSL ps200?
I don't have the SU-1 at the moment, but I will compare them as soon, as I get it.
I also think branding like the engraved logo is much more aesthetically pleasing; it just feels classier.
I also think branding like the engraved logo is much more aesthetically pleasing; it just feels classier.
How does the PS200 compare with portable DACs? Is it a good choice for mobile use too?
The PS200 is impressive in terms of mobile use. It holds up well against many portable DACs, especially regarding clarity and detail. I think it's a solid choice for on-the-go listening!
The PS200 is a great option for people on a budget. It's small, lightweight and fun
You put it perfectly!
This video makes me want to upgrade my DAC, but I'm torn between focusing on the chip or other factors...
It's sometimes best to just take a listen and try things out to see what matters to you.
I will be doing an a/b listening test against the SMSL SU-1 that features the AKM4493S dac chip. Specs are pretty close to each other. Just wish the PS200 used the same metal frame as the SU-1 though.
That sounds like a solid plan! A/B listening tests can really help clarify things in this space. I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts on how the SMSL SU-1 stacks up against the PS200. Every little detail matters, and it's interesting to see how different setups can impact the listening experience.
Does this mean that spending less on a DAC could actually improve my overall sound? That’s intriguing!
That's an interesting perspective! Sometimes, spending less on a DAC can lead to a better overall sound if it suits the rest of your audio setup well. It’s all about synergy!
I agree, the DAC chip is important, but the other components matter too. It’s all about the synergy.
Exactly! The DAC chip is definitely a key player, but the entire setup really needs to work together for the best listening experience. Synergy is key in achieving that top-tier sound quality.
Your insights into the PS200's performance were illuminating. It’s great to see a balanced approach highlighted.
I appreciate that! A balanced approach is important in audio reviews, and I’m glad you found the insights helpful. The PS200 opens up a lot of possibilities!
The PS200 is a great DAC for beginners. It's easy to use and has a lot of features. The sound quality is good, but it's not as good as more expensive DACs.
You make a great point about the PS200 being beginner-friendly. It's nice to have a gateway DAC that offers good features without overwhelming new users!
Is this a good DAC for someone who just wants better sound from their computer?
Sure thing! It's going to do a much better job than motherboard's built-in audio solution
More interested in how this sounds with different headphones than pure specs.
So am I! Also with speakers.
$90 for a DAC? Sounds too good to be true.
Well it's a fairly budget DAC, so it makes sense that it's cheap
Good sound quality for the price.
Thanks for your thoughts! It really is impressive how manufacturers can deliver good sound quality at a budget-friendly price these days.
No mention of power supply options? Is the included one good enough?
There's no included one. It has to be powered externally - that's why.
The sound fidelity is good, but it's not as detailed as some other DACs I've heard.
It's hard to expect more at this price, isn't it?
Even the apple dongle sounds fine in this day n' age. The conversation of whether dacs sound better is from the 80s, and even then I have CD players from the 80s/90s that sound good so who cares.
There are clear differences in DAC's chips, output stages, filtering, construction, circuits and more. Why'd you think it's irrelevant?
@@TheAudioStuff Look up No theme reviews or any other source that tries to do the minimal test rigs for AB testing and blind, if you dare, you might not like the results.
Ohhh, that's not good hahahah
SMSL always seems to offer great value. Curious to see how this PS200 stacks up against the competition.
Yes, the value proposition is very strong. I'll do some comparisons in my future content.
Plastic in your minds 😂
Stuff must be metal! haha
A good cheep ,, WTF is a cheep 😂
cheep? xDD
HiFi hobby ain't for the cheap in their pockets
What I like about it, is that you can start with a low budget, and slowly work your way up.
Honestly saying "dac chip is all that matter statement", has never been heard. All reviewers repeat this phrase 'people are saying.....' well, never had heard other people saying this. Except of reviewers saying that people are saying. Please stop reproduce this BS without slightest reflection. Because looks like reviewers only, want to BELIEVE that people say that. Truth is opposite of course, but this is another story....
I personally know some people that think DAC chips are all that matters in a digital to converter. There aren't many such folks, but there are indeed some. They are mostly measurement chasers, that think the SINAD, dynamic range, THD and such things is all that matters.
I have no intention of making up such details. And if you're trying to indicate that I'm being paid for this video, and I have to make it positive in some way or another. It's not the case. I always keep my content genuine, honest.
SMSLPS200 over rated, over hyped piece of crap, never has any bit of equipment come & gone so fast in my system in my 50 years of enjoying the audio hobby. It lasted 3 minutes in my system. Waiting for my refund from amazon as I type.
Well, it's a very budget oriented product. What did you not like about it?
You said the exact same statement on another video about this dac. Post what you currently use in your system? You never posted a reply when asked that question in the other video. Will you post the reply here? Or are you here just to bash this dac?
@@Steve_Blue_Oyster_Cult That’s a good point, I’d also love to know what’s his setup!