ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2024
- SMSL D400EX DAC
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Price:960USD (Jan,2023)
amzn.to/3RiEsxG
Sound Stage: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Stereo Image: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Highs: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Midrange: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Bass: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Build Quality: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Price: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pros: Artistically Addictive Sound.
Cons: Bass Definition Could Be A Little Better.
(All Rating is based on price and performance using USB, Optical & i2S inputs with XLR & RCA Outs)
Demo Music by Grace Mahya: ebay.us/5WV1Ny
Closest to listen my sound sample is with
Sony MDR-7506 amzn.to/2wAkk54 or
MDR-CD900St amzn.to/3p4PHNM
Associated Equipments,
Gustard A26 DAC: amzn.to/3Qwm1oU
Topping E70 Velvet DAC: amzn.to/3WySCMa
Pioneer TAD S-1EX Speaker:(Discontinued)
JBL L100 Classic 75th Speaker:(Good luck Finding One 😁)
KEF R11 Speaker: ebay.us/nXCI8d
Denon PMA-SX11 Integrated Amplifier: ebay.us/NllM5G
Sony HAP-Z1ES: amzn.to/3ckCZ5w
Ladder Bach Class A R2R PreAmp: amzn.to/3wpEAlG
Sabaj A8 Ice Power Amps: • Sabaj A8 Class D Monob... (Discontinued)
Mogami XLR Cables: amzn.to/3Wxvqhp
Ricable Dedalus USB: bit.ly/3k9q8eq
Viborg VM80 AC Power Distributor: amzn.to/3Z2zaKs
Viborg VS903 Speaker Cable (w/KEF R11): amzn.to/3Xyp7eM
Audiocrast Isolation Footers: amzn.to/3WtiKsW
Tharbamar Custom Speaker Cables(w/S-1EX): • Making The Best Speake... (Different Version)
Tharbamar Custom AC Power Cables: • Easy DIY Shielded Audi...
PS Audio AC5 Power Cable (Bach Pre): NA
iFi Nova AC Power Cable (Music Server): amzn.to/3H1smEK
Hey!
Only Option To Listen TH-cam Sound Demo is with good headphones, not your favorite sound system because listening to two rooms at once is not a good thing, no matter how good your sound system is.,
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Video Timeline
0:00 Intro
1:09 Setting
3:02 D400EX
11:24 Add On
14:31 Sound Sample
#hifi #audio #tharbamar
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Thanks for watching!
I ugraded to this from SU9 of the same company. The sound becomes more clear and solid. Absoultely satisfied by this new one.
Another excellent review.
I must say that while you focused on the comparison of DACs using the particular chip, I should have liked you to compare it to other DACs in the $500 to $1000 price point, be it Sabre or AKM, and configuration of chip or R2R. This price point is getting a great many choices now. Your reviews of the DO300, SU-10, Ares/Inyo, Musician Draco all come to mind. Perhaps this could be a focus of an upcoming review?
Thanks
Sounds yummy!
Very exciting
You are the first reviewer who has compared DAC’s with AK4499EX chips.
This chip changed the game.
You are the first reviewer recognizing this.
It's the kind of chip that void the needs like R2R DAC or even Vinyl records.
Akm came back with a bang after their factory burned down.
Thanks for the review :) Sadly can't listem do D400EX as it's not available in EU(can get it trought private import tought). I will listen to the A26 (and R26 too) soon. The last competitor will be "older generation" SMSL VMV D2 - price wise more of a A26 competitor.
for about a month, d400ex has been giving pleasure and joy
thanks for your opinion
Сравнивали с D90LE/SE?
@@streamcnoremorse3323 нет, не было их. пару лет назад был д90, насколько помню те впечатления, этот мне больше нравится
@@user-ly8jp6gm9r понял. Спасибо. Хотя у d90 и se мало общего.
@@streamcnoremorse3323 если вам ближе путь ess, возможно d400es будет интересным вариантом
@@user-ly8jp6gm9r Нет никакого пути. Есть обвязка и финальный результат. У меня был ak на ,m300mk2. И часть песен на нем больше нравилась из-за высоких, для сложно сказать, почему, не просто. А часть на Топпинге, даже много очень на нем.
Another great video! The rate new DACs, AMPs, and other audio equipments come into the market is scary 😅😅😅! So many equipments and improvements yet so little money 😂. Try Linda Ronstadt’s Blue Bayou.
After considering and due to my small room, I think the Polk R200 is more realistic for me. What subwoofer will you recommend? Both for 2.1 or 2.2 now potentially making it later into a Atmos system or I may just use the R200 with sub(s) just for music. Also, which amplifier will you recommend? I prefer slightly warmer sound
would love for you to do a review on the holo may dac in the near future
Great Review thank you. U have some Very Nice Equipment I have now Subscribe to ur Channel
Thanks for the sub!
Thanks for the review. Last year I bought an SMSL d300 (partially on your review) and absolutely love it and love the warmer sound, detail sound stage, etc. it provides. How does the D400EX compare and would I lose the warm sound?
@Tharbamar can you please answer this ?
usually wont, but could, on phones, yes very possible
Still loving my SMSL D300
Still relevant in sound quality of today’s comparable price point.
Still loving my R26!
Great DAC!
It would be interesting to see how the Geshelli Lab J2, with AKM 4493 chip, would compare to these AKM DACs. I'm waiting on mine to arrive, thanks for the awesome content!
I’m sure they will sound nice, main benefits of AKM4499EX chips come from pairing with AKM4191 Modulator chip before it, which greatly improves incoming digital signals.
Hi Tharbamar, thanks for all the work to review so many new dacs to review and also to compare with one another. Exciting times with so many choices. May i ask despite all these great new dacs from smsl, topping, gustard, denafrips PII, ladder,
Is the musician aquarius still your reference dac?
Or, is the musician aquarius still in active rotation for your own personal listening?
I am no longer using Aquarius because my main speaker has changed to Pioneer TAD S-1EX and JBL L100 Classic 75th which I’m paring them with Gustard A26, Denafrips Pontus II and Ladder Schumann DACs, thanks
@@Tharbamar Did you fall victim to infamous Musician Audio customer service? Which would be a pity as the quality of several of their products seem excellent for the price.
@@Tharbamar thanks for the reply. Just in reference to this particular camparison of the topping, smsl gustard akm DS dacs. If i may ask where does the smsl su10 fit in? Despite being ess chip based.
Thank you for a very insightful review of the SMSL D400EX. In a previous episode you compared the virtues of the SMSL SU10, Topping D90 and the Denafrips Ares and you mentioned the Denafrips Ares was your personal preference. What are your thoughts with the SMSL D400EX thrown in the mix? Appreciate your opinion.
Yes I thought that would be spoken of too
Currently I’m just enjoying the sound of it, I haven’t tried it yet back to back with SU-10 it will be another episode of comparison, thanks
@@Tharbamar looking forward to this comparison. Would be interested to see how the BiFrost 2/64 fits in that comparison as well
Thanks Tharbamar, previously for the reply on the aquarius. Just in reference to this particular camparison of the topping, smsl gustard akm DS dacs. If i may ask where does the smsl su10 fit in comparison with these 3? Despite being ess chip based.
The sound signature of D400EX sounds similar to Merason Frerot. Wd be great to have a face-off of these two great dacs
It's quite showing as to how you use the Denafrips as a mere equipment stand..
Thank you for your opinion, I've found the D400EX a little bit "lean" in comparison with A26 in your sound sample. I mean it's seems A26 has a "fuller" bass region in comparison...it's only my impression or you have also this impression? Thanks
Just saw your review of the smsl DO-400. How does the sound of the DO400 DAC compare to the D400EX sound?
Would love to see a review of Revival Audio's Atalante 5, Tharbamar. I think you'll find them intriguing.
And I from Atalante 3
.
@@higobatman That one too!
Thank you for another nice review Tharbamar!
How is this DAC compared with the SMSL SU-X? What is your preference between them?
Cheers!
Sorry I no longer have D400EX to compare with SU-X, thanks
@@Tharbamar Ah! Ok, thank you :)
Have you already tested the SMSL SU-9 Pro?
Tharbamar thanks as always I follow you and you help me a lot where to orient myself ! I'm undecided between the A26 which is clearly of superior quality and the D400EX. Help me figure out which one might be better as you compare them live! from the various plays on the web it seemed to me that, as you said, the gustard is technically better, but it seemed to me that the medium high of the smsl is more beautiful, brighter, less boring! if my impressions are true it seems to me a draw! what do you think you recommend, I would like to understand if the a 26 is really more boring and less pleasant on the medium-high! Thanks again for your help
I agree. Its too bad that it lacks what many cheaper dacs have.
If they fix this and add some color options, there will be no competition. A wifi connection instead of lan would be better too. Cheap stuff but very important
If I must choose one D400EX is on top of my list, thanks
Sir, I miss your old speakers.
it would be an interesting decision to give the new line of AKM chip the name phoenix
😎👌
Ty sir ! had mine 2 wks ago.
What setting did u use? I’m limited to BT at this time..
Is I2S same as HDMI?
We appreciate you!
My setting in this video, i2s and HDMI is not the same. Thanks
Hello from Mexico, I'm deciding between Topping E70 Velvet which I already have and I really like it as I've never heard the violins as did with it, even in the optical input from a TV but I'm asking for your kindly advice as I see you consider D400Ex about 25% better, so my question is if you think the upgrade is worth having a single ended RCA inputs in my Audiolab 6000A amplifier with Triangle Comete 40th Anniversary speakers, and thank you for sharing such a great information...
Hi, D400EX is more revealing and better refinement in sound, XLR out for best performance although it can still give you good performance with RCA outs but if that is worth the price is only you can decide, personally I would keep using E70 Velvet if I have same set up, thank you.
@@Tharbamar I was guessing the same, I really appreciate your feedback, thanks!
I know you're probably busy, but maybe you'll find time to reply. Because I'm thinking about buying a DAc with an AKM chip and I'm tempted by the SMSL VMV D2. But maybe it's not worth paying extra for it and trying the D400EX. Have you ever tested VMV D2?
Great video. Where do you get your isolation feet from?
Thanks for this review. Did you test the SE vs Bal output of SMSL D400EX? Is there any difference between the two? Thanks.
YES, as always XLR is the better sounding of two, thanks
How would you describe the difference? Thanks 👍🏻
Smsl has started to use low noise linear power regulators, bi-polar voltage, toroidal transformers, and audio series capacitors? I don’t believe this happened ))) And more likely it didn’t.
I see you have Lonnie Mack Strike like Lightning in the background! I have that cd. In your opinion would this be a significant upgrade compared to SMSL D300,M400 or the Topping D90SE? I have all three and am looking for a little more.
I think SMSL totally nailed it with D400EX, tonality and sound signature is different than all the DAC you have, I loved D300 but now I enjoy my music more with D400EX than those in your list or other expensive stuff, thanks
Have you already tested the SMSL SU-9 Pro?
@@Tharbamar Please! D400EX VS Pontus 2.
Can I use it for a preamp for a Nad C298?
how does it compare to the hapz1es?
how it compares to Gustad A26 ?
whats better this or the su-10?
I returned the Gustard R26, and also a Gustard A26, and I'm back to using the "free" DAC that came in my Denon PMA-1600NE integrated amplifier. It drives KEF LS50 Metas and a REL T/5x in a near-field environment, where I can hear things in great detail. The R26 sounded great, but the Denon sounds close to the same. Are the differences worth the $1650 price of adding the R26 to my setup? Not a chance. Perhaps money better spent on even nicer speakers, or room treatment. Ultimately, I decided to return it due to a slight hum when the R26 was powered on. The $1650 Gustard R26 comes with all sorts of "high end" parts for the power transformer, etc, yet the thing hums when plugged in? That's unacceptable, especially because all of my other more ordinary gear is dead silent!
While Denon’s Alpha 32 DAC is well sought out great sounding DAC, when you have external DAC with fully balanced design will not have best benefits out of them if you have to connect them with single ended RCA inputs, most of these sound best with balanced connections. Just my two cents, thanks for sharing.
You made the correct choice. Definitely not worth the money for 10-15% “better”. Use the money on a holiday and just enjoy your amazing hifi. 🤘🏻
I would get better speakers!
@@Tharbamar I have the same situation with the Denon PMA-1510AE with only RCA as input and output.
Other than an integrated amp, it can be used as a dac+final or only final amp.
I am using it as a final with the SMSL DO200 as dac+pre.
Searching for a preamp or a significant upgrade of the DO200.
@@Tharbamar you sure about the balanced connection ? Bet you could not tell the difference if I changed from RCA to balanced for you.
@Tharbamar I'm trying to decide between used BW 707 S2 and 706 S2. What are the differences in your opinion? I even heard that 707 is a better pair of speakers.
I had both I end up using 706 S2for a few years because it has better balance sound with much better bass response, thanks
@@Tharbamar thanks a lot!
Have you reviewed Gishelli DACs???
I haven’t.
This or Topiing D90SE/LE? Advandages and dis
Hi Tharbamar. I am going crazy trying get the R2R sound but I am limited to RCA out. Is this my best RCA out choice at $1000 or less? Would also consider SU-9 Pro, SU-10, or just buying a R2R with higher RCA voltage and take my chances with unbalanced. Thank you so very much for your advice!!!!
Personally I would just get D400EX for best price and sound quality, it’ll put in comparable to $2K range of R2R DAC.
I’m not a fan of RCA out from any R2R DAC personally. Thanks
@@Tharbamar Tharbamar -- I have to ask this. Another reviewer explained that he assumes with all the DAC's he tests -- that the consumer will of course use a separate quality preamp in line with these DAC's and never rely on the preamp power supply of say, for example, the SMSL SU-10. Then I remembered the trouble you always take to explain each and every piece of your equipment in every video, which I assume includes a high end preamp upstream of the DAC you are reviewing. So where does this leave me, or any other consumer who just wants a standalone DAC with a decent enough preamp to make the DAC a worthwhile investment? I had my credit card out to purchase a SMSL SU-10, and then it hit me -- I will have to spend double, or more, because all the internet reviewers assume I have a killer preamp separate in order to make the DAC under review fully realizable. This effectively puts me out of the DAC buying business, if I have this right. Do I have this right?
Hi. Does the SMSL D400EX need a breack-in period before working good? If so, how many days or hours? Thanks a lot
I never counted how many hours but usually I leave it on 24/7 for a week or two, thanks
Looking for comparison with Ares 12th generation as they are at same price point. Wonder if Ares 12 will be a bit brighter?
Yes it is a bit brighter than D400EX, thanks
what is the marantz player in the background?
Old SACD player, thanks
What are the differences between it and the Loxjie D50? Would it be a big change?
D400EX is more enjoyable to listen than Loxjie D50 for me.
hi
Tharbamar, advise me which is better to take the D300 smsl or Gustard A26?
Are you serious?Of course the much more expensive A26 will be better!
Did you mean the d400ex?
Who manufactures the stands that you are using for your JBL 100’s? Thank you for your time and consideration…
Hi I made them for 19” height that need, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks....are they metal or wood?
How would you say this compares to su-10?
Hallo
Would be Nice if you could test S.m.s.l D400es versus D400 ex
Regards Chris
Noted!
What brand and the model # the isolator your using?
Everything is listed in the video description, thanks
Hi Mr. T, how do you compare this F400EX to MUSICIAN R2R DRACO in terms of sound quality?
D400EX is better in overall sound quality especially in bass, thanks
@@Tharbamar thank you very much for your time
D400EX vs VMV D2R ?
~1000USD
Try Geshelli J2 Dac sir! Akm version is highly praised!
I’m sure it’s a good DAC but I doubt there is any AKM based DAC as good as AKM4499+4491 combination like D400EX or A26 can do at this moment, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thank you big man!
Could you tell me what stands you have the jbl 100's on ?
I'm using custom made stands.
@@Tharbamar I like them and am looking for something similar
What is the big difference between Topping E70 VELVET and SMSL D400EX. SMSL is twice as expensive as Topping...?
Everything is in the video.
what will be your personal choice SMSL D400 Ex or Topping D70 Pro?
I really like D70 Pro Saber but overall sound D400EX is more suited for my system.
@@Tharbamar which one is more airy Topping D70 Pro Sabre or Topping E70 Velvet? and in between them which one will fit a system like Hegel H95 KEF LS50 Meta + KEF KC62
D70 Pro Sabre maybe better choice but it might get a bit brighter as well. Thanks
@@Tharbamar thank you for the input My system is pretty warm and detailed sounding with both Hegel’s own internal dac and with the EverSolo z8 dac so even a little brightness will be fine
Hi
Hearing the 3 akm video i hear differences betwwen each. I can only enjoy the song with the a26. On the topping and smsl i find no enjoyment listening. The prat rythm seems not good and the sound less clear. On a26 you feel the rythm and the space. You hear more reverb. I think for the price smsl could put better output stage instead of basic op amp. That's very pricey when you see you can have cd players with linear power supply and more refined output stage for less. That's my experience hearing there videos. It would be fun if you could record your sony streamer dac out for us to compare :)
does a26 have a linear power supply?
How do you compare with denafrips ares 2
Ares II is brighter and bass is a bit lighter.
After your review, bought E50 now I want to upgrade to 400/E70/denafrips ares 2. Which one will be best?
What differences to the SMSL D300?
Uses a single Rohm chip, not sure what else, possibly a singer power supply for both circuits.
@@willmac5642 For Audio?
How is this recorded. U can’t be using a camera phone? Sounds like a direct recording. This is a still picture!
Everything is listed in the video, No still picture.
Does anyone hear distortion at 20:27?
It’s called interference.
@@Tharbamar Is it interference inside the dac or it is caused by external emi?
Schumann plus musician speakers sounds way better than this setup. But different speakers so can tell if it’s the dac or speakers! Schumann clearer with more dynamics
it seems all DACS in the $500 to $1,500 price range are starting to sound the same
Not at all in my system, please remember many of them were based on same chips but sound character is different.
Lacks speed/immediacy
It’s depending on paring speakers, all it need was JBL L100c75 brings everything out.
Why he keep saying AKM Chips when it’s ESS ? Am I missing something
Yes you’re because D400EX stands for AKM chip based and D400ES stands for ESS chip based DAC.
so many standards...
Too much dacs... 😂😂
DAC is Highest demand in none wearable audio components in the world.
Right? Topping and SMSL are insane. I don't understand their business model lol.
Smsl d400es เสียงดีกว่า d400ex ไปอีกขั้น es9039mspro เสียงมีพลังมากกว่าครับ