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 got a PS100 for my TV / HDMI ARC input. Sounded pretty good. Then I tried it with an iFi iPower2 clean PSU and plugged it into my main speaker system and boy did it perform so well, it outperformed SMSL SU-1, Topping E50, Schiit Modi+ to my ears. Didn’t beat my aune x8 magic DAC with Sparkos opamp, but it sounds very natural, clean and well balanced. A hidden gem if you give it some clean power.
Intriguing! Would love to hear an A/B comparison with a more expensive DAC to see how big the difference really is. 1 0. Nice and concise review. For $29, this seems like a no-brainer for anyone wanting to improve their sound.
I have one of these, and for the money it is an awsome device, very special is the wideness of the stereo sound, for some reason more then for example a Fosi, Ifi and an Aiyima DAC I have....
The soundstage is not as wide as it is in higher-end DACs for sure. Nevertheless, for the price, it's not bad. I'm glad to hear that you're happy with your purchase!
I need a DAC for my FOSI bt20a Pro (32V)Have you tried this DAC with a CD player? I need a good and cheap DAC, this is the cheapest and quality one I found so far, but I don't know how much "magic" I could do with a CD player :) I haven't decided to buy it yet, I'm afraid it won't make any difference
I currently use an old HP Netbook as my source to a Realistic STA-90 amplifier. Is the PS100 going to be an improvement over the HP's DAC, and if so, how much of an improvement?
If we're talking about a DAC that is integrated into your motherboard, then it's true that almost every semi-decent external DAC is going to be much better. The solutions on the motherboard are quite restricted and tend to collect a lot of noise from other electronic components, which makes the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) much worse, plus there are many other issues with them that can't be avoided. Therefore, technically it will be a significant improvement over the motherboard solution. However, how much of that you can hear depends mostly on the transducers you have. Can you tell me what you are driving with this amp?
Depending on which audio chip they used in your netbook and how well isolated it is from the other components... you might actually discover that many modern sound chips and codecs can outperform some of the best "audiophile" DACs. The old saws about noise and low output went to crap when motherboard makers started taking notice of gamers and their high end sound setups (I doubt audiophiles were given more than a passing nod). They rose to the occasion in the late 2000s and early 2010s and produced some of the best audio outputs possible. Today it's routine for a computer line out to run 0.001% distortion, full range frequency response and about 2 volts of output. The simple answer is to order this DAC from a seller with a 30 day return policy and give it a try... if you don't like it, send it back.
I wonder if you can get this thing to work on a mid-priced Android phones with no additional power supply. I heard there could be some compatibility issues when using it with Android....
SMSL stuff is typically audibly transparent so this is an amazing bargain for $30. The SU-1 at $80 is an amazing DAC. This one seems a step down from the SU-1 over USB but doubt I could actually hear that difference.
I just plugged mine in, for a second time. The first system it was in, it came across as veiled and congested. My new setup, I was blown away. This sounds a lot like the Denafrips Ares II I once owned. It is right up there with my PS Audio and Bel Canto DACs, very impressive little box
Weird. Their SU-1 product is $80 without hdmi. This is $30. Is the AKM chip in the SU-1 that much better than the PS100’s ESS chip to command a $50 premium? There should also be more price parity between them due to the hdmi feature.
It's definitely interesting to see the price difference between the two products. The AKM chip in the SU-1 may offer some additional features or improvements that justify the higher price. It would be worth looking into the specific specs and reviews of both products to understand the differences better, as I have not had a chance to try SU-1 so far.
A good and fair assessment 👍 And yes, no mater what chip, ladder array or processor…it will always be ..what does it sound like AND do you like it. Take care 👍👍
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 got a PS100 for my TV / HDMI ARC input. Sounded pretty good. Then I tried it with an iFi iPower2 clean PSU and plugged it into my main speaker system and boy did it perform so well, it outperformed SMSL SU-1, Topping E50, Schiit Modi+ to my ears. Didn’t beat my aune x8 magic DAC with Sparkos opamp, but it sounds very natural, clean and well balanced. A hidden gem if you give it some clean power.
What differences did you hear with the iFi iPower2?
Thanks for the heads up about the glossy finish. Fingerprints drive me crazy!
Can this DAC support gaming consoles? I’m curious if it would improve audio quality!
A DAC for under $30 sounds like an excellent value. Thanks for reviewing!
Your channel always provides such valuable insights. Keep up the great work!
Never thought I'd see a DAC that cheap. Definitely intrigued!
This DAC seems perfect for someone just starting in the HiFi world. Good call!
This is an incredibly informative review! I love how you break down the specs so clearly.
Having no volume control seems like a drawback, but I understand the price constraints.
How does it compare to other budget DACs you've tested? Looking for options!
Is the sound better than integrated DACs in modern amps? Honestly curious!
Wow, $29? I gotta try this for my PC setup. Can't beat that price, even if it's just a slight improvement. Thanks for the review!
Hope you have a chance to try it!
Great video! It really encourages consumers to weigh their options more wisely.
I appreciate how you analyze product performance relative to price. It's such a vital aspect!
Great details on build quality! It's nice to see what you're really getting for the price.
Your sound impressions were super helpful! It's reassuring to know it didn’t ruin your setup.
You put in a lot of effort to explain things clearly. It's really appreciated!
This looks like a great starter DAC! I might just pick it up.
Wow, a DAC under $30?!
I have the PS100, 35 euro, I also have Fosi and Aiyima DACS....what do you think of these 2 compared to the SMSL?
That depends on a model, but PS100 is pretty much as low, as you can go.
Wondering about long-term durability at this price point. Have you had any experience with SMSL's build quality?
A DAC is such an element that once you put it in its place, usually stays there. There shouldn't be any durability issues.
Intriguing! Would love to hear an A/B comparison with a more expensive DAC to see how big the difference really is. 1 0. Nice and concise review. For $29, this seems like a no-brainer for anyone wanting to improve their sound.
Great suggestion!
SMSL PS100 vs. Topping D10S? A battle of the budget DAC titans! Someone needs to do a comparison.
i'll look into it
Not an audiophile, but I appreciate good sound. Would this be a worthwhile upgrade for my standard bookshelf speakers?
Depends on what you're using as a DAC with them.
Great review! Been eyeing the PS100 for a while. Love that it has Bluetooth - perfect for casual listening.
Good choice!
Thanks for pointing out the trade-offs in the specs. It really helps set expectations.
No problem!
HDMI ARC is a great feature at this price point. Perfect for gamers who want better audio from their TVs.
Yeah, TV built-in solutions are usually poor and very high jitter.
How do you powered on? I don't have a PC. I want to connect it to my blu ray player which has a usb port. Will it work???
You have to provide it with usb power
Always love a good budget option. How does this compare to the Apple Dongle for portability?
This DAC would be better than the Apple Dongle, but it's of course not as compact.
I'm more into high-fidelity listening. Would this be a noticeable upgrade over onboard audio on a good motherboard?
Yes, onboard solutions are pretty poor.
Thanks for the honest review! Even if it's not the greatest DAC ever, for $29 it sounds like a steal.
You bet!
Love the idea of putting more budget into the amp. Smart approach!
Rock on!
$29? That's less than a fancy coffee! Definitely worth a try for anyone wanting to dip their toes into better sound.
I hope it's less than a fancy coffee, they're not supposed to be that expensive! haha
Definitely considering this for my secondary listening station. Measurements would be nice to see alongside listening impressions.
The measurements are there, take a look again
Intrigued, but definitely need more convincing before pulling the trigger.
It's cheap - here's your convincing
For around $100, I had great experience with Schiit
Schiit's budget DACs are also pretty decent, you have lots of choices at this price
🤔 2 windshields for your mic.
Yup, this mic is EXTREMELY plosive sensitive ;o
I have one of these, and for the money it is an awsome device, very special is the wideness of the stereo sound, for some reason more then for example a Fosi, Ifi and an Aiyima DAC I have....
The soundstage is not as wide as it is in higher-end DACs for sure. Nevertheless, for the price, it's not bad.
I'm glad to hear that you're happy with your purchase!
I'm glad you said cables 😂
totally agree. have mine paired with fosi bt20 pro 48V . amazing value.
Crazy budget setup!
I need a DAC for my FOSI bt20a Pro (32V)Have you tried this DAC with a CD player? I need a good and cheap DAC, this is the cheapest and quality one I found so far, but I don't know how much "magic" I could do with a CD player :) I haven't decided to buy it yet, I'm afraid it won't make any difference
I currently use an old HP Netbook as my source to a Realistic STA-90 amplifier. Is the PS100 going to be an improvement over the HP's DAC, and if so, how much of an improvement?
If we're talking about a DAC that is integrated into your motherboard, then it's true that almost every semi-decent external DAC is going to be much better. The solutions on the motherboard are quite restricted and tend to collect a lot of noise from other electronic components, which makes the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) much worse, plus there are many other issues with them that can't be avoided. Therefore, technically it will be a significant improvement over the motherboard solution. However, how much of that you can hear depends mostly on the transducers you have. Can you tell me what you are driving with this amp?
Depending on which audio chip they used in your netbook and how well isolated it is from the other components... you might actually discover that many modern sound chips and codecs can outperform some of the best "audiophile" DACs.
The old saws about noise and low output went to crap when motherboard makers started taking notice of gamers and their high end sound setups (I doubt audiophiles were given more than a passing nod). They rose to the occasion in the late 2000s and early 2010s and produced some of the best audio outputs possible. Today it's routine for a computer line out to run 0.001% distortion, full range frequency response and about 2 volts of output.
The simple answer is to order this DAC from a seller with a 30 day return policy and give it a try... if you don't like it, send it back.
I wonder if you can get this thing to work on a mid-priced Android phones with no additional power supply. I heard there could be some compatibility issues when using it with Android....
This is exactly what I've been looking for! Upgrading my TV sound without breaking the bank. Bookmarked for later.
Great for you!
SMSL stuff is typically audibly transparent so this is an amazing bargain for $30. The SU-1 at $80 is an amazing DAC. This one seems a step down from the SU-1 over USB but doubt I could actually hear that difference.
It depends on how resolving your system is.
Many thanks for the eloquently precise descriptions of the sound stage conjured by PS100.
No problem, it's my job after all to explain everything in a product.
Perhaps I'm perverse but when anybody complains it's a fingerprint magnet it goes top of my list to buy.
Hahah, do you like to see your fingerprints, or do you like shiny stuff?
@@TheAudioStuff you've never seen my room.
@@patricaomas8750 What’s in your room, I’m curious
@@TheAudioStuff A lot of of finger prints.
@@patricaomas8750 Ohh, I see. Personally, I hate them. haha
Subscribed for more budget-friendly audio reviews! This is exactly the kind of content I've been looking for.
Awesome, thank you!
SMSL continues to impress. Their budget gear always punches above its weight. Thanks for showcasing another winner!
That's often the case with Chinese manufacturers, as they don't have to spend as much money on labor.
I just plugged mine in, for a second time. The first system it was in, it came across as veiled and congested. My new setup, I was blown away. This sounds a lot like the Denafrips Ares II I once owned. It is right up there with my PS Audio and Bel Canto DACs, very impressive little box
I highly doubt that it's anywhere near Denafrips Ares II, but your setup might simply not show lots of differences between DACs.
This is awesome! Perfect for budget-conscious audiophiles or those just starting out. Keep these affordable reviews coming!
Thanks! Will do!
the sound of Es9023 should similar to ODAC, doesnt sound special nor bad, just ok
Can't expect a lot for $29, but it's solid.
Thank you for posting this as I want one now. It is almost unbelievable how inexpensive DACs have improved so much over the last 5 years.
Couldn't agree more!
I'm a believer in diminishing returns with audio equipment. This sounds like a great option for most listeners.
DACs go much higher than this, take a look at my PS200 review for example.
Would this support Dolby Digital if connected from a TV's HDMI eARC port to a stereo receiver? Thanks!
I couldn't find any mention of Dolby Digital on the spec sheet, so I don't think it that it supports it.
This is fantastic news for people who don't have a ton of cash to throw around on audio gear. Great job covering this!
It indeed is great news!
Weird. Their SU-1 product is $80 without hdmi. This is $30. Is the AKM chip in the SU-1 that much better than the PS100’s ESS chip to command a $50 premium? There should also be more price parity between them due to the hdmi feature.
It's definitely interesting to see the price difference between the two products. The AKM chip in the SU-1 may offer some additional features or improvements that justify the higher price. It would be worth looking into the specific specs and reviews of both products to understand the differences better, as I have not had a chance to try SU-1 so far.
The SU-1 also does MQA
Does this have HDMI ARC with CEC so that I can control the volume directly with the TV Remote??
I'm not sure about that, don't really have a way to check it out at the moment.
Yes it does
@@mikeneilson3722 Great, thanks for letting us know.
A good and fair assessment 👍
And yes, no mater what chip, ladder array or processor…it will always be ..what does it sound like AND do you like it.
Take care 👍👍
Don't forget about the output stage!
But I agree, at the end of the day, what essentially matters is how it sounds and whether you enjoy it ;)
@@TheAudioStuff Hi what is the ladder DAC you have,because I would like to get one,Thank you your video was great!
Currently, I'm using the HiFiMan EF600's DAC for my headphone setup. A review of it is coming soon.
The difference in sample rates between USB and other inputs is due to a limitation of the USB audio format... not the DAC.