Sound performances
For this review, I picked my old Audeze LCD-X, the all-new HiFiman Svanar, and the mighty Beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X, a good setup that should fit all genre and needs. In addition to that, a pair of KEF LS50 for the speakers output.
As for the source, music was streamed directly from my computer with Apple Music (Hi-Res), my own Plex library (Hi-Res), and Spotify (Lo-Res)
Overall signature
So, how’s that new SMSL DAC performing? Quite good honestly, even if I’m a bit biased after the amazing DO400. This is, by no mean, a bad DAC/Amp, but I was spoiled by SMSL’s previous creation.
That said, everything that I loved is still there, just a bit tone-down: flat sound signature featuring a neutral tone that prioritizes dynamic range over any sound coloration; good balance with just the right amount of sparks so the render doesn’t get dull, or tiring. And, for the price, with a good headset like the Beyer, this is still a very impressive device, easily on par with pricier DAC/amp that I own.
Once more, the DAC is mostly silent, with pitch-black background, whatever the input I used. It’s not as impressive as the DO400, but you really do have to get the two pieces side by side to hear the difference. In my use, I mostly stuck with the USB ports, but even when connected as a Bluetooth endpoint, the AO300 delivered a flawless signal and allowed the music to shine, especially on Hi-Res track. Paired with the LCD-X, the combo exhibits the same behavior I found on SMSL previous setup: excellent detail retrieval, with fast decay and rapid transients, with that usual flat/pro tone you expect from the brand.
It’s sweet when needed, hard when you want it and compared to the FiiO M11S + NuPriume STA-9 I used previously in my living room, I’d definitely consider that new SMSL as a solid alternative for anyone in need of a compact all-in-one solution – even if not as good… for now. With tight highs, deep lows, perfect layering, and an extensive soundstage, the A03300 ticks all the right boxes, only missing that extra-magic that I find on high-tier devices like the FiiO Q7 and Q15/
Switching up to the HiFiman Svanar, the limitation of the AO300 appeared more clearly, even through the 4.4mm output. The mids were a bit too pronounced at mid/high level, but at low-level the bass wasn’t prominent enough. Strangely though, on the Audeze, the SMSL behaved quite well with sharp low-mids and swift transients, even on Spotify.
And, once again, if I couldn’t really grasp the differences between the three roll-off settings, playing with the sound-color settings appeared to be quite effective. On the other hand, the new low/high levels were great to enhance the sound of my speakers and, like me, maybe some of you will like this extra crispness.
On my usual electro track list, paired with the Sennheiser HD-800S, the combo outputs good headroom and hard-kicking lows, but misses some of the subtlety I expected from the DAC. But, for $289, that’s maybe me nit-picking. And, if my FiiO KA2 – which share the same DAC – sounded more “natural”, head-to-head the SMSL was able to deliver more punch and more air, outperforming the Amp by a large margin, almost matching the Q15 level.
But, it’s really as an integrated amplifier that the AO300 impressed me. Clearly, this one was designed to drive speakers first, headphones second – even if it’s still a very nice DAC/Amp overall. Paired with my LS50, the small amp managed to deliver a clear sound, with enough air and punch to mimic the powered-version – up to a certain level.
In this price bracket, there’s no other amp I could think of that deliver this much ‘sound’ and the Cirrus-Logic + Infineon really do wonders, pushing and pushing power as long as you turn the knob. Very very impressive.
Tonality
The sound signature is linear, but each frequency range has flaws and qualities—a quick overview.
Bass: deep, fast, accurate. The AO300 managed to reach deep notes with ease on my LCD-X and, but missed the spot with the Svanar. It’s great with low/mid-impedance headsets, but not so much with low-sensitivity ones. Still, with the Sennheiser HD650 the combo was more than impressive and, in this price range, the SMSL manages an awesome job.
Test track : Ylang Ylang – FKJ
Mids: flat and clean. Good dynamic range combined with good accuracy and absolutely grain-less/flawless background make the AO300 unsurprisingly good in this regard. Not as good as the DO400, but on-par with the DO100, even better!
Test track : Customer is King – Meute
Highs: straight and technical. If everything seems flat to my ears, some might find the SMSL AO300 a bit too conservative. But, the DAC shows excellent control and definitely exceeded the DO100 in this regard, which is already a feat on its own.
Good test track : Omnia – Anyma
Conclusion
Following the footsteps laid out by the DO200/DO100, the SMSL AO300 is a small-but-mighty all-in-one DAC/Amp that really deserves some attention.
As a DAC/Amp, it’s a nifty device with the level of control and refinement you’d expect from SMSL, only lacking because I kept on comparing that one to its bigger brother. But, taking distance and considering the price, you have to be impressed by how good this “little” desktop amp performs, especially with planar headsets.
Build quality is excellent, I/O is perfect, and either as DAC/Amp or as an integrated amplifier, the device is just flawless – especially now that SMSL fixed the lousy scroll wheel. And, if you’re just in need of a compact/affordable amplifier for your speakers, this is definitely the one you need – plus it doubles as a real headphone/amplifier.
A steal!
Summary
Pros
- neutral sound signature and impressive raw-power
- good dynamic range and low-to-zero noise
- extensive I/O with HDMI, USB, Pentaconn, speakers output
- improved scroll wheel and great build quality
- amazing performance/price ratio
- real all-in-one
Cons
- not great with low sensitivity headphones
- better than the HO100, but not the DO200
- not what you could call “sexy”
