In this review we look closely at the SMSL DO200 Pro, a desktop DAC selling for $399.
Disclaimer: The SMSL DO200 Pro was sent to us, free of charge, by Aoshida-audio in exchange for our honest opinion.
S.M.S.L
If you’re unfamiliar with SMSL, it’s time to get acquainted. Since its inception in 2009, Foshan ShuangMuSanLin Technology Co. Ltd (or S.M.S.L) has produced a wide array of audio devices, many of which have garnered significant acclaim.
From DACs to power amplifiers and headphone amplifiers, SMSL has earned a reputation for offering excellent quality at competitive prices. Many of their products, such as the SMSL AD18, have become classics and are staples on the desks of chi-fi enthusiasts. For more insights, you can check out our other SMSL reviews here.
SMSL DO200 PRO
The SMSL DO200 Pro is a desktop DAC embedding a first-of-its-kind 12 x CS43131 DAC chips in a newly designed chassis with XMOS XU-316 chip that provides DSD256 and PCM 768kHz playback.
The new DAC also comes with a low-noise power supply, a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip and 5x OPA1612 op-amps. The spec sheet here is quite impressive. The DO200 Pro also has fully balanced circuitry, comes with a remote controller, and is equipped with a floating screen to navigate and use the device.
The DO200 Pro includes a switch on the bottom to select between 4V and 5V on the balanced output. 4V is standard for consumer devices, and 5V is more common in pro-audio equipment. The switch allows the DO200 Pro to be compatible with both types, enhancing its versatility and appeal to a wider range of users. You can purchase the DO200 Pro from Aoshida here.
Packaging
The SMSL DO200 comes in the same package as the DO400, a compact, white, retail box, which is a bit too bland in my opinion. Out of the box, you get a medium-sized DAC, similar size to other SMSL offerings in the past. The unboxing experience is not particularly impressive.
Inside the box you have :
- 1x SMSL DO200 PRO
- 1x power plug
- 1x Bluetooth antenna
- 1x USB-C cable
- 1x remote
If the brand packed an RCA cable with the DAC, I’d have given a full mark here.
Design and Build
Much like its predecessors, the SMSL DO200 Pro maintains the brand’s landmark formula: a minimalist chassis with a slightly offset and coloured LCD screen. This design is versatile and unassuming, not meant to be flashy but functional and stylish.
Visually, the SMSL DO200 Pro might not stand out as the most impressive device, but its physical presence tells a different story. The DAC is dense and solid, inspiring confidence with its premium feel. Once installed, its robust build quality is evident, making it an impressive offering at its price point.
Layout
The SMSL DO200 PRO boasts an extensive array of input and output options, ensuring it has every port you might ever need. The device features a user-friendly LCD screen that offers numerous options for tuning and arranging your music playback, allowing for a highly customizable listening experience.
The back panel comes with two output ports:
- 1x XLR to connect a balanced amplifier
- 1x RCA to connect an unbalanced amplifier
And no less than four input ports, to cover many types of sources:
- 1x USB-C port, to connect your computer or a DAP
- 1x Coaxial port, a classic found on a wide lot of sources
- 1x Bluetooth antenna, thanks to its BT chipset, the DAC supports Hi-Res Bluetooth decoding (LDAC, aptX HD)
- 1x HDMI port for ARC support for TVs
Then, upfront, you’ll find:
- a clickable control wheel, that allows you to set the volume in pre-amp mode, and access the full menu
- an LCD screen, located on the left side of the front panel with a floating design
Overall Experience
The SMSL DO200 PRO offers versatile connectivity, functioning either as a line-level output or as a pure DAC for feeding a power amplifier, with variable-level output options similar to a pre-amplifier.
Using the USB port allows seamless integration with various devices, including streamers, computers, CD players, and gaming consoles. I connected the DAC to my Android TV via optical input, and it worked flawlessly. I also paired it with a Flux Labs amplifier using XLR cables and linked it to my PC with the provided USB cable. The DAC was recognized immediately by my computer.
The addition of Bluetooth is a convenient feature, especially for quick streaming from a phone. The control knob is user-friendly, and once the settings are dialed in, it generally requires minimal adjustment.
Overall, the DO200 PRO is user-friendly with an excellent remote control that enhances the experience. It operates efficiently without generating excessive heat, even when left on continuously with my TV. Another notable feature is the lack of clicking sounds when switching sample rates, which is a plus for those sensitive to such noises.
Page 2: Sound
Page 3: Comparisons, Conclusion
Gary Mccabe
Well, and I know some are going to sigh at this, I use it connected to a series 20 NAD 3020 that I have lying around (using it as a pre amp) connecting to the new Fosi mono blocks for power and Dali Spektor 2 as speakers, very small room, neighbours and not a place for big, bone shaking bass.
So, what I have noticed is RCA into NAD gives warmer, deeper “middle” at a small loss of sound stage, use balanced straight into mono blocks and you get a wider, shallower depth in the middle with less mid-range and a more “clinical” sound (which I, as an editor sometimes enjoy). I think with a more modern, “better” stereo preamp that adds warmth while retaining staging you could be on to a real winner for the price.