Does Topping and all that other cheap China DAC Companys pay so good ? Why not test out something that not every other Hifi UA-cam Channel review. Gear from Lynx, DangerousMusic, CraneSong, Antelope...
#1 Frankly, most people don’t want to pay more than 500USD for a DAC. #2 Reasonable price, very good bench performance and good sound, what not to like? #3 If you believe any brands you’ve mentioned have significantly better sound than “Cheap China DAC” (your word) that’s is great but they’re not everyone needs especially ADC is no use for most audiophiles and 2-3k USD for a DAC is not going happen with average music lovers regardless of where is made. #4 Thanks to “cheap China DAC” high quality digital music playback is better than ever for everyone and average music lovers. #5 By the way I don’t do paid reviews, all volunteer work as a hobby and sharing my actual personal experience.
@@Tharbamar i dont say its a overall bad product, of course its great that streaming / digital audio takes over and everyone has the chance to buy something in their pricerange. But its obvious that the Review Market are full of the same (mostly china ) products over and over again (Loxjie, Topping, SMSL..) - Quality costs - its in the camera industry, in the mountainbike market, Headphones... everywhere... You cant build an High Performance Product without compromises for 250 eur/$. Most Audiophiles are always write that they want the best but is a 250 or 500 Eur DAC the best way ? - a DAC is not only about the latest brand new Chip, its about the PreAmp Section, the Power Supplie and the product itself... I know you and other channels cant review and know everything (i also didnt) but when you follow the audio channels you see, that all Channels nearly review the same DAC / Digital Audio (cheap china) companys since months over and over again
Market is too saturated with these products IMO. New smsl and topping models get released every other months just for the sake of better measurements and more features but do not offer any marginal audio improvements over the older models. Not to mention, they sometimes release the same product but use different model name, ie. smsl da-9 and ao200.
@@MMK___ Why don't YOU get off your ass and review the Dacs that you want to see reviewed, instead of whining about people who go to the trouble and effort to put out this content?
@@johnt8735 No ones forcing you to buy them, are they? Competition among these Chinese brands is producing audio gear, with sound quality average wage earning people could only dream about 20 years ago. Talk about first world problems, SMH.
Prior to upgrading to the SMSL D300, I was using a Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 audio interface with my Mackie MR824 monitors and MR10S subwoofer. While the sound was decent, it lacked the musicality and depth that I was looking for. After installing the SMSL D300, the improvement in sound quality was immediately noticeable. The soundstage became much more open, and the music sounded more natural and effortless. The sound was no longer harsh, and I could hear details that were previously hidden. (I no longer need to mess around with the equalizer and try to adjust the sound for each individual song. Now, I simply hit play and can enjoy my music.) The SMSL D300 has a very clean, transparent sound, with a wide frequency response and excellent dynamic range. The bass is tight and controlled for my taste, and the mids and highs are clear and detailed, without any harshness or sibilance. Overall, the sound is now much more musical and enjoyable to listen to, with a sense of depth and realism that was missing before. Even as an amateur, I can appreciate the difference in sound quality that the SMSL D300 has made to my setup. It has transformed my listening experience and has made me fall in love with my music all over again. Ty for tha review m8. And can plz tell where I can find that beautiful song in your demo. Ty.
Loxjie is my preferred sound. When I listen to D300 i got startled with the highs. Dont know if its too detailed, it sounded like the airiness is being mixed with the other sounds. Very much thanks for the video and sample. Love it
With my headset, I like the sound of the D40 the best. When it comes to the part of plucking the strings hard. To me it is not as harsh as the other two....to me that sound is distracting, and can take away from the experience if your a critical listener (Like me). None of these DACs are slouches. I do have the SMSL SU9, and the M500MKII. I will be buying the D40 next month if the price stays at the price it is currently at. I like what a variety of decent DACs can do. TY! very much for this review and demo.
I have tried smsl d300 for a few days,imo d300 will add some warmth and sweetness to the records,if your system sounds dry and cold,it will be a nice solution,and just as the video shows,d300 is good for vocal playback,but if you want a precise and neutral sound,I'm quite sure there will be a better choice.Do200 give more clarity than d300 does in this video,which fits my listening preference more.Since I find musician aquarius "review" here,it would be nice to see the comparison between aquarius and vmv d3,both are R2R dac and the price point is similar.
@@Jil8840 Not everyone is interested in the scene, many more important is the timbre of the instruments. The stage has nothing to do with the music, it's just the arrangement of sources, and it's the music itself that matters.
@@КиллБилл-л7м I have heard many components including cables, with bad stereo image. They were unlistenable......!!! So, stereo image for me is very important.
Ah... I just now listened to the comparisons after my comment below 😊 Well, just comparing the DO200 with the D300, to me on my system (I'll try to put a link in a reply to this post below to pictures of my system if it is allowed here) I honestly felt that the DO200 was a bit more 'Open' sounding and on my system it seemed like the 'Attack' on the strings came across as faster and a little more 'Spacious' and more vibrant sounding, whereas the D300 sounded just a tad more compressed/closed in. I felt a genuine 'Lifelike' quality with the DO200, which I don't think I perceived with the D300. Most interesting (I'm kinda glad too since I have the DO200 😁) But, yes, in going back and forth (VERY good recording, BTW! 👍) I truly felt the differences were noticeable. Thank you Sir for the excellent review and comparison!
Nope, didn't work... If our kind host allows, I will try to post a link to pictures to my system, but separating the parts of the link with spaces and see if that works. So, for those who are completely bored and have absolutely NOTHING better to do 😊you can take a look if you wish to do so. I have included comments on the lower right corner of some of the pictures giving more details about how my system is set up. The primary design is 2 tall open baffle dipole multiple driver line-arrays with 13 drivers a side. It is tri-amped with 2 amps running the two towers dual-mono, and there is a Crown 2502 400/side driving the 2-15" dipole woofers. The main idea here was to maximizing the image and soundstage. The multiple smaller drivers also mean that transients are SUPER fast with all the drivers moving air at the same time: h t t p s: // photos. app. goo .gl/ 9ja3UKob7tppW4Y38
@Lathe Of Heaven, Good digital sound quality (DO200) and close to analog sound (D300), that is the major difference between the two, thanks for sharing.
@@Tharbamar Well, as you can probably see in the link above, my system is very strongly designed for analog sound. I only JUST got the DAC due to your lovely review and after all these years I just wanted to be able to play all the thousands of FLAC albums that I have on my primary system, which I've never been able to do before. Perhaps it is just system dependent. But, playing your excellent samples through my main system, I could tell anyway that that DO200 did sound more spacious and 'airy', which are indeed analog characteristics. But, I'm sure such subtle differences are truly system dependent. I'm just VERY happy that I got the DO200 due to your most helpful recommendation! *THANK YOU!* 👍
I have m200. Totally blown away by the sound in my setup. Marantz and Klipsch KG4.2's. I'm not used to it yet. Hearing all the details and extension on notes all the time is rough on me until it becomes my new normal. Akm chips on the velvet platform and this 97 chip was the flagship chip that they made into the velvet sound first edition. It's amazing for $250. Tried it on all my speakers it's like all my speakers are brand new.
Today I got my D300 DAC. I will say briefly and clearly: the best vocal sound and the deepest, penetrating and pouring bass of all that I have heard. If compare Sabaj D5 (ES9038pro) and D300, the D300 sounds different, completely different due to the different way the sound is presented in the musical direction (For the better) and the special study of the low frequencies. For me, the most important thing is that the sound is not flat and raw, and the D300 did it! Sabaj D5 sounded to me flat and boring. I am sure that this DAC will open up much better with the right amplifier. D300 now paired with MT-604 (Great, tube amp). Thank you very much, Tharbaram, for the best choice of buying a DAC! Thanks to you, I was able to get acquainted with the new ROHN chip!
I'm guessing If it's worth to invest Double the money and get a musician Draco dac, since the Review says this D300 sound kinda more musical and analog.
@@jesushuerta9878 If your system is well thought out and carefully implemented the D300 is clearly the better choice from cost savings and sound perspective.
thanks for the message, I just ordered a D300 myself which im planning to use in my system with a Yamaha AS-1100 amp and Wharfedale Linton Heritage speakers. Can't wait to try them all out! Right now im using the stock 3.5mm out of my macbook pro which im guessing is total crap compared to the D300.
@@Tharbamar I'm trying to build simple analog system just for old musics from 50's and early 60's for small room listening. I am worried that I might possibly bring out bad recording out too much if I add the wrong DAC. Or should I just stick to good analog amp and not worry about adding a DAC?
There is no comparison. Rohm DAC chip is special. I can hardly wait for high end Smsl version. D300 is currently my main DAC in my all tube McIntosh and Harbeth system. The musicality and analog engagement is on another level and which I've never heard from any ESS before.
SMSL certainly offer good value for money in so many of their audio products, but I just wonder why they bother to bring out so many DAC models in the same price range with no significant difference in performance... The hierachy in their product line does seem somewhat confusing. That said I'm perfectly satisfied with my DO200 coupled with the HO200 Pre/Headphone amp and AO200 integrated amp !
Oh wow! I bought the SMSL DO200 due to your recommendation when it came out and I've been VERY happy with it! And now they came out with the D300...? Amazing! I'm guessing that there likely isn't a whole lot of difference between the two except maybe the features between them.
@@jesushuerta9878 No, I didn't know that, but that is good to know! I probably honestly won't use most of the features of the DO200, but I *really* like the sound! 😊
Great recording, I think you're kinda setting the standard lately for online demos! D300 wins, by a wide margin! The timbre of the singer's voice was the most realistic.
Smsl d300 seems to have deeper maybe a bit more diffused sound stage. Also reverberation/decay is more pronounced. Interesting d400 and do200 are like very similar sounding. D300 is really different thought.
Hurray! I've been waiting for this review with comparisons of these DACs for a long time! Thank you very much for your work! As for me, the D40 has the best sound, but I like the D300 more because of its incredible analog sound, it is much nicer, calmer and deeper. My choice fell on the D300, I will buy it soon. Thanks again for the review!
Great setup! Love the speakers! On my kitchen system ;) the do200 seems to be quite neutral, but I noticed also at moments it is a tad sharp. Have to listen with the Senn's as my Eris E3.5 are somewhat harsh.
SMSL DO200 sound is more attacking and a bit colour from my hearing but SMSL D300 is somehows quite close to neutral and wide setting .. D40 is soft, relax compared to 2 SMSLs .: well done Tharbamar 👍 .. time to spend $$ again. this HO200 is remind me my ex Su-9 but better clean up the note
Thorough and useful review , but... 1. I hear very marginal differences between all three dacs, and 2. I hear a great speaker ... The dacs perform great with a 5k speaker. In defence of Tharbamar,he has reviewed dacs in other videos with reasonably priced speakers. But I do not share your excitements for differences in the dacs. No intention to degrade reviewers and commenters...
Thanks for the comment but budget equipments? 4500USD amplifier, 2000USD music server ,6000USD speakers and 3200USD reference DAC means budget equipments to you? You must be very rich person.
@@Tharbamar I apologise. I had to be more precise.I was referring to the speakers. On some other videos you used under 1k speakers.and that is useful too. Iam not rich. All my equipment costs 1500usd.And I struggle to get better sound, searching for a "magic" dac. I am implying that you get great sound because of all your great set up and not from dacs with marginal differences . I apologise once again. Didn't mean to offend you. Just commenting on the comments.
I didn’t hear any special musicality on the d300. The feeling that there is a very light haze over the entire range of the d300. The do200 has fewer sibilants than the other two. rme adi-2 dac fs -> ier-m9
These sound sample comparisons are great. Its amazing I can even hear differences using super cheap headphones plugged into a macbook air (no external DAC). The voice sounds slightly more natural/life-like with the D300 vs the other 2. The D40 sounds the most dull/veiled of the 3 & the DO200 sounds more lively than the D40. Of courses, the differences are all small given the limitations of my hardware. Keep up the great work in your videos, & paying attention to our comments!
Sorry, have to backtrack a bit. I used a different pair of better headphones and now I'm not sure if I can tell much difference at all between the 3 sound samples. Even if there are differences, its very small between all 3. Plus, we're listening to two DACs, the ones in the video and the one we're using ourselves to listen to the samples (which in my case is the DAC in my macbook air). Maybe we believe we're hearing differences and belief is our reality. A proper ABX test would go some ways in resolving the matter.
do200 and d40 more sibilant sss (voice), guitar strings sound more metallic with glare...do200 more bumped midbass... D300 more airy and smooth highs without digital glare and natural mids.
I listened trough headphones and I really Like Do200..I recently had SMsl Su9 and I like that crystal clear strings of guitars and good "attack" from what I heard about SU9 and Dp200 is similar ..If I would want a really analog sound I just simply use my turntable.That way I can have 2 different flavors depending of the mood you are in.
I have the DO200 mk2 and I like it very much. At one point I tried to upgrade to the Topping D90LE, but I could not hear the difference between the two, so I returned the D90. I recently bought the HiFiman EF400, and I prefer it to the DO200 mostly because the bass is fuller. It punches a bit harder and the image of the thump appears wider. I ran them both through my Schiit Lyr+ amp in tube mode for the comparison. Otherwise, they are similar. I exclusively listen with headphones. Sennheiser 6xx, bayerdynamic dt 1990 Pro, HiFiman Arya Stealth, and Hifiman HE1000 v2 Stealth. They all sound great with the DO200.
Very close in sound quality. To my ears the Loxjie D40 sounds the most natural and fluid, a bit more full bodied in the mids, better vocals as well, without any grain, but I think it has a tiny bit more sibilance than the DO200? The D300 is the most sibilant of the three, but it has a similar, slightly less natural sound as the D40. Overall I would rank them as: 1. D40 2. D300 3. DO200
M200 for $150 less ($250 less at it's intro price of $499) than D0200 sounds better in my opinion. I have these speakers and the akm chip is better imo. It's a bit more well rounded and robust. Sound is more full. It's a bit more bolder maybe not for everybody. If you like Harmon Kardon I believe they use akm primarily on the higher end models get an AKM velvet chip DAC.
D300 is the best with that setup and music according to my opinion. Very natural mids supported by dark and thick bass and lower mid range. DО200 is too "in your face" and euphonic. D40 sounds plain messy to my ears - quite resonant and the instruments lack separation, and the vocal is thin and sibilant. At the same time the guitar is very reverberant. It's almost like the recording is done wrong. Is it that there is clipping in your recording while recording the D40?
Thanks for posting your thoughts on these three DACs, as well as the music clips - nice video. Please could explain why you think the D300 would not optimal as a preamp? This is how I would like to use it so I'm really interested to understand your thinking on this - why it's not so good and why the others may be better. Cheers!
I'm not interested in audiophile lingo like warmer, softer, full, rich, resolving, bright, focused, natural, smooth, extended, texture, lush, airy, analog-sounding, etched, etc. All I want to know is which DAC makes a recorded oboe sound most like a real oboe, a recorded tenor sax sound most like a real tenor sax. I'm a retired musician and music teacher who has been listening to real instruments and voices for many years in every imaginable setting from small practice rooms to concert halls. What I want in my audio equipment is not bass slam or air or PRAT but the illusion of reality. Maybe the problem these days is that most audio hobbyists have so little experience with real instruments and singing voices that it doesn't even occur to them to ask, "Does this sound more lifelike?" In any case, can you give me your opinion about which DAC in this price range makes unprocessed instruments and voices sound most realistic? Thanks!
А почему d300 так хорошо звучит? Что у него внутри? Чтобы штатная магнитола моего авто зазвучала реалистично, я заменил один(!) элемент. Это был электролитический конденсатор 25v 2200 mkF. Вместо него теперь стоит конденсатор 103400 mkF. Он шунтирован керамическими , слюдяными и пленочными конденсаторами количеством 30 штук разными номиналами. Только одна деталь! А что же внутри ROHM?
Hello. I will be building my home theater soon. Still on the process of gathering stuff. I have an Onkyo TX-RZ50 and I’m planning on adding an SACD player for my music when not watching movies. What DAC can you recommend that I can pair with my SACD player which I will all hook to the Onkyo Tx Rz50? Many thanks in advance.
Those JBL are hardly even used. I broke mine in and they sound so much better....more natural. They can handle a lot of stretching and pushing and they will sound much better after breaking in.
Listened with axon 7mini ak4962. I find ess dacs ugly. Something feels tensed. And it's played like the music doesn't breath. Like somethinf wrong with the rythme. Aldo it's like some layer that make the sound unpleasant. Maybe that digital hardness make feels about more détails but that doesn't feel natural nor pleasing to leasten. On the d300 i can enjoy the sweatness of the voice and the breath of rythme the soul of the performer. I got a sabaj ess dongle and i found that same result. I cannot enjoy that ess sound and prefer the akm on my zte phone. At home i got a cd payer with burr Brown pcm1795 that is very pleasing to listen. It seams less analog sounding that the d300 although. I tried some es9023 and didn't like it also. It seems this ess crazyness is more a marketing thing. I'd like to Hear thoughts on burr Brown dacs vs newers akm and Rohm. Enjoy listening to music.
Hello Tharbamar, I watch most of your videos. I am looking to buy a DAC for my stereo system (Evo 4.2 with Yamaha as500 amp). Based on your review I think D300 could be a best choice at this price range. I saw in some reviews that bass is softer and less punchier in SMSL D300. Did you notice that in your system?
Just ordered the D300, thanks for the great review, of the 3 it sounds more detailed, more "alive" and less congested and les "digital sounding", for sure the best of three very good sounding ones, is it in default state here or are filters on?
Hello @Tharbamar, thanks for the great reviews, listening at the sound comparaisons i feel like the d300 is softening it's top end as soon as it could become harsh, currently i have a su9n, love the precision, details and all that. At first I had a zen dac v2 and loved the sound it had i guess it's the burr brown chip (organic, silky but precise). I wanted initially to upgrade to the zen signature v2 version, it was not available so i got the SU9. But i think it sounds a bit dry, it's SUPER precise and fast but it's maybe TOO precise DK, don't you think i will find what i'm looking for returning my SU9n and getting a D300 ? Maybe I should just wait for the Ifi to be available again in the end... But i'm very intruigued by this d300. If you have a few minutes i would love you to answer. thanks ! Keep up the good work
I have a Modius and im looking for a dac that has better separation, layering, and more depth. Im looking at a do200, m300, and possibly a d1se (real stretch). I like feature set of the do200 but your review makes it seems like the d300 performs better in the areas im looking for. Is there a significant difference between the staging and separation of these two dacs? Do you need to move up to something like a d1se for a significant performance increase?
Thank you so much for the review(s) of the SMSL D300. Based on yours and other reviews I want to buy one! Problem is I'll be playing back from an AppleTV hardwired to a MacMini M1 using iTunes and it's sounding like the D300 is not compatible with PCM which I'm assuming will be sent to the AppleTV (almost all of my files are WAV which were ripped from CDs). Is there a workaround for Mac users? Thank you!
Your system is pretty bright or at least that's how it sound through my AKG headphone. Maybe the track you play just happened to be EQ'ed that way. Some of the sibilance in her voice was quite exaggerated. I was somewhat surprised since I thought you prefer analog sounding systems.
i have same jbl's and just ordered the smsl d300 i will be pairing it with a audiolab 6000 cdt for cd playback will be using it with yamaha as-301 integrated amp that also feeds a second sherwood rx-5502 4 channel receiver with sony sscs5 bookshelf and 2 klipsch 610 towers along with the jbls 530s hoping all this pairs well any suggestions or thoughts appreciated
Hi there. Thanks for putting these reviews up. I have B&W 707 S2 speakers and my source is an Audiolab 6000CDT. Which would you recommend to suit these? I mainly play easy listening music similar to your samples. thanks
@@Tharbamar Hey thanks for those suggestions. None are currently available in my country (NZ) but the d300 may show up here in a few weeks according to a supplier. It looks appealing and the price looks to be reasonable which is unusual here. I notice that British hi-fi gear is really going up in price lately. My NZ$1300 B&W speakers are now selling for $3000. Inflation is kicking in.
Where do I go? My 2013 Metrum Octave was punching with $3,000 / $4,000 DACs 10 yrs ago..It still fetches $500 used..Which is more desirable purely on an Audio Level Mine, or say D300?? Please chime in.
Hello Sir, I would like some comment from you on choosing between SMSL Su 9 n and the D300 when considering the influence of the Pre Amp and Main Amp. I have a QUAD 99 Pre and 909 Amp. Which are 10 years old and typically have mid point sonically/ musicality…from audiophile comment. I have DALI Mentor 6 speakers which are typically crisp.
Excellent review and thank you. Looks like DO200 a bit foolbodied (midbass slightly colored), would be good pairing with AO200, considering to own as second system. Would you advise some speakers for the AO-pair?
At this moment JBL Studio 530 would be nice pairing with them, next level upgrade would be Polk Reserve R200 for bookshelf speakers, for the towers you should check out JBL Studio 580 which is absolute great buy for the price when discounted, thanks
Nice review! Could anyone here comment if they thought iFi ZEN DAC V2 (with a decent external power supply) be considered to have comparable sound quality - approximately on the same level as the DACs in this group?
I just returned the iFi ZEN DAC V2 after purchasing the D300. The iFi ZEN DAC V2 sounded like pain on my system. Just pain. The D300 made me cry while listening to a pop song. The D300 will make good music sound amazing. Bad music cannot save itself with distorted bass and treble. Everything on the D300 comes in with the same impact. Nothing stands out. So if you want to hear "sounds" rather than music, you might be disappointed. Some pop songs I used to like don't sound as good with it, but the more musical ones are transcendent to another level like you cannot believe. It will give you a new perspective on "good music".
@@lucidmonkey3591 D300 DAC Arya stealth headphones Geshelli Labs E2 amp I also have high end cables and noise cleaners. The Arya stealth headphones are the most important component. They have ruined my ability to listen to sound through anything else.
Which DAC would you suggest to pair with Yamaha HS8 active speakers. I am leaning towards SMSL D300. Other option is Topping D30pro. I dont want to go with ESS as Yamaha speakers are already very revealing.
Hi, Tharbamar. I have a question. With all your DAC reviews or DAC you came across, which one do you think that presents a fuller sound characteristic. I’m thinking of upgrading and matching it with an amp that needed to be paired with a fuller sounding DAC. Please let me know your recommendations. Thanks. (Upgrading from Loxjie D30)
@@Tharbamar Thanks for the recommendation. I’m also considering the Denafrips Ares II and the SMSL M400 which you reviewed. Of these three DACs, which one will you choose (gun to your head) 😂
Hi, given that I don't want to use the D40 to connect headphones but use the DO300, what and how would you do to make a good connection? What other device (if necessary ..) would you put to connect the headphones too? Thank you.
Imo....it doesn't. Both of these sound horrible in my honest opinion...the last one isn't even relevant to me. They sound like my es dual chip PC card which is a good PC card 7 years ago. I have those speakers and other front speakers and my JBL's don't sound like that. Start auditioning the velvet chip 97 or 99....you will want to listen to your stereo.
Price does not reflect sound quality many times in my experience and I'm sure the aquarius is worth it to some and does sound better but at the same time the price is like 10x more. It probably will sound much better but if you can enjoy music and gaming through the d300 I'd hang on to it for a while. Also they're completely different designs. The aquarius has a lot more in it.
@@V1ralB1ack It is synergy!I've changed the op amps in my 50 bucks sound card and the sound became sublime.Nothing to do with the price of the equipment.
@GentielioGaming, main difference between two is Aquarius doesn’t have digital glare, everything is more natural, probably one of the most engaging accurate sound but as of right now D300 is the one I would go with if I choose to stick in the price range, D300 with right paring can do beautiful sound, thanks
I've narrowed down my DAC choice to SMSL D300, SMSL Su-9n, or Gustard x16 to pair with my Quad S2. Only care about the DAC function & sound quality. Any advice from anyone? Thanks!
There is no comparison. Rohm DAC chip is special. I can hardly wait for high end Smsl version. D300 is currently my main DAC in my all tube McIntosh and Harbeth system. The musicality and analog engagement is on another level and which I've never heard from any ESS before.
They all sound alike. The song chosen is awful and wasn't recorded well at all. But really to be honest all 3 DAC's were the same nothing stood out in the demo even on a UA-cam recording if there was any significant difference between the units we'd hear a change and there was none. If you think you heard something your just convincing yourself of it because you like one ascetic over another as that's the only difference between the DAC's.
Does Topping and all that other cheap China DAC Companys pay so good ? Why not test out something that not every other Hifi UA-cam Channel review. Gear from Lynx, DangerousMusic, CraneSong, Antelope...
#1
Frankly, most people don’t want to pay more than 500USD for a DAC.
#2
Reasonable price, very good bench performance and good sound, what not to like?
#3
If you believe any brands you’ve mentioned have significantly better sound than “Cheap China DAC” (your word) that’s is great but they’re not everyone needs especially ADC is no use for most audiophiles and 2-3k USD for a DAC is not going happen with average music lovers regardless of where is made.
#4
Thanks to “cheap China DAC” high quality digital music playback is better than ever for everyone and average music lovers.
#5
By the way I don’t do paid reviews, all volunteer work as a hobby and sharing my actual personal experience.
@@Tharbamar i dont say its a overall bad product, of course its great that streaming / digital audio takes over and everyone has the chance to buy something in their pricerange. But its obvious that the Review Market are full of the same (mostly china ) products over and over again (Loxjie, Topping, SMSL..) - Quality costs - its in the camera industry, in the mountainbike market, Headphones... everywhere... You cant build an High Performance Product without compromises for 250 eur/$. Most Audiophiles are always write that they want the best but is a 250 or 500 Eur DAC the best way ? - a DAC is not only about the latest brand new Chip, its about the PreAmp Section, the Power Supplie and the product itself...
I know you and other channels cant review and know everything (i also didnt) but when you follow the audio channels you see, that all Channels nearly review the same DAC / Digital Audio (cheap china) companys since months over and over again
Market is too saturated with these products IMO. New smsl and topping models get released every other months just for the sake of better measurements and more features but do not offer any marginal audio improvements over the older models. Not to mention, they sometimes release the same product but use different model name, ie. smsl da-9 and ao200.
@@MMK___
Why don't YOU get off your ass and review the Dacs that you want to see reviewed, instead of whining about people who go to the trouble and effort to put out this content?
@@johnt8735
No ones forcing you to buy them, are they?
Competition among these Chinese brands is producing audio gear, with sound quality average wage earning people could only dream about 20 years ago.
Talk about first world problems, SMH.
Prior to upgrading to the SMSL D300, I was using a Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 audio interface with my Mackie MR824 monitors and MR10S subwoofer. While the sound was decent, it lacked the musicality and depth that I was looking for.
After installing the SMSL D300, the improvement in sound quality was immediately noticeable. The soundstage became much more open, and the music sounded more natural and effortless. The sound was no longer harsh, and I could hear details that were previously hidden. (I no longer need to mess around with the equalizer and try to adjust the sound for each individual song. Now, I simply hit play and can enjoy my music.)
The SMSL D300 has a very clean, transparent sound, with a wide frequency response and excellent dynamic range. The bass is tight and controlled for my taste, and the mids and highs are clear and detailed, without any harshness or sibilance. Overall, the sound is now much more musical and enjoyable to listen to, with a sense of depth and realism that was missing before.
Even as an amateur, I can appreciate the difference in sound quality that the SMSL D300 has made to my setup. It has transformed my listening experience and has made me fall in love with my music all over again.
Ty for tha review m8. And can plz tell where I can find that beautiful song in your demo. Ty.
Loxjie is my preferred sound. When I listen to D300 i got startled with the highs. Dont know if its too detailed, it sounded like the airiness is being mixed with the other sounds. Very much thanks for the video and sample. Love it
SMSL D300 is the better DAC here. This DAC is simply amazing. A rare piece of audio innovation done right. Highly recommended!
Nice jobs of comparing the DACs. I really appreciate your sound demo recordings.
With my headset, I like the sound of the D40 the best. When it comes to the part of plucking the strings hard. To me it is not as harsh as the other two....to me that sound is distracting, and can take away from the experience if your a critical listener (Like me). None of these DACs are slouches. I do have the SMSL SU9, and the M500MKII. I will be buying the D40 next month if the price stays at the price it is currently at. I like what a variety of decent DACs can do. TY! very much for this review and demo.
Hi I am intending to buy the SMSL M500MKII. What are your impressions please of this as compared to SMSL SU9. Appreciate your thoughts
With an equalized HD650 well the D300 is the best, the D40 is the worst
I like the Loxjie D40 DAC the best. The sound was excellent. Cudos to the towers.
Sibilance can be compared here
10:51 vs 14:02 vs 17:13
I have tried smsl d300 for a few days,imo d300 will add some warmth and sweetness to the records,if your system sounds dry and cold,it will be a nice solution,and just as the video shows,d300 is good for vocal playback,but if you want a precise and neutral sound,I'm quite sure there will be a better choice.Do200 give more clarity than d300 does in this video,which fits my listening preference more.Since I find musician aquarius "review" here,it would be nice to see the comparison between aquarius and vmv d3,both are R2R dac and the price point is similar.
I totally agree!! Do200 is much better. More clarity, transparent, live, neutral and bigger soundstage!
@@Jil8840 Not everyone is interested in the scene, many more important is the timbre of the instruments. The stage has nothing to do with the music, it's just the arrangement of sources, and it's the music itself that matters.
@@КиллБилл-л7м I have heard many components including cables, with bad stereo image. They were unlistenable......!!! So, stereo image for me is very important.
Ah... I just now listened to the comparisons after my comment below 😊 Well, just comparing the DO200 with the D300, to me on my system (I'll try to put a link in a reply to this post below to pictures of my system if it is allowed here) I honestly felt that the DO200 was a bit more 'Open' sounding and on my system it seemed like the 'Attack' on the strings came across as faster and a little more 'Spacious' and more vibrant sounding, whereas the D300 sounded just a tad more compressed/closed in. I felt a genuine 'Lifelike' quality with the DO200, which I don't think I perceived with the D300. Most interesting (I'm kinda glad too since I have the DO200 😁) But, yes, in going back and forth (VERY good recording, BTW! 👍) I truly felt the differences were noticeable. Thank you Sir for the excellent review and comparison!
Nope, didn't work... If our kind host allows, I will try to post a link to pictures to my system, but separating the parts of the link with spaces and see if that works. So, for those who are completely bored and have absolutely NOTHING better to do 😊you can take a look if you wish to do so. I have included comments on the lower right corner of some of the pictures giving more details about how my system is set up. The primary design is 2 tall open baffle dipole multiple driver line-arrays with 13 drivers a side. It is tri-amped with 2 amps running the two towers dual-mono, and there is a Crown 2502 400/side driving the 2-15" dipole woofers. The main idea here was to maximizing the image and soundstage. The multiple smaller drivers also mean that transients are SUPER fast with all the drivers moving air at the same time:
h t t p s: // photos. app. goo .gl/ 9ja3UKob7tppW4Y38
That"s exactly the problem of the D300
@Lathe Of Heaven, Good digital sound quality (DO200) and close to analog sound (D300), that is the major difference between the two, thanks for sharing.
@@Tharbamar Well, as you can probably see in the link above, my system is very strongly designed for analog sound. I only JUST got the DAC due to your lovely review and after all these years I just wanted to be able to play all the thousands of FLAC albums that I have on my primary system, which I've never been able to do before. Perhaps it is just system dependent. But, playing your excellent samples through my main system, I could tell anyway that that DO200 did sound more spacious and 'airy', which are indeed analog characteristics. But, I'm sure such subtle differences are truly system dependent. I'm just VERY happy that I got the DO200 due to your most helpful recommendation! *THANK YOU!* 👍
I have m200. Totally blown away by the sound in my setup. Marantz and Klipsch KG4.2's. I'm not used to it yet. Hearing all the details and extension on notes all the time is rough on me until it becomes my new normal. Akm chips on the velvet platform and this 97 chip was the flagship chip that they made into the velvet sound first edition. It's amazing for $250. Tried it on all my speakers it's like all my speakers are brand new.
I still really feel any difference in sound must be due to an intentional distortion added by the manufacturer.
I like the sound of D300 best.
Today I got my D300 DAC. I will say briefly and clearly: the best vocal sound and the deepest, penetrating and pouring bass of all that I have heard. If compare Sabaj D5 (ES9038pro) and D300, the D300 sounds different, completely different due to the different way the sound is presented in the musical direction (For the better) and the special study of the low frequencies. For me, the most important thing is that the sound is not flat and raw, and the D300 did it! Sabaj D5 sounded to me flat and boring. I am sure that this DAC will open up much better with the right amplifier. D300 now paired with MT-604 (Great, tube amp). Thank you very much, Tharbaram, for the best choice of buying a DAC! Thanks to you, I was able to get acquainted with the new ROHN chip!
Great choice, which actually tell me how well your system is implemented, thanks for sharing.
I'm guessing If it's worth to invest Double the money and get a musician Draco dac, since the Review says this D300 sound kinda more musical and analog.
@@jesushuerta9878 If your system is well thought out and carefully implemented the D300 is clearly the better choice from cost savings and sound perspective.
thanks for the message, I just ordered a D300 myself which im planning to use in my system with a Yamaha AS-1100 amp and Wharfedale Linton Heritage speakers. Can't wait to try them all out! Right now im using the stock 3.5mm out of my macbook pro which im guessing is total crap compared to the D300.
@@Tharbamar I'm trying to build simple analog system just for old musics from 50's and early 60's for small room listening. I am worried that I might possibly bring out bad recording out too much if I add the wrong DAC. Or should I just stick to good analog amp and not worry about adding a DAC?
The D300 is my choice.
There is no comparison. Rohm DAC chip is special. I can hardly wait for high end Smsl version. D300 is currently my main DAC in my all tube McIntosh and Harbeth system. The musicality and analog engagement is on another level and which I've never heard from any ESS before.
I agree. Very lifelike compared to other DACs I've heard. Current system: TASCAM CD-200BT - SMSL D300 - Audiolab 6000A - Harbeth P3ESR/REL T/5i
Totaly agre d300 is amazing
@@billbryant1288 audiolab D to A converter ES9018K2M ?
Can you explain the difference with this? Day and night?
@kevtn8 how is the dynamics in D300?
@@AjuVignesh It's amazing. Rohm chip has great depth and soundstage and this is further helped by great dynamics. It's very smooth and analog.
SMSL certainly offer good value for money in so many of their audio products, but I just wonder why they bother to bring out so many DAC models in the same price range with no significant difference in performance... The hierachy in their product line does seem somewhat confusing. That said I'm perfectly satisfied with my DO200 coupled with the HO200 Pre/Headphone amp and AO200 integrated amp !
In my ears, D40>=D300>DO200.
Thanks for video!
Oh wow! I bought the SMSL DO200 due to your recommendation when it came out and I've been VERY happy with it! And now they came out with the D300...? Amazing! I'm guessing that there likely isn't a whole lot of difference between the two except maybe the features between them.
plus you can reproduce MQA cds on Do200 if you like to collect Cds and using a simple cd player as a transport.
@@jesushuerta9878 No, I didn't know that, but that is good to know! I probably honestly won't use most of the features of the DO200, but I *really* like the sound! 😊
Great recording, I think you're kinda setting the standard lately for online demos! D300 wins, by a wide margin! The timbre of the singer's voice was the most realistic.
Smsl d300 seems to have deeper maybe a bit more diffused sound stage. Also reverberation/decay is more pronounced. Interesting d400 and do200 are like very similar sounding. D300 is really different thought.
Thank you Tharbamar for the great review/comparison.
Hurray! I've been waiting for this review with comparisons of these DACs for a long time! Thank you very much for your work! As for me, the D40 has the best sound, but I like the D300 more because of its incredible analog sound, it is much nicer, calmer and deeper. My choice fell on the D300, I will buy it soon. Thanks again for the review!
Great setup! Love the speakers! On my kitchen system ;) the do200 seems to be quite neutral, but I noticed also at moments it is a tad sharp. Have to listen with the Senn's as my Eris E3.5 are somewhat harsh.
SMSL DO200 sound is more attacking and a bit colour from my hearing but SMSL D300 is somehows quite close to neutral and wide setting .. D40 is soft, relax compared to 2 SMSLs .: well done Tharbamar 👍 .. time to spend $$ again. this HO200 is remind me my ex Su-9 but better clean up the note
Thank yuu very much your helpful. I like the Rohm Dac.
It sounded very delicate. from Japan
Music at
10:01 vs 13:11 vs 16:21
Vocals at
10:39 vs 13:49 vs 17:01
Thanks, I cannot hear the difference
Thorough and useful review , but...
1. I hear very marginal differences between all three dacs, and
2. I hear a great speaker ...
The dacs perform great with a 5k speaker. In defence of Tharbamar,he has reviewed dacs in other videos with reasonably priced speakers. But I do not share your excitements for differences in the dacs.
No intention to degrade reviewers and commenters...
Thanks for the comment but budget equipments?
4500USD amplifier, 2000USD music server ,6000USD speakers and 3200USD reference DAC means budget equipments to you? You must be very rich person.
@@Tharbamar I apologise. I had to be more precise.I was referring to the speakers. On some other videos you used under 1k speakers.and that is useful too.
Iam not rich. All my equipment costs 1500usd.And I struggle to get better sound, searching for a "magic" dac.
I am implying that you get great sound because of all your great set up and not from dacs with marginal differences .
I apologise once again. Didn't mean to offend you. Just commenting on the comments.
No need for apology, just misunderstanding, thanks for clearing, happy listening!
I didn’t hear any special musicality on the d300. The feeling that there is a very light haze over the entire range of the d300. The do200 has fewer sibilants than the other two.
rme adi-2 dac fs -> ier-m9
These sound sample comparisons are great. Its amazing I can even hear differences using super cheap headphones plugged into a macbook air (no external DAC). The voice sounds slightly more natural/life-like with the D300 vs the other 2. The D40 sounds the most dull/veiled of the 3 & the DO200 sounds more lively than the D40. Of courses, the differences are all small given the limitations of my hardware. Keep up the great work in your videos, & paying attention to our comments!
I like more Do200 due to my majority of heavy metal tracks and the attack of the dac sound that delivers.
Right now SMSL D300 as PreDAC + Sabaj A8 Monoblocks with JBL Studio 530 continue to amaze me incredible sound quality, thanks for sharing.
Sorry, have to backtrack a bit. I used a different pair of better headphones and now I'm not sure if I can tell much difference at all between the 3 sound samples. Even if there are differences, its very small between all 3. Plus, we're listening to two DACs, the ones in the video and the one we're using ourselves to listen to the samples (which in my case is the DAC in my macbook air). Maybe we believe we're hearing differences and belief is our reality. A proper ABX test would go some ways in resolving the matter.
do200 and d40 more sibilant sss (voice), guitar strings sound more metallic with glare...do200 more bumped midbass... D300 more airy and smooth highs without digital glare and natural mids.
I listened trough headphones and I really Like Do200..I recently had SMsl Su9 and I like that crystal clear strings of guitars and good "attack" from what I heard about SU9 and Dp200 is similar ..If I would want a really analog sound I just simply use my turntable.That way I can have 2 different flavors depending of the mood you are in.
Good call, thanks for sharing.
Me too...
How about ifi zen dac v2 compared to these @@Tharbamar
Thanks for the great video as always.
First, thanks for the review, I like the look for the D40 best
I have the DO200 mk2 and I like it very much. At one point I tried to upgrade to the Topping D90LE, but I could not hear the difference between the two, so I returned the D90. I recently bought the HiFiman EF400, and I prefer it to the DO200 mostly because the bass is fuller. It punches a bit harder and the image of the thump appears wider. I ran them both through my Schiit Lyr+ amp in tube mode for the comparison. Otherwise, they are similar. I exclusively listen with headphones. Sennheiser 6xx, bayerdynamic dt 1990 Pro, HiFiman Arya Stealth, and Hifiman HE1000 v2 Stealth. They all sound great with the DO200.
Very close in sound quality. To my ears the Loxjie D40 sounds the most natural and fluid, a bit more full bodied in the mids, better vocals as well, without any grain, but I think it has a tiny bit more sibilance than the DO200? The D300 is the most sibilant of the three, but it has a similar, slightly less natural sound as the D40. Overall I would rank them as:
1. D40
2. D300
3. DO200
10:38 DO200
VS
13:49 D40
VS
17:00 D300
D300 is in 16.59
M200 for $150 less ($250 less at it's intro price of $499) than D0200 sounds better in my opinion. I have these speakers and the akm chip is better imo. It's a bit more well rounded and robust. Sound is more full. It's a bit more bolder maybe not for everybody. If you like Harmon Kardon I believe they use akm primarily on the higher end models get an AKM velvet chip DAC.
D300 is the best with that setup and music according to my opinion. Very natural mids supported by dark and thick bass and lower mid range. DО200 is too "in your face" and euphonic. D40 sounds plain messy to my ears - quite resonant and the instruments lack separation, and the vocal is thin and sibilant. At the same time the guitar is very reverberant. It's almost like the recording is done wrong. Is it that there is clipping in your recording while recording the D40?
Thanks for the excellent presentation.
Thanks for the detailed review. I think anything would sound good with those KEF's, lol.
R11 is brutally honest with paring components, thanks
there is also Cayin Ru6 a R-2R Dac as a dongle . In the same range of price .
Nice one. Thx for the comparison
Thanks for posting your thoughts on these three DACs, as well as the music clips - nice video.
Please could explain why you think the D300 would not optimal as a preamp?
This is how I would like to use it so I'm really interested to understand your thinking on this - why it's not so good and why the others may be better.
Cheers!
The title please of the song with guitare and the beautiful voice ?
I'm not interested in audiophile lingo like warmer, softer, full, rich, resolving, bright, focused, natural, smooth, extended, texture, lush, airy, analog-sounding, etched, etc. All I want to know is which DAC makes a recorded oboe sound most like a real oboe, a recorded tenor sax sound most like a real tenor sax. I'm a retired musician and music teacher who has been listening to real instruments and voices for many years in every imaginable setting from small practice rooms to concert halls. What I want in my audio equipment is not bass slam or air or PRAT but the illusion of reality. Maybe the problem these days is that most audio hobbyists have so little experience with real instruments and singing voices that it doesn't even occur to them to ask, "Does this sound more lifelike?" In any case, can you give me your opinion about which DAC in this price range makes unprocessed instruments and voices sound most realistic? Thanks!
SMSL300 would do for your need, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks!
@@Tharbamar I just bought a D300 and like it a lot! My Emotiva DC-1 was good, but the D300 makes real instruments and voices sound more realistic.
А почему d300 так хорошо звучит? Что у него внутри?
Чтобы штатная магнитола моего авто зазвучала реалистично, я заменил один(!) элемент. Это был электролитический конденсатор 25v 2200 mkF. Вместо него теперь стоит конденсатор 103400 mkF. Он шунтирован керамическими , слюдяными и пленочными конденсаторами количеством 30 штук разными номиналами. Только одна деталь!
А что же внутри ROHM?
@@andreyMishov I don't know.
Hello. I will be building my home theater soon. Still on the process of gathering stuff. I have an Onkyo TX-RZ50 and I’m planning on adding an SACD player for my music when not watching movies. What DAC can you recommend that I can pair with my SACD player which I will all hook to the Onkyo Tx Rz50? Many thanks in advance.
Those JBL are hardly even used. I broke mine in and they sound so much better....more natural. They can handle a lot of stretching and pushing and they will sound much better after breaking in.
Listened with axon 7mini ak4962. I find ess dacs ugly. Something feels tensed. And it's played like the music doesn't breath. Like somethinf wrong with the rythme. Aldo it's like some layer that make the sound unpleasant. Maybe that digital hardness make feels about more détails but that doesn't feel natural nor pleasing to leasten. On the d300 i can enjoy the sweatness of the voice and the breath of rythme the soul of the performer. I got a sabaj ess dongle and i found that same result. I cannot enjoy that ess sound and prefer the akm on my zte phone. At home i got a cd payer with burr Brown pcm1795 that is very pleasing to listen. It seams less analog sounding that the d300 although. I tried some es9023 and didn't like it also. It seems this ess crazyness is more a marketing thing. I'd like to Hear thoughts on burr Brown dacs vs newers akm and Rohm. Enjoy listening to music.
Hello Tharbamar, I watch most of your videos. I am looking to buy a DAC for my stereo system (Evo 4.2 with Yamaha as500 amp). Based on your review I think D300 could be a best choice at this price range. I saw in some reviews that bass is softer and less punchier in SMSL D300. Did you notice that in your system?
Bass response is also related to paring components, not the DAC alone, Thanks
Just ordered the D300, thanks for the great review, of the 3 it sounds more detailed, more "alive" and less congested and les "digital sounding", for sure the best of three very good sounding ones, is it in default state here or are filters on?
Yes all in factory settings.
@@Tharbamar Some reviews mention popping and clicking when the sample rate of the source material changes, you didnt get that?
@@andymill32 Not with my Sony HAP-Z1ES Music Server.
Excellent comparison, thank you!. Which of the three would you choose to mate with Rega Brio and Dynaudio Emit M20?
I would go with SMSL D300, thanks
Thank you!. So I think that you may consider my amp and speakers as neutral sounding. Because d300 wouldn't be the best choice for a warm system...
D300 👍
Hello @Tharbamar, thanks for the great reviews, listening at the sound comparaisons i feel like the d300 is softening it's top end as soon as it could become harsh, currently i have a su9n, love the precision, details and all that. At first I had a zen dac v2 and loved the sound it had i guess it's the burr brown chip (organic, silky but precise). I wanted initially to upgrade to the zen signature v2 version, it was not available so i got the SU9. But i think it sounds a bit dry, it's SUPER precise and fast but it's maybe TOO precise DK, don't you think i will find what i'm looking for returning my SU9n and getting a D300 ? Maybe I should just wait for the Ifi to be available again in the end... But i'm very intruigued by this d300. If you have a few minutes i would love you to answer. thanks ! Keep up the good work
Based on you comment you will like D300 more than SU9n which I do like it as well, thanks
How is your D300 experience compared to SU-9?
How would you compare the D1SE to these's. Looking for less harsh in highs and more bass
I have a Modius and im looking for a dac that has better separation, layering, and more depth. Im looking at a do200, m300, and possibly a d1se (real stretch). I like feature set of the do200 but your review makes it seems like the d300 performs better in the areas im looking for. Is there a significant difference between the staging and separation of these two dacs? Do you need to move up to something like a d1se for a significant performance increase?
D40 sounded the best for me
Thank you so much for the review(s) of the SMSL D300. Based on yours and other reviews I want to buy one! Problem is I'll be playing back from an AppleTV hardwired to a MacMini M1 using iTunes and it's sounding like the D300 is not compatible with PCM which I'm assuming will be sent to the AppleTV (almost all of my files are WAV which were ripped from CDs). Is there a workaround for Mac users? Thank you!
Tharbamar I misunderstood your comment about DSD and am relieved to see that the D300 will play my WAV files!
It should be totally compatible with all PCM but I didn’t test with iTunes, I use Audirvana. thanks
With an equalized HD650 well the D300 is the best, the D40 is the worst
Your system is pretty bright or at least that's how it sound through my AKG headphone. Maybe the track you play just happened to be EQ'ed that way. Some of the sibilance in her voice was quite exaggerated. I was somewhat surprised since I thought you prefer analog sounding systems.
No audio system can judge over internet accurately, Please try original music first to compare with. Thanks
i have same jbl's and just ordered the smsl d300 i will be pairing it with a audiolab 6000 cdt for cd playback will be using it with yamaha as-301 integrated amp that also feeds a second sherwood rx-5502 4 channel receiver with sony sscs5 bookshelf and 2 klipsch 610 towers along with the jbls 530s hoping all this pairs well any suggestions or thoughts appreciated
D40 SOUNDS MOST MUSICAL...SMSLs SOUND METALLIC
D300 produces soft and lively sound
Hi there. Thanks for putting these reviews up. I have B&W 707 S2 speakers and my source is an Audiolab 6000CDT. Which would you recommend to suit these? I mainly play easy listening music similar to your samples. thanks
I would go D300 or D40 with B&W speakers, if you can Musician Draco DAC will be great paring with B&W speakers as well. Thanks
@@Tharbamar Hey thanks for those suggestions. None are currently available in my country (NZ) but the d300 may show up here in a few weeks according to a supplier. It looks appealing and the price looks to be reasonable which is unusual here. I notice that British hi-fi gear is really going up in price lately. My NZ$1300 B&W speakers are now selling for $3000. Inflation is kicking in.
@@mikedonaldson4604 Great choice on D300,
it is one of the great buy for sound quality.
I would change the speakers. I take it you already have a dac.
Where do I go? My 2013 Metrum Octave was punching with $3,000 / $4,000 DACs 10 yrs ago..It still fetches $500 used..Which is more desirable purely on an Audio Level Mine, or say D300?? Please chime in.
D300 would be great to have but if you love the sound old DAC why would you upgrade. Thanks
@@Tharbamar So old DACs are still " Competitive" if they were fairly " Hi End" back in the day in your opinion?
Yes As long as they sound great with my components, I still love and use 10 years old Marantz SACD player and DAC to this day, Thanks
Nice recording. Where can we download the track from?
I don’t think is available anywhere. Thanks
Hello Sir, I would like some comment from you on choosing between SMSL Su 9 n and the D300 when considering the influence of the Pre Amp and Main Amp. I have a QUAD 99 Pre and 909 Amp. Which are 10 years old and typically have mid point sonically/ musicality…from audiophile comment. I have DALI Mentor 6 speakers which are typically crisp.
Hi, I would suggest you to try D300 it was more musical DAC in my system, thanks
Anyone notice the guitar strings sound a tad too shrill on the D40?
Excellent review and thank you. Looks like DO200 a bit foolbodied (midbass slightly colored), would be good pairing with AO200, considering to own as second system. Would you advise some speakers for the AO-pair?
At this moment JBL Studio 530 would be nice pairing with them, next level upgrade would be Polk Reserve R200 for bookshelf speakers, for the towers you should check out JBL Studio 580 which is absolute great buy for the price when discounted, thanks
@@Tharbamar TY R200 would be nice !!!
@@Tharbamar Is Polk better than JBL 530s?Thank you!
@OMR SHN, Yes definitely in bass response and slightly better refined sound, thanks
Nice review! Could anyone here comment if they thought iFi ZEN DAC V2 (with a decent external power supply) be considered to have comparable sound quality - approximately on the same level as the DACs in this group?
I just returned the iFi ZEN DAC V2 after purchasing the D300.
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 sounded like pain on my system. Just pain. The D300 made me cry while listening to a pop song.
The D300 will make good music sound amazing. Bad music cannot save itself with distorted bass and treble.
Everything on the D300 comes in with the same impact. Nothing stands out. So if you want to hear "sounds" rather than music, you might be disappointed.
Some pop songs I used to like don't sound as good with it, but the more musical ones are transcendent to another level like you cannot believe. It will give you a new perspective on "good music".
@@dialecticalmonist3405 can you please tell me how you have it hooked up
@@lucidmonkey3591
D300 DAC
Arya stealth headphones
Geshelli Labs E2 amp
I also have high end cables and noise cleaners.
The Arya stealth headphones are the most important component. They have ruined my ability to listen to sound through anything else.
@@dialecticalmonist3405 nice! Thanks for the response… lol not sure my wife would let me get those ( Arya’s ) at that price point… must be sweet
@@lucidmonkey3591
Not sure I would either. Until Bitcoin recovers it's price. Lol.
Which DAC would you suggest to pair with Yamaha HS8 active speakers. I am leaning towards SMSL D300. Other option is Topping D30pro. I dont want to go with ESS as Yamaha speakers are already very revealing.
If I have HS8 I would go with either SMSL D300 or Loxjie D40 which is slightly fuller sounding, thanks
So there's no way I can get the SMSL D300 to work with a Mac? Even with VOX
It will work as a DAC but not as PreDAC for DSD files.
Hi, Tharbamar. I have a question. With all your DAC reviews or DAC you came across, which one do you think that presents a fuller sound characteristic. I’m thinking of upgrading and matching it with an amp that needed to be paired with a fuller sounding DAC. Please let me know your recommendations. Thanks. (Upgrading from Loxjie D30)
I would suggest you to try Musician Draco R2R DAC, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks for the recommendation. I’m also considering the Denafrips Ares II and the SMSL M400 which you reviewed. Of these three DACs, which one will you choose (gun to your head) 😂
I indend do change my NAD M51 in SMSL D300. Is it a good idea? Has anybody experience with NAD M51?
How do these 3 compare with the D1SE? Or the Draco?
More accurate neutral sound would be most accurate.
Hi, given that I don't want to use the D40 to connect headphones but use the DO300, what and how would you do to make a good connection? What other device (if necessary ..) would you put to connect the headphones too? Thank you.
Mostly I just use headphone stage from my main amplifier but if you want you can buy dedicated headphone amplifier to pair with D300. Thanks
What streamer are you using?. Thanks
Just a laptop with Audirvana. Thanks
Hi,
should I add one of these products to the hegel h95 and kef ls50 meta combination?
Would the D300 or DO200 be a better pairing with a Singxer SA-1 amp?
do you think that topping d30 pro is better than smsl?
Hi.How do you compare Do200 and D300 vs Draco R2R ?
Do vou prefer the d300 or su9n on the sound quality which as the best sound with best dynamic lower end sound and overall quality ?
@Tharbamar I have the same question as well.
I was wondering if the D300 would be a good pair with a 6 watt tube amplifier with 2 EL34b tubes along with the triangle bro3? Thank you!
Knowing D300 it should sound nicely in your set up, thanks
@@Tharbamar thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it. Have you tried the Geshelli J2 dac?
@@Tharbamar do you still use your D300?
Not at this moment.
Which Power Amp are you using for the tests ?
Don’t remember it’s been very long time but everything should be in the video.
how do the Rohm chip dac compare to lojxie D50 and other AKM4399 dac?
Every bit is comparable but more natural sound.
Imo....it doesn't. Both of these sound horrible in my honest opinion...the last one isn't even relevant to me. They sound like my es dual chip PC card which is a good PC card 7 years ago. I have those speakers and other front speakers and my JBL's don't sound like that. Start auditioning the velvet chip 97 or 99....you will want to listen to your stereo.
Is the D300 dac close to the Musician Aqarius dac or do the price difference between these 2 dacs also reflect the sound quality?
Price does not reflect sound quality many times in my experience and I'm sure the aquarius is worth it to some and does sound better but at the same time the price is like 10x more. It probably will sound much better but if you can enjoy music and gaming through the d300 I'd hang on to it for a while.
Also they're completely different designs. The aquarius has a lot more in it.
@@V1ralB1ack It is synergy!I've changed the op amps in my 50 bucks sound card and the sound became sublime.Nothing to do with the price of the equipment.
@GentielioGaming, main difference between two is Aquarius doesn’t have digital glare, everything is more natural, probably one of the most engaging accurate sound but as of right now D300 is the one I would go with if I choose to stick in the price range, D300 with right paring can do beautiful sound, thanks
Thanks for the info.
Will you pick the D300 or SU9 between the 2 just using as a DAC? 🙏
I will pick D300 over any DAC under $500,
Thank you very much.
SMSL DO200がいいね！
I've narrowed down my DAC choice to SMSL D300, SMSL Su-9n, or Gustard x16 to pair with my Quad S2. Only care about the DAC function & sound quality. Any advice from anyone? Thanks!
X16 may not work well with Quad S2, they other two will be more suitable.
Yes, midrange and vocals are just more natural on D300.
I hear good stuff about the Gustard. No personal experience.
I guess features wise DO200 is all above.
anybody compared d300 to ifi diablo and mojo 2?
There is no comparison. Rohm DAC chip is special. I can hardly wait for high end Smsl version. D300 is currently my main DAC in my all tube McIntosh and Harbeth system. The musicality and analog engagement is on another level and which I've never heard from any ESS before.
@@kevtn8 any ideas when smsl will release the higher end version?
@@lextr3110 My guess would be by end of year at earliest. Good design takes time.
I hate the sibilance that comes with digital
DO200
Je préfère ESS
Les autres Dac sont "cheap" par rapport à ceux ci 😊
They all sound alike. The song chosen is awful and wasn't recorded well at all. But really to be honest all 3 DAC's were the same nothing stood out in the demo even on a UA-cam recording if there was any significant difference between the units we'd hear a change and there was none. If you think you heard something your just convincing yourself of it because you like one ascetic over another as that's the only difference between the DAC's.
LOL
smsl DO200🤟🏻🖤❤️