SMSL C200 DAC and headphone amp Review

[@DominikZalewski85]

Thanks for the honest review without too much audiophile way of trying to explain how a DAC sounds ;) I'm looking to get C200 and use with a pair of Adam Audio T5V studio monitors via TRS balanced.

[@bushmaster1740]

Just got one, and it's awesome.

[@benkrake3678]

Just woke up early this morning and wanted to listen to music on my headphones, and I have miss placed my Audioquest DragonFly Black DAC and headphone amp. I solely rely on that for digital headphone music listening. I have been thinking about getting a proper HiFi desktop DAC and headphone amp for a while now, and now it seems like I have no choice but to get one. Been spending the last few hours doing research on DAC’s, and my first choice was a Topping DX3 Pro+, until I came across the SMSL C200. Seems like the only difference between the DX3 Pro+ and the SMSL C200, is the headphone amp is slightly more powerful on the DX3 Pro+. I have the Sennheiser HD Momentum’s, and they are only 30 ohms max, so the C200 should drive them with no issues. Also been wanting something with high quality Bluetooth as well, as it’s just much more convenient. Think the SMSL C200 might be the way to go! Thanks a lot for the review, greatly appreciate it! 😎

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It’s great and the Bluetooth works a treat. I’m sure you’ll love it!

[@hk9443]

When my IEM is connected to the front headamp, I am hearing the right channel in the left and vice versa. There are no issues if I use the balanced or SE at the rear when connected to the same IEM and also speakers. I am not sure what's wrong but decided to return it.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Is it possible you have the IEM cable plugged into the opposite sides?

[@jessmash5778]

just moved from a Sound Blaster X3 to this gear and honestly its a 1000% better!

[@MrJabinho]

Hi. This must be the bang for bucks device in its category. Topping DX1

[@babayiga2363]

Does this amp have option to enable loudness equalization on windows?

[@fUZZYbrainZ14]

I have a dt 770 pro 80 ohm. My x570-e motherboard has a supremefx s1220a chip and i have no complaints other than bass and loudness in some scenerios. Would I benefit more from this or a Schiit Magni Herasy+Schitt Modi. I just dont want to miss out without knowing some critical details. I also have Logitech Z200 speakers and a usb mic in case that makes a difference. I basically want to spend once and not again until im willing to spend close to a $1000 in the future.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

This will give you a cleaner sound (this does SNR 123dB compared to Supreme FX 115dB), better resolution and instrument separation. It might help out with the bass but at a glance, I don't see any information about output power for the supremefx.

[@dadoeboi101]

Hi! Do you have any suggestions for 3.5 mm converters? I assume that’s what I’ll need to run my headphones/iems as they are 3.5mm jacks. Not sure if I need balanced sounds, don’t know what the difference is just yet. Still very new to hifi!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Hi. You just need any 3.5mm to 6.35mm (1/4"). You can pick them up from Amazon, AliExpress or any electronics store for pennies.

[@mickael486]

I just bought the Topping dx3 pro plus... and I think I'm going to return it for this. My hifiman Sundara's start to sound harsh after long periods of listening. sometimes even shorter ones. hmmm...🤔

[@jbradshaw7]

This can also be used as a preamp? Does it have to be switched between headphone output and preamp output? If so how?

[@daviddave8761]

does this device support split inputs ? I have a goxlr on a streampc with a mic/line out cable. I want to connect that mic/line out to this dac on the input that is connected to my game pc. Then select the mic ingame.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I don't think that will work unless I'm misunderstanding you.

[@CrazyBrothersStudio1]

Currently stuck between the Smsl c200 and the Topping dx3 pro +. I am going to be using it for gaming mainly and music as well all the reviews I hear say they are around the same what is your opinion Thanks!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yep, they sound pretty similar. I was actually using the C200 just today. It gets my vote.

[@b.chandon]

Did you end up buying one or the other? Curious how these DACs perform for gaming.

[@CrazyBrothersStudio1]

@@b.chandon not yet I am thinking about getting the AE9s which is a PCIe Input but the money is real high for it. So I am still stuck a month later

[@Pikachu123OP]

kind of tempted to get these over the DX3 Pro+. Do you know if there are any major differences other than it having a balanced 4.4mm?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

The DX3 Pro+ has a little higher output power and a prettier display. DX3 Pro+ can also do HPA+DAC and preamp while the C200 only does HPA or LO.

[@0.-.0-054]

Am tring to decide between this and Topping DX3pro+ for Monolith M1060C, need advice

[@adaboy4z]

@@PrimeAudioReviews C200 has a dac no?

[@pliedtka]

I like the 6.3mm headphone out over the flimsy 3.5mm used in DX3PRO+

[@JM-sn5eb]

@@0.-.0-054 I've hanged dx3pro plus for c200 because internal power supply. Topping has standard brick on quite short cable. I had to use extender for topping. Very inconvenient. I got my c200 today. Didn't have time to check it. Hope that sound quality is as good as toppings. 6.3 jack and power supply is good enough reason for change. Only thing that I like better in topping is lcd colour

[@luissilva4969]

Please help me, SMSL C200 play good with KZ PR2 Planar?? Thanks Luís Europe

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, it's great with the PR2.

[@luissilva4969]

@@PrimeAudioReviews I have a audioquest dragonfly cobalt. I need a SMSL C200 to play KZ PR2 Planar? The SMSL C200 is better? Very thanks.

[@AndrewLimCM]

Hi, may I know if C200's USB-C input accept from my iPhone 14 via lightning to USB-C cable? Any special setting for this input? Intend to connect to beyerdynamic T1.1 600ohm and Sony Cd900st. Any concerns that I should be aware of? Also, if you have access, how is this unit compares to the newer DL200? Thank you

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It should work but I can't guarantee it. I'm not at home at the moment so can't test it.

[@chrispapa6700]

Great review. Do you prefer this over the K7?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I don't have K7!

[@martywrx]

Hello, thanks for the review, quick question, are you able to select which bluetooth codec it uses?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

You can select the codec from the source. So if you're on Android it's all good. If you're using iPhone, you're stuck with acc.

[@giancarlogennuso2257]

Hello, kindly question, are you able to push the Hifiman sundara volume to the maximum like the IFI Zen Can? Thanks

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, this has more than enough power for Sundara.

[@dhoonygo]

I like your review. If I use it by connecting both speakers in the back and a headphone in the front, can I choose which channel I want to hear from? or does it outputs sound in both way?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

You can choose either Headphone out or Line out and only one at a time.

[@KazutopaiSen]

I am looking to upgrade my DAC/amp (currently using Fosi Audio k5 pro) and I am very torn between SMSL C200 and Topping DX3 pro+ Which would work best with most IEM?? I mainly use IEM too I have truthear zero blue, supermix 4 and intuara splendor II I use them for gaming and listening to music Hope you would notice me

[@hillbillyjustice8213]

I was hoping there would be a reply to this as well.

[@Gabriel-qv8ue]

Thanks for the video, I recently got the c200 thinking that I could connect it to my Onklyo HT-R390 receiver through optical cable, using the usb cable connected to my pc, but no sound comes out, am I connecting something wrong?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

You're most likely not choosing the right input on your Onkyo.

[@def-po8tu]

I had to return my topping dx3 pro plus, it kept going into protect mode with my hifiman edition xs. Im currently looking at the fiio k7 and c200 which would u say is better for those headphone. Thanks in advance

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

C200 has balanced line out whereas K7 is only single-ended. But if you're only using headphones then I'd probably get the K7.

[@def-po8tu]

@@PrimeAudioReviews I wound up getting the topping l50 and e50. E50 will be here tomorrow

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@def-po8tu good combo

[@roman9711]

Hello! Can you advise me what better and what is loud enough for my Sennheiser HD600 (300 Om) headphones? Topping DX3 + , SMSL C 200 or something another (maybe not entry level dac/amp , but higher). Cause I really disappointed about my Dragonfly Cobalt , cant hear nothing out there 😂. Thank you!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Either will be loud enough but you should go with the C200 just because it has a 6.35mm jack and doesn't need a stupid adapter!

[@roman9711]

Wow thank you so much for such fast reply!!!! Sorry, but can you answer one more question, is it good enough for mixing ? Or I should look for more expensive dac/amp for this goals? I would like to find “flat” sounding dac/amp

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

C200 will be great for mixing. If you want to go higher, check smsl do200 mkii or Topping E70. *Note E70 doesn't have built-in headphone amp.

[@roman9711]

Thank you! Appreciate your help! 🙏

[@WindMills_]

too many options for desktop dac-amp, not sure what to buy for first one 😣

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Consider if you want Bluetooth, unbalanced or balanced. AKM or Sabre DAC. Features etc. There are many but one is better for you than the others.

[@WindMills_]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Just want a dac to run my current iems and most probably headphones for future. I dont think I need bluetooth cause headphones are wired? The features, I guess I need tons of research cause I dont understand those terminologies :( Shuoer S12 is my most expensive set and it runs rly bad on my phone (old phone), tried it on my friends' phone (multiple phone samples) and the difference are night and day. Considering buying new phone and xduoo link 2 bal because of multiple reviews (including your review which is really great) then will probably go desktop dac amp after that.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes,start with Link2 Bal. You can use it with phone and Pc. I was using mine today with Hifiman Sundara so good.

[@jcap8391]

@@WindMills_ Buy JDS Labs Element 3 for desk. It can run everything good. It's made in Murica too🫡🇺🇸

[@fouratp3627]

As it stands I've narrowed my choices down to the C200, DO100 and the D-6 in this price category. Only the C200 has a headphone amp. Are there others I should consider?

[@karthism]

How it is compared to toppings e 50 ?

[@maksymfrost8846]

Hey and thanks a lot for your reviews! Could you tell me please which of SMSL c200 and Topping dx3 pro+ gives you more clear and natural voices when you watch tv series and movies?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

The c200 is the one for that.

[@maksymfrost8846]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks a lot!

[@hillbillyjustice8213]

@@PrimeAudioReviewswhat about for soundstage/gaming. Directional and depth/distance imaging?

[@endrizo]

is that 4.4 output really balanced?? or fake balanced?

[@Bob.martens]

If by 'fake' you mean 'not truly': yes, it's fake. You would need two DAC-chips of this type to parallel-process the audio data.

[@endrizo]

@@Bob.martens thanks

[@mickael486]

I'm hoping if I exchange the Topping dx3 pro plus for this, My Hifiman Sundara's will sound less harsh.. Would you agree or no?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

You might hear a slight difference but it's more likely the Sundara just isn't your preferred tuning ( unless your dx3 is faulty).

[@mickael486]

@@PrimeAudioReviews ok thanks. I'm about to make a direct comparison soon. I'm trying to find the balanced cables that will work with this and the Sundara's that you used?

[@radicroot]

Hi, I've got a Topping dx3+pro but I'm not happy about the sub-frequencies that for me are clipped by a filter in this product (about 30hz to 18hz). Before the Topping I used a preamp Kenwood basic c2 connected to my pc and the sub frequencies were very notable. Is the Smsl c200 more complete in this range? Thank you.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, the C200 is excellent.

[@tflp1950]

I’m pretty sure they both use the exact same chip

[@CowCatwithafancyHat]

Did you end up getting the c200 and if so how is it performing vs the dx3 pro +?

[@radicroot]

@@CowCatwithafancyHatSadly no, but I've changed my motherboard with MSI PRO B650-S WIFI that have inside a good amplified headphone output setted at 192khz sampling but, because I want more power, I've added a Douk audio u3 connected to line-out of the motherboard. With this configuration, IMHO, the sound seems more powerful than dx3 pro+ (U3 1300mW-32ohm, Topping 1500mW-32ohm) with more incisive bass and the same extension to infrasounds, but the best result remain with my vintage preamp Kenwood basic c2 (frequency responce: 1Hz to 350kHz) .

[@CowCatwithafancyHat]

@@radicroot Great reply, thank you!

[@ericmartinez5051]

Does the SMSL support a mic if using iem or gaming headset with mic?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

No, it doesn't.

[@fouratp3627]

Stupid question, does the volume knob control the balanced outputs on the back as well as the front headphone ports?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, it can be used as a preamp.

[@fouratp3627]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks!

[@JM-sn5eb]

What is the knob quality? Is it smooth? Will this unit handle audeze lcd2c?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It's good. Smooth (not stepped) with a little bit of resistance for smoothness. It will be perfect for LCD2C.

[@Ray-bn7hr]

I have a beyerdynamic dt 770 80 ohms and hifiman sundara. Currently pairing with ifi zen dac v2. To be frank i love those headphones but not the dac. Ifi sounds warm and muddy. Hip hop sound awesome but rock and fast music is absolute shit. You feel sleepy by the signature of ifi zen. Leaning towards more neutral and engaging sound, love listening to details and dynamic range a bit more. Looking for an upgrade. Can you recommend if this c200 or topping dx3 in terms of sound quality alone pls??

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I love the sound of both this and the DX3 but I think the c200 is closer to the sound you're looking for.

[@Ray-bn7hr]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thank you for the response. Subbed. ❤❤

[@UntakenNick]

I curently have a Fiio e10k and HD560s, would I notice a significant difference if I replace it with this one?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It should be a good upgrade from the E10K. It doesn't have a bass boost though, so if you normally have that on you'll probably miss it.

[@UntakenNick]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks, I did consider that but figured that I could increase the bass with Equalizer APO. Would the result be too different than a hardware based bass boost?

[@aaronkinsey154]

is this better than g6 or will i miss volume mix control on g6 any help thanks for ps5 and xbox

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

If primarily for gaming you should just stick with g6.

[@andertube9239]

Compared to a dongle like shanling ua5, does it sound better?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Depends on the IEMs/headphones. With entry-level gear you won't hear hardly any difference. But I'll take a desktop unit over a dongle every day of the week just for practical reasons (volume knob, multiple in/out etc.)

[@ChouChouDer]

Good morning. How many presses does it take to switch outputs?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Just 1 on the remote.

[@adamhearts9195]

mine is blinking 200 and making a ticking noise every second or 2. is this a dead on arrival unit or... will it do that without an input? thanks I made a short on my channel showing the issue with the c200

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I'm afraid it looks like it was DOA. I suggest you send that video to your place of purchase. Hopefully they can facilitate a replacement or you can make a dispute.

[@adamhearts9195]

@@PrimeAudioReviews darn, okay thanks for letting me know. I wasn't sure if maybe I was not pressing a button or something but alright that's good to know I'll have to get a new one it came from aoshida

[@clemmtec9506]

can i connect my blu ray player to this and than to my pre am ?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, if it has a toslink/optical output.

[@peterpipe9015]

I wonder how this compares to a ifi zen mk1 . .

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

iFi Zen sounds a little smoother and slightly warmer. C200 is more neutral and has a wider soundstage. The Zen also has the bass boost function and is miles ahead in build quality.

[@thomhendricks]

Don't you ever show a dac powered on to show what the display looks like and what functions show on the display?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yep. But for whatever reason (probably lack of time or forgetfulness) I didn't in this video. But if you could take the monumental effort to check the written review (link in description) there are a few images of the display there.

[@hex7n]

What DAC (200usd~) would you recommend with sundaras?

[@hex7n]

do you think this is the best choice?

[@hex7n]

also sorry for the questions spam 😅 but which cables did you use for the sundara part?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes c200 is a good match for Sundara. I normally use my balanced arctand rubi but I also tested them with the stock cable and they sounded good.

[@D1-Hater]

@@PrimeAudioReviews hello i'm also on the fence about this, what do you think of the topping dx3 pro plus vs this?

[@matchiap]

Hi, thanks foy your great review! Between SMSL C200 and Topping DX30 Pro+, which one would you recommend to pair with Sennheiser HD599 headphones? Thanks again for your fantastic videos!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I'd rec the C200 for your HD599. It's got plenty of output power and the extra 4.4mm headphone output comes in handy too (you can only use your short cable with the DX3 Pro+).

[@matchiap]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thank you so much !

[@darthheretic129]

@@PrimeAudioReviews The output power is what I'm concerned with as I have the Sundaras and Dx3pro. I would like the usb-c input the c200 has but it seems down on power from the dx3pro+ with 1800mw vs 1300mw

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Both have sufficient output power for the Sundara.

[@aaronkinsey154]

this ok for gaming or should i go for g6

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

This is good for gaming. G6 is fine (especially if you want 7.1) but not nearly as much power output.

[@ln3346]

Great review, but do you know if I can simply hook up my Android/iOS device via USB-C (with USB audio output enabled on the smartphone), and have ALL the sound processed by the C200? The spec says that it does indeed support Android via USB-C, but I'm a bit skeptical about this particular use case, as I never actually had the chance of trying any such device. This would be the most perfect and user-friendly thing ever!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Sure, as long as you are using bit perfect like Uapp

[@ln3346]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks for the quick reply. Does that mean I will NOT be able to directly stream from apps like KZbin, or any other audio source on my Android? That kind of invalidates what I had in mind completely. I simply want to find a way to have my Android universally output the sound the same way Windowd does, and get that sound to DAC and process it.

[@WaitButHow]

Why are these so expensive when the exact DAC chip that goes into them is only £16.90 and just £11.66 a piece if paid for a batch of 100?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It's the high-end (usually Japanese) capacitors, low-noise power supplies and other components plus the R&D. Keep in mind this has a headphone amp too, not just a DAC chip.

[@Ancient88Wisdom]

Just buy the chip, save 200 pounds and find out yourself...

[@Zon1um]

Anyone tried if this works with Xbox Series X?

[@beehype46and2]

Comment for da algorithm Streak count: 185

[@mix3nity]

what does IM mean?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Timestamp?

[@goodguysgff727]

Hi, What is Ldc displayed stand for ?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

That means it's streaming LDAC.

[@goodguysgff727]

@@PrimeAudioReviews , thanks. This is the name of Codec for Bluetooth connection, is that correct ?