SMSL C200 is a well rounded budget DAC

[@Barncore]

Great review! I've been trying to decide between the C200 and the DX3, i appreciate you describing how they sound in words. Most reviewers seem to look at the technical graphs and form their review opinions based on that. Thanks

[@sloboat55]

Thanks!

[@iiWiReviews]

Thank you too! 👍

[@Helix_Bonopart]

Dude you are the best! I got the SMSL A300 based on your review, and now I’m going to get this.

[@johnphelan]

Just picked up c100 for 50 bucks used excellent condition off Amazon. 1st Smsl product very please I own the dxpro+ would agree it sounds slightly harsh in comparison. Thanks for another excellent review .

[@Gator_Bot]

I really love your reviews. I've got the Aune X8 with sparkos opamp feeding into the SMSL da9. Your reviews helped me make the decision to get both. Thank you. I love my system and your insight was spot on.

[@jari121]

The price does not guarantee superiority. I just compared two dacs in two different systems, Topping dx3 pro+ and Sabaj a20d (not 2022 model). I think Topping was better in both systems even though it has an ES9038Q2M chip and Sabaj has an ES9038 pro chip and a balanced structure. Topping sounded more open, sharper in transients, more airy and better in female vocals. Sabaj had a softer, darker sound. It had also little more sibilants and more weight in the upper bass and lower mids. So this is what I heard from the very good loudspeakers. Sabaj costs around €400 (it was on sale for €170) and Topping just under €200. Better sound is of course a matter of taste and the sound varies depending on the other systems, but for me this showed that a higher dac chip, a balanced structure and double the price is not a guarantee of superiority.

[@zindahoon]

Another great review with lots of info , thanks

[@felixlaboy1453]

Great review

[@quackgarage9551]

It's funny how people call $220 "budget" nowadays, considering that we have IEM's in this price range that have almost TOTL performance. And the same goes for DACs, but at much, MUCH bigger diminishing returns (unless we're talking about functionalities). Way to go into the rabbit hole. Unless you want R2R or tubes, this is exactly where it makes sense to stop. Great DAC/amp combo.

[@dennisdelorme]

You mention the 4.4mm as a balanced output which is what SMSL also have on their HO100 but as with it the 4.4mm is not a true balanced output. I have compared both outputs, they have same output level usually balanced has significant more level. I don’t like that SMSL is misleading us on this. 4.4 is and should be true balanced not just convenience option.

[@petrpulpytel]

exactly, same as some toppings..

[@dragonfire61]

ifi does it right with 4.4

[@Sithma]

Useless rating, works well and many others brand do the same

[@florin604]

My 2c. If you already get -120db amplification in your headsets you don't need a balanced amp. My Audeze Lcd2 sound with or without the same.

[@KitaristChannel]

Will you do a review of the new SMSL M500 MK3? :)

[@el_nan1]

Please also include what kind of substances are you consumig to be able to hear so clearly those "big" differences between good measuring equipments 😅

[@112joshuawong]

Man, I need still your help on choosing between SMSL C200 / SMSL SU6 + SH6 / Topping DX3pro+, after watching all your related videos. I will pair it up with hifiman HE400se and mainly listen to pop, girl vocals and movies. Much thanks for the help.

[@ljtech20]

What did you end up going with? I’m looking to get the HE400SE as well and might pair it with the C200.

[@navinadv]

@@ljtech20in my market we get the Fiio K7BT for the same price as the C200. How do these 2 compare?

[@k77bull]

Hvala Pobratime !

[@jessmash5778]

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

[@sloboat55]

Loving my Tradutto, Thanks

[@liquidrl5263]

I am stuck trying to choose between: smsl c200, topping dx3+ pro, schiit magni 3+/modi3e, and smsl sh-6/su-6. I was thinking about combining smsl sh-6 with a modi3e dac, or if I up my budget try this Geshelli Labs J2 that seems well received. Maybe I shouldn't pair a nicer/pricier dac with a non balanced headphone amp? Anyone's help is appreciated. Your reviews have helped me a lot thank you @iiWi Reviews

[@danielh12345]

Just commenting to get notification if you get a reply. I currently have the su-6 dac hooked up to my speakers amplifier. Looking to get a headphone and headphone amplifier too. So interested in the answer if you get one :)

[@arnauddupont7170]

Great review ! I want to get a new DAC for my PC and I hesitated between DX3 Pro+ and this one, good to know it's more polyvalent ! Is there another DAC that's better for PCs for that price range or is it already ?

[@labods7891]

Hi Great review. Would you please review the new budget Topping DX1 and the new smsl m500 mk3 ?

[@OptLab]

Looks very good ascetically. I prefer this clean display without colored background

[@andertube9239]

Hi! Thanks for the video. How does it compare to a dongle like Shanling ua5 in terms of sound? I know the form factor is completely different, but price is quite close. Is the desktop c200 a clear winner in sound?

[@LastSecBloomer]

Is the rated power isted for 2V or 4V output? SMSL (and some other Chinese brands) loves to market the power numbers at higher output voltage, rather than lower, to make the product look better.

[@brentkjernisted2215]

On the Topping EX5 and the SMSL C200, on which are instruments clearer?

[@chrisbianchi8876]

Love your reviews. Do you think the Sennheiser 600 series would be a good match for the DX3 Pro Plus? I would think that the warmer sound signature and fuller mids might be a good match with the dx3s more analytical sound profile. Also I already have a K5 Pro akm so I was wondering if you thought that the dx3 would be a significant upgrade. Thanks

[@pliedtka]

It would be probably better choice for 650/6XX. For myself I would stick to neutral device to pair it with HD 600, but with better resolution. I wouldn't want it leaner than they are. Maybe DX5 would make a better match than DX3PRO+, of course more $

[@icerimuru]

Hi, i have a smsl su 1, i love this sound but this dont have amp for my iems c200 have the same signature of sound like su 1?

[@Yo-ux6fm]

Thank your for your review. For the Beyerdynamic DT990 wich you recommend me...32, 250 or 600 ohms?

[@Ultramesh]

Would I be able to use one of these, connected to my PC with an Optical cable and to a stand alone CD player using the Digital Coax, and plugged into my Mackie MR5 powered speakers using the TRS output? Right now my speakers are connected to the PC via the built-in sound card output and a 3.5mm to TRS adapter..

[@collinahn6021]

Thank you for this review! How would you compare this DAC with the Loxjie D30 original version? I really like the expansiveness and lushness with D30 original, but the newer version seems to have different characteristics. I am trying to buy a similar DAC as D30. Does C200 have similar characteristics? (Openness, wide soundstage, and smoothness)

[@labods7891]

Great review and well detailed description of how it sounds. What kind of headphone would be a good match for this dac? ( Bright, neutral, warm, bassy ...) Thank you

[@iiWiReviews]

I would aim for something neutral. Bright can still work quite well, but I'd avoid bottom heavy ones.

[@dennisdelorme]

I have this C200 and I am using it with Hifiman Sundara

[@labods7891]

Thank you the response. Just one last question , an Hifiman HE 400SE is a good choice ?

[@Benzin0]

@@dennisdelorme and do they make a good pair? The C200 provides enough power to the Sundaras I'm sure? Overall, are you satisfied?

[@NeilBlanchard]

I am glad the hear that SMSL is making this kind of DAC / amp - we need to be able to enjoy music; not audio fireworks! Now, if only they would stop coming out with one new model after another ... just improve on what they have? And not flood the market - please?

[@AndrewLimCM]

may I know if C200's USB-C input accept from my iPhone 14 via lightning to USB-C cable? Any special setting with this input? Intend to connect to beyerdynamic T1.1 600ohm and Sony Cd900st. Any issue that I should be concerned? Also, if you have access, how is this unit compares to DL200 in sound quality? Thank you

[@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!

[@iiWiReviews]

I would personally go for C200.

[@matchiap]

@@iiWiReviews thank you so much!

[@giancarlogennuso2257]

Hello kindly help domain, I have a Mac Air M1, some HiFiman Sundara headphones, an IFI Zen Can, and a S.M.S.L SU-1 DAC. The question is the following, with equal performance can this SMSL C200 match the IFI Zen Can and the S.M.S.L SU-1'? .Thank you

[@libiloa]

hello! i searched all over the internet and no one mentions how a dac-amp would drive studio monitors and to what volume. i don't listen through headphones but a want a dac with a volume knob to drive my active jbl lsr305 studio monitors. i have a focusrite scarlett 2i2 but a need optical input to produce sound from my tv to my speakers so i am considering buying a dac-amp. so my question is. How much power this dac will give to my studio monitors? will it have a weak volume output compared to an audio interface that i am using right now? thank you!

[@r.h.616]

Hello guys, help me to choose, between Fiio K7 and this SMSL?

[@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!

[@ultramanJR]

This thing good to handle DT770 80 Ohm?

[@Mitsui96]

Thanks for your nice review. Is it a good idea to add this C200 to my desktop setup with Loxjie A30 and Elac Debut B5.2. Source is either PC USB output or streaming with Wiim Mini.

[@tomeq020]

Great review as always. Do you plan testing SMSL DO100 at some point? It looks pretty similar performance wise and I'm trying to choose best DAC under 250 bucks. Also do you think C200 would pair well with SMSL A300?

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks. I did review DO100 and HO100, just look at few videos before this one. And yes, C200 should be a nice match for A300.

[@navinadv]

@@iiWiReviewsI am getting the Fiio K7 BT for about the same price as the C200. Which one would you recommend? Thanks

[@ΕΠΑΜΕΙΝΩΝΔΑΣΣΒΩΛΗΣ]

Thanks for another great review! How does it compare to Ifi zen dac (v2) ? They seem similar in sound performance. Or not?

[@Ray-bn7hr]

I have a zen dac v2. Its warm. Definitely warm. You see, some tracks sounds awesome with it and some sound absolutely horrible. I dont like the top end of ifi. It make rock songs sleepy. But for hip hop it surely shines. Not an all rounder dac amp.

[@mickael486]

Great review. I recently got the Topping dx3 pro plus but I have the hifiman Sundara's... which seems a but harsh after longer periods of time. Do you think this one would prove better?

[@Rayman30]

Use EQ for Sundara, they are a brighter can, likely any differences between amp/dac would be placebo.

[@mickael486]

@@Rayman30 cool but how does one use EQ with the that DAC/AMP? Or most any in that price range?

[@Rayman30]

@@mickael486 Both PC and Mac have Parametric EQ software available. Take a look at Equalizer APO with the Peace plugin, I recommend Oratory EQ, which is targets the Harman curve.

[@mickael486]

@@Rayman30 thanks for the info. but my issue is I don't game on PC at all. I'm using headphones and headsets strictly on consoles. And I listen to my music from my tv's apps (amazon music, spotify, you tube music) Now if I can just figure out why I get audio dropouts from all 3 optical outs, both DACs, and all of my headphones, I might be content... extremely frustrating! hmmm. maybe I should start using a PC now that you mentioned it.

[@Rayman30]

@@mickael486 A Topping DX3 Pro vs. SMSL C200 would largely be an identical experience. It sounds like you have a perfectly fine setup, but for music and not so much for gaming. I recon if you are insistent on using this setup for gaming, I would ditch the Sundara and opt for Hifiman Edition XS, which is smoother and has much larger soundstage. If you continue to experience drop outs on Optical, are you able to toggle between bitstream and PCM? this has worked for me when I had similar issues. On the music front, I would absolutely get a cheap PC so you have more control over EQ, and OS that allows for far more compatibility, maybe an Intel NUC?

[@snix7613]

They just dished out little bro C100. Would be nice if you can review it too.👍

[@MrDarknumb]

Thanks for all your work, can i use with this a headphone with 250 Ohm?

[@iiWiReviews]

Yes, absolutely

[@GoldenEagle0007]

Hi, is the sound stage decent?

[@RUMBLEGO1]

My only DAC experience thus far has been the Ifi Zen Dac. What do you think would be the next move from there? So many DAC's in that range. So many possible side or even down moves. The Zen Dac sounds amazing but just wondering since that was my first purchase.. Thanks!

[@iiWiReviews]

There's a lot of choices but it depends. Is it used primarily for headphones or maybe only as a DAC connected to the amplifier?

[@RUMBLEGO1]

@@iiWiReviews Well i use it for both situations. It is my primary DAC but i also run the balanced out of the back to a XDUOO MT604 and the SE in the front out to a MT602. The RCA' out of the back i use to run to an amplifier and then desk speakers. Sounds great for under $200 and with all those outputs. Wish it had optical as well but alas. But since it is my first and only DAC i have nothing to compare it too so was wondering what i may be possibly missing.....? Thanks!

[@RUMBLEGO1]

Also should add that i stream Qobuz so no need for the MQA.

[@AWEG-qu8bz]

The only reason to use Bluetooth is convenience. Not to underestimate. And what I always miss is the aspect of who is the target group for the devices discussed. From the manufacturer's point of view. And what age are they? I have the impression that the younger the users, the less value is placed on sound quality. But maybe I'm wrong.

[@Benzin0]

LDAC is awesome and I'm sure 95% of people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between it and a lossless source.

[@mattburgess2]

​@Benzin0 I grew up on cassette tapes and it blows away the sound of tapes, am/fm, records, satellite radio, mp3s, cd's and a few others. Also the convenience to pull up any song or album in a matter of seconds is great.

[@danielc5191]

Hi maestro. (I play the violin, and i think you're more than qualified to be called a maestro in hifi) This c200 coupled with SMSL A300 versus a SU9 and DA9 setup. Which one should one go for if budget is not a concern? Im thinking of pairing this with an A300 only because its a 2022 product and smaller in footprint. Is there a case in buying older premium products for Chifi?

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks! SU-9 has been outperformed by newer SMSLs. I would look at good deals on M500 MKII or DO200 MKII and pair that with A300. If budget is tight then look at the DO100/A300 instead. Those would bring fuller and livelier sound then SU9/DA9 combo.

[@danielc5191]

@iiWi Reviews great thanks! So no C200?

[@iiWiReviews]

It's not that great of a DAC, it has value more as an DAC/HeadAMP in one. Even more affordable and new Topping E30 II is a better DAC only. Review of that coming in few days.

[@danielc5191]

@iiWi Reviews I see. Placed an order for a C200 and a A300 amp for my desktop. In that case I will order a D0100 and H0100 additionally and use the C200 for the office. This is like the "Gilded Golden Age" of affordable audiophile equipment whereby we can just make decisions on the fly like this. Many thanks once again.

[@mdemranhossain9641]

Hello sir! Which one will be best for warm signature, S.M.S.L C200 or Topping EX5?

[@iiWiReviews]

C200 is warm sounding but better overall than EX5.

[@mdemranhossain9641]

@@iiWiReviews Thanks a lot!

[@mario184mario]

I own the c200 dac. It does everything good but BUT when it comes to very high frequencies > 5000 hz the c200 is a looser. I.e. it enchances sibilances on voices, doesn't brig the feel of the air on wind instruments, and will no please my ears. The e30 lack of body and doesn't kick like the c200, but has that touch of finesse that the c 200 lacks. But there are two things to consider: how revealing is your amp and your speakers and also how good are still your ears through the age. Elderly people may not cacth this finesse, or maybe your ears are not trained to those subtleties.

[@RadinoSka]

Он выставляет свой нос загорать отдельно)

[@jimpeek7967]

Could you talk about your spirit wind build thanks

[@iiWiReviews]

I hope to get to that before the end od the year. I have to much stuff to review at the moment... But I'll start making videos more often to catch up.

[@jimpeek7967]

Thank you I’m considering building that speaker I’m currently building the morel ziv ii

[@KiraSlith]

So it's a good "general entertainment listening" DAC, just not good for professional sound work tasks. Is that a good summary of your overall conclusion, or am I misunderstanding?

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗👍 SRBOLJUB…HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR HARD WORK 😓, FOR THOSE WHO “need “ THIS DEVICE 😁😎 ,HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY 🤗💚💚💚

[@ryanburr8419]

Just wanted to let you know that your website seems to be broken at the moment. If you click on reviews or subcategory like DACs then it will give an error page.

[@iiWiReviews]

I fixed it for now but it might still happen until I figure out what is causing it to misbehave in the first place (probably one of many plugins). I'm working on it....

[@RedSinter]

Which one has the most...Air and overall broader sound stage?

[@iiWiReviews]

Sabaj A10d 2022 is slightly arier and broader sounding than both C200 and DX3pro+.

[@RedSinter]

@@iiWiReviews well then I'll, if I go that way have to look for a slightly warmer speaker to pair it with.

[@lancewood1410]

Wonder how it'll sound with a Sundara..

[@dennisdelorme]

Sound really good I have some hooked to the C200 wish 4.4mm was true balanced output which it is not.

[@lancewood1410]

@@dennisdelorme not true balanced out? Pls elaborate as I was about to pull the trigger on this. Thanks in advance

[@pliedtka]

For true balanced out the components count is ×2 on the analog side so the cost would be up by at least a $100 some.

[@Jamic9]

Nice review. I believe this is not a truely balanced device. Can you please confirm this?

[@iiWiReviews]

I believe they're not. I forgot to mention it in the video as I usually do.

[@Jamic9]

@@iiWiReviews I see. Thanks for the confirmation.

[@pliedtka]

It would at least cost $100 more if it was balanced

[@jhtongamer3151]

I PLAY PUBG FL1: (Fixed minimum phase fast roll-off) FL2: (Linear slow roll-off) FL3: (Apodizing Apodization Filter) FL4: (Minimum phase fast roll-off) FL5: (Minimum phase slow roll-off) FL6: (Linear fast roll-off) FL7: (Brickwall Mixing Filter whats the best for ffps games

[@ErRoRbGd]

Da li ovaj DAC ima da se kupi u Beogradu?

[@iiWiReviews]

Niko u Srbiji ne prodaje SMSL zvanično. Jedino ako ga neko nudi na Kupujem Prodajem.

[@ErRoRbGd]

​@@iiWiReviews Hvala puno na brzom odgovoru. Tražio sam na netu kada sam video tvoju recenziju ali nema ga nigde kod nas. Hteo bih da sklopim sebi jedan sistem da odgovarama nekim mojim potrebama, koje nisu previše zahtevne, pa sam krenuo početnički da istražujem, što verovatno nije najbolja opcija. Video sam recenziju za NAD D 3020 V2 na What Hi-Fi i tako sam došao do tvog kanala. Da li imaš afilijacija sa nekom radnjom audio tehnike pa može da se dođe na konsultacije i kupovinu? Ako ne, da li bilo previše da te ovde zamolim za savet oko odabira? Darko

[@igrvass]

can you tell the difference in a blind listening test?

[@iiWiReviews]

With my own music and in a known system - yes, no problem. I wouldn't be making these videos and talking about it if that isn't the case. But if you don't trust what I'm saying in the video then you probably can't trust this answer either, so we're back at the begging.

[@igrvass]

@@iiWiReviews я сомневаюсь что пройдешь

[@johncallaghan3097]

One problem I have with SMSL in particular is that its products don't seem to have a good reputation for reliability. Topping, on the other hand, is better in that regard. So whilst one might be drawn to the SMSL M500 mk II because of your excellent review, one might be more inclined to consider something like the Topping DX5 as the better long term bet. You don't seem to mention reliability much in your reviews. I'm wondering what your personal opinion/experience might be with respect to reliability?

[@iiWiReviews]

I don't use most of these long enough to find out about that. Few years ago I used Topping D30 for 6 months then sold it and I know it was still working some two years later. Now I use A30 since June last year and all is OK. As for SMSL I have used 500 MKII for several moths now... No problems either. The only device that died on me is Topping DX5 after two months and that seemed to be a known issue. I talked about this in a recent video with a faulty FX-Audio amp. These two and few In-ears are the only things I had problems with. If it was possible to use all of them for a year at least, I may have more info about the overall reliability, but it's not possible with this many devices.

[@johncallaghan3097]

@@iiWiReviews Thank you for the detailed reply. Will be interesting to hear whether the M500 mk II is still going strong after a year or so!

[@mccririck01]

Many people have had problems with the Topping PA5 amp. Sadly this has put me off buying one.

[@johncallaghan3097]

@@mccririck01 Yeah, now I've investigated further, I see that Topping has a few issues too. The DX30 pro, for example, as well as the DX5 -- according to Amazon UK reviews. Big problem if you've had a couple of month's use and then something goes wrong. Dealing with suppliers in China can be a nightmare. Thing is, if one is lucky, Chinese gear, by many accounts can be excellent. But when you're looking for a new DAC for one of your systems, as I am, it's a definite worry. I'm considering going for a slightly older but still well-reviewed DAC, the built-like-a-tank Audiolab MDAC plus, which is currently £200 less than usual retail price. If it goes wrong, it has a 3-year warranty and can be serviced in the UK. What price peace of mind?

[@Arnnold777]

This or the Topping DX1?

[@nonchalantd]

♥

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

Made in Chine like Phone? Great, but...

[@shaunyweaver1144]

I sent mine back, imho it was average..

[@EfectoHall]

The device says it works on xbox with usb 1.1 and i have it and it's not true, smsl lies

[@iiWiReviews]

I don't have any gaming console to test that myself so not sure what's happening there.

[@EfectoHall]

@@iiWiReviews thanks, it happens to me with xbox since the product says that it is compatible by usb and it does not give sound, I tried everything but nothing, thank you very much for answering

[@Hirnlego999]

Isn't it best to use toslink out from the TV into the DAC anyway? This way you'll get everything from the TV to DAC.

[@iiWiReviews]

@@Hirnlego999 That's how I'm doing it. That way I get all video streaming services, PC, and consoles playing through TV and into the DAC. Simple and functional solution.

[@darthheretic129]

Great device in an ugly package with less power than the dx3pro+. I only want the USB-C out.

[@luigismilazzo]

Detail... be serious

[@johndextersantos9541]

I bet this guy can't tell these two amps apart in a blind test.

[@iiWiReviews]

Gambling is a bad habit. 😉

[@clickbaitpro]

I bet he can but gambling is bad for sure

[@johndextersantos9541]

professional musicians and sound techs will say there are no difference in sound as long as the source is digital and using a good DAC. These reviewers on the other hand comes up with so much nonsense.

[@Sithma]

I love your reviews. I 'm trying now a SMSL C200 that you also reviewed but Hifiman Edition XS don't sound so good. at least about power. I love the C200 Dac warm sound anyway. In other reviews you said that for Ed XS I probably would look for something more powerful and so what would you advice?

[@ohadschwartz4798]

I have the eddidion XS as well. What would you recommend for matching?

[@martinvinas_]

Got the XS today. What do you recommend to pair it with?

[@florin604]

Well it doesn't have Bluetooth

[@TheNoiseGOAT]

It has Bluetooth 5.0