DO300 limited 3-day offer for $450 only: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBpXhUl Thanks to Orange Store which made this limited offer to accompany the review. This is really a value that's tough to beat.
Got mine today. Sounds sweet, detailed, smooth in the treble, and a bit more 3D than before the upgrade. Your reviews and comparisons sure helped me make my choice.
Thank you for another insightful review! Interesting that Topping (E70V) and SMSL( DO300) sound so similar given the chips used (AKM4499EX vs ES9039MSPRO). I guess this proves it is not the chip that makes the DAC but the implementation.
My biggest gripe with S.M.S.L. dacs is the lack of a quick option to change inputs coupled with the small menu options that you can't see from across the room. It's very inconvenient when laying in bed and wanting to switch from watching TV (optical) to music streaming (USB). Topping remote controls have an easy way to toggle between inputs.
So does this, you can toggle between inputs with a single button. You can set one of the buttons to do basically whatever you want. It defaults to inputs and cycles them with a single button press. The menu, I agree with but most DACS suck from a distance (displays or lights).
Great review. The 3 DACs you compare were all on my shortlist. My B&W loudspeakers are perhaps a little bright, so a full-bodied warm sounding signal with a slightly darker presentation should suit me well. Then this morning I saw a DO300 used on eBay for £250. Kerching!
Great review! I picked up SU-9 Pro a few weeks back and simply love it but there's so much to like with the DO300 and Topping E70 Velvet. Funny technology doesn't stop advancing after you make your purchase. 😢 Thanks for your wonderful! reviews.
I don’t regret my choice to go SMSL based largely on your reviews and I’ve even managed to convert someone into a believer. It also helps that they have solid products in all there price points.
Thanks great review as always. What would be interesting for me is to have your honest review companions for DACs between 2 different price tiers. For eg how would a Topping E30ii or E50 compare with a SMSL SU9P or DO300.
“They are jealous because we audiophiles hear things they can not” I always feel pity for those “science”-guys because they apparently never heard the magic of holographic/3D music reproduction. (I am a DIY’er that only trust just ears - the biggest sin and stupidity according to those ‘science’-guys)
Exactly - I've very recently gotten into online arguments with a few guys who claim that "DACs above $200 made after 2015 all sound the same".. - because, apparently to them, this is when DAC technology was perfected and no further audible improvements could be made. Hilarious and I do truly feel sorry for them.
ASR and Amir, one of the biggest joke sites on the internet! The members are all toxic and they spew absolute nonsense. They act like you are delusional or have "malfunctioning" equipment if it sounds different, I just think they are all deaf or have no idea what they are talking about and parrot off each other. I have like 10 DACS in my home and bought 2 more (Aune X8 Anniversary and SMSL D0300) and none sound alike. In fact the Aune X8 sounds different depending on what OPAMP you use. They need hearing aids or have crappy systems if they cannot hear changes!
I'll also prefer smsl dacs to topping's (in similar price ranges) as smsl has more features that alow you to customize sound. (sound colour modes, dpll, etc.) do300 has more digital inputs so I'd say it wins over su-9 pro. maybe do300 should be your new around $500 reference i think. Also, what's going on with smsl? Are they on drugs? It's already strange enough the way they release new products almost every week. Now they launch 4 products that seem almost exactly the same in like a month or so. Su9-pro, do300, vmv d1se2 and d400es seem almost exactly the same. You can maybe choose over looks or inputs but that seems about it. (Or maybe just go for cheaper unit)
Top reviewer! ❤ Which type of connection is best between the DO300 and the Eversolo DMP-A6? It doesn't have an I2S port. Is it better to use coaxial? USB? Or does it not make a difference?
There is something important that needs to be said. There is virtually no difference between the SU-9 Pro and DO300. Other than a different case, exact same chip and components. In fact, there is probably little difference between these and the D400ES (same chip, maybe different components, who knows). Too many dacs, exact same sound, audio reviewers claiming difference when there is none.
I have back to back auditioned so many dacs over the last couple of years and I can assure you DACS sound different. Much more noticeable than you think
@@j-malsYes, but he is correct also. The DO300 has better connection options and is a better choice for looks, as for sound they are nearly identical if not 100% (unless you use tweaking options on either). DO300 is better due to connection options and USB interface is improved over the SU-9.
I really appreciate your work. But I ask you why don't you also review other brands like Cambridge 200m, Ifi, which sell equally well in the market and are of great interest. I wish you a happy Easter!
D0300 is more forward sounding and slightly more open and revealing. If you're choosing right now go with D0300 but if you already have D0200, it's not worth the hassle of upgrading imo.
I want to change the Dac Ex5 to Do300 in order to have a better musicality. When I plug my ibasso dx160 (with 4 cs43198) to my ao200 the detail and overall quality is mainly better than the 2xes9038q2m of the Ex5. That is probably due to the amp of the dx160...
Hi Nice review thanks. I hesitate between DO300 new or smsl M400 or VMV D1Se in second hand. I'm searching musical sound but with good amount of details...so which one is the better in your opinion? My music taste is rock, electro, metal and pop. Thanks
Srbo, veliki pozdrav i rispekt za ovo sto radis. Ok, da me neko pita da li znam o cemu je rec - pa i ne bas 😁nesto vezano za kvalitet i prenos zvuka i slicno. Nisam znao da si toliki perfekcionista a i profesionalac. Verovatno i sam bolje znas ( i povezan si sa ljudima istog hobija i interesovanja ) ali kada sam odgledao i odslusao par tvojih videa i video o cemu se radi - jedan covek mi je pao na pamet : Slobodan Marković ( Delta Project koji je radio sa Sanjom Ilicem ).
Gde si Bane školski! 😀 Hvala! Eto, omaklo mi se da se navučem na HiFi pa tako i ovo. Ako budeš u TS možda za praznike mogli bi na kafu, pivo, šta god... Još ako je i Boki slobodan pa da se prisetimo malo starih dana. 😄
@@iiWiReviews Ne bih pogodio nikada :) Jos od ranih dana si naginjao ka interesantnim i neobicnim stvarima i evo rezultata - ostvario si se i pronasao skroz. Stvarno profesionalan pristup, kanal ima dusu i interesantno je i laicima ( mozda sam jedini ovde 🙄 ). Da ne pametujem previse, sve znas & sve ti je jasno sta hocu da kazem. Dogovoreno, OBAVEZNO se dogovorimo i nadjemo prvom slobodnom prilikom i sve organizujemo ( uglavnom sam leti u Trsteniku - pa ako se i ti zadesis tada i prilike dozvole, bice mi drago ). Prenecu i Bokiju pozdrav i ideju i verujem da ce i on da se slozi pa da osvezimo secanja na stara dobra vremena 🤠 Srbo, budi mi pozdravljen i nastavi - ovo sto radis je prva liga. A mi se cujemo i vidimo prvom prilikom😀 Lajkovano i sabskrajbovano 🍀🍀🍀
Very nice review and channel, easy to understand also to a simple amateur like me. How could I compare my current internal DAC (in the amplifier) wich is a CS4392 chip ( 192 kHz/24 bit ) with the chip of this SMSL DO300? Is it better sounding just on a technical base? I know I should listen to....but...is it possible to compare just with techsheet?
I'm using this DAC, great sound and definition... Looks nice, the weight and size is another better thing on it with the more connectivity option. Soon I'm going to compare it with Rod Rain Audio DA10, have you ever had a chance to hear it dear Srboljub?
I bought the Rod Rain DA10 some time ago for 106 euro ( without USB , including tax and shipping costs, currently 140 euro). I can only compare it with iFi Zen DAC (USB, with iFi iPower adapter) and a cheap Chinese stripped “XY-2” R2R board (I2S input from PI2AES hat on RPI, each with seperate oversized Jung Super Regulator + LT3042/LT3045 psu). I modified the DA10 by: shortcut fuse, replace opamps with OPA1612, replace “MCaps” (sounded like fake) with Jantzen Superior-Z 0,47 uF (no need for higher value). Without these mods the DA10 sounded worse than the iFi Zen DAC. With these mods m, the DA10 sounded considerably better than the iFi Zen DAC in all aspects but still less than the R2R board. I also compared it with the Argon Audio Solo streamer/DAC, a combo that sounds surprisingly good, even with stock power adapter. The Rpi/PI2AES with DA10 (with mods) sounded better in all aspects.
@@thekargaI don’t know: with USB and mods the costs are 162 + ca. 45 = ca. 207 euro it could sound better than the reviewed DACs in this video; I compared it with other gear.
@@edverbeek6292R2R and Multibit DACS tend to sound better than chip DACS, but the gap is getting smaller and smaller with the new top AKM and ESS DAC chips. The Modi Multibit sounds worlds better than the Modi (whatever version) and R2R can be even better.
Duo Mono amps you'll hear alot of separation and fuller everything as stereo crosstalk is inherent in every stereo amp. Been changing dacs you won't hear as much difference.
@@j-malsSU-10 is going to be slightly better in most respects, but the cost makes it not really worth it. It is going to have like a small percentage better soundstage, better separation, and slightly more detailed. But it is not a win, you are talking you would never notice the difference except A-Bing them instantly, and your system has to be able to resolve the difference. Get this, worry most about speakers or headphones, and then amplification makes the least difference. You want all to be high quality, but getting the SU-10 over this is a pure waste of money. Double the cost for like 2-5% improvement if at all.
Purchased the smsl mk500 last year based upon your review and am very pleased with the purchase. Question for you, is it possible to power smsl dac through the Allo linear power supply?
It cannot be powered trough a linear power supply because it's power input is AC. But it's a great DAC on its own, it doesn't need any upgrade in my opinion.
I know it's a complete diferent price brackets, but how this compares to the Ares II ? Does it lack soundstage, resolution, dynamics, naturallity ? And if so, how much better you think Ares II is in comparison to the DO300?
I currently have the SMSL D300 (the one with the ROHM chip) and I really like that sound signature. In my case, do you think the DO300 would be an upgrade?
The ROHM chip is warm and sounds good in the D300, but the D0300 is a clear upgrade with sound quality, features, and connections. After trying ROHM, AKM, and ESS, I strongly prefer ESS but the newer AKM sound good as well. More important is the implementation and features, the DO300 sound incredible, every hookup the can think of, and looks awesome. You can also tailor the sound to preferences as well.
I have d300 and Im thinking about buying something else with different sound for when I want something less polite with bigger slam . I was thinking maybe smsl m500 mk2 or schiit modi multibit or maybe I will just get equalizer ....
@@marekkordzik7517D0300 is much better than the D300, but DACS make less difference to the sound than speakers or headphones. I just upgraded my Denon X3500 with a NAD C372 (running my Q Acoustics towers) and with the DO300 the sound is heavenly. Khadas Toneboard, Modi Multibit, DO300 (400, 500, etc), and any R2R DAC would be worth upgrading to. But concentrate on your output device, which is about 90% of the sound, followed by amplification and DAC. Trust me, I have tried so many DACS and have 10 hooked up to various computers in my house (or sitting in boxes) and nothing changed the sound more than good amplification, speakers, and the DO300 DAC.
Hi! iiWi I have been searching for a solution for months, but yet not reach to an answer. Please, if you can tell me, because through your hand passed a lot of DAC's, will one of these three: E70V, SU-9 Pro or DO300, be better than my Hegel H80 integrated DAC? ( about which I read is almost identical to the dedicated HD20 DAC from Hegel ($2000)) Do it deserve to buy one of these? if yes, which one particulary more? Now I have an Hegel H80 coupled to a pair of Dynaudio Emit 10 (2021) in a desktop regime, and wondered if with one of these three I can obtain a better sound than with the integreted amp DAC. Thx in advance!
Hi. I have never heard H80 but I had H90 for a year or so. In that time, it's internal DAC proved to be a very capable one, roughly matching this level of standalone DACs like E70 velvet, etc. I don't know how big is the difference between H80 and H90 but I heard few times that H90 did have a better digital section... Going by that I would make an educated guess that something like Topping E70 velvet should really be an upgrade to H80's DAC. But I can't say that for sure.
@@iiWiReviews Thank you very much for the answer, I really did not expect it to come, and moreover, to come so quickly. I will most likely try an E70V, and in case what it offers me deflates my expectations, I will return it. Thank you and all the best to you.
Since most of you are into DACs, when should I upgrade/replace my old but great Peachtree DAC iTx from 2013? Would I hear significant improvement using newer DAC? Thx in advance.
@@enricolisk1357 thanks for the reply. It is a good DAC. 24bits/192kHz but no other fancy stuff like r2r or MQA. Not the latest DAC chip either (ESS Sabre 9023) but it is musical enough to hold on to for a decade. Just upgraded my old gen 2 AppleTV w the WIIM mini. Improved connectivity.
@rarfn8035 Absolutely. While DAC chips keep on upgrading, unless the implementation is worthy enough, it ain't a good DAC. I also prefer devices that have upgradable OPAMPs/Tubes. This way upgrade only a component and not the entire device.
Honestly any dac around $300 up $600 sound the same and i betcha if any of these reviewer do a blind fold they would not able to tell the differences. Same thing with head phone amp. I got into this hobby and foolishly chasing for better when reality there isnt any. It just marketing with better specs on paper. What i am saying is price point around the vicinity above, they all sound the same. When something in the same ball patk and when it play your ear say yes, i can hear differences right away instead of 1 or 5% differences is just BS.
It's simple, other brands are not sending any for reviews, they have big media for that... And bigger YT reviewers like Darko. I'm not paying myself because my view count can't cover those costs, not even close. So it is what it is - brands willing to cooperate and loaners from friends and acquaintances. But few interesting, not so common brands on my channel are coming soon. It will be even more as the channel grows I hope.
we must stop pumping chi fi there are better options out there ,built with passion, not generic boxes from china. all the chinese brands have the same philosophy- how can we milk the client forever ,endgame does not exist. my old nuforce icon hd was an endgame piece but discontinued. the chinese general tone is bright and lacks bass.
DO300 limited 3-day offer for $450 only: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBpXhUl
Thanks to Orange Store which made this limited offer to accompany the review. This is really a value that's tough to beat.
🤗 WE DID MISS YOU AND YOUR REVIEWS 💚💚💚
Great review. Bought the DO300 based on it :-) £314 customer return off Amazon, so fingers crossed.
Got mine today. Sounds sweet, detailed, smooth in the treble, and a bit more 3D than before the upgrade. Your reviews and comparisons sure helped me make my choice.
Great to hear! Thanks for your support! 👍
I started recently to follow you channel and I must say that's my favourite one now!
Thank you for another insightful review! Interesting that Topping (E70V) and SMSL( DO300) sound so similar given the chips used (AKM4499EX vs ES9039MSPRO). I guess this proves it is not the chip that makes the DAC but the implementation.
true tuning can make huge difference, although sure chip quality is indeed the limit
kind of miss the soundcard era when we can just upgrade our sc (op amp, caps swap etc)
esp since sc has driver & app factors, that you might dont want to change brands
I miss you every day you are not posting.
This is no joke. And beware, I am not in love with you. You are just the best reviewer on RUclips.
Great stuff, thanks. The problem with SMSL is after sales support/warranty claims, and perhaps reliability/QC.
My biggest gripe with S.M.S.L. dacs is the lack of a quick option to change inputs coupled with the small menu options that you can't see from across the room. It's very inconvenient when laying in bed and wanting to switch from watching TV (optical) to music streaming (USB). Topping remote controls have an easy way to toggle between inputs.
So does this, you can toggle between inputs with a single button. You can set one of the buttons to do basically whatever you want. It defaults to inputs and cycles them with a single button press. The menu, I agree with but most DACS suck from a distance (displays or lights).
Great review. The 3 DACs you compare were all on my shortlist. My B&W loudspeakers are perhaps a little bright, so a full-bodied warm sounding signal with a slightly darker presentation should suit me well. Then this morning I saw a DO300 used on eBay for £250. Kerching!
I took your advice and put an IFI power supply on my Topping E50 DAC 👍👍
Great review! I picked up SU-9 Pro a few weeks back and simply love it but there's so much to like with the DO300 and Topping E70 Velvet.
Funny technology doesn't stop advancing after you make your purchase. 😢
Thanks for your wonderful! reviews.
I don’t regret my choice to go SMSL based largely on your reviews and I’ve even managed to convert someone into a believer. It also helps that they have solid products in all there price points.
Thanks great review as always. What would be interesting for me is to have your honest review companions for DACs between 2 different price tiers. For eg how would a Topping E30ii or E50 compare with a SMSL SU9P or DO300.
Hello! The first non speaker/headphones review of Yours I've come across.
Thanks for the comparison with the E70 Velvet
I bought a used DO200 and it sounds warm and beautiful. 😇
“They are jealous because we audiophiles hear things they can not”
I always feel pity for those “science”-guys because they apparently never heard the magic of holographic/3D music reproduction. (I am a DIY’er that only trust just ears - the biggest sin and stupidity according to those ‘science’-guys)
Exactly - I've very recently gotten into online arguments with a few guys who claim that "DACs above $200 made after 2015 all sound the same".. - because, apparently to them, this is when DAC technology was perfected and no further audible improvements could be made. Hilarious and I do truly feel sorry for them.
ASR and Amir, one of the biggest joke sites on the internet! The members are all toxic and they spew absolute nonsense. They act like you are delusional or have "malfunctioning" equipment if it sounds different, I just think they are all deaf or have no idea what they are talking about and parrot off each other. I have like 10 DACS in my home and bought 2 more (Aune X8 Anniversary and SMSL D0300) and none sound alike. In fact the Aune X8 sounds different depending on what OPAMP you use. They need hearing aids or have crappy systems if they cannot hear changes!
I'll also prefer smsl dacs to topping's (in similar price ranges) as smsl has more features that alow you to customize sound. (sound colour modes, dpll, etc.) do300 has more digital inputs so I'd say it wins over su-9 pro. maybe do300 should be your new around $500 reference i think. Also, what's going on with smsl? Are they on drugs? It's already strange enough the way they release new products almost every week. Now they launch 4 products that seem almost exactly the same in like a month or so. Su9-pro, do300, vmv d1se2 and d400es seem almost exactly the same. You can maybe choose over looks or inputs but that seems about it. (Or maybe just go for cheaper unit)
Top reviewer! ❤
Which type of connection is best between the DO300 and the Eversolo DMP-A6? It doesn't have an I2S port. Is it better to use coaxial? USB? Or does it not make a difference?
Now its turn for SMSL D400EX 😊
I hope SMSL introduces a MK2 for D300. That DAC with ROHM chip I think has a lot of potential…it just needs a little more bite and slam.
Yes that would be really nice. Also a heavier, sturdier enclosure, I2S and may be a DO200, D0300, SU9 type of volume control.
Trank RUclips vor the review! Your opinion Abort the new AudioGD R8 mk3 would be very interesting.😊
How do they compare to Schiit Modi and Modi Multibit?? Thanks
There is something important that needs to be said. There is virtually no difference between the SU-9 Pro and DO300. Other than a different case, exact same chip and components. In fact, there is probably little difference between these and the D400ES (same chip, maybe different components, who knows).
Too many dacs, exact same sound, audio reviewers claiming difference when there is none.
I have back to back auditioned so many dacs over the last couple of years and I can assure you DACS sound different. Much more noticeable than you think
@@j-malsYes, but he is correct also. The DO300 has better connection options and is a better choice for looks, as for sound they are nearly identical if not 100% (unless you use tweaking options on either). DO300 is better due to connection options and USB interface is improved over the SU-9.
Thankfully I got rid of my D300 with all it's firmware shortcomings yesterday.
I have the DO200 and quite happy with it!
How does it compare to r2r dac’s like EF400 or cayin RU6 portable dac?
I really appreciate your work. But I ask you why don't you also review other brands like Cambridge 200m, Ifi, which sell equally well in the market and are of great interest. I wish you a happy Easter!
Thanks for your review! What are the sound differences with the DO200 MKII?
D0300 is more forward sounding and slightly more open and revealing. If you're choosing right now go with D0300 but if you already have D0200, it's not worth the hassle of upgrading imo.
I'll receive it this week but I can order the do200 mkii 100€ less. What will you choose ?
I already own the smsl ao200 with a topping ex5 I will keep only for the amp section.😅
I want to change the Dac Ex5 to Do300 in order to have a better musicality. When I plug my ibasso dx160 (with 4 cs43198) to my ao200 the detail and overall quality is mainly better than the 2xes9038q2m of the Ex5. That is probably due to the amp of the dx160...
Hi
Nice review thanks.
I hesitate between DO300 new or smsl M400 or VMV D1Se in second hand.
I'm searching musical sound but with good amount of details...so which one is the better in your opinion?
My music taste is rock, electro, metal and pop.
Thanks
Which one would you recommend smsl 0D300 or Topping E70 Velvet soundstage wise and clarity wise?
Srbo, veliki pozdrav i rispekt za ovo sto radis. Ok, da me neko pita da li znam o cemu je rec - pa i ne bas 😁nesto vezano za kvalitet i prenos zvuka i slicno. Nisam znao da si toliki perfekcionista a i profesionalac.
Verovatno i sam bolje znas ( i povezan si sa ljudima istog hobija i interesovanja ) ali kada sam odgledao i odslusao par tvojih videa i video o cemu se radi - jedan covek mi je pao na pamet :
Slobodan Marković ( Delta Project koji je radio sa Sanjom Ilicem ).
Gde si Bane školski! 😀 Hvala! Eto, omaklo mi se da se navučem na HiFi pa tako i ovo. Ako budeš u TS možda za praznike mogli bi na kafu, pivo, šta god... Još ako je i Boki slobodan pa da se prisetimo malo starih dana. 😄
@@iiWiReviews Ne bih pogodio nikada :)
Jos od ranih dana si naginjao ka interesantnim i neobicnim stvarima i evo rezultata - ostvario si se i pronasao skroz. Stvarno profesionalan pristup, kanal ima dusu i interesantno je i laicima ( mozda sam jedini ovde 🙄 ). Da ne pametujem previse, sve znas & sve ti je jasno sta hocu da kazem.
Dogovoreno, OBAVEZNO se dogovorimo i nadjemo prvom slobodnom prilikom i sve organizujemo ( uglavnom sam leti u Trsteniku - pa ako se i ti zadesis tada i prilike dozvole, bice mi drago ).
Prenecu i Bokiju pozdrav i ideju i verujem da ce i on da se slozi pa da osvezimo secanja na stara dobra vremena 🤠
Srbo, budi mi pozdravljen i nastavi - ovo sto radis je prva liga. A mi se cujemo i vidimo prvom prilikom😀 Lajkovano i sabskrajbovano 🍀🍀🍀
Haha, nisi ni ti bio stranac interesantnim hobijima, kolekcionarstvu, itd. 😄 Važi Bane. Čujemo se i dogovaramo kad bude vreme pa se ispričamo. 👍
what do you think about this vs the gustard x16?
Very nice review and channel, easy to understand also to a simple amateur like me.
How could I compare my current internal DAC (in the amplifier) wich is a CS4392 chip ( 192 kHz/24 bit ) with the chip of this SMSL DO300? Is it better sounding just on a technical base? I know I should listen to....but...is it possible to compare just with techsheet?
Hi, thanks for this review . If i use a300 neutral amp but with warm smooth speakers, which dac line will match more, su or do?
I'm using this DAC, great sound and definition... Looks nice, the weight and size is another better thing on it with the more connectivity option. Soon I'm going to compare it with Rod Rain Audio DA10, have you ever had a chance to hear it dear Srboljub?
I bought the Rod Rain DA10 some time ago for 106 euro ( without USB , including tax and shipping costs, currently 140 euro).
I can only compare it with iFi Zen DAC (USB, with iFi iPower adapter) and a cheap Chinese stripped “XY-2” R2R board (I2S input from PI2AES hat on RPI, each with seperate oversized Jung Super Regulator + LT3042/LT3045 psu).
I modified the DA10 by: shortcut fuse, replace opamps with OPA1612, replace “MCaps” (sounded like fake) with Jantzen Superior-Z 0,47 uF (no need for higher value).
Without these mods the DA10 sounded worse than the iFi Zen DAC.
With these mods m, the DA10 sounded considerably better than the iFi Zen DAC in all aspects but still less than the R2R board.
I also compared it with the Argon Audio Solo streamer/DAC, a combo that sounds surprisingly good, even with stock power adapter. The Rpi/PI2AES with DA10 (with mods) sounded better in all aspects.
Thank you very much @edverbeek6292 it seems, it is better to be not involve to rod rain... ☺️
@@thekargaI don’t know: with USB and mods the costs are 162 + ca. 45 = ca. 207 euro it could sound better than the reviewed DACs in this video; I compared it with other gear.
@@edverbeek6292R2R and Multibit DACS tend to sound better than chip DACS, but the gap is getting smaller and smaller with the new top AKM and ESS DAC chips. The Modi Multibit sounds worlds better than the Modi (whatever version) and R2R can be even better.
Duo Mono amps you'll hear alot of separation and fuller everything as stereo crosstalk is inherent in every stereo amp. Been changing dacs you won't hear as much difference.
Just a quick comment it seems to be some sibilance on your microphone, what mic are you using?
A decent review, thank you. How do you think this stacks up against an SU-10?
SU-10 has a bit wider soundstage and it retrieves slightly more fine deteils. The difference is not huge at all but you can notice it.
@iiWiReviews just the reply I was looking for. Thank you! What has the better mid range/vocals?
@@j-malsSU-10 is going to be slightly better in most respects, but the cost makes it not really worth it. It is going to have like a small percentage better soundstage, better separation, and slightly more detailed. But it is not a win, you are talking you would never notice the difference except A-Bing them instantly, and your system has to be able to resolve the difference. Get this, worry most about speakers or headphones, and then amplification makes the least difference. You want all to be high quality, but getting the SU-10 over this is a pure waste of money. Double the cost for like 2-5% improvement if at all.
SMSL D300 vs SMSL D0300?
The remote control for DO300 is a little more convenient than for SU-9, as it has dedicated volume buttons. If anybody cares
Purchased the smsl mk500 last year based upon your review and am very pleased with the purchase. Question for you, is it possible to power smsl dac through the Allo linear power supply?
It cannot be powered trough a linear power supply because it's power input is AC. But it's a great DAC on its own, it doesn't need any upgrade in my opinion.
@iiWi Reviews Thank You, and agree 100%. Was just curious
And to pair with an AB SMSL LA90D, would you recommend the SU-9 PRO or the DO300 ?
Cheers!
Topping e70v >>>> which preamp is match with it?
smsl do300 vs do200 vs su-9 pro which one would you recommend? Thank
The I2S allows you to use a DDC, which may be what some folks want.
Is the DO300 have a linear power supply?
Looks to me like it is using a switching power supply.
It doesn't. It's a low noise SMPS as far as I can tell from the pictures, haven't opened it myself.
@@iiWiReviews I guess it was too much to hope for?
@@NeilBlanchard if you need linear power supply just go with su-10
I have a smsl D6s. Would the do300 be an upgrade?
I know it's a complete diferent price brackets, but how this compares to the Ares II ? Does it lack soundstage, resolution, dynamics, naturallity ? And if so, how much better you think Ares II is in comparison to the DO300?
Ares II has bigger soundstage, wider and deeper. D0300 actually leads when it comes to dynamics, timing, and resolution.
I currently have the SMSL D300 (the one with the ROHM chip) and I really like that sound signature. In my case, do you think the DO300 would be an upgrade?
The ROHM chip is warm and sounds good in the D300, but the D0300 is a clear upgrade with sound quality, features, and connections. After trying ROHM, AKM, and ESS, I strongly prefer ESS but the newer AKM sound good as well. More important is the implementation and features, the DO300 sound incredible, every hookup the can think of, and looks awesome. You can also tailor the sound to preferences as well.
I have d300 and Im thinking about buying something else with different sound for when I want something less polite with bigger slam . I was thinking maybe smsl m500 mk2 or schiit modi multibit or maybe I will just get equalizer ....
@@marekkordzik7517D0300 is much better than the D300, but DACS make less difference to the sound than speakers or headphones. I just upgraded my Denon X3500 with a NAD C372 (running my Q Acoustics towers) and with the DO300 the sound is heavenly. Khadas Toneboard, Modi Multibit, DO300 (400, 500, etc), and any R2R DAC would be worth upgrading to.
But concentrate on your output device, which is about 90% of the sound, followed by amplification and DAC. Trust me, I have tried so many DACS and have 10 hooked up to various computers in my house (or sitting in boxes) and nothing changed the sound more than good amplification, speakers, and the DO300 DAC.
DACs became so transparent that they no longer differ from each other. Convince me I'm wrong)
Hola ! As logrado conectarlo por hdmi?
Hi! iiWi
I have been searching for a solution for months, but yet not reach to an answer. Please, if you can tell me, because through your hand passed a lot of DAC's, will one of these three: E70V, SU-9 Pro or DO300, be better than my Hegel H80 integrated DAC? ( about which I read is almost identical to the dedicated HD20 DAC from Hegel ($2000))
Do it deserve to buy one of these? if yes, which one particulary more?
Now I have an Hegel H80 coupled to a pair of Dynaudio Emit 10 (2021) in a desktop regime, and wondered if with one of these three I can obtain a better sound than with the integreted amp DAC.
Thx in advance!
Hi. I have never heard H80 but I had H90 for a year or so. In that time, it's internal DAC proved to be a very capable one, roughly matching this level of standalone DACs like E70 velvet, etc. I don't know how big is the difference between H80 and H90 but I heard few times that H90 did have a better digital section... Going by that I would make an educated guess that something like Topping E70 velvet should really be an upgrade to H80's DAC. But I can't say that for sure.
@@iiWiReviews Thank you very much for the answer, I really did not expect it to come, and moreover, to come so quickly.
I will most likely try an E70V, and in case what it offers me deflates my expectations, I will return it.
Thank you and all the best to you.
How does it compare detail and crispiness wise with the Su-9 pro. Does the fullness and weight come at a cost?
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Since most of you are into DACs, when should I upgrade/replace my old but great Peachtree DAC iTx from 2013? Would I hear significant improvement using newer DAC? Thx in advance.
I feel it would depend on the rest of the components in your system. May be all you need is a better streamer. I would like a peachtree dac for sure.
@@enricolisk1357 thanks for the reply. It is a good DAC. 24bits/192kHz but no other fancy stuff like r2r or MQA. Not the latest DAC chip either (ESS Sabre 9023) but it is musical enough to hold on to for a decade. Just upgraded my old gen 2 AppleTV w the WIIM mini. Improved connectivity.
@rarfn8035 MQA is in its death bed. Tidal CEO just announced that they would roll out FLAC for for HiFi Plus ditching MQA.
@@enricolisk1357 I wish there is a review comparison between older DACs like PeachTree and comparable current new DACs.
@rarfn8035 Absolutely. While DAC chips keep on upgrading, unless the implementation is worthy enough, it ain't a good DAC. I also prefer devices that have upgradable OPAMPs/Tubes. This way upgrade only a component and not the entire device.
How about micro- and macro dynamics?
TOPPING D70 Pro Sabre vs. SMSL DO300 for a DAC ?
D70 pro
Srbo koji DAC da uzmem da je Bet buy za tipa 500 evra ? Uzgred pratim tvoj kanl, pozdrav...
Ovaj, SU-9 pro ili Topping E70 velvet. Sva tri su vrhunska pa koji god ti se više sviđa/imaš bolju ponudu.
@@iiWiReviews Hvala ti na pomoci , u BG jedino Topping ....
My dog missed you.
This made me unusually happy. 🤣 I love dogs
@@iiWiReviews I have 8 and live in Mexico.
What is the output level on the rca outputs?
Without checking it right now... I belive it's 2.6V on RCA and 5.2V on XLR.
do I need to change my smsl su-10?
No, SU-10 is better.
"I don't like MQA but won't bother you with that here"
Soooo....... a future video? :o)
You wonder why with all the re-tolling that they would make the same thing over and over?
Too bad, the display is on the wrong side ☹️
It's on the right side for lefties 🙂.
Honestly any dac around $300 up $600 sound the same and i betcha if any of these reviewer do a blind fold they would not able to tell the differences. Same thing with head phone amp. I got into this hobby and foolishly chasing for better when reality there isnt any. It just marketing with better specs on paper. What i am saying is price point around the vicinity above, they all sound the same. When something in the same ball patk and when it play your ear say yes, i can hear differences right away instead of 1 or 5% differences is just BS.
when will they try something different?
Yiu always review the same brands... No more surprises 🙄. Why not choose other DAC 's ???
It's simple, other brands are not sending any for reviews, they have big media for that... And bigger YT reviewers like Darko. I'm not paying myself because my view count can't cover those costs, not even close. So it is what it is - brands willing to cooperate and loaners from friends and acquaintances.
But few interesting, not so common brands on my channel are coming soon. It will be even more as the channel grows I hope.
we must stop pumping chi fi there are better options out there ,built with passion, not generic
boxes from china. all the chinese brands have the same philosophy- how can we milk the client forever ,endgame does not exist. my old nuforce icon hd was an endgame piece but discontinued. the chinese general tone is bright and lacks bass.