Yeah, sorry about that. Was trying a new workflow to save some time and it screwed with my frame rates. I've got two more videos (I think) like this in the future, but have returned to my normal setup after those experiments. Glad you were still able to watch.
Excellent review and perspective. I have the DO200 MKii and have been completely happy with it connected to the AO 200. And no, I don’t use the sound color function either.
Yeah, really sorry about that. Was trying a new workflow and it messes with the frame rates. I've got two more recorded the same way that will be released in future, but have since returned to my old setup. Sorry about the discomfort!
Good afternoon! Thank you for your reviews! Will there be a Shanling H7 review? Its comparison with Topping G5 and Mojo 2 is interesting. I'm looking forward to the new releases of The Tune-up! Thanks!
I appreciate the attempt by topping and smsl to iterate.. they probably come out with too many models each year but at least they are trying to move forward ok progress with hifi on a budget
I agree that continuous improvement/iterations are a positive thing, but also agree that it's too frequent and the performance improvements too slight (although getting IIS at this price point is excellent)
I find that most Topping and SMSL products are more similar than different. They are all very clean sounding, with a decently wide soundstage but lack depth and sound flat.
I agree, except for the DO200mkII having fairly good depth, when setting to Minimum Phase filter. I tested with Grado RS1X and BeyerDynamic DT880 / 250 Ohm.
You can squeeze a little more depth with filters, as you say, but they can't catch-up with Multibit, R2R, Chord or the new AK4499EX-based DACs. That said, those all cost a lot more, except for maybe a Modi Multibit 2.
I would be really interested in a review of the new IClever HS14 headphones from big w please. From what I hear they are a really good quality entry level headphone and if you have a smaller head (which I do) there's a huge saving compared with the JBL T500's which retails at a whopping premium purely because they are in fact made to fit adults. Thanks mate. Love your work as always
Thanks for this. I'm in Australia and was curious if you have any information about the SMSL AO300 released Sept. 2023? Has both USB and HDMI with front headphone jacks. There is no information about it on RUclips.
@PassionforSound snooze you lose and miss an opportunity to be the first on zoom to provide some details about this item, I would think that would be something worth pursuing but im sure someone else will see the opportunity and beat you to it......
Nice review, again and again... I'm hesitating between Fiio k9 (with dual es9068as) and do400 (which looks - and sounds? - nearly like a twin of do300). Which one would you recommend? They're in the same price range. My gear : Meze 109 Pro and sennheiser hd6xx. And sooner or later an amp and small speakers such as eltax monitor iii. Thanks. (I wrote this question before listening to your conclusion 😂)
I can't recall my conclusions on this one, but are you only looking for a DAC or do you need the amplification of the K9 too? If you don't need an amp, I'd recommend a pure DAC like the DO400.
@@PassionforSound The main goal is to power my headphones, whatever the source connected to the desktop dac/amp. Maybe one day I'll pair it with a separate amp, to feed speakers.
Thanks for clarifying. Just be aware that the K9 Pro is a DAC and headphone amp. The DO300 is only a DAC so you'd need to also buy a headphone amp to go with it.
@@PassionforSound You're right, but the DO400 is more or less the DO300 with 3.5 and 6.3 headphones outputs on the front (the ESS chip is the same in both). That's why I asked you to compare it with the Fiio K9. 😉
Greetings. I would like to know if the USB input of the DAC SMSL DO200 MKII works to receive digital data when connected to an android device. Thank you very much in advance.
I haven't specifically tested that, but I believe it will work fine. Generally, any DAC that will happily run driverless with Windows (the DO200 MkII does) will also be recognised by Android devices. I can't guarantee, but I'm 99% sure.
Glad you like the videos! I'll always take a Chord DAC over a Sigma Delta DAC like an SMSL or Topping so the Mojo would win for me, unless you're using HQPlayer or some other upsampling solution (not just upsampling in Roon/JRiver, but a dedicated upsampling tool). With external, high quality upsampling, the DO300 can get close to the M-Scaler and TT2
@PassionforSound thanks , I have mojo2 so will stay with that. I love the fullness and body the chord offers to the music . Is there another you know that has fullness and body like or better than mojo2 but not overly expensive say in price 500 to 700
@@PassionforSound it is interesting tho, since smsl is known for less analytical sound, and the e70 velvet is, well also more smooth than regular.topping
I would too. Some people will probably want the true desktop form factor with full sized connectors, balanced outputs, etc. but the Mojo 2 is definitely the benchmark for sound quality.
@Passion for Sound my DO300 just arrived and I can say with conviction after trying DO100, 200 and 300 that the DO300 is the DAC of this generation. However a generation is now approximately 2 to 3 years max.
Haha. Glad you like the DO300 - it's pretty great. The good news is that while there are new models always arriving, the differences are so small that the DO300 will be excellent for ages.
@@PassionforSound still sounds good but as of now USB input periodically doesnt get a signal until I switch off and on the main power switch at the back of the unit. Possible defective unit?
I've not directly compared them, but I think they're probably on around the same level of sonic performance. The interface is much better on the DAC-Z8 and you've got a headphone output, but the DO300 has IIS and some extra options in the menu system so it's probably better to choose based on that.
For the price, not very much. You have to go to Chord Mojo 2 if you just want the best sound quality and don't need a true desktop form factor or the Schiit Bifrost 2, but both are more expensive IIRC
I agree that there are too many, but it's also why I selectively review some of them. I think it's important to help people understand how they actually sound, whether they offer value or just "more of the same" and, also, to keep checking in case they actually make a leap in performance one day. The reality is that they all perform and sound very similar (not identical), but that might eventually change so I dip in occasionally to check.
I do agree that choice is important. For example, having the choice to buy a delta sigma DAC where you can switch off the filters will be very valuable to some people. Having an affordable DAC like the DO200 Mk2 with IIS is also a great choice/option to have.
90% of what is on the market is Chinese gear, BH. I will (and do) gladly review whatever I can get my hands on regardless of where it is from. When I do say "no" it's always been to Chinese products that are too similar to everything that's come before them. Perhaps consider my last few reviews: SMSL DACs - Chinese Benchmark HPA4 - American XENNS Top - Chinese Schiit Magni+/Modi+ range - American HiFiMan HE1000s - Chinese Linear Tube Audio MZ3 - American Meze 109 Pro - Romanian Various headphone cables - Australian and wherever Gladiator Cables are from (not China) Focal Clear MG - French
@Passion for Sound Thank you for the clarification. To me, China reviews stand out due to how they flood the market with useless gear. Gear that doesn't justify its existence. Especially coming from a country that has been criticized for its use of slave labor. Most people don't seem to care since it doesn't impact them directly.
SMSL HO 200 or Singxer sa-1 what do you recommend as a preamplifier. I have a Marantz 6006 amp and Klipsch RP500 M speakers. Thanks. I love your work!!!
What's up with the choppy video? Look like a slideshow... Good review as always, though. Cheers!
Yeah, sorry about that. Was trying a new workflow to save some time and it screwed with my frame rates. I've got two more videos (I think) like this in the future, but have returned to my normal setup after those experiments. Glad you were still able to watch.
L. Last year, your DO 200 video was so helpful. I am enjoying this video "with it". Best, D.
That's great news!! So glad you're enjoying the DO200. 🙂
Excellent review and perspective. I have the DO200 MKii and have been completely happy with it connected to the AO 200. And no, I don’t use the sound color function either.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, John. Glad you liked the review. The DO200s are a great line of DACs
What happened with frame rate of the video? My eyes are going to pop any second.
No schnitzel!
Yeah, really sorry about that. Was trying a new workflow and it messes with the frame rates. I've got two more recorded the same way that will be released in future, but have since returned to my old setup. Sorry about the discomfort!
Good afternoon!
Thank you for your reviews!
Will there be a Shanling H7 review?
Its comparison with Topping G5 and Mojo 2 is interesting.
I'm looking forward to the new releases of The Tune-up!
Thanks!
I don't have an H7 review planned just yet, but you never know...
The next Tune-Up has just released. Hope you like it!
Jeez, that frame rate makes me feel like I'm having a seizure!
Sorry! I've explained it in a pinned comment up top. Short version is that I've fixed it in (most) future videos.
@@PassionforSound
Thank you!
I appreciate the attempt by topping and smsl to iterate.. they probably come out with too many models each year but at least they are trying to move forward ok progress with hifi on a budget
I agree that continuous improvement/iterations are a positive thing, but also agree that it's too frequent and the performance improvements too slight (although getting IIS at this price point is excellent)
They are often making the high end stuff just overpriced.
I find that most Topping and SMSL products are more similar than different. They are all very clean sounding, with a decently wide soundstage but lack depth and sound flat.
Yep. That's true for most Delta Sigma chip-based (ESS/AKM) DACs, particularly if not using a discrete output stage.
I agree, except for the DO200mkII having fairly good depth, when setting to Minimum Phase filter. I tested with Grado RS1X and BeyerDynamic DT880 / 250 Ohm.
You can squeeze a little more depth with filters, as you say, but they can't catch-up with Multibit, R2R, Chord or the new AK4499EX-based DACs. That said, those all cost a lot more, except for maybe a Modi Multibit 2.
I would be really interested in a review of the new IClever HS14 headphones from big w please. From what I hear they are a really good quality entry level headphone and if you have a smaller head (which I do) there's a huge saving compared with the JBL T500's which retails at a whopping premium purely because they are in fact made to fit adults. Thanks mate. Love your work as always
So glad you're enjoying the content. I'm afraid that I don't have any contacts at Big W to arrange a review pair.
good one to have in the background while i prepare some food
🌮🌯🍔🍗🍜🍝🍱🥗🥘
@@PassionforSound 🤣🤣
Hi. Very interresting review, Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Felicitaciones por la review,se ve una review sincera y eso hoy en día por desgracia ,no es lo habitual
I'm glad you feel that way. I always try to be honest and open with my reviews. 🙂🙂
Love the intro tunes!
So glad you like them!!
Your review is better than the product's; good editing ✌😎👍 BTW you share the same hometown as the incredible drummer Virgil Donati ✌🥁👍
Glad you liked it! I wasn't aware of Virgil Donati - thanks for the education 🙂
@@PassionforSound Welcome ✌🎧👍
Thanks for this. I'm in Australia and was curious if you have any information about the SMSL AO300 released Sept. 2023? Has both USB and HDMI with front headphone jacks. There is no information about it on RUclips.
I don't know that one yet - sorry.
@PassionforSound snooze you lose and miss an opportunity to be the first on zoom to provide some details about this item, I would think that would be something worth pursuing but im sure someone else will see the opportunity and beat you to it......
I have DO200mkII. I seldom use the sound color function, sometimes I choose Crystal2, depending on the type of headphones I use.
Yes, I don't know if it's a particularly useful/popular feature overall. It would be interesting to see what others say.
It may be that some of the 11 opamps in the DO300 are single opamps on some/all of the chips? And the 5 in the DO200 MkII are dual opamps?
That's a good point and very possible, Neil!
Nice review, again and again... I'm hesitating between Fiio k9 (with dual es9068as) and do400 (which looks - and sounds? - nearly like a twin of do300). Which one would you recommend? They're in the same price range. My gear : Meze 109 Pro and sennheiser hd6xx. And sooner or later an amp and small speakers such as eltax monitor iii. Thanks. (I wrote this question before listening to your conclusion 😂)
I can't recall my conclusions on this one, but are you only looking for a DAC or do you need the amplification of the K9 too? If you don't need an amp, I'd recommend a pure DAC like the DO400.
@@PassionforSound The main goal is to power my headphones, whatever the source connected to the desktop dac/amp. Maybe one day I'll pair it with a separate amp, to feed speakers.
Thanks for clarifying. Just be aware that the K9 Pro is a DAC and headphone amp. The DO300 is only a DAC so you'd need to also buy a headphone amp to go with it.
@@PassionforSound You're right, but the DO400 is more or less the DO300 with 3.5 and 6.3 headphones outputs on the front (the ESS chip is the same in both). That's why I asked you to compare it with the Fiio K9. 😉
Sorry! I misread and assumed you were talking about the DO300. I haven't heard the DO400 so can't say how the amp stage would compare.
I m deciding between DO400 and DO300, do you have any suggestion? Thank you.
I haven't tried the DO400 so can't help on that one - sorry.
Greetings.
I would like to know if the USB input of the DAC SMSL DO200 MKII works to receive digital data when connected to an android device.
Thank you very much in advance.
I haven't specifically tested that, but I believe it will work fine. Generally, any DAC that will happily run driverless with Windows (the DO200 MkII does) will also be recognised by Android devices. I can't guarantee, but I'm 99% sure.
Hi , sounds like you like the smsl do300 , so how does it go against Mojo2 overall sound wise and what you prefer.
Love you videos
Glad you like the videos!
I'll always take a Chord DAC over a Sigma Delta DAC like an SMSL or Topping so the Mojo would win for me, unless you're using HQPlayer or some other upsampling solution (not just upsampling in Roon/JRiver, but a dedicated upsampling tool). With external, high quality upsampling, the DO300 can get close to the M-Scaler and TT2
@PassionforSound thanks , I have mojo2 so will stay with that. I love the fullness and body the chord offers to the music . Is there another you know that has fullness and body like or better than mojo2 but not overly expensive say in price 500 to 700
Only the Schiit Bifrost 2 can provide a similar experience within that price range I think.
I guess next is the Topping e70!
No current plans for that one, but I would take a look if the opportunity presents
@@PassionforSound it is interesting tho, since smsl is known for less analytical sound, and the e70 velvet is, well also more smooth than regular.topping
That definitely sounds interesting then. I'll see what we can arrange
The DO300 sounds more future proof
Perhaps a little bit, but IIS is still a less common connector
To get the best sound quality I'd pay a few hundred dollars extra and get the mojo 2.
I would too. Some people will probably want the true desktop form factor with full sized connectors, balanced outputs, etc. but the Mojo 2 is definitely the benchmark for sound quality.
Is the DO100 a mini DO200/300?
Essentially, yes.
@Passion for Sound my DO300 just arrived and I can say with conviction after trying DO100, 200 and 300 that the DO300 is the DAC of this generation. However a generation is now approximately 2 to 3 years max.
Haha. Glad you like the DO300 - it's pretty great. The good news is that while there are new models always arriving, the differences are so small that the DO300 will be excellent for ages.
@@PassionforSound still sounds good but as of now USB input periodically doesnt get a signal until I switch off and on the main power switch at the back of the unit. Possible defective unit?
Certainly seems off. I'd try a different USB cable before going down the path of warranty returns/repairs.
Any point in these vs the do400?
I haven't tried the DO400 - sorry
How do the do300 compare to the dac z8 ?
I've not directly compared them, but I think they're probably on around the same level of sonic performance. The interface is much better on the DAC-Z8 and you've got a headphone output, but the DO300 has IIS and some extra options in the menu system so it's probably better to choose based on that.
Very nice man, i'm choosing a dac to go with the cayin iha 6 amp that i ordered, sadly no one talks about that amp.
Yes, Cayin aren't very active with offering review samples.
The question is what beat these..
For the price, not very much. You have to go to Chord Mojo 2 if you just want the best sound quality and don't need a true desktop form factor or the Schiit Bifrost 2, but both are more expensive IIRC
@@PassionforSound smsl D300 with rohm dac and ifi signature one does not beat these?
I haven't heard that one so I can't comment.
can we stop with all the chi-fi dacs? SMSL must have 30 different dacs on offer…
I agree that there are too many, but it's also why I selectively review some of them. I think it's important to help people understand how they actually sound, whether they offer value or just "more of the same" and, also, to keep checking in case they actually make a leap in performance one day. The reality is that they all perform and sound very similar (not identical), but that might eventually change so I dip in occasionally to check.
Choice is always a good thing. If you find it all too confusing perhaps try another hobby...🙄
I do agree that choice is important. For example, having the choice to buy a delta sigma DAC where you can switch off the filters will be very valuable to some people. Having an affordable DAC like the DO200 Mk2 with IIS is also a great choice/option to have.
SMSL Reviews. Are you actually Chinese?
No, I'm actually a balanced reviewer that's happy to try lots of different gear and see what's good, not so good, worth the money, etc.
@Passion for Sound Balanced? OK. You could have fooled me. Seems like 90% of your channel is China gear.
90% of what is on the market is Chinese gear, BH. I will (and do) gladly review whatever I can get my hands on regardless of where it is from. When I do say "no" it's always been to Chinese products that are too similar to everything that's come before them.
Perhaps consider my last few reviews:
SMSL DACs - Chinese
Benchmark HPA4 - American
XENNS Top - Chinese
Schiit Magni+/Modi+ range - American
HiFiMan HE1000s - Chinese
Linear Tube Audio MZ3 - American
Meze 109 Pro - Romanian
Various headphone cables - Australian and wherever Gladiator Cables are from (not China)
Focal Clear MG - French
Troll alert....! 😂
@Passion for Sound Thank you for the clarification. To me, China reviews stand out due to how they flood the market with useless gear. Gear that doesn't justify its existence. Especially coming from a country that has been criticized for its use of slave labor. Most people don't seem to care since it doesn't impact them directly.
SMSL HO 200 or Singxer sa-1 what do you recommend as a preamplifier. I have a Marantz 6006 amp and Klipsch RP500 M speakers. Thanks. I love your work!!!
Definitely the SA-1. The HO200 is fine, but lacks the depth (of soundstage) and naturalness of the HO200
I was having a hard time to keep the pace, Lachlan...
How do you mean, Sergiy? Are you referring to the framerate issues or something else?
@@PassionforSound I meant your speech speed, Lachlan. Did you speed up the video a bit? Well, it looks like. For me it becomes a bit complicated.
Sorry, Sergiy. I might have been rushing slightly as I had a bit of catching up to do with some videos recently.