S.M.S.L - DO200 DAC - Digital Analog Converter

Compact and sober the SMSL DO200 Hi-Res DAC has a metal build, premium finishes and pairs perfectly with the AO200 stereo amp from the same manufacturer. It includes a 1.9” tempered glass display (IPS-type with dimming function) next to the central selection/volume knob.

The DO200 houses a pair of ESS DAC chips (ES9068AS) to support fully balanced output. It also features five SoundPlus OPA1612 operational amplifiers, fairly common, and is capable of handling high-resolution files including DSD512 and PCM up to 768 kHz / 32 bit. The USB input is supported by an XMOS XU-216 interface and the DO200 provides LDAC, aptX and Bluetooth 5.0 inputs. Essentially the DO200 is currently the only DAC on the market to offer complete MQA decoding on all inputs including USB, optical, coaxial and even the AES serial interface. MQA playback does not require additional software; you can use Foobar2000 or Audirvana for playback since it supports ASIO or WASAPI audio output (volume should be set to the maximum possible on the computer).

As for refinement, it is a desktop DAC of standard size among the very few, if not the only ones, that natively support LDAC and aptX HD. On the back are balanced XLR outputs as well as single-ended RCA outputs, AES/EBU inputs, Bluetooth antenna, exotic I2S input, coaxial input, optical input and USB input. Next to the power socket is the physical power switch; the small remote is included in the box. PCM filters available: “Slow Minimum”, “Minimum Phase” and “Fast Linear”, while for DSD or MQA support on coaxial & optical, you must enable processor mode (then turn off and restart the unit), invoking the XMOS rather than using the DIR (Digital Interface Receiver) chip as is often the case with other DACs. There is also a DPLL (Digital Phase-Locked Loop) function to limit jitter and prevent interruptions with poor-quality inputs.

Among the specifications: THD+N 0.00008%, dynamic range 129 dB on XLR and 125 dB on RCA, SNR 128 dB, output impedance a fairly classic 100 ohms. Bluetooth compatibility: SBC / AAC / APTX / APTX HD and LDAC. USB depth: 1 bit, 16-32 bit; optical/coaxial/AES/EBU: 1 bit, 16-24 bit. Power consumption 5 Watts; the low-noise linear power supply is a discrete component designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption. Dimensions 210 x 40 x 170 mm (L x H x P) and weight 1.2 kg.

Used very little, the best DAC in terms of value for money. Free pair of XLR cables included.

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