SMSL C200 DAC and headphone amp Review

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SMSL C200 DAC and headphone amp Review

Рет қаралды 21,451

Prime Audio Reviews

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 135

@DominikZalewski85 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Just got one, and it's awesome.

@jessmash5778 Жыл бұрын

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

@benkrake3678 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@MrJabinho Жыл бұрын

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

@hk9443 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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

@dadoeboi101 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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...🤔

@matchiap Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@PrimeAudioReviews thank you so much !

@chrispapa6700 5 ай бұрын

Great review. Do you prefer this over the K7?

@PrimeAudioReviews 5 ай бұрын

I don't have K7!

@dhoonygo Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@martywrx Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

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.

@Pikachu123OP Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@adaboy4z Жыл бұрын

@@PrimeAudioReviews C200 has a dac no?

@pliedtka Жыл бұрын

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

@JM-sn5eb Жыл бұрын

@@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

@JhamJoy_14 2 ай бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

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

@CrazyBrothersStudio1 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@b.chandon Жыл бұрын

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

@CrazyBrothersStudio1 Жыл бұрын

@@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

@jbradshaw7 9 ай бұрын

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

@fUZZYbrainZ14 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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.

@AndrewLimCM 3 ай бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

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

@maksymfrost8846 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

The c200 is the one for that.

@maksymfrost8846 Жыл бұрын

@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks a lot!

@hillbillyjustice8213 Ай бұрын

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

@luissilva4969 Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

Yes, it's great with the PR2.

@luissilva4969 Жыл бұрын

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

@thomhendricks Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

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.

@giancarlogennuso2257 4 ай бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews 4 ай бұрын

Yes, this has more than enough power for Sundara.

@daviddave8761 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@WindMills_ Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

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_ Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

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

@jcap8391 Жыл бұрын

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

@fouratp3627 Жыл бұрын

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?

@Gabriel-qv8ue 11 ай бұрын

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 11 ай бұрын

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

@karthism Жыл бұрын

How it is compared to toppings e 50 ?

@ericmartinez5051 Ай бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Ай бұрын

No, it doesn't.

@JM-sn5eb Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

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

@mickael486 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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?

@fouratp3627 Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

Yes, it can be used as a preamp.

@fouratp3627 Жыл бұрын

@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks!

@WaitButHow Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@Ray-bn7hr Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@UntakenNick Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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?

@ChouChouDer Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

Just 1 on the remote.

@adamhearts9195 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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

@endrizo Жыл бұрын

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

@Bob.martens Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@Bob.martens thanks

@radicroot Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Yes, the C200 is excellent.

@tflp1950 8 ай бұрын

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

@CowCatwithafancyHat 3 ай бұрын

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

@radicroot 3 ай бұрын

@@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 3 ай бұрын

@@radicroot Great reply, thank you!

@aaronkinsey154 10 ай бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews 9 ай бұрын

If primarily for gaming you should just stick with g6.

@andertube9239 Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

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.)

@roman9711 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Appreciate your help! 🙏

@peterpipe9015 Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

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.

@clemmtec9506 Жыл бұрын

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

@PrimeAudioReviews Жыл бұрын

Yes, if it has a toslink/optical output.

@beehype46and2 Жыл бұрын

Comment for da algorithm Streak count: 185

@Zon1um Жыл бұрын

Anyone tried if this works with Xbox Series X?

@aaronkinsey154 10 ай бұрын

this ok for gaming or should i go for g6

@PrimeAudioReviews 10 ай бұрын

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

@ln3346 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@ln3346 8 ай бұрын

@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks for the quick reply. Does that mean I will NOT be able to directly stream from apps like KZfaq, 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.