SMSL D400EX DAC Review - Beautify HiFi

Video Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Design & Build Quality
01:59 - Controls
02:33 - Tech Inside it
03:53 - Sound Performance
06:23 - D400EX in a stereo setup
07:58 - Resolution & Transparency
09:38 - Transient Response
11:25 - Soundstage
12:53 - Bass
13:49 - Midrange
14:31 - Treble
15:02 - D400EX Versus SU10
15:15 - My Conclusions

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#SMSL #dac #review

[godface]

Hey nice review, Did you have a chance to check out the ESS version the 400ES. I have one showing up tomorrow. cheers

[aRc-]

You aren't into vinyl are you? The middle is where music lives. A cheap delta-sigma I might like.

[DarkKnight]

Hi Sandu, how does the D400EX fare against Ares2? I am looking for a chip based dac around the same price range as the Ares2

[gfsanches]

Great review. What about D400ES? I heard that it is close to this even with Sabre chip

[bpclfyt]

Твое произношение стало гораздо лучше, чем раньше

[JTB--]

I bought the SMSL SU-9 Pro about 3 months ago for a secondary set-up and now I just ignore any new SMSL DAC releases which seems to happen every few months. It's become DAC overload. All these SMSL DACS in the $500 to $1K are good.

[bunjidogg]

About the same price as Denafrips Ares 12. Which is nicer? Thanks.

[mehmetcamat]

How would you compare it to gustard A26 since they both use the same dual AKM chip

[hermannschmidt]

The last two screws are hidden under the label on the bottom. Your impressions match mine well. I've been modding the DAC for a few months now and it can be tuned brighter with more intense treble. The capacitors at the switching regulators are the key. The "velvet sound" stays. This seems to be a trait of the AKM chips. Its basic character is on the smooth side with no frantic attention to the finest detail.

The output stage consists of only 4 dual op amps. There is another one to convert the symmetrical signal to the RCA outputs.

[topalofff]

Hi, Sandu! I think some Austrian audio microphone can level up sound in your videos. Seems that small one doesn't do the job. Like your reviews.

[mehmetcamat]

can you review Weiss DAC204 by any chance

[buenahora]

Hello! I saw your review last year on the VMV D2. Do you still recommend that DAC? I found a good deal on a used one (since it’s been discontinued) and wanted to get your opinions

[nortech]

I have a Nad C298, can I use this as a preamp also? Is this a better option than Smsl M400?
Dali Grand speakers.

[Mestre_tainha]

Where does m500 mkiii stand between this one and SU-10 regarding sound signature?

[nortech]

Any smsl dac in the same price range that would work better as preamp also?

[JoseFerreira-zbwh]

This looks a bit too pricey when looking at the harware used, an already used design, etc. In your opinion is this worth the extra cost over the m500 mkiii?(almost twice the price) Is it warmer/ smoother sounding? Also I'd like to have your opinion on Topping e70 velvet (uses the same akm chip) and smsl su-9 pro that uses a linear power supply, more opamps, etc. If you could review those, it would be greatly appreciated. 😀

[dimamircea]

Super review-uri, multumim. Ai idee cum pot conduce semnal MQA dintr-un streamer cu iesire coax si optical intr-un DAC care poate prelua semnal MQA numai pe USB? Multumesc frumos.

[Flavius]

Is this better then Chord Dave? Just kidding, glad to see all those gorgeous toys in your possession. Your setups look more and more like a sound technology exposition.

[kmwong]

Will you review the new announced hifiman closed back headphone?

[carlsitler]

They make a new dac every other day. My $110 Sanskrit 2 made music sound 50% better. I don't think I will spend $300 or $400 for 51% better.