SMSL C200 is a well rounded budget DAC

00:00 Intro
00:28 About C200
02:12 Sound
04:18 vs Sabaj A10d 2022
08:01 vs Topping DX3 pro+
10:33 vs M500 MKII and DX5
11:01 Conclusion

Test system:

#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo

[Barncore]

Great review! I've been trying to decide between the C200 and the DX3, i appreciate you describing how they sound in words. Most reviewers seem to look at the technical graphs and form their review opinions based on that. Thanks

[Helix_Bonopart]

Dude you are the best! I got the SMSL A300 based on your review, and now I’m going to get this.

[johnphelan]

Just picked up c100 for 50 bucks used excellent condition off Amazon. 1st Smsl product very please I own the dxpro+ would agree it sounds slightly harsh in comparison. Thanks for another excellent review .

[Gator_Bot]

I really love your reviews. I've got the Aune X8 with sparkos opamp feeding into the SMSL da9. Your reviews helped me make the decision to get both. Thank you. I love my system and your insight was spot on.

[jari]

The price does not guarantee superiority. I just compared two dacs in two different systems, Topping dx3 pro+ and Sabaj a20d (not 2022 model). I think Topping was better in both systems even though it has an ES9038Q2M chip and Sabaj has an ES9038 pro chip and a balanced structure. Topping sounded more open, sharper in transients, more airy and better in female vocals. Sabaj had a softer, darker sound. It had also little more sibilants and more weight in the upper bass and lower mids. So this is what I heard from the very good loudspeakers. Sabaj costs around €400 (it was on sale for €170) and Topping just under €200. Better sound is of course a matter of taste and the sound varies depending on the other systems, but for me this showed that a higher dac chip, a balanced structure and double the price is not a guarantee of superiority.

[zindahoon]

Another great review with lots of info, thanks

[quackgarage]

It's funny how people call $220 "budget" nowadays, considering that we have IEM's in this price range that have almost TOTL performance. And the same goes for DACs, but at much, MUCH bigger diminishing returns (unless we're talking about functionalities). Way to go into the rabbit hole. Unless you want R2R or tubes, this is exactly where it makes sense to stop. Great DAC/amp combo.

[dennisdelorme]

You mention the 4.4mm as a balanced output which is what SMSL also have on their HO100 but as with it the 4.4mm is not a true balanced output. I have compared both outputs, they have same output level usually balanced has significant more level. I don’t like that SMSL is misleading us on this. 4.4 is and should be true balanced not just convenience option.

[KitaristChannel]

Will you do a review of the new SMSL M500 MK3? :)

[el_nan]

Please also include what kind of substances are you consumig to be able to hear so clearly those "big" differences between good measuring equipments 😅

[joshuawong]

Man, I need still your help on choosing between SMSL C200 / SMSL SU6 + SH6 / Topping DX3pro+, after watching all your related videos. I will pair it up with hifiman HE400se and mainly listen to pop, girl vocals and movies. Much thanks for the help.

[jessmash]

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

[liquidrl]

I am stuck trying to choose between: smsl c200, topping dx3+ pro, schiit magni 3+/modi3e, and smsl sh-6/su-6. I was thinking about combining smsl sh-6 with a modi3e dac, or if I up my budget try this Geshelli Labs J2 that seems well received. Maybe I shouldn't pair a nicer/pricier dac with a non balanced headphone amp? Anyone's help is appreciated. Your reviews have helped me a lot thank you @iiWi Reviews

[arnauddupont]

Great review ! I want to get a new DAC for my PC and I hesitated between DX3 Pro+ and this one, good to know it's more polyvalent ! Is there another DAC that's better for PCs for that price range or is it already ?

[labods]

Hi
Great review.
Would you please review the new budget Topping DX1 and the new smsl m500 mk3 ?

[OptLab]

Looks very good ascetically. I prefer this clean display without colored background

[andertube]

Hi! Thanks for the video. How does it compare to a dongle like Shanling ua5 in terms of sound? I know the form factor is completely different, but price is quite close. Is the desktop c200 a clear winner in sound?

[LastSecBloomer]

Is the rated power isted for 2V or 4V output? SMSL (and some other Chinese brands) loves to market the power numbers at higher output voltage, rather than lower, to make the product look better.

[brentkjernisted]

On the Topping EX5 and the SMSL C200, on which are instruments clearer?

[chrisbianchi]

Love your reviews. Do you think the Sennheiser 600 series would be a good match for the DX3 Pro Plus? I would think that the warmer sound signature and fuller mids might be a good match with the dx3s more analytical sound profile. Also I already have a K5 Pro akm so I was wondering if you thought that the dx3 would be a significant upgrade. Thanks