SMSL M400 DAC review

00:00 Intro
00:45 Connectivity
01:51 Features
04:00 Build and Finish
05:14 Bluetooth and MQA
07:23 Sound (and some comparisons)
17:26 Is it for you?
21:36 Is it worth its price?

Test system:

Pi 3B+ with Allo DigiOne
Denafrips Ares II
Cyrus 8vs2

#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo

[mahmudk]

Having been followed your reviews for a while, I must say that you're much better qualified than many other (established) reviewers out there on YouTube and other websites. You always focus on basic sound signature of an audio device accompanied by pinpoint pros and cons, and your words are never mumbo jumbo . Thanks for yet another extremely detailed review.

[jimstewart]

Your best review yet! I love that you focus on sound signatures and compare to other things you have reviewed, regardless of price. Keep up the good work. I have a really good idea of what to expect if I buy anything you review.

[PARajapakse]

I came across this video and I must say really liked your style of reviewing. Very honest and genuine. It is great that you spent some decent time talking about sound quality. Sometimes I get quite fustrated when some reviewers talk a lot and then finally spend a few seconds on the sound quality or it is not detailed enough. I'm personally always on the quest for that warmer, richer sound. So thank you.

[Sentinel]

The best review on the internet on this, hands down, the same for the su-9 review..
Please, do not stop from what you are doing !

[imrulhaque]

A stunning review!!! I don’t have this DAC but after listening to you opinion I can tell how it sounds. Brilliant 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[harrybaque]

Thank you for accurately describing MQA! I am so tired of hearing other reviewers refer to it as "Master Quality", it isn't, it is just another lossy format that does not necessarily sound better. Licensing play for Meridian is the key factor.

[tbwong]

You have a great and qualitative way of sound presentation which makes it easy to understand. Great review. TQ.

[athathsonty]

Great Review. Highly informative and comprehensive. I continue to learn so much more from this Channel than from most other more popular Channels catering to this field.

[shovelhead]

Enjoy your reviews very much. Your descriptions and narrative are so pleasant and at the same time informative.🤙

[rrtind]

Brilliant review! I love the clarity and incisiveness of your reviewing style, it’s a rare talent and I find your videos wholly immersive.

[JustBrowsing]

You Sir are correct, many of us would not refer to this as an "entry level DAC" 😄
Thanks for the review and for including info on the setup used to review it. I am considering upgrading my Chromecast Audio streamer for either the Allo Digione or USBridge. Now I know for reference what you seem to be happy streaming with 🙂

[elimgrc]

you are the only one, clearly explain sound signature...like all your review

[theman]

Great review! I’m sold! BUT my only BUT is MQA. I REALLY love it and for me personally I love the difference. Listened to an album Ive been listening to since the 80’s (on cd). The difference for me was HUGE! Again, that’s how it sounded (and felt) for me. Awesome review!

[jimbrimcharrington]

Very good review of the M400. I own this DAC and can attest to everything said here. I would urge anyone to try a better USB with it, though. I tried AQ’s top three cables and the difference with a good USB is stunning. Buy the Diamond from Amz and test. You will be floored. My digital has in some ways surpassed vinyl in sound quality. This DAC delivers!!!

[davelaidlaw]

Very nice review. I have the M400 and its a good description of the sound. The balanced connections are noticeably less lush and more dynamic than RCAs btw so another interesting aspect.

[Deotex]

I have both the m400 and the Topping d70s. I've been testing them for a while now and I find the d70s more informative and layered in the stereo space, while m400 creates a fuller, warmer and more satisfying listening pleasure. So I seem to be choosing the m400.

[MrAhuraMazda]

There he is. The Sound Stallion. Great job!

[ohnonate]

Ive watched every review, this one says it all! Great review love your work! Thank you

[ErickReyes-ocor]

Thanks for reviewing this affordable DACs, great work ✌️

[yogiwp_]

Great review, love the way you explain things in perfectly understandable language without audiophile buzzwords -- subbed!
By the way I read somewhere (I think on ASR?) that the XLR out is different from the RCA. The RCA has roll off in the highs while the XLR does not. This may explain the smoothness effect you're hearing from RCA.