SMSL C200 vs Aune X1s GT (219 USD vs 349 USD) – I need to forgive you if you’re thinking that X1S GT is better just because it costs more, but at the same time, it does have a better outer design, and has better frontal layout for the headphone outputs. While there is no remote for the X1s GT, it does have a versatile selection of inputs and outputs too, having a Bluetooth input as well. The driving power is higher on the C200, quite a bit higher, but the X1s GT has a slightly warmer, more full and deeper sound, while the C200 sounds more neutral. X1s GT also has better extension in the treble, but when you also take into account the price of both, you’re more likely to go for C200 if budget is a constraint. SMSL C200 ES9038Q2M DAC Headphone Amp , OPA1612A*4 , TRS Balanced 4.4mm, 6.35mm Output, Bluetooth 5.0, DSD512 32Bit 768KHZ.

But it has an RCA line input though so you can use it as a standalone headphone amplifier to connect another source like a phono. I have tested the SMSL C200 with various headphones, including the HiFiMAN Edition XS and the 7Hz Salnotes Zero. I also used it as a DAC for Tidal streaming through my Dell PC. As a preamp, the C100 is more than adequate—wholly hiss-free, with adequate gain, though I much prefer having a physical volume knob like the pricier SMSL units. Additionally to the digital inputs (USB, coaxial and optical) the unit also supports wireless Bluetooth 5.0 reception with the high resolution aptX HD and LDAC codecs. The SMSL C200 is lively and sparkling, it is resolving and detailed enough but it could be more refined and nuanced.This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. To return faulty items see our Returning Faulty Items policy. With a power output of 1.3Wx2, it should have enough muscle to drive all but the most demanding headphones. Thanks to a near 0 Ω output impedance from the headphone section, the C200 is ideal for sensitive all-BA IEMs too. In addition, the headphone output has 2 gain settings: Low-gain 0dB and High-gain 11dB giving you more precise control over the output. Design The series was inaugurated with the DO200 DAC, the HO200 headphone amplifier and the AO200 integrated speaker amplifier.

Any item returned must be complete with all accessories, hardware, manuals, or instructions, and in the same "new" condition as when it was when shipped to you. Please send us photos or videos of it. Left on standby, the C100 won’t be too demanding for battery-powered devices since it will only sip less than 0.1W for its essential components. This number will go up a bit to around 5W once the device is fully up and running. As for power, the K7 uses two THX 788+ amplifier modules, which we have seen in the FiiO’s higher-end K9 Pro ESS DAC & AMP. Some of you may have noticed that these modules deliver less power on the K7, which FiiO explains is due to the power consumed and heat generated by the modules. As a K9 Pro ESS user, I think this optimization was a good decision. During operation, the K7 is warm to the touch but not uncomfortably hot. The K7 can dish out 1.2 watts of power to a 32-ohm load via its SE output and it can dish out 2 watts of power via the balanced HPO. 560mW of power into a 300-ohm load means that it has plenty of power to drive nearly every single planar or dynamic headphone on the market. They are also part of the World Wide Hearing organization so a portion of every headphone sale goes toward helping a child hear.On top of the device itself and the Bluetooth antenna, which you need to install manually, the SMSL C200’s box comes with a rather slim set of accessories which only includes the remote control, a USB to USB-C cable and the power cable. There are also a manual and a warranty card. Design & Build With near 0 Ω output impedance on the headphone amp, the C200 is ideal for your sensitive IEMs and headphones. I tested the device with a variety of IEMs including the Meze ADVAR, DUNU Talos and Letshuoer S12 Pro. My usual testing headphones were also used which include the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250Ω, Meze 99 Classics and Hifiman Sundara. This applies for most countries. However, large items such as headphones and desktop DAC/AMPs (e.g. HarmonicDyne G200, MUSICIAN MDP-2, and etc.) are excluded. The amplifier is rated at 2.6Wx2/16Ω and 1.3Wx2/32Ω so it is very powerful and did a great job driving all my usual headphones with plenty of headroom. We listened to more songs than those named in this playlist, but those are excellent for identifying a sonic signature. I recommend trying most of the songs from this playlist, especially if you’re searching for new music! The playlists are different for Spotify, Tidal and Youtube, and based on the songs I enjoy and are available on each!

Choose between headphone out or line preamp out, but not both. I have a pair of powered monitor speakers daisy chained from the output of my standalone DAC and am not the only user of this setup. Therefore, it makes it more cumbersome for a user to switch between the modes if I forget to switch it off the headphone output. Something to consider with these all-in-one jobbers, sometimes a separate DAC/Amp is a better option. The SMSL C200 has RCA pre-outs along with TRS balanced outputs instead of the bigger brother DO/HO sporting XLR balanced outs. The headphone output is a 6.35mm single ended and the 4.4mm is the balanced connector, however it doesn’t provide an actual increase in channel separation or more power output, it is for accommodation.We have a rather minimalistic unboxing for C200, but the unit has the right extras to make it fun. It comes with: Then, earlier this year SMSL introduced a smaller version of that setup, the SMSL HO100 (headphone amplifier), and the SMSL DO100, the smaller brother of the DO200. Good news, we received them too, and will review them both, beginning with the DO100… now! The DO100/DO200 Series The C200 has a reference type approach to the sound reproduction which feels quite detached but on the other hand it shouldn't be considered as clinical sounding or boring. Then there’s the paperwork that’s amusingly even bigger than the footprint of the C100. Afterward, the DAC, remote, and accessories are finally available to reach only being separated into their respective cutouts. Sound Impressions It is also worth mentioning that SMSL took care of ensuring the C100 is powered properly. Since the USB port combines the function of power and data entry, coupled inside is a high-performance power filtering system so listeners can relax knowing their audio is not touched by unwanted noise.

Presenting the all-new SMSL C200, a high-performance desktop all-in-one DAC/AMP that comes equipped with a premium ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC chip. SMSL C200 produces powerful amplification with the help of professionally designed AMP circuitry. SMSL has equipped it with multiple inputs including USB, Bluetooth, Coaxial, and Optical too. It has a Headphone output with dual output ports(4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended0, and also provides line-out via RCA and TRS ports. Upgrade your desktop chain with the SMSL C200 and experience your favorite music with amazing clarity and dynamics!!

Packaging & Accessories

Now the SMSL C200 is their first all-in-one DAC and headphone amplifier combined in one compact chassis.