In this review, I’m checking out the SMSL D10 dongle DAC. The D10 is SMSL’s first attempt at making a dongle and it comes equipped with dual CS43131 DAC chips. It’s priced at $69.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Shenzhen Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
SMSL D10
Design
The D10 boasts a sleek, modern design, highlighted by its angular casing. On the side, you’ll find a volume rocker, while one end houses both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs, with a USB-C port on the opposite end.
A small transparent glass panel on the front reveals the underlying PCB, along with an LED indicator that changes colour based on the current sample rate. The entire underside is similarly covered by a clear glass panel, further showcasing the PCB and LED, adding a visually appealing touch to the overall design. It looks undeniably impressive.
I’m pleased to report that the volume control operates at the hardware level, meaning adjustments are made directly on the device rather than through your smartphone or PC. While the unit does warm up during use, especially with more power-hungry headphones, it never gets uncomfortably hot.
Internally, the D10 features the familiar dual CS43131 DAC chip setup, a combination used in several other dongles. This is great news for me, as I’m a fan of the sound signature these chips deliver.
The specifications say that the output power at both 16Ω and 32Ω is 500mW – I’m assuming that’s a typo and that the actual output power at 32Ω is somewhere around 250mW. Regardless of what the actual number is, the D10 is legitimately powerful for a dongle DAC. It can sufficiently drive my Sennheiser HD650 headphones (300Ω).
Sound
As I mentioned above, I’m a fan of the dual CS43131 sound and the SMSL D10 only strengthens that sentiment. It has a lush, slightly warm yet detailed and airy sound. Not only does this dongle have an engaging tonality, but it also performs extremely well in a technical sense.
The D10 excels at instrument separation and layering. Paired with my Sennheiser HD650 headphones, I was amazed by the audio quality. Even the bass notes were rich and dynamic, yet controlled and precise.
Switching over to something more contemporary, I plugged in my FiiO FT1 headphones, this time to the 4.4mm output. These low-impedance and high-sensitivity cans are very efficient and don’t require much driving power. This pairing also sounds great – the bass slams and the midrange is brimming with clarity. Left-to-right stereo imaging is precise and the soundstage is impressively wide for a closed-back headphone.
Next, I decided to push the D10 with something a bit less practical but more challenging—my Spiral Ear SE6 Nebula. These highly sensitive, multi-BA IEMs are tonally precise and serve as an excellent reference tool. The result? Exceptional. The D10’s fine volume control allowed me to dial in the perfect listening level with a few clicks. The synergy is great with these, offering impactful bass, delicious mids and precise, detailed treble.
Naturally, I tested some more common IEMs too, like the Simgot Supermix 4 and Letshuoer S08. I was impressed by the D10’s dynamics and its ability to flow with the music. Quiet passages remain clear and detailed, while louder sections sound powerful and lively, without distortion or compression. Transients are punchy and quieter details come through without getting lost in the mix.
Verdict
The SMSL D10 delivers impressive audio quality at an unbeatable price. SMSL’s expertise in DAC design is evident in this device. At first, I was a little disappointed at the lack of extra features but the D10 quickly won me over with its exceptional audio quality and no-nonsense approach. The SMSL D10 is something I can easily recommend.