SMSL continues to release model after model and in this article, I review the new SMSL DL100 DAC and headphone amplifier. The DL100 features quad CS43131 DAC chips and a fully balanced architecture. It’s priced at $179.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by SMSL for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
SMSL DL100
Features
The DL100 boasts quad CS43131 DAC chips and an XMOS XU-316. It supports up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD256 and does full MQA decoding. A Qualcomm QCC5125 chip adds Bluetooth 5.1 with support for LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC and SBC.
It features three OPA1612 op-amps along with a selection of audiophile-grade internal components. The headphone amplifier delivers 1.5W of output power at 32Ω, with a near-zero output impedance. The dynamic range is rated at 126dB from the RCA output and an impressive 132dB from the XLR output.
Design
The SMSL DL100 has an angular trapezoid chassis, with both 6.35mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs on the front panel, alongside an OLED display and a multi-function knob. Unfortunately, I encountered an issue where I couldn’t connect some of my 4.4mm plugs, like the one on the FiiO FT1 cable, due to the recessed socket and small cutout. This design oversight is surprising, especially from a company with SMSL’s experience in crafting headphone amps.
It offers five digital inputs, including Bluetooth, USB, HDMI (ARC), Optical, and Coaxial. The unit also comes with a fully-featured remote control, and the display can be turned off to eliminate any potential distractions.
Sound
With a quad array of CS43131 DAC chips, the SMSL DL100 certainly has the potential to sound good and as usual, SMSL’s measurements only reinforce that assumption. But of course, the true test comes in the hearing and the DL100 doesn’t disappoint with its insightful and clear characteristics.
The quad DAC configuration minimizes any crosstalk which enhances separation and imaging. Subsequently, the DL100 creates a pure black background and an organized soundstage, especially when using the balanced XLR output. In this case, the resulting audio will depend somewhat on the external amp or powered speakers that are connected to it.
The DL100 worked just fine with my LG smart TV using HDMI (ARC) but, in this case, I also needed an additional amplifier, because I use passive speakers in my living room. For that scenario, I prefer an all-in-one unit like the SMSL RAW-HA1.
While testing the DL100 in my office, I had it connected to my FX-Audio L07 and NHT C3 speakers where it performed admirably. The L07 also has an uncoloured sound so this was a great system to hear the inherent character of my speakers.
It also sounded great with headphones and IEMs (when the plugs fit). The headphone amplifier had ample power to drive anything I plugged into it with ease and it delivered pure distortion-free audio.
Verdict
The SMSL DL100 is an interesting device that’s versatile enough to work in many different environments, from living rooms to desktops. It sounded great across all the setups I tried. However, I would caution people who use headphones and/or IEMs often against the DL100 due to its incompatibility with thicker plugs, which for me was a dealbreaker – at least as a desktop unit.