What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “inexpensive DAC with headphone amplifier”? Most often - Fiio products, a little less often - iBasso. But there are other, very interesting companies offering their own, sometimes unusual, solutions. This includes SMSL with their portable M2 DAC.
What does it take to make a good portable DAC with amplifier? For starters, the USB interface chip. SMSL chose the most proven version SA9027. Then the DAC itself is needed, its role is played by the ESS Saber 9023, which was simply created for such devices. A good start was made, but then a fly in the ointment came, and the MAX9722 was chosen as the op-amp, which clearly took the role of the weak link in this device. It's not that the sound is bad, but with a different choice, the SMSL could have turned out to be a device that has no competitors in the price category.
Add to this a very stylish case, reminiscent of the low-end iBasso DAC/amplifier, and a very affordable price of $65.
Specifications
- Sampling frequency: 32KHz – 96KHz
- Bit depth: 16–24 bits
- Interface: USB2.0, asynchronous
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: DAC <0.003%, Amp <0.005%
- Frequency range: 10 Hz – 48 KHz
- Recommended impedance: 8Ω – 600Ω
- Output Power (per channel): 130 mW @ 32Ω
- Dynamic range: 110 dB @ 24 bit
- Signal-to-noise ratio: DAC >105 dB, amplifier >100 dB
- Output amplitude: 2 Vrms
- Power consumption: <0.5W
- Dimensions: 87 mm × 58.5 mm × 9.6 mm
Headphone amplifier SMSL M3 HIFI 2.0 24bit/192kHz DAC
Google Translate
SMSL M3: small music DAC, listening at home or away, with sample rate. If the presentation intends its seated use, this small DAC with headphone amplifier from the Chinese brand SMSL, even if its size does not allow it to fit in a pocket, can nevertheless be used when carried, as it can work with a single micro USB connection cable. as well as OTG from an Android smartphone. PHILIP DAUSSIN | TEST STANDS | MARCH 14, 2016 react share Qobuz SMSL M3: a small music DAC, listening at home or at a party, indicating the sampling frequency. Like many other Chinese electronics brands, SMSL (Shenzhen shuangmusanlin electronics) is very active and the range of available devices exceeds thirty. We have repeatedly been able to appreciate the sound quality and production of SMSL's achievements such as the beautiful Panda system or the stunning, small and inexpensive M2 cell DAC.
For this test bench, we decided to present, so to speak, the big brother of the above-mentioned model, the M3. The DAC can be connected to a computer or smartphone or Android tablet, and in the latter case directly with an OTG cable, since it has a micro USB port for connection, as well as a second connector possible, the same type allows you to replace another network (for example, POWERBANK or backup powered by batteries) to the 5V power source of the USB communication channel, avoiding removing the battery of the mobile device.
presentation
Discretion, functionality and compactness characterize the presentation of the DAC amplifier with a black SMSL M3 head-to-toe helmet and made entirely of aluminum with a massive 5 mm thickness at the front.
All to the left of the front, a small square button equipped with a white LED is used to turn the power on and off if it maintains pressure for about 3 seconds, while a short press allows you to change the digital input, which is indicated by a small illuminated LED under IN1, IN2 or IN3, and six LEDs next to them indicate the sampling rate. The headphone connection will be on a 6.35 jack located almost in the center of the front and the playback volume is adjusted using a potentiometer located on the right.
The SMSL M3 has three digital inputs, a micro USB compatible with computers and smartphones and tablets running IOS and Android OS, as well as two S/PDIF inputs, one coaxial and one optical. The second micro USB connector serves only the device, knowing that the M3 can only work with a single USB microphone input.
Two Cinch outgoing analog signals fixed level sockets can be connected to the amplifier's auxiliary input.
implementation
With the exception of the command button and the LED mounted on a small card attached to the inside of the cover, all of the electronics components of the SMSL M3 DAC are clustered on the top surface of a single circuit. The electronic control microcontroller is located next to the white connector in the photo. This is model 15W408AS manufactured by TCC.
Visually below, you can see the power section on the right. There is an A1117 3.3 linear regulator providing the 3.3V voltage needed to operate some digital circuits. There is also a TPS61020 switching converter made by Texas Instruments and producing a noticeable 5.5V voltage for amplification.
The USB interface is assigned to the Texas Instruments TAS1020B USB streaming controller compatible with USB Audio Class 1.0, that is, limited to playback of digital music at 24-bit 96 kHz. To the left of it is the LC89091 S/PDIF receiver from On Semiconductor. Switching of I2S bus signals is provided by a 74HC244 circuit.
The I2S bus is then converted to analog signals using a CS4398 Cirrus Logic digital to analog converter (24-bit 192 kHz). The signals are then cleaned by an active filter built around National Semiconductor's LMH6643 op amp and routed to the jack output pin and the volume control will dose them to the headphone amplifier.
This model MAX97220A Maxim Semiconductor has a charge pump that creates a negative voltage from the power supply to the reference signals to 0V, which eliminates the use of coupling capacitors, especially electrochemical patterns on the outputs. This only results in free of any coloration that their use might make and the bass response is not affected (the capacitor and impedance of the headphones form a softening low-pass filter).
listen
Listening Configuration: - Foobar2000 PC with Windows 8 - USB Audio Player Pro Android smartphone - Oppo PM-3 helmet - Active personal achievement of pregnancy
Well, this little DAC provides at least a particularly good sound reproduction, if not very good, clear and crisp, very clean, maybe the light is nothing that the hole of the brass Te Deum shines brightly by Charpentier Le Poème Harmonique and Capella Cracoviensis under the direction of Vincent Dumestre.
This even applies to listening to excerpts from The Marriage of Figaro, which are delivered with grace and plenty of ventilation, with a light streak and a special mention for the female voice and gentle sweetness. Very nice.
With the famous Hotel California from the Orlov album read USB Audio Player Pro Android smartphone and listened to Oppo PM-3 headphones, the M3 DAC offers rich color reproduction, where the introduction of guitar chords is especially affected while the battery is not catastrophic, offering good fishing.
Reads Foobar2000, Title My Sweet Lord of George Harrison's All Things Must Pass album, even then and only then we would have liked a little more spirituality, the brightness returns with guitar to seal the deal and the sweet and pleasant presence of singer and choir.
In conclusion, this small DAC with headphone amplifier provides, at a low price, good sound quality, even if its purpose is to remain permanently from a home installation can be easily carried and operated to improve the mobility of the sound quality of a smartphone or tablet .
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Original
SMSL M3: DAC small music listening at home or at a party, with an indication of the sampling frequency. If the presentation is going to his sedentary use, this little DAC headphone amplifier Chinese brand SMSL, even if its size does not allow him to fit in a pocket, however, can be used for transportation, it can be operated with a single micro- USB connection cable, OTG and an Android smartphone. PHILIP DAUSSIN | Test benches | MARCH 14, 2016 to respond share
Qobuz SMSL M3: DAC small music listening at home or at a party, with an indication of the sampling frequency. Like many other Chinese electronics brands, SMSL (Shenzhen shuangmusanlin electronics) is very active and the range of available devices exceeds thirty. We have repeatedly been able to appreciate the sound quality and production achievements SMSL such as a beautiful Panda system, or stunning, not great and cheap DAC M2 cells.
For this test bed, we decided to present, so to speak, the elder brother the above model, as the model M3. DAC can be connected to a computer or a smartphone or Android tablet, and in the latter case directly to the OTG cable, as it has a micro USB port for connection and the second connector may have the same type can replace another network (eg, POWERBANK or backup battery powered) to the power supply 5V USB communication channel, avoiding to pull the mobile device battery.
presentation
Prudence, functionality and compactness characterize representation DAC amplifier with a black helmet SMSL M3 head to toe and is made entirely of aluminum with a thickness of 5 mm solid front.
Everything to the left of the facade, a small square button is equipped with a white LED is used to turn on and turn off the power, if he keeps the pressure for about 3 seconds, while a short press allows you to change the digital input , which is indicated by a small luminous LED for IN1, IN2 or IN3, and show LED next six sampling frequency with them. Connecting the headphones will be on 6.35 jack, located almost in the center of the front and the playback volume is adjusted with the potentiometer to the right.
SMSL M3 has three digital inputs, micro-USB, compatible with computers and smartphones and tablets running the IOS and Android, as well as two S / PDIF inputs, one coaxial and one optical. The second micro USB connector is only the device, knowing that the M3 can be operated with only one microphone input USB.
Two Cinch outgoing analog signals fixed nest level can be connected to the auxiliary input of the amplifier.
implementation
Except commands and buttons mounted on a small card, attached to the inside lid of the LED, all electronic components DAC SMSL M3 accumulated on the upper surface of the same chain. electronic control microcontroller is located next to the white connector on the photo. This model 15W408AS manufacturer TCC.
Visually below, you can see on the right, the power unit. There is a linear regulator A1117 3.3 providing 3.3 V required for some digital circuits. There is also a switching converter TPS61020 from Texas Instruments and producing voltage 5.5V to significantly strengthen.
The USB interface is assigned to USB Texas Instruments TAS1020B streaming controller compliant with USB Audio Class 1.0, that is, limited playback of digital music at 24-bit 96 kHz. To his left is S/PDIF LC89091 from the receiver to On Semiconductor. Switching I2S bus signals provided 74HC244 circuit.
I2S bus is then converted to analog signals by a digital to analog converter CS4398 Cirrus Logic (24-bit 192 kHz). The signals are then cleaned by an active filter built around operational amplifier LMH6643 National Semiconductor production and directed to an output pin jack and volume control will dispense them to the headphone amplifier.
This model MAX97220A Maxim Semiconductor has a charge pump generates a negative voltage from the power supply at the reference signals to 0V, which eliminates the use of coupling capacitors, especially electrochemical patterns on the outputs. This leads to only free from any color that could make use of and bass response was not affected (or headphones impedance capacitor form a low pass filter softening).
listen
Listening to the configuration: - Foobar2000 PC with Windows 8 - USB Audio Player Pro Android Smartphone - Helmet Oppo PM-3 - Active personal achievement Pregnancy
Well, this little DAC provides, at least, an especially good sound reproduction, if not very good, clear and crisp, very clean, maybe light anything bright shining brass hole Te Deum by Charpentier, Le Poème Harmonique and Capella Cracoviensis under the direction of Vincent Dumestre.
This applies even to listen to excerpts from The Marriage of Figaro, which are delivered with finesse and plenty of ventilation, with light stripes and a special mention for the female voice and a gentle sweetness. Very nice.
With the famous Hotel California from the Eagles album read USB Audio Player Pro Android smartphone and listen with headphones Oppo PM-3, DAC M3 offers a rich color reproduction, where the introduction of guitar chords especially touched until the battery is being catastrophic, offers good fishing.
Following Foobar2000, Title My Sweet Lord album All Things Must Pass by George Harrison, and even then, only if we would like a little more spirituality, the brightness returns to the guitar for the conclusion of agreements and a pleasant and enjoyable by the presence of a singer and the choruses.
In conclusion, this little DAC headphone amplifier provides, at a low price, good quality sound, even if the goal is to stay on a permanent basis with a home installation is easy to carry and work to improve the mobility of the sound quality of your phone or tablet.
Links, www.facebook.com/qobuz
Appearance and Design
The SMSL M2 box is simple, but quite stylish. A small box with black and silver printing hides the M2 itself and a reliable (but inconvenient) USB cable. Plus traditionally guarantee instructions.
The main thing that captivates the M2 is its design. A very compact device, almost the size of a credit card, very small in thickness, made of pleasant rough silver aluminum. There is also a black version, but I, as usual, liked the silver one better, since it looks great next to the MacBook (the main thing is to replace the included cord with something shorter).
The interface of this “DAC” is very simple. On the rear panel there is a Mini-USB input for connecting to a PC, on the front there is a volume control, two outputs and an LED indicator. One of the connectors is intended for headphones, the second serves as a linear and optical S/PDIF output (which is why the LED shines from it all the time). The volume control wheel is flat, the resistor is of fairly good quality, and there is no noise when rotating. The device is powered by USB and is quite dependent on interference in the event of poor power filtering from the computer.
In general, there is reasonable minimalism in the design: connect it to USB, and you can use it right away (however, Windows users will need drivers).
SMSL M3 DAC: a great alternative to the built-in sound card
Today we are going to look at an inexpensive stationary DAC in the entry-level segment: SMSL M3. Its advantages include a full-fledged dedicated DAC from Cirrus Logic, headphone outputs plus linear and three inputs: USB, optical and coaxial. Naturally, there is support for all modern operating systems, both mobile and desktop. But the most attractive thing is, of course, the device’s ability to “drive” headphones up to 300 Ohms.
Characteristics
- DAC: CS4398-CZZ
- Output Level: 1.9 Vrms (108 mW @ 32 Ohms, 24 mW @ 300 Ohms)
- Audio resolution: up to 192 kHz/24 bit (OPT,COAX), up to 96 kHz/24 bit (USB)
- Inputs: MicroUSB, OPT, COAX
- Outputs: linear RCA, headphones
- Power: 2 x MicroUSB
- Dimensions: 95mm x 76mm x 30mm
- Weight: 212 g
- OS: Windows 7,8,10; MACOS; Android, iOS
FIND OUT THE CURRENT PRICE FOR SMSL M3
Video version of the review
Unpacking and packaging
The device arrives in a solid white cardboard box. On top of which the manufacturer outlined the main directions for using the device. This is, of course, a DAC, that is, the functionality of an external sound card, and a headphone amplifier.
The device does not have instructions as such, but on one side of it you can find a description of all the functional elements.
And on the other - the main technical characteristics.
The kit included a warranty card, a short MicroUSB - MicroUSB cable for connecting a smartphone and a long MicroUSB - USB cable for a PC.
Design/Ergonomics
The body of the SMSL M3 DAC is made entirely of metal. It is small in size, weighing only 212 grams, so it can easily fit into a bag for a laptop or tablet.
There is absolutely nothing on the top of it.
Below we find four soft rubberized legs for better contact with the table surface.
On the front there is a button for switching operating modes and two sets of indicator LEDs. With the help of which you can clearly see which input is currently active and what is the frequency of the output signal.
Next comes a 6.3 mm headphone output with an adapter to classic 3.5 mm.
Well, a convenient large volume control completes everything. Its ride is smooth, but without clicks or any other prerogative of the top segment. It is important to note here that the level control is only responsible for the headphone output. The volume on the line output will have to be adjusted using the source system.
The linear RCA output itself is located on the back of the device.
All other elements present here are responsible solely for the input signal. Which can be supplied via the USB bus, through optical and coaxial inputs. Moreover, the second MicroUSB port is intended only for power. The computer, of course, does not require any additional power, but a smartphone or tablet will not connect without power.
I personally did not notice any particular heating during use.
Measurements
I didn’t find drivers for this model on the official website, but they are not needed: in Windows 10 everything was installed automatically for me. Quality available in the settings: 24 bits with a frequency of up to 96 kHz. The manufacturer did not provide any solutions for ASIO support.
Based on measurements of the headphone output (24 bit 96 kHz), everything is basically not bad.
However, the frequency response here is far from ideal and the distortion is at a very average level.
The linear output showed measurements slightly lower in some places.
Although the frequency response here is already in complete order.
Naturally, when operating from a PC there is more noise than from a smartphone. But what is not entirely obvious is that the additional power is also noisy. Not much, but there it is.
A Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface was used for measurements.
Parsing
To disassemble the device you don’t need any special skills: unscrew 4 long screws with a Phillips screwdriver, then 2 small ones with a hex screwdriver.
Everything looks great inside. Here you can also find information about the device revision, mine is 1.4.
An interesting thing to note is the announced CS4398-CZZ DAC.
A set of operational amplifiers and buffers.
USB controller from Texas Instruments - TAS1020B.
And I counted as many as three crystals generating frequency.
Well, I’ll add one more angle for those who want to look at everything in more detail.
Sound
Despite the fact that this is essentially a stationary DAC, its capabilities are at the level of an average player in the budget segment. The frequency response taken at the headphone output alone speaks volumes. Of course, the device has enough exhaust; if desired, it is quite capable of pumping 300 Ohm headphones. So, as a replacement for a computer’s built-in sound card, the solution is very suitable. However, I wouldn’t count on anything more with it, and this applies not only to the headphone output, but also to the main line output. Naturally, you can connect household acoustics to the SMSL M3, but this device will again not be enough for professional monitors.
In terms of sound, we have a typical budget DAC; it plays quite flatly, but is playful and very technical. Listening to this device, I literally cried, not understanding how such beautiful music could be presented in such an ugly way. But this probably plays into the audiophile aesthetics in me. More seriously, the bass here is simple, with normal depth, but without any records in the field of speed and transparency. The female vocals against the background of the double bass sound amazingly simple: no frills of performance or depth for you. I don’t know, but in my opinion even my smartphone is capable of more. However, the strings ring intelligently, and they “ring” and do it really intelligently. So even my ears begin to itch. In general, acoustic instruments play as if it were not live music, but made on a computer using three oscillators per timbre. Everything really sounds so simple.
conclusions
I think you already understand perfectly well that SMSL M3 has nothing to do with audiophilia. If you really consider the DAC as an external sound card to replace the built-in one, then the M3 will give a noticeable increase in this key and will allow you to squeeze out the maximum of their capabilities from your SuperLux and MicroLab. As a portable device, the device is too big in my opinion, but it fits perfectly into a bag for a tablet or laptop. Again, for the domestic needs of an undemanding music lover - why not? Well, to put your mind at ease, it is worth noting the presence of a dedicated CS4398 DAC, a powerful exhaust for headphones and the ability to “start” the device via optics or coaxial.
FIND OUT THE CURRENT PRICE FOR SMSL M3
PS I took measurements on a cleaner source. In total it became better, but the frequency response problem was not corrected.
Sound
The following headphones were mainly used to listen to the player:
- HiFiMan Re600
- Philips Fidelio X1
- Dunu DN-2000
- Lear LUF-4F
- Rhapsodio RTi1
The source was a MacBook Pro Retina Late 2013.
Once again I want to emphasize: it is a pity that SMSL used the MAX chip as an amplifier. Designed for the most inexpensive and power-critical devices, the M2 clearly falls short of the rest of the pack. Therefore, the sound turns out to be a little smoothed out, with a slight emphasis on the low frequencies and somewhat strange behavior of the high frequencies.
Bass is generally good for this price category. It is, of course, inferior to more expensive solutions, but for $65 it is good both in terms of depth and level of elaboration. A slight emphasis on this range generally benefits the overall perception of the sound of the device and adds body and solidity to the presentation.
The mid frequencies do not cause any particular complaints. Normal detailing, elaboration of an imaginary scene and the transfer of emotions are quite at the level of competing solutions.
High frequencies are the most controversial point. The amplifier simply cannot handle them 100% in terms of resolution, and because of this they acquire a synthetic tint, but, however, this is noticeable mainly on expensive headphones. Quantitatively, the HF is quite sufficient for my taste.
The situation changes noticeably if you connect the M2 via a line output and some good external amplifier. The sound is leveled out, becomes more detailed, with normal HF development and fast attack processing, well suited for most headphones under 200 dollars.
Naturally, if you adjust for the price, the shortcomings of the M2 sound are not so critical, because devices that do not have particularly pronounced shortcomings cost several times more.
SMSL SU-8: Hi-End DAC on modern hardware
I'm sure you're already waiting for something quite serious. And now, on my desk, of course, it’s not yet top, but it’s already a very notable Hi-End device: the SMSL SU-8 DAC. Among its advantages, it has RCA and balanced outputs, a bunch of digital inputs, proper power supply and different types of sound colors. In general, it’s a very interesting device, and today we’ll talk about it in detail.
Characteristics
- USB: XMOS xCore200
- DAC: 2 x ESS ES9038Q2M with 32-bit HyperStream II architecture
- Amplifiers: OPA1612
- Output Level: 2.0 Vrms, 4.0 Vrms (XLR)
- Audio resolution: up to 768 kHz/32 bit, DSD512
- Inputs: USB, OPT, COAX
- Outputs: RCA, XLR
- Dimensions: 185mm x 40mm x 125mm
- Weight: 1000 g
- OS: Windows 7,8,10; MACOS;
Video version of the review
Unpacking and packaging
The device arrives in a fairly large box with a list of the main advantages and the Hi-Res certification logo.
Inside there is a warranty card, instruction manual, USB Type B cable and a very short power cord.
Contrary to tradition, this time I recommend looking through the instructions. Here you can find information on resetting the device to factory settings, view filter graphs and become familiar with the remote control.
The remote control itself is made in the best traditions of the SMSL company, including a couple of unused buttons.
It lies comfortably in the hand, and most importantly, it has functionality that simply has no other access.
Design/Ergonomics
The DAC case is compact, but very heavy. The manufacturer claims about 1 kilogram of weight.
It has a matte finish, which is nice because it won't pick up fingerprints.
The upper part of SU-8 is absolutely empty.
At the bottom there are 3 rubberized feet and a power mode switch.
As usual, I was lucky and the case is missing exactly one screw. Although maybe that's how it should be.
On the front we have another Hi-Res certification logo, a small but very bright display and a single function button. The button is made flush with the body, but has a small amount of play.
Its essence comes down to turning the device on and off and switching the active digital input.
Surprisingly, you can get into the settings only by pressing the middle button on the remote control. Further movement occurs by pressing this button again and using the left and right arrows.
In addition to selecting the input, there are 7 digital filters, 9 types of sound color made through the DSP DAC, brightness settings, and also what exactly will be displayed on the screen when the device is operating. There are three options: active input, operating frequency and volume.
The volume here, of course, is digital and is adjustable from 0 to 37 points.
At the rear, the manufacturer placed two outputs (classic RCA and balanced XLR) and three inputs (optical, coaxial and USB). Moreover, they all support native DSD: coaxial and optical up to DSD64, and USB up to DSD512.
By the input to the power cord, you can understand that this time it is implemented directly in the device body.
Software
I didn’t notice any special problems during operation, and the device doesn’t have any noticeable heating either. Any XMOS control panel will do as software; I didn’t even install anything additional.
The software here is standard, of course there is ASIO support. And I strongly recommend listening to the DAC through these drivers.
In Windows 10, not all frequencies are represented, but what is available is already within sight.
Parsing
Everything looks very presentable inside.
As you can see, I have the latest revision, version 1.2, with all the bugs fixed.
The device is easy to open; you just need to unscrew the 4 bottom screws around the perimeter and remove the top cover.
The star of the program is the modern XMOS xCore200 chip.
Next we find two top-end DACs ESS ES9038Q2M with 32-bit HyperStream II architecture.
Well, the manufacturer used the respectable OPA1612 as opamps.
Measurements
Based on measurements, SU-8, in my opinion, fully justifies its Hi-End quality. If anyone doesn’t know, this name was invented by marketers and does not oblige the manufacturer to anything at all. That is, these are devices made to suit the tastes and preferences of “respected people” and they don’t care about all sorts of graphs and measurements. The main thing is that it sounds decent. Well, in fact, this is how it is - the device sounds really cool, but according to the measurements... Well, these are the measurements - nothing special. Of course, we make allowances for the noise of the USB port.
The device also works from a smartphone, but there we get the “comb” already familiar from the previous review. I admit, I tried several brands of phones, installed different versions of the software player, all types of drivers for my audio interface. But no, it’s the hero of our review. Hi-End, such is Hi-End - the rules are not written for him.
All measurements were taken in 24-bit 96 kHz from the RCA output on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface.
Sound
But the sound of the SMSL SU-8, naturally, shows class. Switching different types of digital filters essentially does not change anything, and in the measurements there are not much differences visible.
All the variety of sound colors is also felt somewhere on the verge of placebo. But the graphs show that there is still a difference. Although distinguishing it by ear, even on professional monitors, is a task purely for trained ears.
The overall sound of the DAC is centered, that is, without distortion to the lower or upper part of the range. And, in my opinion, this is the most correct approach to building sound.
The low frequencies are deep and at the same time fast and textured. So the bass guitar, double bass and various electronic tones build the range as correctly and measuredly as possible. Do you want to “stick to” the rail bass? - yes please, everything is literally in full view.
The mid frequencies are a particular delight. Thanks to the well-developed bass, they receive gorgeous physicality and development from their lowest to highest parts. The vocals are slightly softened and at the same time transparent, like spring water. You literally dive into it, forgetting to breathe. String and wind instruments also reveal their high-frequency components. All sorts of echoes, rattles, reverberation elements - everything develops in separate layers. This is usually called layering.
Naturally, there are no restrictions on genres and there cannot be. The stage is constructed competently, the timbres are absolutely realistic. In general, the sound of the SMSL SU-8 is striking, first of all, with its special softness and at the same time purity, detail and depth of the scene. Do you like listening to an orchestra? — The DAC will allow you to get maximum information and in general you can extract everything that is possible from the track. A very good sounding device. From the category: “I want this for myself too.”
conclusions
As a result, the device is certainly a test: everything is done wisely inside, the measurements are more or less, it looks cool, there is an opportunity to play with filters and sound color, there is a remote control, balanced outputs and all kinds of digital inputs. In general, a very good solution for your money. Today the price tag is about 16,000 rubles.
15% discount for new users with promo code UMKAFORNEWUSER.
Compatibility and competitors
The ideal purpose of this device from SMSL is as a companion device for laptop owners who want to get high-quality sound. Here its small size and stylish metal body will come in handy.
It is best to select headphones for the M2 from among the good players in the budget line: VSonic, Soundmagic, Takstar, Creative - this is not a complete list.
The closest competitor to this DAC is the Fiio E10K. The latter offers smoother treble and slightly less emphasis on low frequencies, with slightly worse midrange dynamics. At the same time, the device from Fiio is larger and costs $10 more.
conclusions
Of the three main components: price, appearance with convenience and sound - traditionally you have to choose two. It's obvious that this device puts an emphasis on design and price. As for the sound, it roughly corresponds to the price, that is, of course, it is better than the vast majority of built-in sound chips, but it has a number of disadvantages. To be fair, it is worth noting that devices that do not have such shortcomings are significantly more expensive. So if you're on a budget but want to improve the sound of your laptop, the M2 could be an interesting option for you.
