SMSL DAC
Here at Ear Fidelity, we're conducting another SMSL evaluation. Following our review of the DO300 in March 2023, the release and review of the new SMSL DO300EX came as a surprise due to its quick succession. Interestingly, despite its name, the DO300EX is not a direct successor to the DO300. SMSL opted for the AK4191AK4499EX chip instead of using another ESS DAC chip to enhance performance. Furthermore, unlike the DO300, which was solely a DAC, the SMSL DO300EX incorporates a built-in headphone output. Additionally, the design has undergone a complete transformation, becoming what I would describe as a more intriguing and distinctive style. I'll skip the company introduction, as SMSL is already well-recognized in this field. Let's jump straight into the review.
HiFiMAN Susvara Overview
In brief, the DO300EX is insufficient for powering the Susvara. Its 1W output at 32 Ohms falls short of what the renowned HiFiMAN flagship requires.
This was anticipated, yet a test was still conducted to confirm it.
Meze Elite Overview
In contrast, the Meze Elite thrives with the DO300EX, which provides adequate power for optimal performance. While it may not deliver the Elite's peak sound, it's more than sufficient for under 500.
Connecting the DO300EX to an external headphone amplifier reveals its impressive DAC capabilities, allowing the Elite to truly excel.
This DAC complements high-end headphones like the Meze Elite, ensuring no limitations in your system's performance.
Fir Audio Radon 6 Overview
Exploring a high-end IEM pairing, the DO300EX and Radon 6 unite for exceptional sound quality. With its Kinetic Bass technology, the Radon 6 benefits from the DO300EX's detailed and responsive output.
The SMSL DAC's power is sufficient for this IEM, delivering a high-end auditory experience characterized by detail, richness, and a natural, enjoyable sound.
As noted, the DO300EX excels with IEMs and headphones that are less demanding in terms of power.
For those with dynamic or easily driven planar headphones, along with some IEMs, this device could be a long-term solution.
This top-tier audio DAC chip offers outstanding sound quality, making it a favorite for audiophiles and creators of professional audio gear. It unveils the full richness of music, enabling you to hear every detail with clarity. Experience the peak of AKM's advancements in audio technology!
Let's dive into the highly anticipated sound quality of the DO300EX.
Upon my initial setup, I anticipated a reference-like tuning paired with outstanding technical capabilities, characteristic of the latest flagship AKM chip. My expectations were confirmed!
The latest SMSL DAC presents a remarkably swift, natural, and detailed sound. SMSL continues to redefine the boundaries of budget-friendly audio, delivering a DAC that is remarkably impressive for its price bracket.
Fortunately, the era of neutral, inexpensive devices sounding hollow and lifeless is over. The DO300EX excels in sound performance without any of those limitations. Its precise tuning without any coloration provides an excellent platform for evaluating other audio equipment. Moreover, this makes the DO300EX highly adaptable for various pairings and the music genres you intend to explore.
Bass
The bass is lively, prompt, agile, and full of energy. It's textured, reaches deep frequencies, and maintains control as long as your headphones can handle it. The low frequencies strike a balance without being overwhelming or weak. This type of bass response allows for experimentation with different amplifiers or headphones if you prefer a less neutral sound signature.
For instance, pairing the DO300EX with the Feliks Envy and HiFiMAN Susvara produced a bass that was highly detailed, fast, and of reference standard. It showcased zero sluggishness, was not boomy, and did not encroach on the midrange.
Conversely, using the SMSL HO100 and HiFiMAN HER9 resulted in a more prominent, robust bass that emphasized impact and energy over texture and detail. The HER9 were effectively powered by the SMSL DO300EX, illustrating the amp section's efficiency with suitable headphones.
Midrange
The midrange is exceptionally pristine. It offers transparency, extreme detail, and openness, as expected from a cutting-edge DAC chip.
It performs equally well with both male and female vocals. The midrange is neither overly thick nor thin. SMSL's trademark perfection in tuning is evident once again.
Its airy and detailed delivery provides a natural yet engaging listening experience, especially when paired with similarly tuned headphones, offering unexpected performance from a sub-0 DAC.
Importantly, the midrange of the DO300EX sounds authentic. The instrument timbre is consistently accurate, revealing every subtlety. It excels in both micro and macro dynamics.
Treble
The treble maintains clarity, speed, and precision. It has a substantial presence without sounding harsh or thin, which I find crucial.
The DO300EX delivers a crisp yet polished treble performance, unveiling all the intricate details in recordings.
Don't mistake it for analytical or digital-sounding, as it isn't. The treble is perfectly tuned, delivering an astounding technical performance.
Ultimately, your choice of headphones will determine any preference for a non-neutral sound. The Audeze MM500 provided a proper sound engineering experience, while the Meze Elite offered a more romantic and smooth sound. The DO300EX complements both with its natural yet technically proficient sound.
Soundstage
The soundstage is notably impressive. It's open, airy, and provides excellent separation.
Given SMSL's expertise in natural soundstage performance, this is no surprise. While a new DAC doesn't revolutionize soundstage performance, the DO300EX's soundstage is outstanding.
Your choice of headphones will significantly influence the experience. For a more intimate soundstage, the Rosson Audio RAD-0 is a suitable option. For an expansive soundstage, the Erzetich Charybdis may be the ideal pairing with the DO300EX currently available.
This section is dedicated to crucial comparisons. As mentioned earlier, the name DO300EX might be somewhat deceptive, as I don't view it as a direct successor to the excellent DO300.
Firstly, the DO300EX includes a headphone amplifier, which the DO300 does not possess, making direct comparison impossible in this regard.
Regarding DAC performance, the comparison becomes intriguing. The DO300 offers a warmer sound, with a fuller and smoother quality. In contrast, the DO300EX provides a more neutral and transparent sound profile.
The differences extend beyond this. The DO300EX surpasses the DO300 in technical prowess. It delivers more detail, is faster, more responsive, and dynamic. While the difference isn't massive, given the DO300's status as an excellent DAC, the DO300EX is even more remarkable.
The DO300EX not only raises the bar for what's achievable at this price range but also offers additional features compared to the DO300, particularly the inclusion of the headphone amp. This is all available at a lower cost than the original DO300, achieved within six months of the DO300's release. SMSL is relentless in introducing increasingly impressive devices. Respect.
The comparison is logical since both products are DACs with built-in headphone amplifiers.
It's important to note, however, that the C200 is roughly half the price of the DO300EX, so it's unrealistic to expect the same quality level. Nonetheless, a comparison reveals significant differences.
The C200 is outperformed in every aspect of sound quality. The DO300EX is quicker, more detailed, offers superior resolution, greater clarity, and a more precise tuning.
Whatever the C200 excels at, the DO300EX does better. Its sound profile is more refined and technically superior.
While the C200 remains a great option at around 0, if your budget allows for the DO300EX, it's a significantly better-sounding DAC. Twice the price equates to double the excellence.
The reviewed DO300EX is a latest release from SMSL, promising innovative technology. Let's explore the updates this time.
Firstly, the newly introduced flagship DAC chip, the AK4191AK4499EX, features an impressively low distortion level of 0.00006 at 124dB. It's astonishing that such a premium AKM chip comes with a DAC/Amp priced under 500 dollars. Truly remarkable innovation.
Additionally, the SMSL DO300EX incorporates the new 3rd generation XMOS XU316 with 16 core high-end independent control chips, and it includes 5 OPA1612A. This setup allows for decoding of DSD up to DSD512 and 32-bit/768kHz PCM.
The assessed SMSL DO300EX is also capable of native MQA decoding, but since MQA is largely discontinued, there's no need for further comments.
The device is equipped with built-in Bluetooth functionality, specifically Bluetooth 5.1, enabling wireless music streaming from any phone. It crucially supports LDAC and aptX HD.
SMSL also emphasizes its new power supply design, which is a very low-noise, stabilized power supply. This is claimed to enhance power efficiency while reducing power consumption.
Finally, the headphone amplifier section deserves mention. While the SMSL DO300EX primarily acts as a DAC, the headphone output serves as a supplementary feature. It delivers up to 1W at 32 Ohms, which is insufficient for demanding planar headphones today. However, it will suffice for using efficient headphones or some IEMs.
Things are getting quite intriguing now. The DO300EX features a completely new design approach from SMSL, and I must say, it looks amazing.
Initially, the DO300EX may seem like a typical SMSL device, but that's just a distant impression. Upon closer inspection, it transforms into something entirely distinct.
Firstly, the screen on the front has an appealing asymmetrical accent above it, enhancing the overall design with added depth. The look is modern, sleek, and distinct. Additionally, SMSL refers to the knob as a Retro Knob Design, and the term fits well. It offers excellent tactile feedback when turned, making it easy to grip and operate.
The build quality itself is impeccable. All edges are crafted well with virtually no sharpness to be found. The device feels solid and is constructed entirely of metal. Over the years, SMSL has become associated with good build quality, and the DO300EX elevates this even further. I would even argue that the device feels twice as expensive as it is. Impressive!