S.M.S.L
SMSL DS100 MQA CS43131 Headphone Ampifier and DAC
SMSL DS100 MQA CS43131 Headphone Ampifier and DAC
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SMSL DS100 MQA CS43131 Headphone Amplifier and DAC Review
Today, we review the SMSL DS100, an entry-level MQA-capable headphone amplifier and DAC using the Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chip. It is priced at $89.99 USD.
SMSL is well-known for producing a wide range of audiophile products, including amplifiers and DACs such as the HO100 and the DO100, and higher-end DAC AMP combo units like the SH-9 Pro and the M500 MKII.
Their latest release, the DS100, is likely their most affordable stand-alone headphone amplifier and DAC that we have reviewed to date, priced at just $90.
Using the Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chip, while integrating MQA and MQA-CD decoding support, the DS100 certainly has an interesting value proposition. Let's see if this compact device has what it takes to stand out in its category.
Features
- Support MQA decoding, support MQA-CD
- Cirrus Logic's latest audio decoder chip CS43131, with carefully designed circuitry to achieve a performance of 0.00017% (-115dB) distortion
- New third generation XMOS XU-316, PCM support up to 32bit/768kHz, DSD support up to DSD256
- Input ports all support MQA and DSD, coaxial and optical support DoP64
- Dedicated clock processing circuit for audio, greatly reducing clock jitter
- Built-in high-efficiency power supply chip to provide sufficient energy for the decoder, and the use of multiple low-noise LDO power supplies
- Equipped with 6.35mm, 4.4mm balanced headphone output
- High-quality gold-plated input and output connection terminals
- All aluminium alloy CNC precision machined chassis to effectively reduce interference
- Japan Audio Society (JAS) Hi-Res certification
Controls
The DS100 features a straightforward and intuitive control system, designed to be user-friendly. The front panel is equipped with a single knob that serves multiple functions: power switch and input selector. Holding the knob will turn the device on or off, while a brief press will cycle through the available input sources.
The slight indentation of the knob, along with the source indicator LEDs, makes the unit easy to use even in low-light conditions. The LEDs provide clear visual feedback on the active input, making it simple to switch between different sources.
