Compact converter and headphone amplifier using the ESS ES9081 chip and an XMOS XU-316 USB interface. RCA line output plus 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm unbalanced headphone sockets, PCM to 768kHz, native DSD512 and full MQA decoding on every digital input. Brand new, boxed, full manufacturer warranty. The SMSL D100 is a compact converter with a balanced headphone amplifier built in. At 127mm wide and 338g it suits a desk, a small study system or travel use, and it is a practical upgrade from the headphone socket on a laptop or phone. This is brand new stock, supplied boxed with the full manufacturer warranty by Dreamcrest Audio as an authorised SMSL dealer. What it does The D100 takes a digital signal over USB, optical or coaxial and converts it to analogue using the ESS ES9081 chip, with an XMOS XU-316 asynchronous USB interface handling the computer connection. Full MQA decoding is available on all three digital inputs. From there, the fixed RCA line output feeds an amplifier or active speakers, or headphones go into the 4.4mm balanced or 6.35mm unbalanced socket. A separate 5V auxiliary power input lets the unit be powered independently, which helps when a phone or tablet would otherwise carry the load. How it sounds and where it fits This is a clean and quiet converter rather than a warm one, with a stated 129dB signal to noise ratio on the RCA output. It suits earphones and efficient headphones very well, and it will drive a 300 ohm pair at 50mW per channel, which is enough for casual listening rather than serious volume with insensitive designs. In a system it fits neatly between a laptop and a pair of active monitors, or between a television and a compact amplifier through the optical input. If you need more headphone power, step up to the DL400. If you need only a line output, the D1 is the simpler option. Key features ESS ES9081 converter chip with an XMOS XU-316 asynchronous USB interface Full MQA decoding on USB, optical and coaxial inputs Balanced 4.4mm and unbalanced 6.35mm headphone outputs RCA line output at 2Vrms for an amplifier or active speakers Dedicated 5V auxiliary power input to avoid draining a connected phone or tablet CNC machined aluminium chassis, 338g, with Hi-Res certification Technical specifications Inputs: USB, optical, coaxial Outputs: RCA line, 6.35mm unbalanced headphone, 4.4mm balanced headphone Line output level: 2Vrms Headphone output power: 350mW x 2 at 16 ohms, 400mW x 2 at 32 ohms, 105mW x 2 at 150 ohms, 50mW x 2 at 300 ohms, 26mW x 2 at 600 ohms THD+N: 0.00035% RCA, 0.00055% unbalanced headphone, 0.000621% balanced headphone Signal to noise ratio: 129dB RCA, 116dB unbalanced headphone, 117dB balanced headphone Sample rates: USB PCM 44.1kHz to 768kHz, USB DSD to 22.5792MHz, optical and coaxial PCM to 24-bit 192kHz Power consumption: under 5W, standby under 1.6W Dimensions: 127 x 31.7 x 126.7 mm. Weight: 338g Frequently asked questions Will it drive 300 ohm headphones? It provides 50mW per channel into 300 ohms, which suits relaxed listening. For high impedance headphones at higher levels, consider the DL400 or the VMV P2 MKII. Can I use it with a phone or tablet? Yes. It works over USB, and the separate 5V auxiliary input lets you power the D100 independently so the phone battery is not drained. Does it decode MQA? Yes. Full MQA decoding is available on the USB, optical and coaxial inputs. If you would like help deciding between the D100 and the DL400, use the enquiry button on this page.
Dreamcrest Audio Fidelity Ltd, Nicosia. Specialist hi-fi and high end audio, 20+ years in the audio business. Full details and photos: https://www.dreamcrestaudio.com/product/smsl-d100-balanced-dac-headphone-amplifier-black-brand-new/
