Chifi Super Engineering Upgrade – SMSL C200PRO DAC / Headphone AMP
SMSL C200PRO is a $199 USD DAC / Headphone AMP made for stereo setups, sold and fulfilled by Aoshida, with an ES9039Q2M DAC chip at the core. Today we will review the C200PRO and see how it fits in the rich market of today’s world.
Introduction
Aoshida Audio has always been a huge distributor and shop for Chifi but lately they’ve expanded both extremes, offering even more ultra affordable DAC/AMPs, DACs and headphones, but also more high-end products. The SMSL C200PRO we are reviewing today is more of a middle ground product, not quite the cheapest SMSL makes, but still affordable enough to be great for everyone. Theoretically, this is a professional DAC, with a headphone output, so we will review both outputs and see what it does best.
As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases, and using the purchase links in my reviews helps me maintain this website and Youtube Channel. Huge thanks to Aoshida and SMSL for providing us with the sample for this review.
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/4l1j65S
Official Link – https://aoshida-audio.com/products/smsl-c200pro
Build Quality / Design
Starting with the core of the unit, we have a 3rd generation XMOS XU-316 USB processor and a built-in power supply. This means that C200 PRO is heavier towards the back of the unit, and also that it takes in a cattle power plug, instead of the power supply being on the outside. The design concept was to make it a mini compact desktop amplifier, and include all the inputs and outputs a professional unit would have.
This means that SMSL C200PRO has inputs in the form of
- USB (Type-C)
- Coaxial
- Optical
- Bluetooth (LDAC, aptX-HD, aptX, SBC and AAC support)
- Remote control sensor
And it has outputs in the form of
- 6.35mm SE output
- 4.4mm output
- RCA outputs
- 6.35 dual TRS Balanced output
SMSL includes support for all major platforms including Windows, iOS, MAC OS, Linux, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and more. In USB 1.1 mode, all USB devices will work natively, while USB 2.0 needs a driver installed.
The headphone driving power goes as such, with no mention of whether this is true for the balanced output, SE output, or both. Upon testing, both outputs have the same power, with no audible difference, so 4.4mm is not balanced, but the connector is a standard 4.4mm
- 16Ω: 3W x2;
- 32Ω: 1.5W x2;
- 150Ω: 350mW x2;
- 300Ω: 170mW x2;
- 600Ω: 85mW x2
The most interesting output is the dual TRS output at the back, which is more often found on studio equipment. Quite unusual though, that output has a 5Vrms output, while RCA has 2.5Vrms, both of which are a bit higher than most outputs, which is 2Vrms and 4Vrms. At the core, SMSLC200PRO also has a professional DAC, namely the ESS ES9039Q2M DAC.
USB DAC / Subjective Usage
For the first time in years, I had to install a driver to really make the thing work and C200PRO is not currently detected on USB 1.1 without the driver installed on windows. Curiously, this might be an issue with my machine, because it works just fine on Android and other platforms. Coaxial and Optical will always work regardless of drivers.
The unit is lightweight, almost portable, it does not get hot or even warm during usage. Sonically it sounds very similar when used via the RCA, TRS outputs or the headphone outputs at the front, which indicates that filtering for Line Out is done really late in the audio chain.
A short sync test reveals that C 200 PRO does not suffer from any kind of audible USB DAC delay, it is perfect for playing games, real-time content and enjoying your favorite live music festivals right from the comfort of your armchair. Remote control is super nice, works perfectly, it is pleasing to use and enjoy DAC / AMP.
Sound Quality
Pairings and Match-up – To test the new SMSL C200 PRO, I have paired it with both IEMs and Full-Sized Headphones, and for the IEM list I have used Tin HIFI P1 MAx II, Simgot EM10, ZiiGaat Arcadia, and Soundz Flame. The headphone list includes Palma DHS-1, Audeze MM-100, Erzetich Mania V2024, Crosszone CZ-8a Enhanced.
SMSL C200PRO has more than enough power to drive some rather hard to drive headphones, but it is really quiet up to volume 80, after which each increment almost doubles the loudness, which is a really odd loudness saturation gradient. Most likely, this was done intentionally to give you both a lot of volume control at lower volumes, but also high maximum loudness. It does not have a highly audible background noise level, which is super nice.
Overall Signature – SMSL always goes for the same house signature, soft, somewhat mid centric, with a silky, smoother treble and I always try to deny myself that this is what I’m hearing so I spend a lot of time doing ABX testing with their products. SMSL C200 PRO sounds in the same fashion as the other SMSL products we’ve reviewed, but revised, more dynamic, more punchy, more vivid, more colorful, it has a rich sound in the midrange, a more dry and solid attack, better imaging, much better instrument separation and a cleaner overall sound than let’s say C200. In fact, C200PRO is almost as enjoyable and fun, as detailed and punchy as DO400, it has a lively, engaging sound, but the characteristic neutral bass and softer treble of the C200 is also a characteristic of the C200PRO.
Bass – SMSL C200PRO starts neutral at the bottom, and compared to most sources, it has one of the most neutral bass presentations you will hear, softer, lower impact, controlled, and neutral. It does have a slightly slower decay, to give music a bit of body, but overall it just feels neutral and does not have an enhanced bass. There is no EQ and tuning option, and digital filters available will not change the neutral bass with a warmer signature.
Midrange – Magic happens in the midrange, where SMSL gave C200 PRO a much more vivid, more detailed and richer sound than they designed for the original C200. Even compared to DO400, C200PRO sounds richer, more musically coherent, has a better resolution, and feels more vivid / lively. I enjoy this signature a lot because it is tighter, has a higher amount of impact, it reveals information better for rock and metal, gives music a stronger contrast and just generally makes everything more enjoyable.
Treble – To top things off, SMSL also gave C200PRO a stronger treble than that of the C200, as the PRO version has a more brilliant, sharper, more airy treble. There’s a strong sense of space and sharpness in the sound, and in songs like Lorna Shore – To the Hellfire, you can actually hear the cymbal crashes, which makes it very engaging and enthusiastic. In fact, even the bass is not more evident, music has better contrast, more color, and more life. To be fair, once it opens up and after you listen to it for a while, C200 PRO feels a bit bright.
Dynamics / PRaT / Textures – SMSL gave their C200PRO a much more revealing signature, every impact is more acute, sound has better separation, layering and imaging, which means a more dry texture. Everything is better if you enjoy an analytical sound, and C200 PRO sounds more professional, reveals more information, much better than the original C200 which had a more vague, musical but not revealing sound.
Loudness Saturation Gradient – SMSL C200 PRO has one of the weirdest loudness saturation gradients out there. It does not lose control and does not have a higher distortion at louder volumes, at least not significantly so, but volume below level 80 grows loud extremely slowly, you feel like you fight for every half decibel, but above level 80, the volume doubles with almost every step. Signature is consistent across the volume, and so is resolution.
Soundstage – SMSL C200PRO really sounds better layered and defined, and while most SMSL products usually sound a bit intimate, C200PRO sounds rather wide, holographic and separation is top-notch. The same can be said about the instrument separation in general, C200 PRO reveals everything quite well.
Value and Conclusion
SMSL C200 PRO is a significant upgrade over the original C200, was launched at a lower price, and represents an exceptional value. We still do not have true balanced outputs, but we have the port itself, and that is what matters. Maximum driving power is plenty, noise is low, and resolution is plenty for the price point, it is an excellent package for the price paid.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a DAC with a neutral bass, but a fairly bright treble, natural and rich midrange, with a slightly mid centric sound, if you want outstanding support for your purchase, SMSL C200 PRO from Aoshida audio is an excellent purchase.
PROs
- Small footprint
- Does not get warm during usage
- Excellent USB performance, no delay
- High resolution, good layering and imaging
- Natural soundstage
- Natural voicing with a neutral bass
- Bright and sharp treble
- Excellent value
Cons
- No true balanced output, just the output, but it is the same power as the 6.3mm SE output
- Needs drivers to work well on my PC
- No XLR outputs, TRS 6.35mm line out is unusual, although welcome for studio usage
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/4l1j65S
Official Link – https://aoshida-audio.com/products/smsl-c200pro
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Full Playlist used for this review
We listened to more songs than those named in this playlist, but those are excellent for identifying a sonic signature. I recommend trying most of the songs from this playlist, especially if you’re searching for new music! The playlists are different for Spotify, Tidal and Youtube, and based on the songs I enjoy and are available on each!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_cjBXGmwSHSdGcwuc_bKbBDGHL4QvYBu
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5J3oloz8Riy9LxEGenOjQ0?si=979ba4f082414be7
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/330fd544-8e5b-4839-bd35-676b2edbb3d5
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