SMSL DL100 vs SMSL DO100 PRO
On score and price SMSL DL100 Higher score than the DO100 PRO, at a similar list price.
The SMSL DL100 scores 0.2 higher at about the same price as the DO100 PRO. The DL100's review praises its measured noise and value and the DO100 PRO's its circuit design, each on ground the other review leaves alone.
By Jakub Charkiewicz Published Updated
When to choose the DO100 PRO over the DL100In the reviewer's words
The DL100 review mentions the DO100 PRO in passing, verbatim below.
The chassis is fully metal, made out of bent aluminum sheet. It's not super thick, but it's also not as thin as on the DO100 PRO - one of their products I recently had a chance to review.
Which one to buy
On score and price the DL100 is the better buy, and the cards below say who should still choose the DO100 PRO.
| At a glance | SMSL DL100 | SMSL DO100 PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 8.2/10, Recommended | 8.0/10, Recommended |
| List price | $179 | $219 |
| Lowest US price now | $152.99 at Apos Audio on Nov 6, 2026 | not tracked at US stores |
SMSL DL100
Choose it if:
- You want the DL100's measured noise and value, which its review praises and the DO100 PRO review does not cover.
SMSL DO100 PRO
Choose it instead if:
- You want the DO100 PRO's circuit design, which its review praises and the DL100 review does not cover.
What matters most to you?
| What matters | SMSL DL100 | SMSL DO100 PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | 8.0 | 7.9 |
| Technical performance | 8.0 | 7.7 |
| Build & comfort | 8.2 | 8.1 |
| System fit | 8.4 | 8.5 |
| Value | 8.8 | 8.2 |
The widest gap is value: 8.8 for the DL100 against 8.2 for the DO100 PRO. The DL100 column is worked out from its review's 13 pros and cons and the DO100 PRO column from 13, and each adds back up to its overall score, 8.2 and 8.0. How a score is built
Where they differ
No topics the DL100 and DO100 PRO reviews both discuss, the most decisive first.
Only the DL100
Only the DO100 PRO
Only the DL100 review praises its measured noise and value but faults its mids, system matching, and bass; only the DO100 PRO review praises its circuit design but faults its soundstage and tonal balance and is mixed on its build.
What they have in common
The DL100 is a DAC/amp and the DO100 PRO a DAC, both from SMSL, and both have a USB input, an optical input, a coaxial input, an HDMI ARC input, Bluetooth, RCA outputs, balanced XLR outputs, MQA decoding, native DSD, and a front display. The DL100 and the DO100 PRO are both praised for their connectivity and features, and both criticized for their detail.
Sound signature, overlaid
Only the DO100 PRO review describes the sound on these axes (tonal balance and presentation); the DL100 review does not, so the marks place the DO100 PRO alone.
On paper
The DL100 ranks joint #2 and the DO100 PRO joint #4 of the 8 DACs reviewed here; on value the DL100 rates Excellent and the DO100 PRO Strong.
The DL100 and DO100 PRO figures are the makers' own; AES17 defines how they are measured.
| Spec | SMSL DL100 | SMSL DO100 PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 4× Cirrus Logic DAC + XMOS - PCM 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD256, MQA | Dual ESS DAC + 6× OPA1612, XMOS - PCM 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD512, MQA |
| Inputs | USB-C, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Optical, Coaxial | USB-C, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical, Coaxial |
| Outputs | Balanced XLR, RCA, 4.4 mm (HP), 6.35 mm (HP) | RCA, Balanced XLR |
Only the DL100 review lists power output, THD+N, and output level; only the DO100 PRO review lists weight.
How these verdicts were reached
The DO100 PRO review was published on Jun 9, 2024 and the DL100 review on Aug 5, 2024, 2 months later, on one reference chain and rubric. The DL100 review mentions the DO100 PRO in passing, quoted above. The DL100 and DO100 PRO reviews were both last checked on Oct 3, 2026.
Sources
Further reading for the DL100 and the DO100 PRO: what both reviews say about MQA and DSD.
Questions about the DL100 and DO100 PRO
What is the difference between the SMSL DL100 and the SMSL DO100 PRO?
On score, the SMSL DL100 is ahead of the DO100 PRO, 8.2 against 8.0. The DL100's review praises its measured noise and value and the DO100 PRO's its circuit design, each on ground the other review leaves alone.
Which should you buy, the SMSL DL100 or the SMSL DO100 PRO?
The DL100, which scores 8.2 to the DO100 PRO's 8.0 for about the same money. Choose the DO100 PRO instead if its circuit design is what you are buying for.
Where they rank
In Best DACs the DL100 ranks #3 and the DO100 PRO #5.
Related comparisons
Nearby DAC matchups without the DL100 or the DO100 PRO.
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