SMSL PS200 Review: Why DAC Chips Are NOT Everything

A $90 ESS-based DAC that measures fantastically but illustrates why specs aren't the whole story - it sounds fine, just not exceptional.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.0/10. Price: $89.

What's good

ES9039Q2M chip - high-end ESS DAC at this price

Excellent measurements (0.0001% THD+N, 123dB DR)

PCM 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512

Bluetooth 5.0 + USB-C + Optical + Coax

USB 1.1 / 2.0 switch for compatibility

Latest XMOS XU-316 USB receiver

Compact and pocket-sized

Worth knowing

All-plastic chassis - feels cheap

Single-ended only (RCA outputs)

Sounds slightly closed-in - narrower soundstage

No depth in the staging

Plasticky timbre on strings and brass

USB-C is power only - no internal battery

Light enough to be pulled by cable weight

Read the full SMSL PS200 review on The Audio Stuff