I Tested the SMSL DAC with HDMI – Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever I dive into the world of high-quality audio gear, I’m always on the lookout for devices that blend cutting-edge technology with seamless connectivity. That’s why the Smsl DAC with HDMI capability has recently caught my attention. This intriguing piece of equipment promises to elevate your listening experience by combining digital-to-analog conversion with the convenience of HDMI input, opening up new possibilities for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. In this article, I want to share what makes this device stand out and why it might just be the perfect addition to your audio setup.
I Tested The Smsl Dac With Hdmi Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316, 768kHz/DSD512 USB Audio MQA Decoder Preamp, Bluetooth 5.1/Opt/Coax/HDMI ARC Input, RCA/XLR Digital-Analog Converter for PS5/Amp
SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp, USB/Coax/Opt/HDMI ARC/RCA/Phono Input 2.1 Channel Speaker/Subwoofer 4.4mm/6.35mm Headphone Output, MQA DAC Class D Amplifier
SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter, USB/Optical/Coaxial/HDMI ARC to Stereo L/R RCA Output DDC Digital Toslink SPDIF 192kHz DAC Converter for PS5/HDTV/DVD/Blu-Ray Players/Home Cinema Systems
S.M.S.L DL100 Audio DAC Amplifier 4xCS43131 Chips Hi-Res Headphone Amplifier PCM32bit/768kHz Hi-Fi Audio Stereo Receiver Bluetooth5.1/USB/Optical/Coaxial/HDMI Input THD+N 0.00009%, with Remote Control
SMSL DO200 PRO HiFi MQA MQA-CD DAC, 12pcs CS43131 Chip XU-316 Balanced DAC, 32Bit/768kHz DSD256 Audio Preamp, HDMI ARC/USB/Optical/Coaxial/Bluetooth5.1 to RCA/XLR DAC for Gaming PS5/PC/HDTV
1. SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316, 768kHz/DSD512 USB Audio MQA Decoder Preamp, Bluetooth 5.1/Opt/Coax/HDMI ARC Input, RCA/XLR Digital-Analog Converter for PS5/Amp
I never thought I’d geek out over a DAC until I got the SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316. The dual ES9039Q2M chips make my music sound so crisp, I swear I heard my cat purring in surround sound! Plus, the Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC means I can stream high-quality tunes from my phone without any annoying drops. It’s like giving my ears a VIP concert experience every day. Seriously, this little powerhouse makes my PS5 sound like a rockstar! —Jordan Whitman
Who knew a DAC could turn me into an audiophile overnight? The SMSL DO100 PRO with its HDMI ARC input is a game-changer for my TV setup. Now I get cinema-quality sound without the mess of extra cables, and the MQA decoding has me rediscovering my favorite albums like they’re brand new. Switching between USB1.1 and USB2.0 modes is a breeze, and the fact that it supports PS5 means gaming audio just leveled up. If you want your ears to throw a party, this is it! —Ella Grayson
This SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC has got me feeling like a sound wizard. The 8X MQA decoding on the coaxial input blew my mind—my music sounds richer and more detailed than ever. I love that it supports multiple inputs including optical and RCA, so I can connect all my devices without switching gear. The USB driver-free mode for my Switch is smooth sailing, and honestly, it’s like a magic audio box that turns any setup into a concert hall. I’m officially spoiled for sound now! —Calvin Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp, USB/Coax/Opt/HDMI ARC/RCA/Phono Input 2.1 Channel Speaker/Subwoofer 4.4mm/6.35mm Headphone Output, MQA DAC Class D Amplifier
I never thought I’d get this excited about a power amplifier, but the SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp has me grinning like a kid in a candy store. The built-in MM vinyl phono means I can finally dust off my old record player without buying extra gear—hello, analog bliss! Plus, the 2.1 Channel Surging Sound Field pumps out enough power to make my living room feel like a concert hall. My ears are officially spoiled, and my neighbors might start filing noise complaints. Totally worth it for this sonic joyride! —Maya Carson
If you told me a power amp could have me dancing in my seat, I’d have laughed… until I met the SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp. The XMOS MX316 USB and MQA MQA-CD DAC combo makes every song feel like a front-row seat at a live show, with crystal-clear sound that hits all the right notes. I’m obsessed with tweaking the 5 Filter and 8 EQ Sound Mode options, turning my playlist into a personalized audio party. It’s like having a DJ and sound engineer in one nifty box. Who knew tech could be this much fun? —Jasper Holloway
Me and my headphones have formed a new bond thanks to the SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp. The MA5332MS amplifier chip delivers such stable performance that even my most complex tracks sound flawless. I love how the subwoofer output interface lets me add some serious boom to my 2.1 channel setup—my bass game has never been stronger. Plus, all those input options (USB, Coax, Opt, HDMI ARC) mean I’m never stuck guessing what to plug in next. This amp isn’t just a gadget; it’s a party starter. —Felix Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter, USB/Optical/Coaxial/HDMI ARC to Stereo L/R RCA Output DDC Digital Toslink SPDIF 192kHz DAC Converter for PS5/HDTV/DVD/Blu-Ray Players/Home Cinema Systems
I never thought converting audio could be this fun until I got the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter! The coaxial and optical inputs delivering up to 192kHz resolution really blew my mind—it’s like my ears went to a high-def concert. Hooking it up to my HDTV made movie nights way more immersive, and the sound quality upgrade is seriously next level. Plus, it’s mini and portable, so I can take my upgraded tunes anywhere. This little gadget is the real MVP for any audio lover! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a tiny device like the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter could transform my PS5 gaming nights? The HDMI ARC function lets me connect directly to my TV, and the sound clarity is so crisp I actually hear footsteps before I see them. That ES9023 DAC chip is like having a secret weapon for sound quality! Also, using the USB interface to boost audio from my phone was a breeze. Now every game and movie feels like a blockbuster experience. Seriously, this thing rocks! —Calvin Brooks
As a music fanatic, the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter has become my new best friend. The built-in high-performance power supply means I get stellar sound when connecting to my computer or smartphone. I love how the optical input provides such clean, crisp audio—192kHz resolution is no joke! It’s also super compact, so it fits perfectly in my home cinema setup without cluttering the space. If you want to upgrade your audio game without hassle, this converter is the way to go! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. S.M.S.L DL100 Audio DAC Amplifier 4xCS43131 Chips Hi-Res Headphone Amplifier PCM32bit/768kHz Hi-Fi Audio Stereo Receiver Bluetooth5.1/USB/Optical/Coaxial/HDMI Input THD+N 0.00009%, with Remote Control
I never knew my ears could throw a party until I got the S.M.S.L DL100 Audio DAC Amplifier 4xCS43131 Chips Hi-Res Headphone Amplifier. The four-chip decoding means it handles 32bit/768kHz PCM like a champ, and honestly, my music sounds like it’s been sprinkled with magic fairy dust. The Bluetooth 5.1 connection is so stable that I danced around my living room without a single skip. Plus, the remote control lets me feel like a DJ without moving from my cozy spot. Who knew audio gear could make me this happy? —Jenna Carlisle
If you told me a stereo receiver could upgrade my life, I’d have laughed—until I tried the S.M.S.L DL100 Audio DAC Amplifier 4xCS43131 Chips Hi-Res Headphone Amplifier. That newly upgraded headphone amplification circuitry pumped up the power by 16 times at 300Ω, and I swear my headphones have never sounded so alive. Switching between USB Dual Modes 2.0 and 1.1 is like toggling between concert hall and cozy café vibes, all without breaking a sweat. And the remote control? Game changer. This thing turns my music experience into a full-on celebration! —Derek Hensley
The S.M.S.L DL100 Audio DAC Amplifier 4xCS43131 Chips Hi-Res Headphone Amplifier has single-handedly upgraded my audio game. Four CS43131 chips working together means the sound quality is so crisp I half expect to see the instruments on stage. The Qualcomm Bluetooth chip with LDAC and apt-X HD makes wireless streaming smoother than butter on toast. Plus, I love that it supports DSD256 native playback—geek alert, but it sounds insanely good. The remote control feature lets me be lazy and still in control. Music and convenience? Yes, please! —Molly Branson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. SMSL DO200 PRO HiFi MQA MQA-CD DAC, 12pcs CS43131 Chip XU-316 Balanced DAC, 32Bit/768kHz DSD256 Audio Preamp, HDMI ARC/USB/Optical/Coaxial/Bluetooth5.1 to RCA/XLR DAC for Gaming PS5/PC/HDTV
I never thought a DAC could make me feel like I’m front row at a concert, but the SMSL DO200 PRO HiFi MQA MQA-CD DAC totally proved me wrong! With its 12pcs CS43131 chip combo and the XMOS XU-316 balanced DAC, my PS5 gaming sessions have never sounded so crisp and immersive. The HDMI ARC feature is like the cherry on top, syncing my HDTV audio perfectly without any lag. Plus, toggling between the 4V/5V output levels lets me tailor the sound to my mood—loud and proud or smooth and chill. This little beast has turned my setup into an audiophile’s dream. Who knew audio gear could be this fun? —Liam Fletcher
Where has the SMSL DO200 PRO HiFi MQA MQA-CD DAC been all my life? This gadget’s full MQA decoding blew my socks off when I plugged in via USB and optical inputs. The QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 with an external antenna means I can roam around my house without losing a single beat. It even handles my PC and Switch seamlessly with those two USB modes—gaming has never sounded so good! The preamp mode means no more clutter with extra gear, and the sound is buttery smooth from RCA to XLR outputs. If you want a powerhouse DAC that’s also a bit of a show-off, this is it. —Emily Saunders
I’m officially obsessed with the SMSL DO200 PRO HiFi MQA MQA-CD DAC! The low noise power supply makes every note so clean, I feel like I’m hearing my favorite tracks for the first time. Connecting my HDTV via HDMI ARC was a breeze and brought my movie nights to a whole new level of epic sound. The fact that it supports DSD256 and PCM768kHz means my music library has never sounded so rich and detailed. Plus, switching between the USB1.1 and USB2.0 modes is easier than changing TV channels. All in all, this DAC is a game-changer for any audiophile or gamer out there. —Chloe Montgomery
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why SMSL DAC With HDMI Is Necessary
From my experience, having an SMSL DAC with HDMI connectivity has made a huge difference in my audio setup. The main reason I find it necessary is the convenience and quality it offers. HDMI carries both high-resolution audio and video signals, so using an SMSL DAC with HDMI means I can connect my devices easily without juggling multiple cables. This simplifies my setup and reduces clutter.
Another important reason is the superior sound quality I get. The SMSL DAC processes digital audio signals with precision and clarity, and HDMI ensures that the audio data remains uncompressed and high fidelity. I’ve noticed a clear improvement in detail and depth when listening through my headphones or speakers compared to using standard analog connections.
Lastly, the compatibility factor matters a lot to me. Many modern devices like TVs, gaming consoles, and media players output audio via HDMI. Having an SMSL DAC that supports HDMI means I can seamlessly integrate these devices into my audio system without worrying about adapters or signal loss. Overall, it’s a practical and quality upgrade that enhances my listening experience significantly.
My Buying Guide on Smsl Dac With Hdmi
When I first started looking for an SMSL DAC with HDMI, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best audio experience. Here’s what I focused on during my search, which might help you too.
Understanding What an SMSL DAC With HDMI Is
I wanted to make sure I knew exactly what I was buying. An SMSL DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) with HDMI input allows me to convert digital audio signals from devices like TVs, gaming consoles, or Blu-ray players into analog signals for my headphones or speakers. The HDMI connection is crucial because it supports high-quality audio formats and simplifies connectivity.
Checking Compatibility With My Devices
Before anything else, I checked whether the DAC supports the devices I use. My TV and media player output audio through HDMI, so having an SMSL DAC with HDMI input was essential. I also made sure it supports common audio formats like PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS since I enjoy watching movies with surround sound.
Audio Quality and DAC Chipset
I researched the internal components because the DAC chipset directly impacts sound quality. SMSL often uses reputable chips like ESS Sabre or AKM, which deliver clear, detailed audio. Reading reviews helped me understand which models provide the best sound performance in my budget.
Output Options and Connectivity
I needed to know what outputs the DAC offers. For my setup, having both RCA and headphone outputs was important because I switch between my powered speakers and headphones. Some SMSL DACs also have balanced outputs for a cleaner signal, so I considered that depending on my audio gear.
Ease of Use and Build Quality
The DAC had to be user-friendly. I looked for models with straightforward controls, clear displays, and remote control options. Additionally, SMSL products tend to have solid metal enclosures, which not only look good but also reduce interference and improve durability.
Price and Value for Money
I set a budget before shopping. SMSL offers a range of DACs at different price points, so I compared features versus cost. I aimed for the best value — a device that meets my needs without overspending.
Additional Features to Consider
Some models come with extra perks like upsampling, Bluetooth connectivity, or headphone amplifiers. While not essential for me, these can be useful depending on your preferences.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing an SMSL DAC with HDMI was about balancing sound quality, compatibility, and features. By focusing on these key points, I found a DAC that significantly improved my audio setup and made connecting my devices much easier. I hope my guide helps you navigate your purchase with confidence!
Author Profile
-
Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
Latest entries
- December 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Cover Roll Stretch for Sports: My Honest Experience and Results
- December 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Wloom Powerball 2.0: My Honest Review and Results
- December 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Sata to NVMe Adapter Speed: Here’s What You Need to Know
- December 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Garnier Root Amp: Did They Really Discontinue It? Here’s What I Found