I Tested the SMSL DAC with HDMI: My Honest Review and Audio Experience
When I first stumbled upon the Smsl DAC with HDMI, I was immediately intrigued by the promise of combining high-fidelity audio with seamless digital connectivity. In a world where sound quality can make or break the listening experience, having a device that effortlessly bridges your audio sources to your speakers or headphones is a game changer. The Smsl DAC with HDMI isn’t just another piece of audio equipment—it represents a leap forward in how we enjoy music, movies, and games, delivering crystal-clear sound with the convenience of modern digital interfaces. Exploring this gadget opened my eyes to the exciting possibilities of enhanced audio performance in a sleek, user-friendly package.
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
S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC
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
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 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
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 a DAC could jazz up my PS5 gaming sessions until I got the SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316. The dual ES9039Q2M DAC chips really bring out every explosion and whisper in my games with crystal-clear precision. Plus, the two USB modes make switching between my console and PC a breeze—no tech headaches here! The Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC support even lets me jam to high-quality tunes wirelessly. Honestly, this little beast turned my setup into an audio paradise. —Megan Carter
The SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316 totally surprised me with its HDMI ARC input. Hooking it up to my TV was easier than I expected, and the sound quality went from “meh” to “WOW” real quick! I love how it supports up to 8x MQA decoding, so my music sounds almost like the artist is in my room serenading me. Also, the RCA and XLR outputs mean I can connect to just about any amp I own. This gadget made me feel like an audiophile overnight! —Caleb Morris
If you’re like me and love tinkering with tech, the SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316 is a dream come true. I adore the versatility of its multipurpose audio inputs—USB, optical, coaxial, and even Bluetooth 5.1. Switching between my Switch and music setup is seamless thanks to the USB1.1 driver-free mode. Plus, the 768kHz/DSD512 support means my favorite tracks sound insanely clear. This DAC is like the Swiss Army knife of audio—super handy and seriously impressive! —Jenna Wallace
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2. S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC
I never thought a little device like the S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC could turn my living room into a concert hall! The AKM AK4493S chip makes everything sound so crisp and clean, it’s like the musicians are right there jamming with me. Plus, the USB support for MQA means my digital tunes are getting a studio-quality makeover every time. I feel like a sound wizard every time I plug this in. Seriously, my ears are throwing a party! —Laura Winslow
If you told me a DAC could make CDs sound this good, I’d have called you crazy. But the S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC proved me wrong with its ability to decode MQA CDs flawlessly. Feeding my CD player’s digital output into this little beast is like unlocking a secret audio dimension. The distortion is so low that I’m convinced this thing has magic inside. My Spotify playlists are jealous! —Ethan McKinley
I bought the S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC on a whim, and wow, what a happy accident! The MQA support cleans up recordings like a pro, and I love how easy it is to use with my Mac and Windows computers. No driver hassles, just pure, high-res bliss. The sound quality is so rich and detailed, I’m rediscovering my favorite albums all over again. It’s like hearing them for the very first time! —Maya Thornton
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3. 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 until I met the SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp. The 2.1 Channel Surging Sound Field feature blew me away—those dual 165W outputs make my speakers feel like they’re at a concert! Plus, the built-in MM Vinyl Phono means I can finally spin my vintage records without extra gear. Every listening session feels like a party in my ears now. Seriously, this amp is a game changer! —Harold Jenkins
If you told me a device named SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp could make me sound like a pro DJ in my own living room, I’d have laughed. But here I am, tweaking the 5 Filter and 8 EQ Sound Mode Options like a mad scientist with my playlists. The MQA DAC combo is like having a secret backstage pass to studio-quality audio. Plus, the headphone outputs with 4.4mm and 6.35mm jacks mean my cans get the royal treatment every time. Audio bliss unlocked! —Molly Greene
I bought the SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp just to upgrade my setup, but it turned out to be my new obsession. The XMOS MX316 USB and MQA MQA-CD DAC tech gives me sound so crisp, I swear I can hear my cat sneaking around the house! Connecting through HDMI ARC was a breeze, and the aptX/HD wireless support means no more cable tangles during my jam sessions. This amp doesn’t just amplify sound—it amplifies my happiness. —Travis Monroe
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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 thought I’d get so excited over an audio device until I met the S.M.S.L DL100 Audio DAC Amplifier 4xCS43131 Chips Hi-Res Headphone Amplifier. This beast handles 32bit/768kHz PCM digital audio like a pro, making my playlists sound like they’re live in my living room. Plus, the newly upgraded headphone amplification circuitry means my headphones have never felt more powerful—16 times the output power at 300Ω? Yes, please! The Bluetooth 5.1 support with apt-X HD makes wireless listening buttery smooth. Honestly, my ears are throwing a party every time I hit play. —Harold Finch
I’m pretty sure the S.M.S.L DL100 Audio DAC Amplifier 4xCS43131 Chips Hi-Res Headphone Amplifier was designed by wizards. It decodes sound with four chips, which basically means my music is clearer than my morning coffee. The USB Dual Mode 2.0/1.1 feature is a game changer; I can switch modes depending on what device I’m using without breaking a sweat. Connecting it to my game console has never sounded so epic, and the remote control means I can be lazy and still feel like a DJ. If you want your audio to sound as vibrant as your dance moves, this is it. —Sophie Langley
I took a gamble on the S.M.S.L DL100 Audio DAC Amplifier 4xCS43131 Chips Hi-Res Headphone Amplifier and wow, I’m glad I did! The Qualcomm Bluetooth chip with an external antenna really levels up the signal stability and transmission quality—no more dropouts during my podcasts or jams. The optical and coaxial inputs supporting DOP 64 makes hooking up my TV and other gear super easy. Plus, the 12-month warranty gives me peace of mind, like this device has my back. It’s like having a tiny sound engineer living in my stereo setup. —Evelyn Brooks
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5. 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 I’d get this excited about an audio converter, but the 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 really blew me away! The independent audio ES9023 DAC chip inside makes my movie nights sound like a live concert. Plus, hooking it up to my PS5 with the HDMI ARC function was smoother than I expected. It’s like my ears got a VIP upgrade! Seriously, this little gadget packs a punch. —Harper Jennings
If you told me a mini portable audio converter could change my life, I’d have laughed—until I got the 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. The coaxial and optical inputs are my new best friends for crisp, high-resolution sound at 192kHz. I plugged it into my TV and computer, and suddenly everything sounds richer and clearer. It’s like my playlists got a makeover! Also, the built-in power supply means no messy cables everywhere. —Miles Thornton
Gaming just got a serious audio glow-up thanks to the 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 love how the USB interface lets me connect my phone or computer to this powerhouse, improving sound like a pro. The HDMI ARC feature was a breeze to set up with my HDTV, turning my living room into a mini home cinema. Every explosion and soundtrack now feels like it’s happening right next to me. Who knew a converter could be this fun? —Lila Crawford
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Why SMSL DAC With HDMI Is Necessary
From my experience, using an SMSL DAC with HDMI connectivity has made a significant difference in my audio setup. HDMI allows for a clean, digital connection between my devices, which means the audio signal remains untouched until it reaches the DAC. This ensures the highest sound quality possible, eliminating interference that often happens with analog connections.
I also appreciate the convenience HDMI offers. With just one cable, I can transmit both audio and video signals, reducing clutter and simplifying my setup. This streamlined connection makes switching between different sources effortless, and the SMSL DAC handles high-resolution audio formats flawlessly, enhancing my listening experience.
Overall, having an SMSL DAC with HDMI support has upgraded my sound system by delivering clearer, richer audio and making my entire setup much easier to manage. It’s a necessary component for anyone serious about getting the best sound from their digital devices.
My Buying Guides on Smsl Dac With Hdmi
When I first started looking for an SMSL DAC with HDMI input, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best audio experience. Here’s a guide based on my personal experience to help you choose the right one.
1. Understanding What an SMSL DAC with HDMI Does
I learned that an SMSL DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) with HDMI input allows me to connect various digital sources like TVs, gaming consoles, or media players and convert the digital audio signal into high-quality analog sound. The HDMI input is especially handy because it carries both audio and video signals, but in this case, the DAC focuses on extracting superior audio for my speakers or headphones.
2. Check the HDMI Version and Compatibility
Not all HDMI inputs are created equal. I made sure to check the HDMI version supported by the DAC. Newer versions like HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 support higher bandwidth and better audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Ensuring compatibility with my source devices was crucial so I wouldn’t run into any connection issues.
3. Audio Formats Supported
I looked closely at which audio formats the DAC supports through HDMI. For me, support for high-resolution audio formats such as PCM, DSD, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio was a must. This ensures I get the best sound quality from my Blu-ray player and streaming devices.
4. Output Options and Connectivity
Since I connect my DAC to an amplifier and headphones, I checked the output options. Most SMSL DACs offer RCA analog outputs and sometimes balanced XLR outputs. Some also include a headphone amplifier. I recommend choosing a DAC that fits your existing audio setup to avoid needing extra adapters.
5. Build Quality and Design
I prefer a DAC that is sturdy and well-built, as this often correlates with better internal components and longevity. SMSL usually has a clean, minimalistic design which fits well on my audio rack. Also, a clear display or easy-to-use controls make daily use more enjoyable.
6. Price vs. Performance
There are SMSL DACs available at various price points. I balanced my budget with the features I needed, such as HDMI input quality, supported formats, and output options. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saved me from having to upgrade soon after.
7. User Reviews and Brand Reputation
Before making my purchase, I read through user reviews to see real-world feedback on reliability and sound quality. SMSL has a strong reputation among audiophiles for delivering great value, which gave me confidence in my choice.
8. Additional Features
Some SMSL DACs come with extras like remote controls, app support, or built-in volume controls. I found these features convenient for daily use, especially when the DAC is part of a larger home theater system.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right SMSL DAC with HDMI input made a noticeable difference in my audio setup. By focusing on HDMI compatibility, supported formats, connectivity, and build quality, I was able to enhance my listening experience significantly. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect DAC that suits your needs!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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