SMSL DL400 Review: A Powerful Headphone Amplifier Rivaling FiiO K15

Explore the impressive SMSL DL400 headphone amplifier that delivers exceptional power and features, challenging the popular FiiO K15 at an attractive price point.

A New Contender in the Headphone Amp Arena

If you've ever browsed the headphone amplifier and DAC market, you'd know it's bursting at the seams with options. From budget-friendly gems by Fosi Audio to beefy units from brands like FiiO, there's something for every audiophile’s taste. But recently, a fresh challenger has stepped up to the ring: the SMSL DL400, aiming straight for the crown held by FiiO's K15.

This isn't just hype. The DL400 packs a punch with output power specs that cater to a wide range of headphones and in-ear monitors. Think 2 x 6 watts at 16 ohms, 2 x 3 watts at 32 ohms, and a solid 700 milliwatts at 300 ohms. Whether you're rocking low-impedance earbuds or high-impedance studio headphones, this little beast can handle it all with ease.

What really caught my attention? The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.1 with support for LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, and standard AAC and SBC codecs. While it’s a bummer that aptX Lossless and Bluetooth LE are missing, the wireless options are still respectable for streaming music on the go.

Inside the SMSL DL400: Tech That Beats Its Price Tag

Let's lift the hood for a closer look. The heart of the DL400 beats with an ESS ES9039MSPRO DAC chip and a USB processor XMOS XU-316. That’s some serious firepower under the hood compared to its predecessor, the DL300, which sported only five dual op-amps. The DL400 cranks that number up to eleven pairs!

Connectivity-wise, the DL400 doesn’t disappoint. It offers a solid lineup of inputs including USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, and reversible I2S/XLR. On the output side, you'll find both RCA and XLR analog outputs, plus balanced headphone jacks in 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm configurations. Perfect for those who like to experiment with different cables and setups.

The unit itself is surprisingly compact, sporting a sleek rectangular design with those quirky slanting side panels that give it a modern twist — a nice break from the usual boxy amps crowding the market.

High-Resolution Audio Meets Versatility

Audiophiles will appreciate the DL400's support for native DSD512 playback, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, and DOP 64. It also supports MQA and MQA-CD decoding, opening up a world of high-res streaming possibilities. For further customization, there's a choice of eight PCM filters, allowing you to tailor the sound signature to your liking.

While some may lament the lack of aptX Lossless for Bluetooth, the wired performance more than makes up for it. And at a recommended retail price of $499 (roughly $500 for international buyers), the DL400 delivers serious bang for the buck — especially when you stack it against the competition.

Wrapping Up: Is the SMSL DL400 Worth It?

In the world of headphone amplifiers and DACs, the SMSL DL400 stands tall as a formidable competitor to the FiiO K15. Its power output, versatile connectivity, and high-resolution audio support put it in a league above many in its price bracket. If you're hunting for a compact, stylish, and powerful amp that won't break the bank, the DL400 deserves a serious look.

The SMSL DL400 offers solid specs at a competitive price, making it an attractive choice for audiophiles seeking versatility.

FAQ

• Which headphones pair best with the SMSL DL400?
  The DL400 can drive a wide range of headphones including those with 16 to 300 ohms impedance, from sensitive IEMs to high-impedance studio cans.
• Does the DL400 support wireless streaming?
  Yes, it features Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC support. However, aptX Lossless isn’t available.
• What are the main differences between the DL400 and DL300?
  The DL400 upgrades the DAC chip, USB processor, and significantly increases the number of operational amplifiers from five pairs to eleven pairs, boosting performance.
• Can the amplifier decode MQA files?
  Absolutely. The DL400 supports MQA and MQA-CD decoding, providing high-resolution streaming capability.
• Is the DL400 suitable for desktop setups?
  Yes, with multiple inputs and outputs including USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, and balanced headphone jacks, it integrates seamlessly with desktop audio rigs.

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