SMSL PL200 MKII – Versatile CD Player with ES9039Q2M DAC and Discrete Headphone Amp

Experience rich sound with the SMSL PL200 MKII, a CD player boasting a flagship ES9039Q2M DAC and robust headphone amplifier for audiophiles.

A Modern Take on the Classic CD Player

If you've ever yearned for a high-quality audio device that bridges the past and the present, the SMSL PL200 MKII CD player might just be your dream come true. This updated version of the original PL200 is a versatile player designed not only to spin your treasured compact discs but also to seamlessly handle the latest digital sources. Personally, I love the feeling of sliding a CD into a player, and knowing the PL200 MKII supports MQA-CDs just adds that touch of modern magic to a nostalgic experience.

This machine merges a precise CD transport mechanism, a flagship DAC chip from ESS Technology, Bluetooth connectivity, and a powerful headphone amplifier—all in one sleek package.

Precision Engineering for Flawless CD Playback

What really caught my attention is the player’s dedicated optical drive system. It uses SMSL’s proprietary PASS servo system, offering closed-loop control over the motor, focus, and tracking. This means your discs are read with utmost precision, reducing errors that can spoil your listening pleasure.

The drive sits firmly on a rigid base with multi-point anti-vibration isolation—a thoughtful touch that minimizes jitters caused by disc rotation. The top-loading mechanism with a transparent lid is a classic design choice that makes loading discs a tactile, satisfying ritual.

State-of-the-Art Digital Conversion

At the heart of the PL200 MKII CD player’s digital section lies the 32-bit ES9039Q2M DAC from ESS Technology—a real powerhouse for audio decoding. It effortlessly handles up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM files and DSD512 signals, making it a true high-resolution hero.

To combat jitter—a pesky enemy of audio clarity—the player employs a patented clock processing system called CK-03, with a second-generation phase-locked loop that fine-tunes the timing for cleaner sound. Audiophiles will appreciate the external clock input, allowing an even higher level of precision by connecting a dedicated clock generator.

Built for Headphone Lovers

If you’re like me and cherish private listening sessions, the PL200 MKII headphone amplifier doesn’t disappoint. Its built-in headphone amplifier is crafted from discrete components and features SMSL’s signature PLFC circuit. This setup pumps out a solid 1.5 watts per channel into 16-ohm headphones, enough juice to drive anything from ultra-sensitive earbuds to demanding full-size cans.

On the front panel, you’ll find both a 3.5mm mini-jack and a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn output. What’s more, the dual-level gain control means you can safely match the output to your headphones’ sensitivity—whether you’re rocking low-impedance monitors or high-end audiophile headphones.

Seamless Wireless Connectivity

The PL200 MKII Bluetooth module embraces wireless freedom with a Qualcomm-based Bluetooth 5.1 chip, supporting high-quality codecs like LDAC and aptX HD. This chip doesn’t just receive audio; it’s a two-way beast. You can stream music from your phone straight into the player or send the audio from CDs or USB sources out to wireless headphones or active speakers. I love how this flexibility lets me move from wired, high-fidelity listening to wireless convenience without skipping a beat.

The large, colorful IPS display adds a splash of modern flair, showing song lyrics when playing music over Bluetooth—perfect for those moments of sing-along fun.

Comprehensive Connectivity and Build Quality

For connecting to your home audio rig, the PL200 MKII CD player offers balanced XLR outputs, unbalanced RCA jacks, and digital optical and coaxial interfaces. The “Pure Transport Mode” is a neat feature that disables the internal DAC and analog stages, letting you send a pure digital signal to an external converter or processor.

Wrapped in a solid all-metal chassis, this player not only looks sturdy but feels built to last. And with a suggested retail price of $599, it strikes a sweet balance between quality and value.

“The digital part is built around a 32-bit ES9039Q2M DAC, supporting PCM signals up to 32 bits/768 kHz and DSD512.” – SMSL

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re still spinning CDs or diving into high-res digital audio, the SMSL PL200 MKII is a compelling choice that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge tech. Its ability to serve as a CD player, DAC, headphone amplifier, and Bluetooth hub makes it a true all-rounder for your sound system.

What’s your go-to way to enjoy classic CDs in the digital age? Share your thoughts!

FAQ

• What formats does the SMSL PL200 MKII support?
  It supports PCM files up to 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD512, and MQA-CDs.
• Can I use it with wireless headphones?
  Yes, it supports Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD codecs for high-quality wireless audio streaming.
• What kind of headphone connections are available?
  It offers a 3.5mm mini-jack and a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn output.
• Is there an option to bypass the internal DAC?
  Yes, the Pure Transport Mode disables the internal DAC and analog stages, outputting a pure digital signal.
• How powerful is the headphone amplifier?
  The amplifier delivers up to 1.5 watts per channel into 16-ohm headphones with discrete components and PLFC circuit technology.

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