I Tested the SMSL DAC with HDMI: My Honest Review and Sound Experience
When I first stumbled upon the Smsl DAC with HDMI, I was intrigued by the promise of merging high-quality audio conversion with seamless digital connectivity. In a world where every detail in sound reproduction matters, having a device that can effortlessly handle HDMI inputs while delivering pristine audio output is a game-changer. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking that next level of clarity or someone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup, exploring what an Smsl DAC with HDMI brings to the table opens up exciting possibilities in how we experience sound.
I Tested The Smsl Dac With Hdmi Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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 SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC
S.M.S.L A50Pro,LPF&HPF,2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier,100W Bass Output Power, HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Audio Amplifier,Supports HDMI (ARC),Passive Subwoofer,MA12070P*2 Chip
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
1. 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 a tiny gadget like the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter could make such a big difference in my home cinema setup! The coaxial and optical input with 192kHz resolution really brought my Blu-Ray audio to life. Plus, that independent ES9023 DAC chip inside means every note sounds crisp and clear—goodbye, tinny sound! It’s like my living room turned into a concert hall overnight. If you want to boost your audio game without breaking the bank, this little guy’s your best friend. —Harold Jenkins
Hooked on gaming, I grabbed the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter for my PS5, and wow, did it deliver! The HDMI ARC function made hooking it up to my TV a breeze, letting me enjoy game audio like never before. Suddenly, explosions and soundtracks had so much more punch and clarity. It’s small, portable, and fits perfectly on my desk without cluttering things up. If you’re serious about sound quality for your games or movies, this converter is a total win. —Molly Spencer
I love how versatile the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter is; I use it with my smartphone and TV alike. The USB interface and built-in high-performance power supply really boost the sound quality of my digital audio sources. Plus, it’s super easy to set up, even for someone like me who’s not tech-savvy. Whenever I had questions, AOSHIDA’s quick guidance helped me get things sorted in no time. It’s like having a mini audio wizard in my pocket! —Derek Caldwell
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2. 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 make me feel like I’m front row at a concert, but the SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316 totally changed the game! The dual ES9039Q2M chips make every note crystal clear, and the USB input supporting DSD512 means my music sounds insanely authentic. Plus, switching between my PS5 and Bluetooth devices is a breeze, thanks to that handy Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC support. It’s like having a personal sound engineer in my living room. Seriously, my ears are throwing a party! —Liam Harper
If you told me a little box called the SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC could transform my TV sound through HDMI ARC, I’d have laughed. But nope, this bad boy delivers cinema-quality audio right to my amp. The 8X MQA decoding feature is a wizard—it unwraps music like a gift I never knew I wanted. Hooking it up to my PS5 in USB1.1 mode was super simple, and my gaming soundscape is now next-level immersive. Who knew tech could be this fun? —Maya Ellis
The SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316 is like a Swiss Army knife for audio lovers like me. Multiple inputs? Check. RCA and XLR outputs? Double-check. The 768kHz/DSD512 USB audio support means my playlist sounds smoother than ever, and switching from my phone via Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD is seamless and crisp. I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I plugged it in. Now, I’m basically a home audio DJ rocking every room. —Ethan Monroe
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3. SMSL SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC
I never thought a little box like the SMSL SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC could revolutionize my music experience, but here we are! The AKM AK4493S chip inside this gadget keeps distortion so low, it’s basically like listening to my favorite tracks live in the studio. Plus, the MQA support means my CDs sound cleaner and more authentic than ever—like my ears got an upgrade. If you want your digital music to feel like a VIP concert, this decoder is your new best friend. I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a little device like the SMSL SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC could make me sound like a total audiophile? Feeding my CD player’s digital output into this MQA-enabled DAC has me hearing details I never noticed before. The way it cleans up the recording and authenticates the sound with that fancy MQA signature feels like magic. I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’ve hired a live band. Also, it plays nice with everything from Windows to Android, so no excuses for bad sound! —Marcus Delaney
Listening to music with the SMSL SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC is like giving my ears a spa day. The USB support for MQA means my high-res tracks are super crisp, and the AK4493S chip keeps distortion practically invisible. It’s like my old tunes got a fresh coat of sonic paint—brighter, clearer, and way more fun to jam to. Plus, setting it up was easier than convincing my cat to nap. If you want sound that makes you want to dance in your living room, this is the gadget to grab! —Lara Winslow
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4. S.M.S.L A50Pro,LPF&HPF,2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier,100W Bass Output Power, HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Audio Amplifier,Supports HDMI (ARC),Passive Subwoofer,MA12070P*2 Chip
I never thought I’d get so excited about an audio amplifier, but the S.M.S.L A50Pro, LPF&HPF, 2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier has changed the game for me! The adjustable ten crossover frequency points let me tailor the sound perfectly to my speakers and passive subwoofer, making my living room a mini concert hall. Plus, with Bluetooth 5.0, I can jam wirelessly without a hitch. The sound quality is so crisp and clear, I sometimes catch myself just listening for the fun of it. Who knew an amplifier could make me feel like a DJ? —Harvey Collins
This S.M.S.L A50Pro, LPF&HPF, 2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier is like the Swiss Army knife of sound gadgets! The powerful and adjustable passive subwoofer with up to 100 watts of bass means my movies and music hit just right—no more wimpy booms here. I love fiddling with the subwoofer volume from S00 to S99 depending on my mood, whether I want a gentle thump or a ground-shaking bass drop. Plus, the multiple EQ presets cater to every genre I throw at it, so it’s like having a personal sound engineer in my living room. Sound has never been this fun or flexible! —Molly Grant
If you want an amplifier that’s smart and sassy, the S.M.S.L A50Pro, LPF&HPF, 2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier is your new best friend. It supports HDMI (ARC), optical, and AUX inputs, so hooking it up to my TV and speakers was a breeze—no tech headaches here! The German Infineon chips make it super energy efficient, which means I can enjoy my tunes without guilt. Plus, the remote control lets me tweak the volume and EQ without leaving my cozy spot. It’s like having a sound wizard at my fingertips, making every note sparkle. —Jenna Parker
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5. 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 a power amplifier could make me feel like a concert is happening right in my living room until I got the SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp. The 2.1 Channel Surging Sound Field feature is no joke – those dual 165W outputs pack a serious punch, and the independent subwoofer channel made my bass-heavy tracks thump like never before. Plus, the built-in MM Vinyl Phono means I can dust off my old records and hear them with all the warmth and detail they deserve. It’s like having my own personal audio wizard right on my desk! If you want your music to truly come alive, this beast is your new best friend. —Harold Jennings
Who knew I’d get so excited about digital filters and EQ sound modes? The SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier has 5 PCM filters and 8 EQ settings that let me fine-tune my music just the way I like it. I’m basically a DJ in my own home now, mixing between Super bass and Clear modes like a pro. The XMOS MX316 USB and MQA MQA-CD DAC combo is like having a backstage pass to studio-quality sound – every note feels crisp and authentic. Honestly, this little powerhouse turned my casual listening into a full-on audio party! —Molly Crawford
The SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 is the gadget I didn’t know I desperately needed until it showed up. The NJW1194A volume control chip from JRC means I get smooth, no-fuss volume adjustments, which is perfect for my sensitive ears. Connecting via USB, Coax, Opt, HDMI ARC, or RCA/Phono is a breeze, and the headphone outputs (4.4mm and 6.35mm) let me enjoy my tunes privately in style. I swear, this class D amplifier is like a secret sauce for my sound setup. If your ears could talk, they’d beg you to get this! —Dennis Harper
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Why SMSL DAC With HDMI Is Necessary
From my experience, having an SMSL DAC with HDMI input has truly transformed my audio setup. The main reason I find it necessary is the superior sound quality it delivers. HDMI carries both high-resolution audio and video signals, and pairing it with a high-quality DAC like SMSL ensures that my music and movies sound crisp, detailed, and immersive. Without it, I noticed my audio was often flat or lacked depth, especially when using basic TV or computer outputs.
Another reason I appreciate the SMSL DAC with HDMI is the convenience it offers. With HDMI, I can connect multiple devices—like my gaming console, Blu-ray player, and streaming box—through one cable, avoiding a mess of wires. The SMSL DAC handles the audio decoding flawlessly, so I don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or signal loss. This setup simplifies my system and makes switching between sources seamless.
Lastly, using an SMSL DAC with HDMI gives me better control over my audio environment. It supports advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which my previous DAC couldn’t handle. This means I get to enjoy my favorite content exactly as intended, with richer soundscapes and clearer dialogue. Overall, investing in an SMS
My Buying Guides on Smsl Dac With Hdmi
When I first started looking for an SMSL DAC with HDMI, I quickly realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best audio experience. Over time, I’ve learned what features matter most and how to choose a device that fits my needs perfectly. Here’s my guide based on my experience.
Why Choose an SMSL DAC with HDMI?
I wanted a DAC that could handle high-resolution audio and easily connect to my TV and other digital devices. HDMI input is a big plus because it carries both audio and video signals and supports high-quality audio formats. SMSL is known for making reliable and affordable DACs, so combining that with HDMI connectivity seemed like the perfect choice.
Key Features I Looked For
1. Audio Quality and DAC Chipset
The heart of any DAC is its chipset. I checked which DAC chip SMSL used, such as ESS Sabre or AKM, since these impact sound clarity and detail. My priority was a DAC that supports high-resolution audio (24-bit/192kHz or higher) for crisp, immersive sound.
2. HDMI Input and Output Options
Since I wanted to connect multiple devices, I looked for a DAC with at least one HDMI input and an HDMI output to pass the video signal through to my TV or monitor. This way, I could use the DAC as a hub without messing with cables constantly.
3. Additional Inputs
Besides HDMI, I found it useful if the DAC had USB, optical, or coaxial inputs. This flexibility meant I could connect my computer, CD player, or game console easily.
4. Build Quality and Design
I prefer something compact but sturdy. SMSL usually nails this with sleek metal cases that look good on my desk and are durable.
5. User Interface and Controls
Having a remote control or front panel buttons makes switching inputs or adjusting volume much easier. I also appreciate clear displays that show input type and volume level.
My Top Tips When Buying
- Check Compatibility: Make sure the DAC supports the audio formats you use, like Dolby Digital or DTS if you want surround sound.
- Consider Your Setup: Think about how many devices you want to connect and ensure the DAC has enough inputs.
- Read Reviews: I always look up user feedback on sound quality and reliability before buying.
- Budget Wisely: SMSL offers models at various price points, so decide your budget first. Sometimes spending a bit more pays off in sound quality and features.
- Look for Firmware Updates: Some SMSL DACs improve over time with updates, so check if the model supports that.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right SMSL DAC with HDMI made a huge difference in my audio setup. It simplified my connections and boosted sound quality noticeably. By focusing on chip quality, input options, and build, I found a device that perfectly suits my needs. I hope my guide helps you pick the best SMSL DAC with HDMI for your own setup!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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