SMSL D400 Pro Review and Comparisons

Another week, another SMSL DAC model. Today we are talking about the one called D400 Pro. Priced above the brand’s fantastic SU-9 line, it has a lot of reputation to live up to. Let’s dive in and see if it can deliver without wasting your time with a long introduction.

Build and Features

As I come to expect from SMSL, the D400 Pro is a well-made, good-looking product. A color display and a remote are part of the standard features. We have the usual digital inputs such as USB, optical, and coaxial, but there are also AES and I2S inputs that are not found in the SU-9 range. Bluetooth is onboard too. Regarding analog outs, we can choose between single-ended RCA and balanced XLR ones. Both of these can be used in a fixed or variable output level mode. Lastly, we see an AC power connector, meaning that the D400 Pro is powered directly from the wall socket and there’s no need for an AC/DC adapter.

In the front, we find one volume knob that doubles as a button. Every function and setting is accessible this way but provided remote control is sure a more convenient option. Big LCD unit provides you with easily readable information about inputs, volume, and type of files being played. Once you enter the settings, among other things you’ll find an option to dim the display, change digital filters, etc. But one that stands out is Sound color. Here you can choose between No filter, Rich, Tube, and Crystal, all coming in several varieties. Everybody should try these for themselves and find out if they like how they affect the sound.

One thing that sets the D400 Pro apart from the SU-9 range is a new UI that looks cleaner and more modern. The older interface is equally usable and the only thing that changed is styling. That said, I do like the new UI visuals more.

Inside the DAC, the flagship Asahi Kasei AK4499EX + AK4191 chips are used. This is the same configuration we saw in the SU-9 Ultra. But there is more to the whole device than the selection of chips. So let’s find out how it performs in real life.

Sound

Starting with the bassline, we’re talking about fast and agile notes. I wouldn’t describe it as particularly punchy, but there is a certain vigor to it that never makes it sound flat. It’s just more of a skilled martial artist than a heavy-weight boxer. Move up the frequency spectrum and the midbass is equally tidy – bold enough to sound physical and present but without any spilling into the midrange. This makes all vocals and instruments sound very clear and transparent. Leading tones that are prominent in the mix sound present and energetic. High-frequencies are extended, and very clean. This end of the spectrum is generally quite improved and more expressive compared to most previous SMSL models I’ve tested.

Move to the soundstaging and we’re talking about a spacious and layered presentation. If the recording contains backing vocals or instruments deeper into the scene, this DAC will recreate that depth very nicely. Empty space around those, and tiny reverbs are also there so layering is done very skillfully. The soundstage width is as good as it gets at this price point. The same goes for the depth too, with clean and noticeable echoes and reverbs which all join to create what I would call a class-leading imaging.

Finally, this is a very lively-sounding DAC with an energetic presentation. Play something rhythmic and I’ll dare you not to tap with your feet. The full but nimble bassline, decent punch, and good dynamics are contagious. All of these traits remind me of a good Sabre DAC chip implementation and if I didn’t know AKM was inside – I wouldn’t have guessed it.

Comparisons

SMSL SU-9 Ultra uses the exact same chip configuration but comes with a lesser variety of digital inputs and older UI. In exchange, it is more affordable and sounds the same. Yes, these two DACs sound exactly the same if the same digital inputs are used. So the only reason to go for D400 Pro would be if you need I2S or AES connections, or you know you’re going to need them in the future. The other reason would be if you really like the new user interface that much. Otherwise, save some money and go for the great, and over a hundred dollars cheaper SU-9 Ultra.

Topping D70 Pro Octo is a DAC at a slightly lower price and a very comparable feature set. The only thing lacking on this Topping that is present on the D400 Pro is I2S digital input. If for some reason you have to have it, then the choice is clear. If not then D70 Pro is a slightly better performer. It has a slightly fuller and warmer sound. It presents you with a bigger soundstage, and a richer tone timbre too. The difference is truly not big, but it’s there. Given that the Topping is even slightly more affordable – makes this choice even easier.

SMSL D400 Pro gets a deduction of one point on sound score because it costs over five hundred dollars and expectations get to be higher than for the more affordable SU-9 Ultra. That one deserved ten for being the best-sounding DAC under five hundred. But at D400 Pro’s hiked the price and faced D70 Pro head to head. And you can’t get a ten if there is another DAC with the same price that sounds better. The difference is small, and scoring them ten and nine represents that accurately.

Conclusion

SMSL D400 Pro is a good-looking, good-performing, and feature-rich product. It’s not the best value on the market but it’s not far behind either. If you can fetch one at a small discount – closer to five hundred – it would be a very good fetch.

SMSL D400 PRO – CHARACTERISTICS

DAC chip: AK4191 + AK4499EX Format support: PCM up to 32 bit / 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512 Inputs: USB, Optical, Coaxial, AES, I2S Bluetooth: Apt-X, Apt-X HD, LDAC, UAT, SBC, AAC DNR: 132 dB Line out: RCA, XLR Power supply: 110/220 V AC Power Consumption: 10 W Standby power: < 0.5 W Size: 254 X 189 X 46 mm (WxHxD) Weight: 1.9 kg Official webpage

agagag

agaGga

gagag