The SMSL C200 Pro is a highly versatile and affordable headphone amplifier and DAC, packing impressive features into a compact design. This review dives deep into its performance, exploring its build quality, connectivity, user interface, and sound signature, comparing it to both budget and higher-end alternatives. We'll examine its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it truly lives up to the hype of being the best sub-$200 option on the market.This in-depth analysis covers everything from the C200 Pro's retro-inspired aesthetics and robust construction to its extensive input/output options, including balanced and single-ended connections. We'll assess the ease of use of its menu system and remote control, delve into the technical specifications powered by the ESS 9039 Q2M DAC chip, and critically evaluate its sound quality against competitors in various price ranges. Ultimately, we'll determine whether the C200 Pro offers exceptional value for its price, justifying its claim as a top contender in the budget audiophile market.
Pros And Cons
- Extends highs as well as the C200 Pro
- More relaxed feel than the C200 Pro
- Fuller bass than the C200 Pro
- Wider, deeper soundstage with better layering than the C200 Pro
- Excellent build quality for the price
- Great remote control
- Supports up to 32-bit 768 kHz PCM and DSD512 (on USB), and 24/192 on other inputs
- Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC
- Headphone output provides up to 3 watts per channel at 16 ohms (single-ended)
- Good performance as a DAC and headphone amp for its price point ($200)
- Remarkable detail and sound quality in headphone amp mode
- Wider soundstage in headphone amp mode than the RO7 Plus/PS200 combo
- Styling is not modern
- Would have preferred standard 2 volts on RCA and 4 volts unbalanced outputs
- Balanced TRS outputs too close together; TRS-to-XLR adapter may not fit
- Sound is slightly brighter than the SMSL SU1 at 3-4kHz
- Soundstage width and depth don't match the more expensive SMSL DO200 Pro
- Lacks analog inputs
- Has analog inputs
- Sound quality similar to the C200 Pro
- More expensive than the C200 Pro ($290 combined)
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Design and Build Quality
The SMSL C200 Pro boasts a design reminiscent of older audio equipment, featuring a silver ring around the encoder and exposed screws. While the build quality is surprisingly robust for its price point, I personally would have preferred a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. The unit feels solid and well-constructed, exceeding expectations for a budget-friendly device. The overall feel is one of sturdiness, but the design could be improved for a more contemporary look.
Connectivity and Features
The C200 Pro offers comprehensive connectivity options. On the front, you'll find both 6.35mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, alongside a push/turn encoder and a small display. The rear panel provides an IEC inlet, Bluetooth antenna port, USB-C input, Toslink optical input, and coaxial digital input. It also features both RCA single-ended and TRS balanced outputs, adaptable to XLR. The range of inputs and outputs caters to a variety of audio sources and setups.
Menu System and Remote Control
Navigating the menu system is straightforward thanks to the intuitive push/turn encoder. A single tap cycles through inputs (USB, Bluetooth, optical, coaxial), filters (ESS filters 1-7), DPLL settings, USB class selection (1.1 or 2.0), backlight brightness, and headphone/line output selection. The included remote control further enhances usability, providing easy access to menu navigation, input/output selection, mute, and volume control. The remote is a valuable addition to the overall user experience.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The C200 Pro uses the ESS 9039 Q2M DAC chip, supporting up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 via USB, and 24-bit/192kHz via other inputs. Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC support is included. It features four OPA1612 op-amps, delivering up to 3W per channel at 16 ohms in single-ended mode (2.5V) and higher output voltage in balanced mode (5V). While I prefer standard 2V/4V output voltage on RCA/unbalanced, lowering the volume to 95% gets you closer to those voltages.
Sound Quality and Comparisons
Compared to the SMSL SU-1 ($80 DAC) and the more expensive SMSL DO200 Pro ($400 DAC), the C200 Pro possesses a slightly brighter ESS sound signature, with more detail than the SU-1 and a sharper sound compared to the DO200 Pro. The DO200 Pro provides a more relaxed, fuller bass response and wider soundstage, while the C200 Pro shines in its detail retrieval and impactful bass. The soundstage of the C200 Pro is good, but not as expansive as the DO200 Pro.
Headphone Amp Performance and Comparisons
In headphone amp comparisons against the more expensive RO7 Plus and SMSL PS200 ($290 combined), the C200 Pro impressed. While the detail and sound quality were comparable, the C200 Pro exhibited a noticeably wider soundstage. The RO7 Plus stack offers analog inputs, a feature missing on the C200 Pro. However, for the price difference, the C200 Pro's headphone amp performance is exceptionally strong.
Conclusion
The SMSL C200 Pro offers exceptional value at its sub-$200 price point. Its robust build quality, extensive connectivity, user-friendly menu system, and excellent sound performance, both as a DAC and headphone amp, make it a compelling choice. While more expensive options may offer wider soundstages or more analog input options, the C200 Pro’s performance justifies its price, easily outperforming other options in its price range. I highly recommend it for desktop use or as a secondary DAC/amp in a larger system.