The SMSL DS20 portable DAC/amp is a minimalist marvel, prioritizing pure audio fidelity over superfluous features. This review delves into the performance and design of this purist-focused device, examining its strengths and weaknesses in detail. We'll explore its build quality, user interface, power output, and sound signature, comparing it to competitors like the iFi Hip DAC, Ibasso DC07 Pro, and Shanling UA6 to determine where it excels and where it falls short.Compact and elegantly designed, the DS20 boasts a premium build. Its simple interface, lacking gain controls and filters, focuses entirely on delivering a clean, uncolored audio signal. We'll assess whether this minimalist approach translates to a truly superior listening experience, considering its power capabilities and performance with various headphones. The review will ultimately help you decide if the DS20's dedication to pure sound is the right choice for your needs, weighing its performance against its limited feature set.
Pros And Cons
- Long battery life (almost 13 hours of use)
- Doesn't drain the host device's battery
- Simple connectivity, no drivers required
- Portable and lightweight (around 300g)
- Good sound quality, described as neutral, transparent, and highly resolving; wider soundstage than some competitors
- Offers a natural analog timbre
- Lacks gain control (no high or low gain)
- No filter controls
- Step volume control
- Gets hot after prolonged use (around 40°C after 40 minutes)
- Not as powerful as the specifications suggest; requires higher volume settings for some headphones to achieve proper listening headroom
- Limited features compared to some competitors
- More powerful than DS20
- Slightly superior sound and performance, particularly in depth of imaging, resolution, and dynamic range; denser and richer sound.
- Almost as powerful as DS20 on paper
- Offers high and low gain
- Has filter controls
- Smaller and more portable than DS20
- Similar sound quality to DS20, described as neutral and transparent.
- No battery
- Similar sound quality to DS20 (neutral, transparent, uncolored)
- Smaller than DS20
- More features (filters, high and low gain, SPDIF)
- Soundstage is not as wide or airy as DS20
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The SMSL DS20 arrived in a sleek, minimalist package. Its compact size and lightweight design immediately convey portability.
The build quality felt solid and premium. The rotary volume knob has a satisfying tactile feel.
The device's simple, uncluttered design reflects its purist approach; there are no superfluous controls or features.
Features and Functionality
The DS20 boasts a remarkably simple interface. It lacks gain controls and filters, emphasizing a pure, uncolored audio signal.
The option button allows switching between USB inputs (USB1 and USB2) and volume adjustment.
A clear LED display shows volume level (10% to 100%), USB input selection, and charging status.
Performance and Sound Quality
The DS20 is rated at 500mW per channel at 32 ohms (4.4mm balanced), and 3Vrms (3.5mm single-ended).
While technically powerful, real-world performance required higher volume settings for high-impedance headphones (e.g., Sennheiser HD 600).
Once sufficient volume was achieved, the audio quality was impressive, clear and detailed with a wide soundstage – comparable to desktop DAC/Amps.
Comparisons with other DAC/Amps
Compared to the iFi Hip DAC, the DS20 delivers a more neutral and transparent sound signature.
The Ibasso DC07 Pro, sharing the same CS43131 DAC, offers similar neutrality but with more features like gain control and filters.
The Shanling UA6 provides comparable sound quality but is more feature-rich with multiple filters and gain settings.
Conclusion
The SMSL DS20 is a purist's dream, prioritizing sound quality over features. It offers impressive audio performance with a wide, airy soundstage.
However, the lack of features and the added weight may not be for everyone. It's a niche product suitable for those who value pure, uncolored sound above all else.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities: do you prefer a feature-rich, smaller device or a pure, high-performance experience, even if it means carrying extra weight?