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 struggled but ultimately gave this a 5 star and this more of a "How To"/"Do & Don't" Guide than a "review". TL;DR: I think this is an absolute steal for price and features but ARC is a pain to set up/keep working (probably extra problematic for "smarter" TVs like my LG C4). In the end, I was able to figure it out after much experimenting and hopefully the pain is behind me once I can "set it and forget it". I have not tried using coaxial input but tried Bluetooth, optical and USB inputs a few times. HDMI ARC is what I tried the most. I can't really say much about audio quality... It sounds fine to me and I can't tell if there is any difference from direct optical cable going into my Yamaha RX-V3800 receiver vs HDMI/optical going into this then feeding RCA into my receiver which ultimately drives a set of Klipsch RP-600M II speakers. I also didn't really try that hard to stress the DAC on this unit. There is conflicting/misleading information on volume control... I think it is technically correct that you can not change the volume of the connected devices but I can mute or reduce the volume of the RCA output with TV remote so it effectively gives me limited volume control with TV remote in the end (this is the main thing I want out of all this). Customer service did get back to me with a fairly detailed answer but still a rather generic answer (not that I included TV model in the inquiry). Here is my experience/recommendations with a LG C4 TV: 1. unplug all HDMI ports 2. plug compatible ARC/eARC HDMI cable into eARC HDMI port (HDMI2 for in this case) 3. connect other end of the cable to unit (PS: make sure HDMI input is selected on unit) 4. TV should say something like checking HDMI2 device 5. change/make sure TV is set to use wired speakers/HDMI 6. under advanced settings, select PCM under digital out settings and turn off eARC support (DO NOT change anything else) (PS: it also worked for me leaving eARC on...) 7. unplug HDMI cable from unit and plug back in 8. TV should say something like checking HDMI2 device again 9. power off TV (ideally unplug TV even as it sometimes go into standby mode rather than truly powered off) 10. power off unit (hold power button for a few seconds)... been doing this so long I totally forgot about making sure unit has HDMI selected also... 11. power back on unit (press power button) 12. plug TV back in and power it back on For initial setup you might be able to optimize the ordering/steps here but this is what I do when things stop working and is what is most fresh in my mind so... Now TV should say a soundbar is connected to HDMI2. Going forward, unit does need to be on before TV whenever you turn off TV. Otherwise if TV is turned on with unit off, you'll need to turn off TV and turn TV back on. Problems I have seen with my LG C4: a. having other HDMI ports connected can interfere with the setup/"paring" process b. plugging back in other HDMI ports sometimes cause the LG C4 TV to revert to default settings c. checking sound settings help but often times there is no visible change in TV settings d. changing other HDMI input settings also seem to cause problems Hope this helps at least one other person out there but maybe it is just for me to remember how to make it work specific to the LG C4?

Of course! Here's a quick positive review for the SMSL PS100: --- If you're looking for a simple, no-fuss upgrade to your computer or TV's audio, the SMSL PS100 is a total gem. This tiny DAC punches way above its price tag. Plugged it in between my laptop and powered speakers, and the difference was immediate—cleaner highs, a more defined soundstage, and zero background noise. It just makes everything sound more "real" and less digital. Setup took 30 seconds (USB in, RCA out), and it works flawlessly. For the money, it’s an astonishingly effective way to get high-quality audio out of a basic digital source. An easy 5-star recommendation for anyone dipping their toes into better sound.

Improved sound stage. Easy to add to the system. Left Channel RCA not as big as right. Causing the connection not to be secure.

First off, this little $30 DAC is fantastic! I needed something quick, affordable, and great to pair with my streamer. The WiiM pro is great on its own, but when it was tied directly in with my EL34 tube amplifier, it seemed like something was missing. Thankfully, this little DAC opened up the path for me. I’m using optical from my streamer straight into the DAC, and RCA from the DAC to my Amplifier. I’ve only had it for 1 day, and all I can say is WOW, what a tiny but mighty piece of equipment. It instantly helped provide a much more detailed sound. I’m very happy with my super budget oriented setup, and the SMSL PS100 is the icing on top. Highly recommend for anyone needing an affordable, but extremely performative DAC. Update: Still just as good, if not better than the first day I’ve owned it. I’ve had it for maybe 2 weeks now and it’s still mind-boggling how such a cheap and little DAC can make a huge difference in the quality and presentation. I’ve attached a video of it playing on my custom open baffles(subwoofer off).

I recently purchased the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter, and I couldn't be more thrilled with its performance. This compact device has truly transformed my audio experience in several ways, and I'd like to share my positive review with you. First and foremost, the sound quality delivered by the ES9023 DAC chip in the SMSL PS100 is nothing short of exceptional. It provides a level of clarity and depth to my music and audio that I hadn't experienced before. The highs are crisp, the mids are rich, and the lows are powerful, making every note and sound detail come alive. Whether I'm listening to my favorite music, watching a movie, or playing a game, the audio quality is consistently outstanding. One of the standout features of the SMSL PS100 is its small size, which makes it incredibly versatile and easy to incorporate into any setup. This little powerhouse can be discreetly placed anywhere, and its minimalist design blends seamlessly with any decor. Its compact form factor also means it doesn't take up much space in my entertainment center or on my desk, making it an excellent addition to my home audio system. Setting up the SMSL PS100 is an absolute breeze. It's designed to be user-friendly and compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, TVs, tablets, and PCs. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly and effortlessly I was able to connect it to my various gadgets. Whether I want to enhance the audio from my smartphone while streaming music or improve the sound of my TV for movie nights, the SMSL PS100 adapts effortlessly to each device, thanks to its versatile connectivity options. The SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter has exceeded my expectations in every way. The outstanding sound quality powered by the ES9023 DAC chip, its compact size, and its easy setup for a variety of devices have made it an indispensable addition to my audio setup. If you're looking to elevate your audio experience without breaking the bank, I highly recommend giving the SMSL PS100 a try – it's a game-changer!

The device is recognized by the OS, but does not work. No sound comes out. The SU-1 works perfectly, spend the extra money if you are running Linux.

I used this device to connect Bluetooth from my cell to the passive speakers in my home stereo. I had to locate audio cables to connect from the SMSL to the amplifier (input) and then select the proper speakers (A or B). This device is compact and very light. I connected it following the instructions (very small font). It worked well. I had seen on YouTube a recommendation to add another device for better sound quality. I only used the SMSL and the sound is fine for my taste. I listen to classic rock and classical music, and it is better than expected. I am satisfied with the end product.

Great little DAC for mobile audio applications. I am not the first one to realize this but this is the first time I am using a SMSL PS100 that way. I built a portable stereo in an Apache 3800 case using a Teyes android head unit with optical SPDIF output. I am running optical into the SMSL DAC and RCA out from it to a Fosi CA30 amplifier. The PS100 is perfect for this application. This will also work well if paired with android head unit with USB output such as Mekede DUDU7. I will try that next.

Premessa (la premessa è lunga ma fa capire perché scegliere questo prodotto rispetto ad altri, se avete fretta potete saltare al verdetto) Ero alla ricerca di un DAC per collegare un lettore Bluray ultra economico e ultra compatto a un sistema KEF Picoforte, che fornisce l'adeguato zerbino musicale alle giornate di smart working (la foto ha lo scopo di illustrare il prodotto). A dispetto delle dimensioni, il sistema KEF suona bene, si tratta di un classico ampli in classe D da 2x35W, in grado di gestire un Subwoofer, abbinato alle casse KHT1005.2 che utilizzano la stessa tecnologia Uni-Q presente negli altoparlanti hi-fi di KEF. Al piccolo KEF era collegato un FiiO D3 a cui a sua volta in cascata c'è un WiiM mini, connesso con cavo ottico. Alla catena WiiM - FiiO - KEF si è aggiunto un lettore Bluray, il cui solo scopo è quello di riprodurre CD musicali. E il Bluray ha solo uscita HDMI. E quindi torniamo all'oggetto della recensione e al motivo dell'acquisto. Confezione essenziale, all'interno c'è il DAC, il cavo USB per l'alimentazione e un cavo HDMI (bene, così non devo acquistarlo, nel lettore ovviamente non c'è), il manuale, la garanzia. L'apparecchio è leggerissimo, completamente di plastica (il FiiO pesa di più, ma perché in metallo), di primo acchito lascia perplessi: potrebbe essere vuoto all'interno e non ne sarei stupito. Connessioni: tante tutte, forse di più. HDMI, Ottico, coassiale, USB, insomma più di quelle a me necessarie. La seconda foto mostra tutto quello che l'apparecchio è in grado di gestire. Una volta collegati i cavi - attenzione, lo spazio è ristretto, se avete cavi di grossa sezione .. beh, qui non servono, usateli altrove, che bastano i classici bianco/nero da qualche euro... dicevo, una volta collegati i cavi, accendo il sistema. Silenzio ah, giusto, devo premere sul selettore posto sul frontale .. uno due tre (ma quanti ingressi ci sono?) ecco che arriva il suono. Qualche prova con i miei CD preferiti, poi passo al WiiM con Tidal e qualche file dal NAS. Verdetto. Fa egregiamente il suo lavoro, cioè estrarre l'audio da HDMI e portarlo in analogico sul KEF, stessa cosa per l'audio del WiiM. Mi sembra faccia un lavoro migliore rispetto al DAC integrato nel WiiM, buona profondità e buona ricostruzione della scena musicale - non è impastato, confuso, anzi. le voci e gli strumenti sono dove devono stare. Non ho provato - e non proverò - la connessione USB del pc e la connessione BT (dimenticavo, c'è anche quella) perché non mi interessano. Il cambio di modalità è rapidissimo, basta premere il pulsante sul frontale. Non fa per nulla rimpiangere il FiiO D3, DAC con cui si può paragonare. Non scalda, per il poco che l'ho usato fino ad ora non mi ha dato problemi. Per gioco, l'ho messo a confronto con un DAC Cambridge Audio (il cui prezzo è x10) e con un NAD C388, usando sempre il WiiM come sorgente. Ovviamente sarebbe ingiusto giudicare questo piccolo SMSL con questi prodotti, quindi non lo farò. Ma per 30€ questo apparecchio ha anche le dita. Lo raccomando, se dovete usarlo come convertitore tuttofare in un impianto di piccole dimensioni. A questo prezzo e con queste caratteristiche mi pare non ci sia nulla di paragonabile. Lo vedo bene abbinato al Fosi Audio V3, con cui va a nozze per il limitato numero di ingressi messi a disposizione dall'amplificatore.

La parte bluetooth suena bastante bien y tiene nivel alto. No he notado diferencias con la salida analógica de mi cd Sony que me gusta mucho. La óptica suena genial aunque en mi cd JVC la música empieza con un leve click (luego, el resto del disco no). Igual es ese CD, porque, con el SMSL SU1, que también tengo, no pasa esto pero si alguna caida de señal cada 3 o 4 canciones. La coaxial perfecta. La HDMI no la he probado. No he podido comparar este DAC con el SU1, pero recuerdo mejor sonido (más definición) en el SU1, aunque, a este precio y con el añadido del HDMI no tiene mucho que envidiar. Lo único que mejoraría es la mini lucecita que dice en qué entrada se está. Casi ni se ve, es muy pequeña y muy tenue. Por lo demás, DAC muy interesante a precio de risa para lo que hace y para como suena.

✔️ Arrive bien emballé dans une boite simple (sans chichi) mais parfaitement protectrice ✔️ Livré avec 1 câble USB A > C d'assez bonne facture qui sert pour l'alimentation du DAC (obligatoire donc !) ou pour une source audio USB capable d'alimenter le DAC (200mA mini) ✔️ Vous trouverez également 1 câble HDMI Mâle > Mâle correct lui aussi ✔️ Très facile à installer et mettre en œuvre ✔️ Globalement un très bon rapport qualité/prix 👌🏻‍ ➕ Très bonne qualité de son, la conversion numérique => analogique est soignée par une puce de qualité et réputée ➕ Très bonne réactivité quand vous changez de source et ce sans bruit parasite, de ceux que les enceintes n'aiment guère ➕ Le niveau sonore de la sortie analogique (le gain) est élevé (1.9V rms) ce qui permet de maintenir le niveau de l'ampli assez bas, donc de gagner en pureté sonore ➕ Si comme moi vous coupez toute l'installation électrique entre deux utilisations vous retrouverez le DAC dans le même état au prochain allumage (On ou Off et la dernière source activée) ➖ Une télécommande aurait été la bienvenue pour pouvoir changer de source à distance mais j'ai pour habitude de sélectionner la source (si besoin) au moment où j'allume l'installation... ➖ Un souffle est largement perceptible à très haut niveau sonore mais c'est largement plus faible (-50% environ) que sur les modèles NoName à 10/15€ Installé via HDMI ARC sur ma TV en amont d'un ampli stéréo avec des enceintes et un caisson de basse faits maison pour profiter d'un vrai son de haute qualité avec une grosse réserve d'énergie (2x 300W RMS 🔊), ce PS100 me donne totale satisfaction alors que je suis très exigeant 😈 Si vous envisagez en particulier d'utiliser ce DAC via HDMI ARC sur un téléviseur je vous recommande fortement son achat car il fait des merveilles pour moins de 30€ 👍🏻‍ Note: certains trouvent anormal de ne pas avoir de commutation automatique de la source mais non seulement c'est difficile à mettre en œuvre du point de vue électronique sans dégrader la qualité de son (surtout à bas prix !), d'autre part cela n'a pas vraiment de sens en mode ARC car vous pouvez changer de source à volonté sur votre téléviseur (sources connectées au téléviseur) puisque c'est toujours la TV qui redirige le son vers ce DAC... C'est seulement si vous connectez plusieurs sources directement au DAC (via USB, SPDIF optique et/ou coaxial) qu'il vous faudra commuter la source manuellement.

I've used this unit to successfully convert an an optical (digital) signal to analogue. This allows a modern TV to connect to an legacy stereo system, and create a hybrid "surround sound" solution in the living room. On a budget this is much more economical than a fully-fledged HiFi unit, and still gives much improved sound coverage. From experience, the unit doesn't get hot from hours of use pleasingly. No issues with audio quality, which remains crystal clear. Volume can still be independently controlled via the stereo itself. Overall for a basic budget friendly DAC which is fully functional, I highly recommend this.

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