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Tested fully working Smsl M500 Mk1 usb dac and headphone amplifier with remote control. See below for specs.From SmslFeatures:Supports MQA decoding;The top performance D/A chip ES9038PRO from ESS Technology;The high-performance power supply chip ES9311, the noise of ES9311 is as low as1uVrms, to push ES9038PRO to the limit;XMOS XU-216, true 32bit audio processing, supports DoP and Native DSD, and reaches32bit/768kHz and DSD512;Ultra-low phase noise and optimized clock processing circuit are used to achieveultra-low clock jitter;All inputs support DSD streaming, including coaxial and optical (DoP64);Independent headphone volume design, does not interfere with the preamp volume;Special design of discrete components high current headphones amplifier for higherdamping factor;Use tempered glass display panel for higher light transmission and longer service life;Built-in shielded, low noise power supply processing, while improving power efficiency,lower power consumption;High quality gold-plated input and output jacks;3 high-end dual op-amps OPA1612 and a lot of audio grade components are used;2.19 inch LG TFT LCD display;JAS Hi-Res certification;Equipped with remote control and full-function remote control.Specifications:Input： USB / Opticalx2 / CoaxialOutput ：RCA Headphone Amplifier/ RCA /XLRTHD+N ：0.00015%Dynamic range ： XLR 125dBRCA 120dBSNR ：120dBUSB transmission ：AsynchronizationUSB compatibility：Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10, Mac OSX10.6 or Later、LinuxBit depth ：USB 1bit， 16 ~ 32bitOptical / Coaxial 1bit， 16 ~ 32bitSampling rate ：USB PCM 44.1 ~ 768kHzDSD 2.8224 ~ 22.5792MHzOptical / Coaxial PCM 44.1 ~ 192kHzDSD DSD64(DoP)Headphone amplifier output power：570mW(32Ω)290mW(64Ω)125mW(150Ω)65mW(300Ω)Power Consumption ：5WStandby power ： <0.5WSize ： 85x88x197mm (WxHxD)Weight ：0.91kg
This one doesn’t feel time-sensitive in the sense of a newly obsolete DAC; it’s an older but still respected unit, so value is mostly about condition and completeness rather than chasing the latest chip. At US$200, it sits right at the median of the recent used market and above the 25th percentile of US$185, so it reads as fair rather than a bargain or an ask that needs pushback.
The appeal is straightforward: the M500 is known as a capable, clean-sounding DAC with flexible digital inputs and a reputation for punching above its size class. If the listing is clean, includes the remote, power supply, and original box, and the unit is functioning normally, this is a sensible buy for someone who wants a solid all-rounder without overpaying.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
SMSL, founded in 2009 as Foshan ShuangMuSanLin Technology Co., Ltd. in Shenzhen, China, emerged from the country's burgeoning tech hub to specialize in digital audio innovation. The company quickly expanded with a Hong Kong branch, VMV Technology, in 2013, targeting higher-end exports and establishing a global footprint across more than 30 countries. Its early focus on domestic sales laid a solid foundation, evolving into a recognized name in affordable hi-fi.
The brand excels in digital-to-analog converters (DACs), headphone amplifiers, and power amplifiers, delivering high-performance components like the iconic Sanskrit series—featuring DACs, preamp-capable headphone amps, and linear power supplies. SMSL emphasizes in-house R&D for stylish, well-built devices incorporating premium technologies such as THX AAA-888 amplification, prioritizing audio fidelity without unnecessary frills.
Positioned as a mid-tier leader in the value-driven hi-fi market, SMSL earns praise for punching above its weight, offering audiophile-grade sound at accessible prices that rival pricier competitors. Popular among discerning buyers seeking reliability and transparency, it stands out for meticulous component selection, though some note occasional quality concerns with budget imports. For the knowledgeable enthusiast, SMSL represents smart, modern Chinese engineering at its finest.
See all SMSL listings on RADAR.
