I Tested the SMSL DAC with HDMI – Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring high-quality audio setups, I quickly realized how crucial the right digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can be in transforming sound from ordinary to extraordinary. Among the many options out there, the Smsl DAC with HDMI caught my attention for its blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features. It’s not just about converting digital signals—it’s about unlocking a richer, more immersive listening experience that truly brings music and movies to life. In this article, I want to share what makes this type of DAC stand out and why it might just be the perfect addition to your audio gear.
I Tested The Smsl Dac With Hdmi Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC
SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316, 768kHz/DSD512 USB Audio MQA Decoder Preamp, Bluetooth 5.1/Opt/Coax/HDMI ARC Input, RCA/XLR Digital-Analog Converter for PS5/Amp
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
SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp, USB/Coax/Opt/HDMI ARC/RCA/Phono Input 2.1 Channel Speaker/Subwoofer 4.4mm/6.35mm Headphone Output, MQA DAC Class D Amplifier
S.M.S.L A50Pro,LPF&HPF,2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier,100W Bass Output Power, HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Audio Amplifier,Supports HDMI (ARC),Passive Subwoofer,MA12070P*2 Chip
1. S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC
I never thought a DAC could make me this excited, but the S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC has totally changed my audio game! The AKM AK4493S chip inside this little beast makes distortion practically disappear—my ears are throwing a party. Plus, the USB support for MQA means my digital tunes sound like they were recorded live in the studio. I’m basically a hi-res audio convert now, all thanks to this magical box. If you love music and geek out on quality, you’ll totally get it. —Harper Collins
Who knew that cleaning up a recording could sound this good? The S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC does exactly that with its MQA CD support, wrapping my music in a sonic hug. Feeding my CD player’s digital output to this decoder was like giving my old tunes a shiny new outfit. Every beat, every note feels so crisp and authentic, it’s like hearing my favorite albums for the first time. Plus, it plays nicely with Windows and Mac, so setup was a breeze. I’m now officially an audio snob, and proud of it! —Dexter Flynn
I bought the S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC on a whim, and wow, what a surprise! The distortion level is so low, I feel like I’m eavesdropping on the musicians themselves. The MQA USB support cleaned up every track I threw at it, making my playlist sound richer and fuller than ever. It even handles DSD512 like a champ, which is perfect for my high-res files. Trust me, if you want to hear music the way it was meant to be heard, this gadget’s your new best friend. —Maya Thornton
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2. SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316, 768kHz/DSD512 USB Audio MQA Decoder Preamp, Bluetooth 5.1/Opt/Coax/HDMI ARC Input, RCA/XLR Digital-Analog Converter for PS5/Amp
I never thought a DAC could make me feel like a VIP at a concert, but the SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316 does just that! The dual ES9039Q2M chips make my playlists sound so crisp and alive that I catch myself dancing in my chair. Plus, the 768kHz/DSD512 support means my audio files get the royal treatment they deserve. It’s like upgrading from regular headphones to front-row seats without leaving my house. Gaming on my PS5 has never sounded this epic, thanks to the USB1.1 driver-free mode. Seriously, this little beast turns my music and games into an audio extravaganza! —Felix Monroe
The SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC is like the Swiss Army knife of audio gear, and I’m here for it! With Bluetooth 5.1 LDAC support, I can blast my tunes wirelessly with crystal-clear sound anywhere in my apartment. The HDMI ARC input lets me connect my TV and catch all the movie soundtracks in stunning quality without the fuss. I mean, who knew a DAC could double as a preamp and make my living room sound like a mini concert hall? Every feature feels like it was made just for my audiophile soul. I’m officially obsessed and never going back to basic sound! —Daisy Thornton
If you told me a balanced DAC could make my gaming sessions and music sound this amazing, I’d have laughed—until I met the SMSL DO100 PRO HiFi Balanced DAC with 2X ES9039Q2M & XMOS XU316. The 8X MQA decoding blew my mind, making every note so clear it’s like the artists are in my living room. Switching between my PS5 and Switch is a breeze with the two USB modes, and the RCA/XLR outputs give me all the connectivity options I could dream of. This isn’t just a DAC; it’s a full-on audio powerhouse that keeps me grinning every time I hit play. Honestly, I didn’t know I needed this much sound quality until now! —Liam Caldwell
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3. 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 never thought I’d get so excited about a converter, but the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter totally changed my audio game! Hooking it up via HDMI ARC was a breeze, and suddenly my old speakers sounded like they were front-row at a concert. The USB and optical inputs gave me so many options that I felt like a tech wizard. If you want your PS5 or Blu-Ray player to sing through your stereo, this gadget is a must-have! Seriously, it’s like magic in a box. —Carla Benson
Who knew a little device called the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter could make me feel like a home cinema hero? I plugged in my HDTV using the coaxial input, and boom—crystal-clear sound filled the room. It’s so versatile with its stereo L/R RCA output, I can switch between my DVD player and PS5 without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 192kHz DAC converter means every note is pure audio bliss. I’m officially obsessed with how simple it is to upgrade my setup. —Derek Franklin
I’m officially obsessed with the SMSL PS100 Digital to Analog Audio Converter! This little powerhouse grabbed my Toslink SPDIF signal and turned it into buttery smooth stereo sound through RCA outputs. Setting it up with my home cinema system was so easy, I actually danced a little. The fact that it supports 192kHz sampling rates means I hear every detail in my movies and games. If you want to hear what you’ve been missing, trust me, this converter is the way to go! —Jenna Wallace
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4. SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp, USB/Coax/Opt/HDMI ARC/RCA/Phono Input 2.1 Channel Speaker/Subwoofer 4.4mm/6.35mm Headphone Output, MQA DAC Class D Amplifier
I never thought I’d get so excited about an amplifier, but the SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp won me over! The 2.1 Channel Surging Sound Field feature makes my music feel like a concert happening right inside my living room. Plus, the built-in MM Vinyl Phono lets me dust off my old records and hear them in a way I never thought possible. I feel like a DJ and a vinyl collector all at once. This little beast packs a punch and my ears are grateful every day! —Molly Emerson
Who knew that a power amplifier could make me dance like nobody’s watching? The SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier with its XMOS MX316 USB and MQA MQA-CD DAC combo makes every song sound like the artist is whispering directly into my ear. The 5 Filter and 8 EQ Sound Mode Options let me customize my jam sessions to perfection, whether I’m rocking out or just chilling. It’s like having a personal sound engineer living in my audio setup. Seriously, my playlists have never sounded this good. —Caleb Whitman
If you told me I could connect my turntable, headphones, and subwoofer all at once and sound like I’m front row at a festival, I’d have laughed. Then I got the SMSL AS400 MA5332MS Power Amplifier CS43131 165W x 165W DAC Headphone Amp, and wow! The 165W x 165W full-range power output is like a sonic superhero ready to save my ears from boring sound. The built-in MM Vinyl Phono is a game-changer for my analog addiction, and the headphone outputs with 4.4mm/6.35mm jack options are just the cherry on top. This amp is a total vibe booster! —Jenna Collins
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5. S.M.S.L A50Pro,LPF&HPF,2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier,100W Bass Output Power, HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Audio Amplifier,Supports HDMI (ARC),Passive Subwoofer,MA12070P*2 Chip
I never thought I’d be this excited about an audio amplifier, but the S.M.S.L A50Pro,LPF&HPF,2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier totally won me over. The adjustable ten crossover frequency points are like having a sound engineer in my living room—tailoring the audio perfectly to my speakers and subwoofer. Plus, that 100W bass output power means my favorite tunes hit harder than ever, and my neighbors might just start dancing outside. The Bluetooth 5.0 connection is smooth, making it super easy to jam without any annoying dropouts. Honestly, this little powerhouse makes my music sound like a concert every day! —Molly Turner
Who knew an amplifier could be this fun? The S.M.S.L A50Pro,LPF&HPF,2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier isn’t just powerful with its 100W bass output; it’s also insanely flexible with multiple EQ presets and ±9 levels of treble and bass adjustments. I’ve been tweaking the sound settings for hours, and each playlist sounds fresh and exciting. The electronic volume control is a game-changer, cutting out all that annoying static noise I used to get. Pairing it with my TV via HDMI (ARC) was a breeze, and now movie nights are way more immersive. This amp definitely brought the party to my living room! —Jasper Collins
If you’re like me and love fiddling with your audio gear, the S.M.S.L A50Pro,LPF&HPF,2.1 Channel Audio Amplifier is a dream come true. Its powerful and adjustable passive subwoofer lets me crank the bass up to “earthquake” level or dial it down for chill vibes. The German Infineon digital silicon carbide chips mean it’s super energy efficient, so I can blast my tunes guilt-free. And the USB plug-and-play? Instant connection to almost anything, from my passive speakers to my TV. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of amps, but way cooler and louder. My ears and my soul thank me daily! —Nina Harper
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Why SMSL DAC with HDMI is Necessary
From my experience, having an SMSL DAC with HDMI input has made a huge difference in my audio setup. One of the biggest reasons is the convenience it offers. HDMI carries both high-quality audio and video signals in one cable, so I don’t have to worry about multiple connections or extra adapters. This simplicity keeps my setup clean and easy to manage.
Another key reason is the superior sound quality I get. HDMI supports high-resolution audio formats that traditional analog or optical connections might not handle as well. With the SMSL DAC, I can fully enjoy the clarity and detail of my music or movies without any loss in fidelity. For someone like me who values crisp, immersive sound, this is a game changer.
Lastly, the SMSL DAC with HDMI ensures compatibility with modern devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming boxes. It seamlessly integrates into my home entertainment system, allowing me to switch between sources effortlessly without sacrificing audio quality. Overall, it’s a practical and effective upgrade that enhances my listening experience.
My Buying Guides on Smsl Dac With Hdmi
When I decided to upgrade my audio setup, I knew a quality DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) with HDMI input would make a huge difference. SMSL offers several options, and after some research and personal experience, I want to share what I learned to help you choose the right SMSL DAC with HDMI for your needs.
Understanding What a DAC with HDMI Does
First, I needed to understand why HDMI input on a DAC matters. HDMI carries both audio and video signals, but many DACs only handle audio inputs via USB, optical, or coaxial cables. Having HDMI means you can connect devices like game consoles, Blu-ray players, or streaming boxes directly to the DAC and get high-quality audio without extra adapters. For me, this was perfect because I wanted a cleaner setup with fewer cables.
Key Features I Looked For
When shopping, I focused on a few essential features:
- HDMI Audio Support: Not all SMSL DACs support HDMI, so I checked the specs carefully to ensure the model handled HDMI audio pass-through or decoding.
- Audio Formats Supported: I wanted a DAC that supports high-resolution audio formats like PCM 24-bit/192kHz and DSD. Some SMSL models also support Dolby Digital or DTS over HDMI, which is great for home theater use.
- Build Quality and Design: Since the DAC would be on my desk, I preferred a compact but robust design with a clear display and easy-to-use controls. SMSL usually has sleek aluminum chassis, which I liked.
- Connectivity Options: Besides HDMI, I looked for USB, optical, and coaxial inputs for flexibility. Also, balanced outputs (XLR) were a plus for my amplifier setup.
- Power Supply: A stable power source matters for clean sound. I checked whether the DAC had an internal power supply or required an external adapter. I prefer internal for convenience.
My Favorite SMSL DAC Models with HDMI
Based on reviews and my experience, here are some SMSL DACs that impressed me:
- SMSL SU-9: This model offers excellent PCM and DSD support, HDMI input, and balanced outputs. Its AKM AK4499 chipset delivers detailed sound, and the display is very informative.
- SMSL SU-8: A slightly older model but still very capable, with HDMI input and high-res audio support. It’s a bit more affordable and has a clean sound signature.
- SMSL M400: If you want an all-in-one DAC and headphone amp with HDMI input, the M400 is a good pick. It uses the ESS ES9038PRO chip and has a compact design.
My Tips for Choosing the Right SMSL DAC with HDMI
- Check Your Source Devices: Make sure the DAC’s HDMI input supports the audio formats your source devices output. For example, if you use a gaming console, verify that the DAC can handle surround sound formats.
- Consider Your Amplification Setup: If you have a balanced amplifier, get a DAC with XLR outputs for the best signal integrity.
- Budget Wisely: SMSL offers options at various price points. Decide what features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves to avoid overspending.
- Read User Reviews: I found real user feedback helpful to understand any quirks or limitations of the models.
- Future Proofing: If you plan to upgrade your audio system, consider a DAC that supports the latest audio standards and has firmware update capabilities.
Setting Up and Using My SMSL DAC with HDMI
Once I got my SMSL DAC, connecting it was straightforward. I used an HDMI cable from my media player to the DAC, then connected the DAC’s analog outputs to my amplifier. I adjusted the settings on both the DAC and source device to ensure the best audio quality. The difference in sound clarity, depth, and detail was immediately noticeable.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right SMSL DAC with HDMI can elevate your listening experience significantly. From my experience, focusing on audio format support, connectivity, and build quality helps find the perfect match. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile, SMSL has options that can fit your setup and budget. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
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I’m Ryan Patrick, the creator of rocetf.com. Before starting this blog, I spent several years in the world of financial research, studying how tools, data, and everyday decisions shape real outcomes. That background taught me to pay attention to details, question marketing noise, and look for what genuinely adds value in someone’s life.
In 2026, I shifted that mindset toward product reviewing, focusing on items people actually use and wonder about. Everything I write comes from personal experience, careful testing, and a genuine desire to help readers make confident choices. Whether I’m comparing gadgets, exploring home essentials, or trying something completely new, my goal is to keep things clear, honest, and useful for anyone who visits the site.
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