Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Jack Herrera photo
1 Level
761 Review
44 Karma

Review on 🎧 S.M.S.L M300 MKII HiFi Audio DAC: AKM4497EQ Apt-X USB DAC Decoder with Hi-Res Bluetooth 5.0 and Full Balanced Output - New Edition (Black) by Jack Herrera

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Good sound quality for home audio

Overall sound quality and performance are very good for the price. I connected it to Loxjie P20 and Monoprice Liquid Platinum via balanced connections. I've used it with the 2nd gen Beyerdynamic T1, DT880 250ohm and DT990 600ohm, as well as Sennheiser HD660 and Game One headphones. It has a better picture and wider, deeper and higher soundstage than any other DAC I have (Note 8, Macbook Pro 2018 and ESS 9007 in my Yamaha 2850 receiver). where the instruments appear too far ahead on the left or right. It is noise free and has a neutral and smooth but detailed sound to my ears. I like the LCD screen. It seems better than just a text ad. I prefer a volume control over a push button control, but I wouldn't pay more for it, especially considering it's more likely to be set and forgotten if you have an amp with a volume control. The only issue I've had is the disappearance of my list of audio devices. on my MacBook Pro. It always seems to happen after using it in exclusive mode with Tidal or Jriver Media Center. I'm not sure if it's a device or macOS, but I saw someone else posted a similar issue with a different brand. DAC. I doubt the shape. I would have preferred somewhere to stow the K-Amp on top, but it fits in pretty well with my other amps. In the end, the cost, features, and sound quality make it one of the best desktop DACs under $250.

Pros
  • Large selection
Cons
  • Appearance