Review： SMSL M300se DAC Unlocks Hi-Rez Audio for $129!
United States of Analog | October 17, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the SMSL M300SE DAC/headphone amplifier/preamp. The host, Bob, discusses how this device solved his specific need for a compact, affordable headphone listening setup for his bedside table, serving as an alternative to his more expensive reference system upstairs.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- SMSL M300SE: DAC/balanced headphone amp/preamp combination unit, priced at approximately $129, includes remote control, compact form factor (3″ tall, 2.75″ wide, 6.75″ deep, extending to 8.5″ with Bluetooth antenna)
- SMSL A200: Integrated amplifier previously reviewed by the host, described as “fabulous little” [00:01:07]
- Ghasheli Labs AKM DAC: Part of host’s beloved reference headphone setup upstairs [00:02:08]
- Archel 3 Pro headphone amp: Paired with the Ghasheli DAC in reference system [00:02:12]
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The M300SE successfully solves his specific problem of needing a compact, affordable bedside headphone setup
- He’s impressed that it combines DAC and headphone amp functionality for under $150
- Initially dismissed the unit due to its unusual form factor but now appreciates how it fits his space constraints
- Values convenience and doesn’t want to constantly move his reference gear between rooms
- Describes himself as a “card-carrying tightwad” when it comes to spending [00:01:53]
What are the host’s strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Encourages viewers to like and subscribe to help grow his new channel [00:00:46]
What are the host’s notable comparisons between products?
- Positions the M300SE as a way to “duplicate that sound to a degree” compared to his reference Ghasheli Labs DAC and Archel 3 Pro setup, but in a smaller form factor and with less cost [00:02:18]
- Compares the M300SE’s form factor to everyday objects like a cracker box and water filter box [00:03:02]
What funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes occurred?
- “I’m a card-carrying tightwad” when discussing his budget constraints [00:01:53]
- Compares the device’s shape to mundane household items: “its shape reminds me of like a single sleeve cracker box or even the air filter box. Oh no, this is actually a water filter” [00:03:02]
- Acknowledges the irony: “I know this is the United States of Analog. We’re gonna get a little digital today” [00:00:57]
Summary
In this opening portion of the review, host Bob from United States of Analog introduces the SMSL M300SE, a $129 DAC/headphone amplifier/preamp combination unit. He frames the review around solving a specific problem: creating an affordable, compact headphone listening station for his bedside table without having to constantly move his more expensive reference gear (Ghasheli Labs AKM DAC and Archel 3 Pro headphone amp) from his main system upstairs.
Bob discusses his requirements for the bedside setup, emphasizing three key challenges: limited space on his nightstand, a desire to keep costs low (describing himself as a “card-carrying tightwad”), and convenience. He admits to initially overlooking the M300SE due to its unusual elongated form factor, which he humorously compares to a cracker box and water filter box, but now appreciates how this shape actually works well for his space constraints.
The host positions this as a “FunFi” class product and notes his positive experience with SMSL’s A200 integrated amplifier in a previous review. He’s optimistic about the M300SE’s potential, noting that it combines DAC and headphone amplification in a single unit for under $150, and emphasizes that his goal is to replicate his reference system’s sound quality and experience in a more practical and affordable package. The portion ends as he’s about to dive into the technical specifications and internal components of the device.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- SMSL M300se DAC ($129) [00:04:48]
- SMSL 200 amplifier (previously reviewed) [00:04:59]
- WIM Mini Streamer [00:06:12]
- Component suppliers: Cirrus Logic, JRC, Infineon, MQA [00:04:19]
- 43 131 chips (dual configuration) [00:06:27]
- Japanese NDK clocking [00:07:07]
- Tidal streaming service [00:06:36]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- SMSL has improved transparency and component quality compared to past “FunFi products” [00:04:15]
- The M300se represents good value at $129 despite potentially inflated specs [00:04:42]
- The dedicated headphone amp is the “star of the show” – much better than typical combo units at this price [00:07:35]
- The unit “feels and sounds quality” [00:07:31]
- Host is confident SMSL has been sincere in component selection [00:07:23]
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- With headphones up to 32 ohms, could not detect distortion or noise [00:07:50]
- Sound described as “actually quite beautiful” [00:07:45]
- Briefly tested PCM filter #4, thought it sounded best but dismissed as “delusional fever dream” [00:06:53]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- $129 price point mentioned multiple times as good value [00:04:42, 00:05:13, 00:06:23]
- Host suggests buyers can “feel pretty good about your purchase” given the included tech [00:04:48]
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- Compared favorably to SMSL 200 amplifier previously reviewed [00:04:59]
- Contrasted with typical DAC/headphone amp combos at this price where “the headphone amp is kind of an afterthought” [00:07:40]
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere” [00:08:02]
- Fleetwood Mac’s “Never Going Back Again” [00:08:02]
- Described Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar as “nice and sparkly” and the band’s “layered voices” [00:08:09]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “You know how much I love MQA, right?” followed by “Put your comments below. I know you hate MQA. I happen to dig it.” [00:06:28, 00:05:59]
- “I listen with my ears, and sometimes out of necessity, my wallet.” [00:07:19]
- Called budget hi-fi products “FunFi products” – “That’s what I’ve named them” [00:04:01]
Summary
In this portion, the host discusses SMSL’s improved approach to budget hi-fi with the M300se DAC, contrasting it with what he calls “FunFi products” – budget gear from overseas that previously made questionable performance claims. He notes that SMSL has become more transparent and now uses recognizable components from suppliers like Cirrus Logic, JRC, and Infineon, making the $129 price point more trustworthy.
The host provides a detailed walkthrough of the M300se’s features, including its dual 43131 DAC chips, extensive format support (PCM to 32/768, DSD256), Bluetooth 5.0, balanced and single-ended outputs, and MQA decoding capability. He admits the technical specifications are “above his pay grade” and jokes about briefly thinking one of the PCM filters sounded better before dismissing it as imagination, emphasizing his preference for listening over technical analysis.
The standout feature, according to the host, is the dedicated headphone amplifier, which he calls the “star of the show.” Unlike typical DAC/headphone amp combinations at this price where the amp section is an afterthought, the M300se delivers “quite beautiful” sound with no detectable distortion or noise on headphones up to 32 ohms. He supports this with listening impressions of Fleetwood Mac tracks, noting the sparkly guitar tones and layered vocals, while also making his contrarian stance on MQA clear to his presumably skeptical audience.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion:
- [00:08:42] SMSL M300 SE DAC/headphone amp combo unit ($129)
- [00:09:01] Emotiva GR1 headphones
- [00:09:07] Koss KPH 40 headphones ($40)
- [00:09:14] Sennheiser 414 headphones (mentioned nostalgically)
- [00:09:35] Jeschelle Labs Archel 3 Pro headphone amp ($500)
- [00:10:10] Schiit Heresy headphone amp
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion:
[00:11:16] The host concludes that the SMSL M300 SE “stepped up to the plate, took a big swing, and if it’s not a home run, it’s a stand-up triple.” [00:11:41] He states that after two weeks of use, “I already feel like it’s paid for itself.”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider:
[00:11:44] Strong buy recommendation: “It’s a no-brainer for bedroom, desktop, budget hi-fi system.” [00:11:51] Also suggests it’s portable enough to “throw it in the suitcase and take it to the beach on vacation” (though immediately jokes not literally to the beach due to sand).
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers:
[00:10:46] References a previous video about “managing your audio expectations” and acknowledges [00:11:01] “there are much better DACs in the world” and “much better headphone amps out there.”
[00:12:18] Music recommendations for late-night headphone listening: Roger Waters’ “Textural Experimental Dark Side of the Moon redo” and U2’s “Acoustical Songs of Surrender.”
How did the video wrap up:
[00:12:08] The host asks viewers to share in comments what music they like listening to on headphones late at night, provides music recommendations, then [00:12:35] closes with standard sign-off “I’ll see you next time on the United States of Analog.”
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions:
[00:08:29] “I don’t want to go back to MQA, but I will. I don’t know why people hate on it. It’s a mystery to me.”
[00:11:41] “I already feel like it’s paid for itself. I’m not lying.”
[00:12:32] “They’re both headphone heaven.”
Summary:
In the final portion of the review, the host conducts his listening tests using the Emotiva GR1 and budget-friendly $40 Koss KPH 40 headphones. He compares the SMSL’s performance to his $500 Jeschelle Labs Archel 3 Pro headphone amp and finds that while the SMSL doesn’t quite match the Jeschelle’s performance, it equals his beloved Schiit Heresy headphone amp in “clarity, fullness, and sparkle.” He emphasizes the convenience of having a quality DAC and headphone amp in one compact unit, eliminating the need for stacking separate components.
The host delivers a strong positive verdict, describing the M300 SE’s performance as “if it’s not a home run, it’s a stand-up triple” and stating that after just two weeks of use, it has already paid for itself. He acknowledges that better DACs and headphone amps exist but frames this within the context of managing expectations and recognizing the unit’s intended market position. His enthusiasm is evident when he calls it a “no-brainer” for bedroom, desktop, or budget hi-fi systems.
The video concludes with practical usage scenarios and music recommendations for late-night headphone listening, specifically suggesting Roger Waters’ experimental Dark Side of the Moon redo and U2’s Songs of Surrender as “headphone heaven.” The host wraps up by engaging with his audience, asking them to share their favorite late-night headphone music, and delivers his standard channel sign-off, maintaining the personable tone that characterizes the review throughout.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
