[pollyjingjing]

https://hifi-express.com/collection...-m300-audio-dac-ak4497?variant=25150063149156
The M300 of blue color and black in stock in the USA now.

 

[pollyjingjing]

https://hifi-express.com/blogs/news/more-info-about-the-new-items-smsl-will-be-released-2019

And the M500 will be released this year, it doesn't use the USB power and with the MQA DAC.

 

[Kylex]

A russian website offers the the M500:
https://umkamall.ru/1433606
Converted that would be 1000 US$, which is a lot...

 

[pollyjingjing]

A russian website offers the the M500:
https://umkamall.ru/1433606
Converted that would be 1000 US$, which is a lot...

This is a fault link, The M500 will be released on 15th August.

 

[OKOptimistic]

Hi, first post

Trying to decide between this and Topping D50. Don't know anything about audio, I currently have the Topping D50 and SMSL M300 side by side and listening to both with a JDS Atom amp and a Sennheiser 6xx. Can't really tell a difference except I thought the Topping sounded fuller while the M300 had better background instruments. But that could have just been placebo? I can only keep one and is leaning towards the SMSL cause it is much newer, balanced, the reviews are great on Amazon of the M100 and Sanskrit, and it has an AKM chip which I heard is better? But Audiosciencereview and Amirm doesn't seem to prefer the SMSL products (M100/Sanskrit/M10) while the Topping D50 had better measurements than the SMSL-SU8? But Amirm hasn't reviewed the M300. Also the Topping D50 is $160 right now on eBay while the M300 was $240.

 

[Baten]

Hi, first post

Trying to decide between this and Topping D50. Don't know anything about audio, I currently have the Topping D50 and SMSL M300 side by side and listening to both with a JDS Atom amp and a Sennheiser 6xx. Can't really tell a difference except I thought the Topping sounded fuller while the M300 had better background instruments. But that could have just been placebo? I can only keep one and is leaning towards the SMSL

Keep whichever you like most man. It's that simple!

 

[RestlessZombi]

Hi, first post

Trying to decide between this and Topping D50. Don't know anything about audio, I currently have the Topping D50 and SMSL M300 side by side and listening to both with a JDS Atom amp and a Sennheiser 6xx. Can't really tell a difference except I thought the Topping sounded fuller while the M300 had better background instruments. But that could have just been placebo? I can only keep one and is leaning towards the SMSL cause it is much newer, balanced, the reviews are great on Amazon of the M100 and Sanskrit, and it has an AKM chip which I heard is better? But Audiosciencereview and Amirm doesn't seem to prefer the SMSL products (M100/Sanskrit/M10) while the Topping D50 had better measurements than the SMSL-SU8? But Amirm hasn't reviewed the M300. Also the Topping D50 is $160 right now on eBay while the M300 was $240.

I can vouch for the quality of the M300, its both well built and sounds great (which you seem to have already experienced for yourself), plus the balanced output is a big bonus in this price range. The Topping D50 is also a fine DAC, I haven't heard this model but the D10 i bought for a project sounds amazing for the price. Personally i like the simplicity of the M300 and the Balanced makes a difference for me as I have a balanced amp to go with. Assuming you own the mentioned JDS Atom then maybe it comes down to preference and if you plan to update your Amp in the future.

 

[Dannylin]

The M500 is just $499.99. This is a killer, considering it uses the ESS9038PRO chip?

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32977645364.html

 

[Baten]

The M500 is just $499.99. This is a killer, considering it uses the ESS9038PRO chip?

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32977645364.html

The Sabaj DA5 does as well, is cheaper and has good amp too. https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sab...y-a-digital-to-analog-converter.904056/page-7
so there is some fierce competition here

 

[Baten]

The M500 is just $499.99. This is a killer, considering it uses the ESS9038PRO chip?

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32977645364.html

Supposedly it'll cost $259, not $499
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/new-smsl-m300.7046/post-212290

 

[RestlessZombi]

Supposedly it'll cost $259, not $499
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/new-smsl-m300.7046/post-212290

Maybe $359, but the M300 at the moment is $230, so i doubt it will be priced that "generously".. I doubt $500 is right too, as previously mentioned the Sabaj D5 is $350..

 

[Dannylin]

Sabaj D5 is $350

Where did you get the Sabaj D5 for $350? I would get one if the price is $350.

It's $469.99 now on Amazon.

Considering the Sabaj D5 that is also using single ES 9038 PRO chip, I guess the SMSL M500 price is comparable at least in the same range.

But we will all soon to know the exact answer. The M500 is set to release to the public on the 20th of August.

 

[RestlessZombi]

I apologise I saw it for £380 / £350 with offer on Amazon UK and assumed the US would be the same roughly in dollars. Amazon.com is selling them for $400 in "Used Like New" Link though.

 

[Reebonz]

Maybe $359, but the M300 at the moment is $230, so i doubt it will be priced that "generously".. I doubt $500 is right too, as previously mentioned the Sabaj D5 is $350..

The M500 is priced at 2200RMB (~$310USD) in china but international price should be slightly higher. If it measures well and sounds good too, then it is quite a bargain for an ES9038Pro + MQA equipped DAC/Amp.

 

[Dannylin]

The M500 is priced at 2200RMB (~$310USD) in china but international price should be slightly higher. If it measures well and sounds good too, then it is quite a bargain for an ES9038Pro + MQA equipped DAC/Amp.

$310 is a no-brainer.