SMSL PO100 Pro DDC Non Review

[catastrofe]

I'm using an Audio GD R1 NOS while I determine which higher-end DAC will find a permanent home in my system. I wanted to try the I2S input of the R1 without spending a bunch of $$$, and stumbled upon the PO100 Pro for $70 on Amazon.

This little thing (about the size of a business card) sounds remarkably good...better to my ears than the USB input.

If anyone is looking for a low cost way to convert USB to I2S, I can definitely recommend this device.

https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/808.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLYVZCV5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[Musikfan]

Hi, it looks interesting. How do you power it? Where is the power connection to the unit?

 

[catastrofe]

Hi, it looks interesting. How do you power it? Where is the power connection to the unit?

It's powered via the USB connector. So if your input is USB, you're set. If your input is SPDIF or Optical, you still need to connect the USB port to a USB power source.

 

[Musikfan]

Hi, thanks for the quick reply. I'll be using usb as an input so that's good. Will the i2s output work with most dacs like smsl and topping?

 

[catastrofe]

Hi, thanks for the quick reply. I'll be using usb as an input so that's good. Will the i2s output work with most dacs like smsl and topping?

That I don't know...there are two I2S output configurations so you need to be able to match one of them.

 

[Musikfan]

Hey, thanks again. Very much appreciated!

 

[RONJA MESCO]

this little piece of kit IS IT

 

[Musikfan]

I'm using the PO100 between a Volumio Rivo using usb and SMSL Dac using i2s. It's small, easy to install, works perfectly and sound through it is great. I'm using it with Mode 1, and had to invert the DSD phase through thee Dac settings. It's a terrific device. Very glad I found it.

 

[taipan254]

Just got mine today. Going from audiolinux machine to PO 100 Pro to Gustard X26 Pro via i2s. PCM is fine. DSD isn't working. The best I can is DSD 128 via DoP. No Native DSD support at all. Switched between mode 1 and 2 for i2s pinouts and mode. no dice. Also, the indicator light is green despite playing PCM upsampled to 16fs. it should be yellow.

Shame, but it's such a cheap unit that my disappointment is only mild. If anyone figures out how to use this with a Gustard DAC properly, do drop a line!

 

[MrBizla]

To add my 2c worth ..
Added it between PC and Aune X8 18th w/ Sparkos 2590.
Used "S.T.P" by The KayGee's to get impressions, a busy, lush, 70's symphonic funk classic with plenty of textures and dynamic contrasts.

Within a few switches to and from the existing USB in, it seemed like the PO1000Pro helps everything stay rhythmically tight, just 1/2% better timing precision. I don't feel like it changes the FR, but the thump following a floor tom hit arrives that spit second sooner so the impact is more satisfying anyway and - pure speculation time - if timing is better then there should be more air in the treble because everything is more coherent?

Of course... shiny new toy + malleable consumer brain = very easily persuaded, so YMMV. But, I do hear a difference so for $70, even if that 1% improvement is 99% me fooling myself or just the change from USB to coax input, I really don't mind.