SMSL M500 MKII DAC/Amp

$279

~~$440~~

q&a1

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SMSL M500 MKII DAC/Amp

Name: SMSL M500 MKII DAC/Amp
Brand: SMSL
SKU: smsl-m500-mkii-dac-amp
Price: 279 USD
Availability: InStock

$279

~~$440~~

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Product Description

The true measure of an excellent digital-to-analog converter and headphone amp combo comes from the array of components on the inside—and how they work together. From specs to synergy, the SMSL M500 MKII DAC/Amp simply doesn’t skimp Read More

q&a1

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Jul 13, 2023

I have a soft spot for DAC/AMP combos and I'm really tempted... although things like Bluetooth and (ugh!) MQA actually turn me off! But I don't have to use them, right? 😆

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Rowdy2026

794

Jul 18, 2023

So now your concern is choosing & playing MQA files but not wanting them decoded?! Well you’ve won…you’ve completely exhausted my desire to interact any further. The music encoded in MQA will have a proprietary sound signature for sure but then why would you choose to even play an MQA encoded file in the first place if you’re so obviously adverse to it? As to your recent question…yes they can still be played on through non capable routes. Over & out…

MiU1

Jul 18, 2023

Rowdy2026Of course I won! Your (misguided?) claims that the unit has MQA always on, ready to serve when "asked" were simply false. NORMAL SPDIF setting removes it. If you actually read my previous post, you'll see that I'm using that extreme example to show that it's not the "amp" that "decides". I certainly won't miss your contributions about "amps" that are capable of "file playback" and even "decide" something... While this product contains an amp, it's a completely analog affair, no files involved. And guess what, even the DAC doesn't deal with files at all, no WMA or MP3. Only a stream of samples (and clock data) over USB/UAC or SPDIF/TOSLINK. MQA can be present via specifically shaped dither (noise), just like say HDCD. But - there needs to be something "lurking" there to identify these things and process them as appropriate. Otherwise, you only get the raw signal with an increased noise. The fabulous ESS DAC chip is unaware of MQA, so there must be something else doing this. Ideally, it will pass non-MQA signal unmolested, but you can ask SMSL designers why they allow to force standard SPDIF, maybe some users prefer it? Overall, I see this M500 release as a very competent DAC/AMP combo that could satisfy even those who don't drink the Meridian Qool Aid:

Unit has a setting that restores standard SPDIF operation without additional processing
This price leaves one with a good feeling that (next to) nothing was paid for that "feature"
Unit itself and its display don't seem to remind one of the "feature".

So I'm still tempted, after all, I have a soft spot for them DAC/AMP combos... 😆

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GodsOwnDj369

Jul 13, 2023

Can you swap out the op amps on this device with Burson op amps? Also are they dual or single? Any info would be appreciated!

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iwendt

Jul 13, 2023

GodsOwnDj369No, not really meant for that kind of thing. It's 3 dual OPA1612 opamps as standard.

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Marcus22687

285

Jul 13, 2023

Headfonics review of the M500 MKII https://headfonics.com/smsl-m500-mkii-review/ "As a DAC/amp, the SMSL M500 MKII brings a detailed and natural presentation while staying on the safer side for sibilance, which is consistent with what I’ve heard with most other SMSL amps."

(Edited)

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