Short answer: the SMSL D200. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#17 and #14 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL D200 costs $319 against $399.99 for the SMSL SU-9n, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
Why pick the SMSL D200: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: The SMSL D-6S rates the same and measures cleaner at 122 dB for less.
What the SMSL SU-9n does well: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp.
Buy the SMSL D200. Both are rated the same, and it costs $80.99 less than the SMSL SU-9n.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL D200 | SMSL SU-9n | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.00 | $399.99 |
| Ranked | #17 of 30 in DACs | #14 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ROHM BD34352EKV | ES9038PRO |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob and remote (preamp mode) | Digital (remote, pre/fixed modes) |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 1.9” x 7.8” (200 x 47.9 x 197.9 mm) | 7.4” x 1.6” x 6.1” (187.5 x 40 x 154 mm) |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1,214 g) | 1.7 lbs (790 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL SU-9n compares with other leading options:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs SMSL SU-9n
- SMSL SU-9n vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL SU-9n vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL DO200 Pro vs SMSL SU-9n
- SMSL DO200 MKII vs SMSL SU-9n
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
SMSL D200: $319.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It feeds powered speakers or an amp through RCA or balanced XLR outputs, and a volume knob and remote let it work as a preamp. Inputs cover USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S rates the same and measures cleaner at 122 dB for less. Its SINAD trails the 123 dB of the Topping D70 Pro SABRE, though both are well past the point of audibility. At 1,214 g, it is a full-size box.
Full SMSL D200 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ROHM BD34352EKV |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 1.9” x 7.8” (200 x 47.9 x 197.9 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob and remote (preamp mode) |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1,214 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL SU-9n: $399.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It takes USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, and feeds an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR, with a remote and switchable preamp or fixed output.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE rates the same with slightly higher measured SINAD, though it costs more.
Full SMSL SU-9n review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.6” x 6.1” (187.5 x 40 x 154 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (remote, pre/fixed modes) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (790 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons