Short answer: a tie on measured performance. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#12 and #14 of 30 DACs) at nearly the same price ($398.65 vs $399.99), so choose on features and fit.
Why pick the SMSL DO200 MKII: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: The SMSL D-6S matches its rating for about half the price, so the extra money mostly buys more inputs.
The case for the SMSL SU-9n: 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 DO200 MKII or the SMSL SU-9n on features: they are rated the same at close to the same price.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DO200 MKII | SMSL SU-9n | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398.65 | $399.99 |
| Ranked | #12 of 30 in DACs | #14 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 121 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, AES/EBU, I2S, 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 | 2 x ES9068AS | ES9038PRO |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.7” x 7.3” (210 x 43 x 185 mm) | 7.4” x 1.6” x 6.1” (187.5 x 40 x 154 mm) |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1,200 g) | 1.7 lbs (790 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (remote, pre/fixed modes) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL DO200 MKII compares with other leading options:
- Topping D50 III vs SMSL DO200 MKII
- SMSL DO200 MKII vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- SMSL DO200 MKII vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL DO200 MKII vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL D-6S vs SMSL DO200 MKII
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 DO200 MKII: $398.65 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, and feeds an amp or powered speakers over RCA or balanced XLR. It matches the rating of the Gustard X18 for much less.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S matches its rating for about half the price, so the extra money mostly buys more inputs. It has no headphone output, and at 1.2 kg in a wide chassis it needs real shelf space.
Full SMSL DO200 MKII review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.7” x 7.3” (210 x 43 x 185 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1,200 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