Short answer: the SMSL DO200 MKII. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#12 and #5 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL DO200 MKII costs $398.65 against $719.99 for the SMSL VMV D1se2, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the SMSL DO200 MKII: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: The SMSL D-6S matches its rating for about half the price, so the extra money mostly buys more inputs.
Why pick the SMSL VMV D1se2: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, comfortably in the range where noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
Buy the SMSL DO200 MKII. Both are rated the same, and it costs $321.34 less than the SMSL VMV D1se2.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DO200 MKII | SMSL VMV D1se2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398.65 | $719.99 |
| Ranked | #12 of 30 in DACs | #5 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 123 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, I2S, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9068AS | ES9039MSPRO |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.7” x 7.3” (210 x 43 x 185 mm) | 8.3” x 1.5” x 6.7” (210 x 39 x 170 mm) |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1,200 g) | 3.6 lbs (1,630 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Remote |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL VMV D1se2 compares with other leading options:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL VMV D1se2 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL VMV D1se2 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- Gustard X18 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL VMV D1se2
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 VMV D1se2: $719.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, comfortably in the range where noise and distortion are inaudible. Inputs cover USB, I2S, coaxial, optical and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and it feeds amps or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs. A remote is included for volume control.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers. The SMSL D-6S earns the same rating with nearly identical measurements for far less, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its SINAD and also costs less.
Full SMSL VMV D1se2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.5” x 6.7” (210 x 39 x 170 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, I2S, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Remote |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,630 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons