Short answer: the SMSL VMV D1se2. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#5 and #13 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL VMV D1se2 costs $719.99 against $859.99 for the SMSL M400, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
What the SMSL M400 does well: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
What the SMSL VMV D1se2 does well: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, comfortably in the range where noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
Buy the SMSL VMV D1se2. Both are rated the same, and it costs $140 less than the SMSL M400.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL M400 | SMSL VMV D1se2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $859.99 | $719.99 |
| Ranked | #13 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, I2S, Bluetooth | USB, I2S, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EQ | ES9039MSPRO |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote), fixed or variable | Remote |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.7” x 8.5” (220 x 43 x 215 mm) | 8.3” x 1.5” x 6.7” (210 x 39 x 170 mm) |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1,530 g) | 3.6 lbs (1,630 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL VMV D1se2:
- 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 M400: $859.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial, I2S and Bluetooth with UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and drives amps or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs. A volume knob and remote with fixed or variable output let it work as a preamp for active speakers.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers. Several rivals with the same rating measured slightly cleaner for less, including the Topping D70 Pro SABRE and the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1.
Full SMSL M400 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EQ |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.7” x 8.5” (220 x 43 x 215 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote), fixed or variable |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1,530 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