Short answer: the SMSL M400. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#13 and #16 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL M400 costs $859.99 against $999 for the SMSL VMV D2R, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
What the SMSL M400 does well: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
The case for the SMSL VMV D2R: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is the priciest DAC in its group yet only matches the rating of the SMSL D-6S, which costs a fraction as much and measured cleaner.
Buy the SMSL M400. Both are rated the same, and it costs $139.01 less than the SMSL VMV D2R.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL M400 | SMSL VMV D2R | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $859.99 | $999.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 30 in DACs | #16 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EQ | BD34301EKV |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote), fixed or variable | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.7” x 8.5” (220 x 43 x 215 mm) | 11” x 1.7” x 9.3” (280 x 43 x 235.5 mm) |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1,530 g) | 7.1 lbs (3,200 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for SMSL M400:
- Topping D900 vs SMSL M400
- SMSL M400 vs SMSL SU-10
- SMSL M400 vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- SMSL M400 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL M400 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
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 D2R: $999.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It offers USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, plus RCA and balanced XLR outputs and a hardware volume knob for use as a preamp.
Cons: It is the priciest DAC in its group yet only matches the rating of the SMSL D-6S, which costs a fraction as much and measured cleaner. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE also measured cleaner at 123 dB for much less. At 3.2 kg it is large and heavy.
Full SMSL VMV D2R review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | BD34301EKV |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 11” x 1.7” x 9.3” (280 x 43 x 235.5 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3,200 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons