Short answer: a tie on measured performance. Both are rated 4.5/5 (#22 and #23 of 30 DACs) at nearly the same price ($87.99 vs $84.99), so choose on features and fit.
The case for the SMSL PS200 PRO: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: There is no balanced XLR output and no Bluetooth input.
Why pick the SMSL SU-1: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It has no volume control of its own, so level must be set on the computer or the downstream amp, and there is no balanced output or Bluetooth.
Buy the SMSL PS200 PRO or the SMSL SU-1 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 PS200 PRO | SMSL SU-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $87.99 | $84.99 |
| Ranked | #22 of 30 in DACs | #23 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M | AK4493S |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 0.9” x 3.3” (100 x 23 x 84.7 mm) | 3.8” x 1.1” x 3.1” (96 x 27 x 78 mm) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (168.5 g) | 0.4 lbs (195 g) |
| Volume Control | - | None (PC volume) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL PS200 PRO compares with other leading options:
- SMSL SU-2 vs SMSL PS200 PRO
- SMSL SU-6 vs SMSL PS200 PRO
- SMSL PS200 PRO vs Topping E30 II Lite
- Fosi Audio Q6 vs SMSL PS200 PRO
- SMSL PS200 PRO vs Topping D10s
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 PS200 PRO: $87.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It is a small, inexpensive box with USB, optical and coaxial inputs and an RCA output for an amp or powered speakers. It measured cleaner than the SMSL SU-1 for about the same price.
Cons: There is no balanced XLR output and no Bluetooth input. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher and measured even cleaner at 123 dB for only a little more.
Full SMSL PS200 PRO review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 0.9” x 3.3” (100 x 23 x 84.7 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (168.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL SU-1: $84.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It is a compact, inexpensive DAC with USB, optical and coaxial inputs that connects to an amp or powered speakers.
Cons: It has no volume control of its own, so level must be set on the computer or the downstream amp, and there is no balanced output or Bluetooth. The SMSL PS200 PRO measured cleaner at 120 dB for about the same price, and the SMSL SU-2 rates higher for only a little more.
Full SMSL SU-1 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | AK4493S |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 3.8” x 1.1” x 3.1” (96 x 27 x 78 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (PC volume) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (195 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons