Short answer: the SMSL SU-2. It ranks #18 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.7/5, at $99.99. The SMSL PS200 PRO ranks #22, rated 4.5/5, at $87.99, $12 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the SMSL SU-2: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. Watch for: There is no USB input listed, so a computer needs a separate USB to digital converter.
The case for the SMSL PS200 PRO: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: There is no balanced XLR output and no Bluetooth input.
Buy the SMSL SU-2. It is rated higher, and saving $12 with the SMSL PS200 PRO does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-2 | SMSL PS200 PRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $87.99 |
| Ranked | #18 of 30 in DACs | #22 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | AES/EBU, optical, coaxial | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M | ES9039Q2M |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.7” x 5.2” (150 x 42.5 x 133.1 mm) | 3.9” x 0.9” x 3.3” (100 x 23 x 84.7 mm) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (533 g) | 0.4 lbs (168.5 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for SMSL SU-2:
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs SMSL SU-2
- SMSL SU-2 vs SMSL SU-6
- SMSL SU-2 vs SMSL SU-1
- SMSL SU-2 vs Topping E30 II Lite
- SMSL SU-2 vs Fosi Audio Q6
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 SU-2: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It sends RCA and XLR outputs to an amp or powered speakers, and accepts AES/EBU, optical and coaxial digital sources. It matches the rating of the Topping Centaurus and measures cleaner for a small fraction of the price.
Cons: There is no USB input listed, so a computer needs a separate USB to digital converter. It has no Bluetooth or volume control, and the SMSL D-6S rates higher with USB and LDAC Bluetooth for more money.
Full SMSL SU-2 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.7” x 5.2” (150 x 42.5 x 133.1 mm) |
| Inputs | AES/EBU, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (533 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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