Short answer: the SMSL SU-6 if measured performance matters most, the SMSL PS200 PRO if price matters most. The SMSL SU-6 ranks #20 of 30 DACs, rated 4.6/5, at $169.99. The SMSL PS200 PRO ranks #22, rated 4.5/5, at $87.99, $82 cheaper.
What the SMSL SU-6 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It has only RCA outputs, with no balanced XLR.
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-6 if measured performance matters more than the price. Buy the SMSL PS200 PRO if the price matters more than measured performance.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-6 | SMSL PS200 PRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 | $87.99 |
| Ranked | #20 of 30 in DACs | #22 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | ES9039Q2M |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.1” x 4.1” (140 x 28 x 105 mm) | 3.9” x 0.9” x 3.3” (100 x 23 x 84.7 mm) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (350 g) | 0.4 lbs (168.5 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL SU-6 compares with other leading options:
- Topping D50 III vs SMSL SU-6
- SMSL D-6S vs SMSL SU-6
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs SMSL SU-6
- SMSL SU-2 vs SMSL SU-6
- SMSL SU-6 vs Soncoz LA-QXD1
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-6: $169.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, which makes it a flexible source for powered speakers or a separate amp. It is compact at 140 x 105 mm and 350 g.
Cons: It has only RCA outputs, with no balanced XLR. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher and measures cleaner at 123 dB for less. No volume control is listed, so it relies on the connected amp or speakers.
Full SMSL SU-6 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2021 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.1” x 4.1” (140 x 28 x 105 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (350 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