Overview

The SMSL D400ES is a desktop DAC built around ESS ES9039MSPRO. It provides USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth 5.x, supports 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512, and offers full MQA (incl. MQA-CD)[1]. It uses an XMOS XU316 USB interface, an analog stage with 11× OPA1612 in an 8-channel parallel topology, and CK-03 ultra-low-jitter clock[1][6]. Launched in 2022. Current US pricing is 549.99 USD (official shop)[2]. Audio Science Review calls it “flawless state of the art,” confirming top-tier transparency by measurement[3][4].

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer specs: DR 133 dB (XLR) and THD+N 0.00005%[1][14]. ASR reports ~-140 dB distortion with noise-dominated SINAD[4]. L7Audiolab’s test suite (dashboards, dynamic range, linearity, multitone) shows top-tier results[5]. As usual, XLR slightly outperforms RCA[5].

Technology Level

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A modern, refined platform: ES9039MSPRO + XU316, 11× OPA1612 in 8-ch parallel, CK-03 clock, I2S/AES and Bluetooth (LDAC/aptX HD)[1][6]. It’s evolutionary rather than revolutionary—but executed to a very high standard.

Cost-Performance

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Comparator (equal or better functions & transparent performance): SMSL DO200 MKII (dual ES9068AS, I2S/AES/BT, full MQA, DSD512/PCM768, balanced outs)[7][9].
Street prices (US, new): D400ES 549.99 USD (official)[2] vs DO200 MKII 469 USD (Aoshida)[8].
Given near-identical I/O and transparent-class measurements, the cheaper DO200 MKII limits the D400ES’s price advantage.

Reliability & Support

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After-sales support is typically via authorized dealers; a 1-year warranty is a common retailer policy example[12][13]. As always, verify dealer warranty terms at purchase.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design targets measurable transparency while covering broad system needs (MQA/I2S/AES/BT)[1]. Note that on July 24, 2024 TIDAL ceased MQA in favor of FLAC; whether MQA matters depends on your library/services (the format itself persists)[10][11].

Advice

• Seeking state-of-the-art measured transparency via USB? The D400ES is an easy recommendation.
• Want the same I/O set and MQA for less? Consider SMSL DO200 MKII (469 USD)[7][8].
• If MQA is irrelevant, alternatives like TOPPING E70 / E70 Velvet can be strong value picks (typically non-MQA).

References

[1] SMSL D400 ES – Product page (specs & features) https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/807.html
[2] SMSL Shop – D400 ES (price) https://smsl.shop/products/d400es
[3] Audio Science Review – D400ES thread (verdict) https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/smsl-d400es-dac-review.40884/
[4] SMSL News – “ASR SMSL D400ES DAC Review” (“flawless state of the art”, ~-140 dB) https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/news/detail/id/817.html
[5] L7Audiolab – Measurements of SMSL D400ES (detailed measurements) https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/smsl-d400es/
[6] Audiophonics – D400ES listing (11× OPA1612, LDAC/aptX HD) https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/dac-with-volume/smsl-d400es-dac-es9039mspro-xmos-xu316-11x-opa1612-bluetooth-50-aptx-hd-ldac-32bit-768khz-dsd512-mqa-p-16966.html
[7] SMSL DO200 MKII – Product page (specs & features) https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/803.html
[8] Aoshida – DO200 MKII (USD 469) https://aoshida-audio.com/products/smsl-do200-mkii-mqa-audio-dac
[9] Audio Science Review – DO200 MKII thread (measurements) https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/smsl-do200-mkii-dac-review.41396/
[10] TIDAL Support – Audio Format Updates (MQA removal on 2024-07-24) https://support.tidal.com/hc/en-us/articles/25876825185425-Audio-Format-Updates
[11] The Verge – Tidal format changes (2024-06-21) https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/21/24183037/tidal-mqa-flac-dolby-atmos-spatial-audio
[12] Apos Audio – Warranty FAQ (example of 1-year warranty) https://help.apos.audio/en-US/do-products-purchased-on-apos-audio-have-a-warranty-29454
[13] ShenzhenAudio – Guarantees & Return Policy (warranty example) https://shenzhenaudio.com/pages/guarantees-return-policy
[14] Apos – D400ES page (133 dB / 0.00005% specs) https://apos.audio/products/smsl-d400es

(2025.8.14)