SMSL DP5-SE
Network music streamer with ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, balanced outputs, I²S/AES, and USB audio out; strong value when you need balanced analog at this price
Overview
The SMSL DP5-SE is a network music player/DAC released in 2024 using ESS’s ES9039Q2M. It offers Wi-Fi/Ethernet streaming, local playback (microSD/USB/NAS), Bluetooth in/out, and wide connectivity: RCA/XLR analog outs, AES/EBU, optical/coaxial, USB audio out, I²S, plus a 6.35 mm headphone jack. USB audio out supports up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512; built-in playback supports up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256 (manufacturer/retailer). [3][5]
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Manufacturer specifications list THD+N at 0.00009 % and dynamic range/SNR at 126 dB (A-wtd) for the DP5-SE’s line outputs—well inside transparency thresholds. Headphone output power is 89 mW (32 Ω) / 64 mW (64 Ω) / 27 mW (150 Ω) / 14 mW (300 Ω), with line-out levels 2.1 Vrms (RCA) and 5.2 Vrms (XLR). USB audio out supports up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512. (All manufacturer figures.) [3][5]
Independent third-party lab measurements specific to DP5-SE were not found at the time of writing. Given this, the score is conservatively set at 0.6 based on the clearly stated, transparent-level manufacturer numbers. We will incorporate credible third-party data once available.
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]The DP5-SE employs ESS’s latest ES9039Q2M (HyperStream IV). Datasheet figures show 130 dB dynamic range and –120 dB THD+N, a modest step over the older ES9038Q2M (129 dB DNR). Independent tests of ES9039Q2M-based devices also show improved low-level behavior. [1][2] SMSL’s implementation adds balanced XLR, AES/EBU, I²S, USB audio out, and a basic head-amp; otherwise it follows conventional reference approaches, so we keep Technology Level at 0.6.
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{1.0}\]Price used (review target): 379 USD (official store). [4]
Cheapest equivalent-or-better comparator: FiiO R7 desktop streaming DAC/amp with balanced XLR/RCA line outs, integrated streamer OS, and high-power headphone outputs; published DAC-stage specs meet transparent thresholds. Market price: 699 USD. [8]
Since no cheaper product with equal-or-better user-facing functions (balanced analog outs + streamer + head-amp) and transparent-class performance was found, DP5-SE is currently the least-cost option among equivalents → CP = 1.0.
Note: If you don’t need balanced analog or I²S, the WiiM Ultra (329 USD) is an excellent alternative with HDMI ARC and a touchscreen, but it lacks balanced analog outputs and I²S—hence not used for CP. [6][7]
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]The official shop indicates a one-year warranty. [4] The original DP5 platform (ES9038PRO) drew reports of firmware/software issues and subsequent fixes; while DP5-SE ships with an updated UI, we found no robust field-failure statistics yet for this model. Given streamers’ reliance on firmware/app maintenance and limited transparency on update cadence, Reliability & Support is kept at an average 0.5. [10][11]
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]The DP5-SE prioritizes measurable fidelity (modern ESS DAC) and practical connectivity (balanced XLR, AES/EBU, I²S, USB out). As a dedicated streamer/DAC it improves convenience versus a PC+DAC chain, but introduces no notably novel DSP/software features. The choices are sound and user-oriented rather than innovative, so 0.6.
Advice
Need balanced analog outs + I²S + streamer at the lowest price with a basic head-amp? The DP5-SE is compelling. Prefer richer UI/HDMI ARC and don’t need balanced? Consider WiiM Ultra (329 USD). Want a stronger head-amp with balanced outs in one box? The FiiO R7 (699 USD) is the next step up—at a higher price. [4][6][7][8]
References
- ESS Technology — ES9039Q2M Datasheet (v0.2.1 PDF), https://www.esstech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ES9039Q2M_Datasheet_v0.2.1.pdf , accessed 2025-08-27.
- Archimago’s Musings — “Detailed THD(+N) vs Output Level… (ES9039Q2M)”, https://archimago.blogspot.com/2024/04/detailed-thdn-vs-output-level.html , accessed 2025-08-27.
- SMSL (official) — DP5 SE product page (key specs incl. THD+N/DNR/SNR), https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/876.html , accessed 2025-08-27.
- SMSL SHOP (official store) — DP5 SE price page, 379 USD, https://smsl.shop/products/dp5se , accessed 2025-08-27.
- HiFi-Express — DP5-SE specs (HP power, line levels, USB out 32/768 & DSD512; built-in 32/384 & DSD256), https://www.hifi-express.com/products/smsl-dp5-se , accessed 2025-08-27.
- WiiM (official) — WiiM Ultra overview (features incl. HDMI ARC/touch), https://wiimhome.com/wiimultra/overview , accessed 2025-08-27.
- WiiM (official) — WiiM Ultra shop listing (price 329 USD), https://wiimhome.com/shop , accessed 2025-08-27.
- Apos Audio — FiiO R7 price 699 USD, https://apos.audio/products/fiio-r7 , accessed 2025-08-27.
- Eversolo (official) — DMP-A6 specs (balanced XLR, performance context), https://www.eversolo.com/Product/spec/model/DMP-A6/target/7abWHw%2B%2BoHhKKmVViAFMcQ%3D%3D.html , accessed 2025-08-27.
- Audio Science Review — SMSL DP5 (original) review thread (reports of software issues), https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/smsl-dp5-music-streamer-and-dac-review.16813/ , accessed 2025-08-27.
- SMSL News — Use your smartphone to stream MQA on DP5 (notes MQA display fix & firmware), https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/news/detail/id/738.html , accessed 2025-08-27.
(2025.8.28)