{"product_id":"smsl-ds100-mqa-dac-headphone-amplifier-cs43131-hi-res-audio-decoder","title":"SMSL DS100 MQA DAC \u0026 Headphone Amp | CS43131 Hi-Res Audio","description":"\n\u003ch2\u003eSMSL DS100 MQA DAC \u0026amp; Headphone Amplifier – Hi-Res Audio Decoder\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExperience studio-quality sound with the \u003cstrong\u003eSMSL DS100\u003c\/strong\u003e, a compact yet powerhouse Hi-Res digital audio converter and headphone amplifier. Built around Cirrus Logic's premium \u003cstrong\u003eCS43131 audio decoder chip\u003c\/strong\u003e and the cutting-edge \u003cstrong\u003eXMOS XU-316 (3rd generation)\u003c\/strong\u003e USB controller, the DS100 delivers breathtaking audio fidelity with an ultra-low distortion rate of just 0.00017% (-115dB). Whether you're a dedicated audiophile or a casual listener ready to step up your game, this mini aluminum DAC brings professional-grade sound within reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMade in Mainland China.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull MQA Decoding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports MQA and MQA-CD for unfolding master-quality recordings to their original studio resolution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCS43131 DAC Chip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cirrus Logic's latest high-performance audio decoder chip, carefully tuned for an exceptionally low 0.00017% THD (-115dB).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eXMOS XU-316 (3rd Gen):\u003c\/strong\u003e PCM support up to 32-bit\/768kHz and DSD support up to DSD256 for extreme resolution playback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Input\/Output:\u003c\/strong\u003e All inputs (USB, Coaxial, Optical) support MQA and DSD; Coaxial and Optical support DoP64. Outputs include RCA and balanced headphone jacks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual Headphone Outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Equipped with a 6.35mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced headphone output for maximum versatility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDedicated Audio Clock Circuit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Purpose-built clock processing circuitry dramatically reduces jitter for a cleaner, more accurate signal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow-Noise Power Supply:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in high-efficiency power chip with multiple low-noise LDO regulators for a stable, interference-free power delivery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Gold-Plated Terminals:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-quality gold-plated input and output connectors for superior conductivity and corrosion resistance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAll-Aluminum CNC Chassis:\u003c\/strong\u003e Precision CNC-machined all-aluminum alloy enclosure minimizes electromagnetic interference and looks stunning on any desk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJAS Hi-Res Certified:\u003c\/strong\u003e Officially certified by the Japan Audio Society (JAS) for High-Resolution Audio playback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAC Chip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCirrus Logic CS43131\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSB Controller\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXMOS XU-316 (3rd Generation)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePCM Support\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 32-bit \/ 768kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDSD Support\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDSD64, DSD128, DSD256\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMQA Support\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMQA, MQA-CD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB, Coaxial, Optical (all MQA \u0026amp; DSD compatible)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA, 6.35mm Headphone, 4.4mm Balanced Headphone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHD+N\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.00017% (-115dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChassis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll-Aluminum Alloy, CNC Precision Machined\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertification\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJAS Hi-Res Audio Certified\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMainland China\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1 × SMSL DS100 DAC\/Headphone Amplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1 × USB Cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1 × Instruction Manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1 × Warranty Card\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLearn More About Hi-Res Audio\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a deeper understanding of digital audio standards and how they impact listening quality, visit the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for resources on audio measurement and standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eQ: What is MQA decoding and why does the SMSL DS100 support it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an audio technology that encodes and authenticates master-quality recordings in a file small enough to stream or download. The SMSL DS100 includes full hardware MQA decoding — including MQA-CD support — so you hear music exactly as the artist and engineer intended, with full unfolding to the original studio master resolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eQ: What headphones work best with the SMSL DS100?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: The SMSL DS100 is compatible with a wide range of headphones. Its 6.35mm (1\/4-inch) single-ended output suits most standard full-size audiophile headphones, while the 4.4mm balanced output is ideal for headphones with a balanced cable for even lower noise and better channel separation. Both low-impedance and high-impedance headphones are well-supported thanks to its powerful amplification stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eQ: What is the difference between PCM and DSD audio formats?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) is the most common digital audio format, used on CDs and most streaming services. DSD (Direct Stream Digital) is a high-resolution format used on SACDs, storing audio as a stream of single-bit values at very high sampling rates. The SMSL DS100 supports both, handling PCM up to 32-bit\/768kHz and DSD up to DSD256, ensuring compatibility with virtually any high-resolution audio file.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eQ: Does the SMSL DS100 require special drivers to work on a computer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: For most operating systems including macOS and Linux, the SMSL DS100 is plug-and-play via USB. Windows users may need to install ASIO or WASAPI drivers for the best performance and to unlock full high-resolution playback capabilities. Driver details are included in the instruction manual provided in the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eQ: Is the SMSL DS100 suitable for desktop and portable use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: The DS100 is designed as a compact, portable-friendly desktop DAC\/amplifier. Its mini all-aluminum chassis is lightweight yet rigid, making it well-suited for both a home listening setup and on-the-go use with a laptop or portable player.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is MQA decoding and why does the SMSL DS100 support it?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an audio technology that encodes and authenticates master-quality recordings in a file small enough to stream or download. 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