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Today, I’m looking at two desktop DACs from distributor Aoshida, the SMSL DO200 MQA DAC and the Dilvpoetry DAC DT-1 Headphone Amplifier.

SMSL and Dilvpoetry Desktop DACs

SMSL DO200 MQA DAC Front

Starting with the SMSL DO200 MQA DAC, I really didn’t know what to expect from this brand when I got the box in. It was carefully packaged and came in a clean white box. Opening it up, I first noticed its beautiful matte black metal finish. Powering it up, the display on the front was crisp and easy to read from a distance. The manual was quite basic and didn’t include much info, so let’s jump right into the review.

SMSL DO200 MQA DAC Back

Setting up the unit, I used Audioquest USB and dual RCA cables to connect it to my Desktop PC system and fired it right up. The DO200 uses a unique scroll wheel and button controls for all functions. Super simple and easy to use, the dial has great tactile feedback when adjusting the volume. Other than that, there are no other buttons except for the extra-large rear power switch. The look of the DO200 is very clean and neat. I like it so far.

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Getting some music playing was impressive. For reference, I like to listen to a regular cheap DAC on my PC and then switch over to the review unit. The difference was just wow. The DO200 sounds fantastic with amazing clarity and clear as can be. Going from a standard plug-in DAC to this was incredible. Adjusting the volume is a treat, no interference or cracking to be found. The volume goes up and down very smoothly, no matter how fast you move the dial, excellent attention to detail. The DO200 uses two ESS Technologies ES9068AS chips in a balanced setup and an analog output stage with five high-end OPA1612 dual op-amps. Impressive is an understatement.

Some features of note:

Are your ears watering yet? But seriously, this unit is fully featured and ready to go. Scrolling through the web page for this unit is overwhelming. It has all the information that should be in the manual and it took me about an hour to review everything here. It’s worth a look for your next DAC upgrade.

I take my desktop audio seriously; I love great-sounding audio while I am working and playing and the DO200 really impressed me. I had a hard time finding something I didn’t like about this unit, maybe different color options? I think it will be hard to beat at $489 and this is my favorite product of 2021. 9/10!

Dilvpoetry DAC DT-1 Headphone Amplifier

Dilvpoetry DAC DT-1 Front

Moving on to the Dilvpoetry DAC DT-1 Headphone Amplifier, it was just as well boxed as the DO200, with the extra added step of installing the tubes. You can see a short video of me installing them on the Secrets’ Instagram reels. Pretty simple, but use caution as they take a bit more force than expected to seat them properly. Now let’s move on to checking out the build quality and setup.

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Where the DO200 impressed, the DT-1 felt cheap. The buttons on the front rustle around when you move the unit and holding a button to turn up or down the volume is a bit of an annoyance. I really wish there was a cage to shield the tubes on the top. On my desk, papers can find their way on top of things with ease. The front display has the same cool blue color and tone as a Chevy vehicle dash display. I am personally not a fan of the looks and interface with this unit.

Dilvpoetry DAC DT-1 Back

Luckily, it redeems itself by sounding better than it looks. At normal desktop volumes, it sounds just fine, I have no complaints. As the volume increases it loses warmth and turns into a colder, harsher sound. Not bad, but not the best I have heard. A quick rundown of the features includes:

If you’re into tubes and want a value-minded DAC, this is a good option, but I feel there are better-looking and sound options for the money. The front interface feels like it’s from a Chevy SUV and the buttons have a cheap feeling. At this price point, I feel the interface should be a few steps better than this. The sound is definitely on point, but not perfect.

Final Thoughts

These two units from Aoshida really piqued my interest in the brand, the DO200 was a showstopper in my opinion, with its impressive build quality, sound, and interface. It makes me want to design a whole new desktop audio setup around it. While the DT-1 was just OK in my opinion, I feel that Aoshida will keep pushing the boundaries and bring us an even better unit in the future. The DO200 is one of the best units I have seen all year, it’s highly recommended.