S.M.S.L PL20

SMSL PL20 Dual Way Bluetooth 5.3 and One Touch CD Ripping DAC Player

Model: PL20 | Brand: S.M.S.L

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the SMSL PL20 Dual Way Bluetooth 5.3 and One Touch CD Ripping DAC Player. This device is designed to deliver high-fidelity audio playback from various sources, including CDs, USB drives, and Bluetooth. It features dual CS43131 DAC chips for superior sound quality, convenient one-touch CD ripping to preserve your music collection, and versatile dual-way Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your PL20 to ensure optimal performance and enjoyment.

Important Safety Information

  • Read all instructions carefully before use.
  • Keep the device away from water, moisture, and high temperatures.
  • Do not open the casing; refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
  • Use only the provided power adapter or one with identical specifications.
  • Ensure proper ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating.
  • Avoid placing heavy objects on the device.

Package Contents

Please check that all items are present in your package:

  • SMSL PL20 Unit
  • Power Cable (x1)
  • User Manual (x1)
  • Warranty Card (x1)
  • Remote Control (x1)

Product Overview

Front Panel

Front view of the black SMSL PL20 CD Player, showing the CD slot, display, and control buttons.
Figure 1: Front View (Black Model)
  • CD Tray: For inserting audio CDs.
  • Display Screen: Shows track information, time, input mode, etc.
  • Control Buttons:
    • >>| / VOL+: Next track / Volume up
    • |<< / VOL-: Previous track / Volume down
    • >|| / RX: Play/Pause / Bluetooth Receive mode
    • [] / TX: Stop / Bluetooth Transmit mode
    • RIP: One-touch CD ripping function
    • ^: Eject CD tray
    • IN / TX: Input selection / Bluetooth Transmit mode
    • Power Button: On/Off

Rear Panel

Rear panel view of the silver SMSL PL20 CD Player, showing RCA, Coaxial, Optical, 3.5mm, 4.4mm headphone, USB, and power ports.
Figure 2: Rear View (Silver Model)
  • RCA Outputs (L/R): Analog audio output for connecting to an amplifier or active speakers.
  • Coaxial Output: Digital audio output.
  • Optical Output: Digital audio output.
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output: For connecting headphones.
  • 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Output: For connecting balanced headphones.
  • USB-A Port: For connecting USB flash drives for playback or CD ripping.
  • Power Input (5V/2A): Connect the provided power adapter here.
Detailed diagram of SMSL PL20 features, including front panel controls, rear panel connections, and internal components, highlighting key functionalities.
Figure 3: Detailed Product Features and Interface

Setup Guide

  1. Power Connection: Connect the provided power cable to the 5V/2A power input on the rear panel of the PL20, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
  2. Audio Output Connection:
    • Analog Output (RCA): Connect RCA cables from the PL20's L/R RCA outputs to the corresponding analog inputs on your amplifier or active speakers.
    • Digital Output (Optical/Coaxial): Connect an optical or coaxial cable from the PL20's digital output to a compatible digital input on your DAC or amplifier.
    • Headphone Output: Plug your headphones into either the 3.5mm or 4.4mm balanced headphone jack on the rear panel.
  3. Initial Power On: Press the Power button on the front panel or remote control to turn on the device.

Operating Instructions

CD Playback

  1. Press the ^ (Eject) button to open the CD tray.
  2. Place a CD (CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, CD-DSD, MP3) gently into the tray with the label side up.
  3. Press the ^ button again to close the tray. The device will read the CD.
  4. Press the >|| (Play/Pause) button to start playback.
  5. Use >>| and |<< buttons to skip tracks.
  6. Adjust volume using VOL+ and VOL- (if connected to headphones or a variable output).

USB Flash Drive Playback

  1. Insert a USB flash drive (formatted in FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS read-only) into the USB-A port on the rear panel.
  2. Press the IN button to select "USB" input.
  3. The device will scan the USB drive for compatible audio files (DSD64, WAV, APE, WMA, MP3).
  4. Use the navigation buttons (>>|, |<<) to browse and select files.
  5. Press >|| to play the selected track.

Bluetooth Connectivity (Dual-Way 5.3)

Bluetooth Receive Mode (RX)

  1. Press the IN button until "Bluetooth RX" is displayed, or press the RX button.
  2. On your source device (e.g., smartphone), search for Bluetooth devices and select "SMSL PL20".
  3. Once paired, audio from your source device will play through the PL20.

Bluetooth Transmit Mode (TX)

  1. Ensure the PL20 is playing audio from CD or USB.
  2. Press the TX button. The PL20 will enter Bluetooth transmit mode and search for nearby Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
  3. Put your Bluetooth receiving device into pairing mode.
  4. Once connected, the PL20 will transmit audio to your chosen Bluetooth device.

One-Touch CD Ripping

The PL20 allows you to rip your CDs directly to a USB flash drive in lossless WAV format without needing a computer.

  1. Insert a formatted USB flash drive into the USB-A port on the rear panel. Ensure it has sufficient free space.
  2. Insert the audio CD you wish to rip into the CD tray.
  3. Press the RIP button on the front panel or remote control.
  4. The PL20 will begin ripping the CD tracks to the USB drive. The display will indicate the ripping progress.
  5. Do not remove the USB drive or power off the device during the ripping process.
  6. Once ripping is complete, the display will indicate completion. You can then safely remove the USB drive.

Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Do not use liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
  • CD Tray: Keep the CD tray free of dust and debris. Avoid touching the laser lens.
  • Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the device in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
No powerPower cable not connected or power outlet faulty.Check power cable connection. Try a different power outlet.
No sound outputIncorrect input/output selection, volume too low, or cables loose.Verify input source. Check all audio cable connections. Increase volume.
CD not playing/readingCD is dirty, scratched, or inserted incorrectly. Incompatible CD type.Clean the CD. Ensure it's inserted correctly. Try a different CD. Check CD type compatibility.
Bluetooth not connectingDevice not in pairing mode, too far, or interference.Ensure PL20 is in correct Bluetooth mode (RX/TX). Put receiving device in pairing mode. Move devices closer. Clear previous pairings.
CD ripping failsUSB drive full, incompatible format, or CD error.Ensure USB drive has enough space and is formatted correctly (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS). Try a different CD or USB drive.

Specifications

FeatureDetail
D/A ConverterDual CS43131
InputsCD, USB drive, Bluetooth
OutputsRCA, 3.5 mm Headphone, 4.4 mm Balanced Headphone, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth
USB Drive FormatsFAT32, exFAT, NTFS (read-only)
Headphone Output Power (32Ω)4.4mm: 160mW, 3.5mm: 40mW
CD Types SupportedCD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, CD-DSD, MP3
THD+N0.0012%
SNR98dB
Bluetooth Version5.3 (Dual-Way)
DSD Sampling Frequencies2.8224 MHz (DSD64)
PCM Word Length32-bit
PCM Sampling Frequencies44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, 705.6 kHz, 768 kHz
Power Consumption< 3.5W
Standby Power< 0.1W
Dimensions (W x H x D)166.3 x 49.5 x 209.3 mm
Weight1.39kg / 3.06lbs
Chassis MaterialCNC-machined aluminum alloy
TypeDesktop

User Tips

No specific user tips were available from reviews or Q&A. However, general advice for audio equipment includes:

  • For the best audio quality, use high-quality cables for all connections.
  • Experiment with different output options (RCA, Optical, Coaxial) to find the best sound for your setup.
  • When ripping CDs, ensure your USB drive is reliable and has sufficient storage.

Warranty and Support

The SMSL PL20 comes with a warranty as detailed on the included Warranty Card. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty claims, please contact your retailer or the manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt and warranty card for future reference.

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