1. Einleitung
The SMSL DO400 is a high-performance Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and Headphone Amplifier designed to deliver exceptional audio fidelity. It features advanced components and versatile connectivity options, making it suitable for a wide range of audio setups. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your DO400 unit.
2. Produktmerkmale
- High-End-Audioqualität: Equipped with the ES9039MSPRO DAC chip, supporting 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 for ultra-high resolution audio playback.
- Vielseitige Konnektivität: Offers six input options including USB, IIS, AES, Optical, and Coaxial. Features multiple headphone outputs (4.4mm, 6.35mm, 4-XLR) and two line outputs (RCA, XLR) for diverse audio configurations.
- Enhanced Signal Processing: Incorporates the 3rd-generation XMOS XU-316 chip and PLFC ultra-low distortion circuitry for exceptional sound clarity and depth.
- MQA-Dekodierung: Provides full MQA decoder support, preserving studio-grade sound quality and handling MQA-CDs.
- Benutzerfreundliches Design: Features a suspended display window, a retro control knob, and a full-featured remote control. Customizable tone modes and dimming settings are available.
3. Packungsinhalt
Upon unpacking your SMSL DO400, please ensure all the following items are present:

Image: SMSL DO400 unit with its accessories including power cable, USB cable, remote, Bluetooth antenna, user manual, and product card.
- SMSL DO400 Unit
- Netzkabel
- USB-Kabel
- Fernbedienung
- Bluetooth-Antenne
- Bedienungsanleitung
- Product Card (Warranty Card)
4. Bedienelemente und Anschlüsse

Image: Front and rear panel layout of the SMSL DO400, highlighting all physical controls and connection ports.
4.1 Frontplatte
- Anzeige: Zeigt den aktuellen Eingang s an.ample rate, volume level, and other settings.
- Der Reglerknopf: Used for volume adjustment, menu navigation, and selection.
- Kopfhörerausgänge: Includes 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone jacks.
4.2 Rückseite
- Analoge Ausgänge: Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo outputs.
- Digitale Eingänge: USB, IIS (HDMI), AES/EBU, Optical, and Coaxial inputs.
- Bluetooth-Antennenanschluss: Zum Anschließen der mitgelieferten Bluetooth-Antenne.
- Wechselstromeingang: Zum Anschluss des Netzkabels.
- Stromschalter: Zum Ein- und Ausschalten des Geräts.
5. Einrichtung
Follow these steps to set up your SMSL DO400:
- Strom anschließen: Connect the AC power cable to the DO400's rear panel and then to a power outlet.
- Bluetooth-Antenne anschließen: Schrauben Sie die mitgelieferte Bluetooth-Antenne in den dafür vorgesehenen Anschluss auf der Rückseite.
- Audioquelle anschließen: Choose your desired input method (e.g., USB, Optical, Coaxial) and connect your audio source device (e.g., computer, CD player, streamer) to the corresponding input port on the DO400. For USB connection to a computer, you may need to install specific drivers. Refer to the official SMSL webWebsite für die neuesten Treiber.
- Ausgabegerät anschließen: Connect your headphones to one of the front panel headphone outputs (6.35mm, 4.4mm, or 4-pin XLR). Alternatively, connect the RCA or XLR line outputs to an external ampVerstärker oder Aktivlautsprecher.
- Einschalten: Flip the power switch on the rear panel to turn on the DO400.
6. Bedienung
6.1 Grundfunktionen
- Lautstärkeregelung: Rotate the front panel knob or use the volume buttons on the remote control to adjust the output volume.
- Eingangsauswahl: Press the input selection button on the remote or navigate through the menu using the knob to select your desired audio input source.
6.2 Menünavigation
Press the front panel knob to enter the menu. Rotate the knob to scroll through options and press again to select. The remote control also provides basic navigation and function keys.
Menüoptionen:
- Eingänge: Select between USB, Bluetooth, Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU, and I2S (HDMI).
- Ausgaben: Configure output mode (All Line Out, Headphone Out, Balanced, Unbalanced).
- PCM-Filter: Choose from various digital filters (Off, Minimum Phase, Apodizing, Fast Linear, Slow Linear, Fast Minimum, Slow Minimum, Low Dispersion).
- DSD-Filter: Select DSD filter settings.
- HPA Gain: Adjust headphone amplifier gain (Low, High) for different headphone impedances.
- Klangfarbe: Apply different sound characteristics (Standard, Rich 1/2/3, Tube 1/2/3, Crystal 1/2/3).
- Voramp Modus: Set the volume control behavior (Variable for adjustable volume, Fixed for maximum output level).
- FN-Taste: Assign a custom function to the FN button on the remote (e.g., Line/Headphone output toggle, Bluetooth, Phase).
- DPLL: Adjust Digital Phase-Locked Loop settings (15 levels) to mitigate jitter, especially with low-quality audio sources.
- I2S Mode: Configure I2S signal phase (Normal, Inverted).
- Audio Phase: Adjust overall audio phase (Normal, Inverted).
- Dimmer: Set the display auto-off time (5-60 seconds).
- Helligkeit: Passen Sie die Displayhelligkeit an.
- Werkseinstellungen zurückgesetzt: Restore all settings to their default values.
7. Bluetooth-Konnektivität
The SMSL DO400 features Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless audio streaming. It supports high-quality codecs including LDAC (24bit/96kHz), APTX/HD (24bit/48kHz), SBC, and AAC.

Image: The SMSL DO400 wirelessly connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, illustrating its Bluetooth 5.1 capabilities and supported audio codecs.
So verbinden Sie sich über Bluetooth:
- Ensure the Bluetooth antenna is connected to the DO400.
- Select 'Bluetooth' as the input source on the DO400.
- Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone or other transmitting device and search for 'SMSL DO400'.
- Pair with the device. Once connected, audio will stream wirelessly to the DO400.
8. MQA Decoding
The SMSL DO400 supports MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) full decoding, allowing for playback of high-resolution audio files as intended by the artist. It also supports MQA-CD playback via Coaxial, AES, and Optical inputs.

Image: Visual representation of MQA-CD support through Coaxial, AES, and Optical inputs, highlighting the advanced encoding technology.
When playing MQA content, the DO400 will automatically detect and decode the MQA stream, indicated on the display. For MQA-CDs, ensure the played disc is a genuine MQA-CD and that the fiber optic or coaxial signal output by the CD player is unprocessed source code.
9. Spezifikationen
Below are the technical specifications for the SMSL DO400:

Image: Detailed product specifications and parameters for the SMSL DO400.
| Besonderheit | Spezifikation |
|---|---|
| Modell | SMSL DO400 |
| DAC-Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| USB-Prozessor | XMOS XU-316 (3. Generation) |
| Eingänge | USB, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth, IIS, AES |
| Ausgaben | RCA, XLR, 4.4mm Headphone, 6.35mm Headphone, 4-Pin XLR Headphone |
| USB-Übertragung | USB2.0 (Asynchronization) |
| USB-Kompatibilität | Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 (Needs Driver), Mac OSX10.6 or later (Driverless), Linux (Driverless) |
| Sampling Rate & Bit Width (USB) | PCM: 44.1-768kHz (32bit), DSD: 2.8224-22.5792MHz (1bit) |
| Sampling Rate & Bit Width (Opt/Coax) | PCM: 44.1-192kHz (24bit), DoP: DoP64 |
| MQA-Decoder | USB / optisch / koaxial / AES |
| MQA-CD-Decoder | Optisch / koaxial / AES |
| Bluetooth-Spezifikation | 5.1 (Support SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC) |
| Line-Ausgang Amplitude (XLR) | 5.2Vrms |
| Line-Ausgang Amplitude (RCA) | 2.5Vrms |
| Kopfhörerausgangsleistung (16 Ω) | 6000 mW x 2 |
| Kopfhörerausgangsleistung (32 Ω) | 3000 mW x 2 |
| Kopfhörerausgangsleistung (300 Ω) | 700 mW x 2 |
| Kopfhörerausgangsleistung (600 Ω) | 350 mW x 2 |
| THD+N (XLR) | 0.00006% (-123dB, WTDI) |
| THD+N (RCA) | 0.00006% (-123dB, WTDI) |
| THD+N (HPA) | 0.00009% (-120dB, WTDI) |
| Dynamic Range (XLR) | 133 dB |
| Dynamikbereich (RCA) | 128 dB |
| Dynamikbereich (HPA) | 128 dB |
| SNR (XLR) | 133 dB |
| SNR (RCA) | 128 dB |
| SNR (HPA) | 128 dB |
| Ausgangsimpedanz | Nahe 0Ω |
| HPA Gain (Balanced) | +20 dB |
| HPA Gain (Unbalanced) | +14 dB |
| Energieaufnahme | <40 W |
| Standby-Stromversorgung | <0.5 W |
| Abmessungen (L x B x H) | 245 x 186 x 42 mm |
| Gewicht | 1.45 kg (3.20 Pfund) |
10. Fehlerbehebung
If you encounter issues with your SMSL DO400, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
- Keine Tonausgabe:
- Verify that the correct input source is selected on the DO400.
- Check the volume level; ensure it is not muted or set too low.
- Confirm that your headphones or speakers are properly connected and functional.
- For USB input, ensure the necessary drivers are installed on your computer and the DO400 is recognized as an audio device.
- Knisternde oder knallende Geräusche:
- Update the DO400 firmware to the latest version. Instructions for firmware updates are typically available on the SMSL official webWebsite.
- For Windows users, consider uninstalling specific XMOS drivers if crackling persists, as some users have reported improved stability with generic drivers or specific driver versions.
- Adjust the DPLL setting in the menu to a higher value to reduce jitter, especially with lower quality audio sources.
- Stellen Sie sicher, dass alle Kabel fest angeschlossen und nicht beschädigt sind.
- USB Connection Issues (Device Not Recognized/Unstable):
- Reinstall the USB drivers from the SMSL webWebsite.
- Probieren Sie einen anderen USB-Anschluss an Ihrem Computer aus.
- Verwenden Sie ein anderes USB-Kabel.
- Perform a factory reset on the DO400.
- I2S (HDMI) Input Not Receiving Signal:
- Ensure your source device (TV, PC) is configured to output audio in PCM format via HDMI, rather than 'Auto' or bitstream formats, as the DO400's IIS input expects a specific signal.
- Probieren Sie verschiedene HDMI-Kabel aus.
11. Wartung
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your SMSL DO400, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Reinigung: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or chemical sprays, as these can damage the finish.
- Belüftung: Stellen Sie sicher, dass das Gerät ausreichend belüftet ist. Blockieren Sie keine Belüftungsöffnungen.
- Umfeld: Operate the DO400 in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, humidity, and dust.
- Ausschalten: Schalten Sie das Gerät immer aus, bevor Sie Kabel abziehen oder es bewegen.
12. Garantie und Support
The SMSL DO400 comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the included Product Card or contact your retailer for specific warranty terms and conditions. For technical support, firmware updates, or service inquiries, please visit the official SMSL webWebsite oder wenden Sie sich an die Kundendienstabteilung.





