1. Introducción
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. Características del producto
- Calidad de audio de gama alta: Equipped with the ES9039MSPRO DAC chip, supporting 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 for ultra-high resolution audio playback.
- Conectividad versátil: 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.
- Decodificación MQA: Provides full MQA decoder support, preserving studio-grade sound quality and handling MQA-CDs.
- Diseño fácil de usar: Features a suspended display window, a retro control knob, and a full-featured remote control. Customizable tone modes and dimming settings are available.
3. Contenido del paquete
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
- Cable de alimentación de CA
- Cable USB
- Mando a distancia
- Antena Bluetooth
- Manual de usuario
- Product Card (Warranty Card)
4. Controles y conexiones

Image: Front and rear panel layout of the SMSL DO400, highlighting all physical controls and connection ports.
4.1 Panel frontal
- Mostrar: Muestra la entrada actual, sample rate, volume level, and other settings.
- Perilla de control: Used for volume adjustment, menu navigation, and selection.
- Salidas de auriculares: Includes 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone jacks.
4.2 Panel trasero
- Salidas analógicas: Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo outputs.
- Entradas digitales: USB, IIS (HDMI), AES/EBU, Optical, and Coaxial inputs.
- Puerto de antena Bluetooth: Para conectar la antena Bluetooth incluida.
- Entrada de alimentación de CA: Para conectar el cable de alimentación.
- Interruptor de alimentación: Para encender o apagar la unidad.
5. Configuración
Follow these steps to set up your SMSL DO400:
- Conecte la electricidad: Connect the AC power cable to the DO400's rear panel and then to a power outlet.
- Conectar la antena Bluetooth: Atornille la antena Bluetooth provista en su puerto designado en el panel trasero.
- Conectar fuente de audio: 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 websitio para los controladores más recientes.
- Conectar dispositivo de salida: 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 ampAltavoces amplificados o amplificados.
- Encendido: Flip the power switch on the rear panel to turn on the DO400.
6. Operación
6.1 Funciones básicas
- Control de volumen: Rotate the front panel knob or use the volume buttons on the remote control to adjust the output volume.
- Selección de entrada: 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 Navegación por menús
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.
Opciones de menú:
- Entradas: Select between USB, Bluetooth, Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU, and I2S (HDMI).
- Salidas: Configure output mode (All Line Out, Headphone Out, Balanced, Unbalanced).
- Filtro PCM: Choose from various digital filters (Off, Minimum Phase, Apodizing, Fast Linear, Slow Linear, Fast Minimum, Slow Minimum, Low Dispersion).
- Filtro DSD: Select DSD filter settings.
- HPA Gain: Adjust headphone amplifier gain (Low, High) for different headphone impedances.
- Sound Color: Apply different sound characteristics (Standard, Rich 1/2/3, Tube 1/2/3, Crystal 1/2/3).
- Preamp Modo: Set the volume control behavior (Variable for adjustable volume, Fixed for maximum output level).
- Tecla FN: 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).
- Regulador de intensidad: Set the display auto-off time (5-60 seconds).
- Brillo: Ajustar el brillo de la pantalla.
- Restablecimiento de fábrica: Restore all settings to their default values.
7. Conectividad Bluetooth
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.
Para conectarse a través de 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. Especificaciones
Below are the technical specifications for the SMSL DO400:

Image: Detailed product specifications and parameters for the SMSL DO400.
| Característica | Especificación |
|---|---|
| Modelo | SMSL DO400 |
| microprocesador DAC | ES9039MSPRO |
| Procesador USB | XMOS XU-316 (3rd Gen) |
| Entradas | USB, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth, IIS, AES |
| Salidas | RCA, XLR, 4.4mm Headphone, 6.35mm Headphone, 4-Pin XLR Headphone |
| Transmisión USB | USB2.0 (Asynchronization) |
| Compatibilidad USB | 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 |
| Decodificador MQA | USB / Óptico / Coaxial / AES |
| MQA-CD Decoder | Óptico / Coaxial / AES |
| Especificación de Bluetooth | 5.1 (Support SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC) |
| Salir Amplitude (XLR) | 5.2Vrms |
| Salir Amplitude (RCA) | 2.5Vrms |
| Potencia de salida de auriculares (16 Ω) | 6000 mW x 2 |
| Potencia de salida de auriculares (32 Ω) | 3000 mW x 2 |
| Potencia de salida de auriculares (300 Ω) | 700 mW x 2 |
| Potencia de salida de auriculares (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 |
| Dynamic Range (RCA) | 128 dB |
| Dynamic Range (HPA) | 128 dB |
| SNR (XLR) | 133 dB |
| SNR (RCA) | 128 dB |
| SNR (HPA) | 128 dB |
| Impedancia de salida | Cerca de 0Ω |
| HPA Gain (Balanced) | +20dB |
| HPA Gain (Unbalanced) | +14dB |
| Consumo de energía | <40 W |
| Energía en modo de espera | <0.5 W |
| Dimensiones (L x An x Al) | 245 x 186 x 42 mm |
| Peso | 1.45 kg (3.20 libras) |
10. Solución de problemas
If you encounter issues with your SMSL DO400, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
- Sin salida de sonido:
- Verify that the correct input source is selected on the DO400.
- Check the volume level; ensure it is not muted or set too low.
- Confirme que sus auriculares o altavoces estén conectados correctamente y funcionen.
- For USB input, ensure the necessary drivers are installed on your computer and the DO400 is recognized as an audio device.
- Sonidos de crujidos o estallidos:
- Update the DO400 firmware to the latest version. Instructions for firmware updates are typically available on the SMSL official websitio.
- 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.
- Asegúrese de que todos los cables estén conectados de forma segura y no estén dañados.
- USB Connection Issues (Device Not Recognized/Unstable):
- Reinstall the USB drivers from the SMSL websitio.
- Pruebe con un puerto USB diferente en su computadora.
- Utilice un cable USB diferente.
- 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.
- Pruebe diferentes cables HDMI.
11. Mantenimiento
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your SMSL DO400, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Limpieza: 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.
- Ventilación: Asegúrese de que la unidad tenga ventilación adecuada. No obstruya ninguna abertura de ventilación.
- Ambiente: Operate the DO400 in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, humidity, and dust.
- Apagado: Always power off the unit before disconnecting cables or moving it.
12. Garantía y soporte
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 websitio o comuníquese con su departamento de servicio al cliente.