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We’re now selling the SMSL D400EX and D400ES DACs on Apos Audio. While these two models look identical, there are some key differences that we’ll explore below. Up first is the more expensive D400EX ($959.99).

The most important thing to know about the D400EX is that it features AKM’s all-new triple chip D/A conversion solution, which completely separates the digital and analog circuitry of the conversion process.

The analog characteristics far exceed those of the previous AK4499 D/A chip, suppressing noise and reproducing all musical information, making it the highest-achieving AKM chip of all time.

The specs speak for themselves: 0.00006% THD+N, 133dB dynamic range, and 133dB signal-to-noise ratio. 

While the triple DAC chip design is the heart and soul of the D400EX, there’s plenty more to write home about: an XMOS XU316 USB controller, MQA full decoding, and Bluetooth 5.0.

D400EX Product highlights

• JAS Hi-res certification
• MQA certification
• MQA-CD certification
• Flagship DAC chips: 1x AK4191, 2x AK4499EX
• 0.00006% THD+N
• Nine high-end dual op-amps
• XMOS XU316
• DSD512
• PCM 32-bit/768kHz
• Up to 7 modes of digital filters
• Equipped with a full-featured remote control

Coming in at $799, the SMSL D400ES is $159 cheaper than the D400EX. The chief reason for this price difference comes down to the D/A chip. The D400ES uses the cheaper ESS ES9039MSPRO D/A chip, which, we should stress, is a phenomenally good one. It supports PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, and the system as a whole boasts 0.00005% THD+N.

The chart below spells out the key differences between the two DACs. 

D400ES Product highlights

• JAS Hi-res certification
• MQA certification
• MQA-CD certification
• ESS ES9039MSPRO chip
• 0.00005% THD+N
• Eight-channel parallel circuit design
• XMOS XU316
• DSD512
• PCM 32-bit/768kHz
• Up to 7 modes of digital filters
• Equipped with a full-featured remote control

Head on over to the SMSL D400EX DAC product page or the SMSL D400ES DAC product page, and if you need more information please contact our dedicated Support Team via live chat online or email us at support@apos.audio.

As with all purchases, when you buy from us you get the Apos Promise for Free Priority Shipping, an Extended 2-Year Warranty, a 45-Day Return Policy, and our 30-Day Lowest Price Match.