Synergy
Efficiency
No matter what source was used, the SMSL PL100PRO accommodated the efficiency of a Walkman of old. Many will remember how bloody loud the volume could get in those things, and the PL100PRO mostly follows suit.
Power
When using the PL100PRO in standalone mode, the output was quite adequate for both headphones and speakers. I found that yes, the additional amplification of powered speakers helped, but also note that headphone use met with excellent volume requirements.
The PL100PRO is not all that powerful, but it can be used to fine-tune volume levels when used in concert with external DACs or amplifiers, making it quite versatile in the power department.
Pairings
The first pairing I tried was directly with the Grell OAE2 using the 4.4mm balanced connection. The grell promotes a fairly neutral signature with good bass response.
When paired together, this reminded me of the more typical analytical CD sound, which, while good, lacked note weight. Articulation of notes was quite good, and the level of detail retrieval was very good.
Paired next with the SMSL PA-X Gallium Nitride and KEF Q150’s through the XLR-out connection, the benefits of the PA-X were immediately present.
The musical presentation promoted better note qualities and weight, along with more spatial representation. If the PL100PRO were to maintain a spot on my desktop system, this would top the list.
Moving to my main home system, I hooked the PL100PRO directly to the Dynaco ST70 Bob Latino edition and Dynaco A25 speakers.
The pairing was very good, and the tube amplifier added not only to the note weight but also added some much-needed (personally) warmth to the presentation. This would be an adequate addition.
But when I added the xDuoo TA-32 to the home setup in the previous paragraph, the PL100PRO really showed its merits. Used in the tube-out pre-amplifier mode, the TA32 added a richness that had been lacking in all the other pairings.
I noticed immediately that when the music started, the illusion of more clarity and detail retrieval came about, making for a higher quality sound experience and better three-dimensionality to the signature.
I found that when using either coaxial or optical, the sound replicated what the source presented and gave other viable options for hookups.
While the SMSL PL100PRO will not replace my reference CD players, it showed that when asked, it could play quite nicely.
Selected Comparison
Fosi Audio Merak
Features
The Fosi Audio Merak is built around the same DAC (single CS43131 instead of the dual in the SMSL) and headphone amplifier (TPA6120).
Together, it supports high-resolution playback up to 16-bit/96kHz. A “high-precision, low-jitter clock design” is also incorporated.
This all leads to an optimized servo system ensuring accurate disc reading, smooth playback, and reduced wear on the mechanisms.
The Fosi also supports CD ripping to USB and direct playback, like the SMSL, without the need for additional devices.
Of the multiple outputs in the Fosi that support headphones, amplifiers, and active speakers, only an XLR output is missing comparatively.
The Fosi also includes ESP Anti-Skip Protection for 60-second buffering, reducing interruptions from vibration. The damping system of the SMSL is as stable as without ESP.
Design
The build quality is solid in the hand, but not heavy, with enough mass to quell any feeling of cheapness. The finish is silver, which is different than the rest of the Fosi components, which come in black. SMSL varies between silver and black.
The front panel is compact with a small OLED display for track and playback status, a motorized disc tray, and a handful of small buttons. Both have that “too small to me” screen, which is hard to read.
The top surface is uncluttered, even with the lid. I noticed that when using optical or line-out, the cables hinder the tray door’s opening slightly, hitting the plugs. There is no locking mechanism, so the disc tray sits on friction alone as opposed to the slot loading of the SMSL.
The bottom panel is noticeably thinner than the rest, which can lead to resonance when tapped. The SMSL does not suffer from this, due to its solid build.
Performance
The Merak functions like a desktop portable unit should, providing a slightly more colored sound than the PL100PRO. Where the PL100PRO goes full neutral, the Merak adds a bit more in the low-end while slightly warmer, too.
The low-end does not become muddied but adds a bit more grunt in the sub-bass region. The PL100PRO stays neutral, only providing what the source music presents.
Both have a musically accurate midrange, with the Merak pushing slightly higher and a bit more forward.
The top-end extension goes a bit further on the PL100PRO, but neither becomes grating or harsh when you turn the volume up.
The Merak also plays gapless, while the PL100PRO does not. Some will prefer top-loading, while some may prefer the slot-loading of the PL100PRO for efficient use of space.
My Verdict
The SMSL PL100PRO fits right into that mix of CDs I have recently acquired. With the ability to plug and play in a home system, a desktop system, or your vehicle’s AUX connection, you have the makings of a versatile player.
For those purposes, the PL100PRO’s ease of use cannot be denied. Add in a multitude of connective options (especially the balanced XLR out to me), and you end up with a very versatile little player that can rekindle or first-time your CD listening.
Does it compete with a quality home CD player, either vintage or new? Not quite, but this is where the neutrality of sound emanating from within may be the most beneficial.
Taking your time to find the right setup and options is well worth it, and I am thankful I kept experimenting to find the sweet spot with the xDuoo TA-32/Dynaco ST70/Dynaco A25 combination.
The FiiO SP5s came close, and for modern purposes of simplicity, connecting to powered speakers is a very positive benefit.
But two things stand out as less than stellar moments. The buttons are simply not usable unless you are at eye level on a desktop system (thankfully, the remote helps with that), and twice over the course of testing, the PL100PRO started, then stopped, and went into “READ” mode.
Both times, I had to eject the CD, turn the player off, and then back on. Both times, this fixed the issue. One CD was older, but functioned on my other players, and one was flawless with no scratches.
But, when you take in all the positives, such as affordability, neutrality of signature, and the flexibility of output options, the PL100PRO comes across as a nice addition to the rekindling of your CD collection.
SMSL PL100PRO Technical Specifications
- 2xCS43131 high-end decoding chip
- Lossless MQA Playback
- 5mm & 4.4mm Output Options
- Input: CD
- Output: XLR/RCA/4.4 or 3.5 mm headphone/Optical/Coaxial
- CD TYPE: CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3 CD
- THD+N: 0.001%
- SNR: 110dB
- Power consumption: 4W
- Standby power: <0.1W
- Size: 160×44.5x160mm(WxHxD)
- Weight: 953.5g/2.1lbs
- Inside the Box: 1 x SMSL PL100 PRO, User Manual, remote, USB-A to USB-C cable
