SMSL DA100chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple users bought the DA100 specifically for its subwoofer crossover but found the LPF starts too high (around 110Hz) and lacks a steep enough slope, while the speaker HPF also starts too high (around 80Hz), making proper bass blending difficult or impossible.

@superspeeder

I bought this to use as a small sub amp, but the LPF slope is nowhere near steep enough and it’s lowest setting isn’t low enough. I got it to “work” by boosting the Bass control fully and adjusting the volume down, but it still was not ideal.\n\nI did not try it as a stereo amp.launch

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September 1, 2026

@superspeeder

Rick, thank you for your thorough review! Where did you get the crossover frequency data?\n\nI bought this amp specifically for its subwoofer output and was immediately disappointed with the high minimum frequency setting. You are 100% correct - this should be at least an octave lower! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING SMSL? A variable low pass that STARTS at 110Hz and up is a total waste!!!\n\nMany small amps with variable subwoofer low pass start where they should, at 30Hz. This is a complete failure in my opinion, making the sub output completely useless.\n\nAm I reading the chart correctly and the lowest HPF for the stereo channels is about 80Hz? This is also ridiculous! My desktop speakers with 4” woofers go comfortably down to 60Hz and need to blend with a sub at 50Hz.\n\nConsidering this amp cannot bypass these crossovers, this is unacceptable. Do better SMSL.launch

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March 7, 2026

@sonhouse9636

Hi and thanks. There are no information in the manual about the frequencies values for low and hi pass filters, so it's impossible to use this functionnality. I will wait for a better implementation if any.launch

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January 31, 2026

One user's HDMI stopped working within two weeks and optical also failed, leading to a return; SMSL's own listing reportedly shows it as a frequently returned item. Others dislike that CEC forces the amp to power off with the TV and doesn't support independent TV-remote volume control.

@pauledwards2817

Can’t stand ARC. It’s the curse. I don’t want my amp messing with tv or the other way around. For a minor benefit so much hassle. Play a music bluray you have to mess with switching the screen to blank because you can’t turn off the tv. The amp turns off when the tv does, useless behaviour like that.launch

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September 2, 2026

@stewartpowers5413

Greetings. I thought this unit and within 2 weeks the HDMI stopped working, so I switched to the optical and it didn't work either. \nVery inconvenient to set it up on your TV system and then the HDMI just doesn't want to work normally, sometimes yes sometimes no. I am returning mine, but it is noteworthy on the Amazon website this is listed as a frequently returned item for the reasons I just discovered myselflaunch

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September 1, 2026

@적토마상관운장

Does CEC control volume and power? It says in the description: \"ARC input does not support the TV remote control to adjust the volume of this product, and does not support synchronous power on and off.\launch

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May 18, 2026

SMSL's claimed 67W/ch at 4 ohms conflicts with the TAS5827 chip's own datasheet figures of 45-55W depending on distortion level, and some feel this is inadequate to compete with TPA3255-based amps for demanding use.

@impuls60

The chip is only 55w and 26.4V rails. Thats not enough for me and just a toy compared to the tpa325.launch

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February 1, 2026

@Niewiarygodny_Cel

Interesting, SMSL specs 2x67W/4 OHm, while the TAS5827 specs say \n2 x 55W, BTL Mode (4Ω, 21V, THD+N=10%)\r\n2 x 45W, BTL Mode (4Ω, 21V, THD+N=1%)\r\nSomeone must be lyinglaunch

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February 1, 2026

@geevee1045

SMSL claim 67 watts/ch at 4 ohms. No mention whether its at 10% or 1% distortion? IMO, this amp doesn't put out enough power to displace the TPA3255 chip, just yet.launch

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January 31, 2026

The manual gives no specific frequency or slope values for the HPF/LPF presets, forcing users to guess which setting works for their system, a complaint raised by multiple commenters.

@sonhouse9636

Hi and thanks. There are no information in the manual about the frequencies values for low and hi pass filters, so it's impossible to use this functionnality. I will wait for a better implementation if any.launch

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January 31, 2026

@superspeeder

The line input is brilliant! This means I can use it for a subwoofer amp for my desktop setup.\n\nProblem; typical of cheap Chinese audio products, the manual has ZERO information about the crossovers… no frequency set points, no slope information, nothing. You’d have to just take a chance that one of the preset points/slope will work for your system.\n\nStill, I never imagined we’d see so much functionality in such a small cheap package! The future is definitely Class D.launch

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January 31, 2026

Commenters point out the DA100 appears nearly identical in layout and display to the AO10 and is essentially an A50 Pro with a newer chip and Bluetooth version, with the older A50 Pro now selling cheaper, raising confusion about SMSL's lineup strategy.

@Yiannis2112

Interesting little amp with HDMI arc. However, its actually an A50 Pro, from 2 years ago. With TI amp chips, instead of Infineon MAs and bluetooth 5.3, instead of 5.0. Which at $80, is now cheaper than the DA100. \nWhat are they thinking? Very difficult to understand their thought process.launch

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May 7, 2026

@SGC465

So....what exactly is the difference between this DA100 amp and the AO10 amp? The layout on the back and number of inputs is exactly identical on both amps. ARE THEY THE SAME? The digital display on the front is exactly the same as on the AO10. Is this some sort of stunt on SMSL's part? Two different model numbers on exactly the same amplifier? If so, that's fucked up and I won't buy another SMSL product again.launch

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March 7, 2026

One user notes USB mode caps at 24/48kHz and that SMSL provides no Windows drivers, calling the implementation half-assed.

@nivs123

why does it max out at 24/48k when connected in usb mode? And shows in windows as \"headset earphone SMSL\r\nDA100\" - no windows drivers on SMSL website - they've half assed thislaunch

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February 21, 2026

A user notes that, like other SMSL gear, the remote requires direct line-of-sight to the front panel to function, unlike competitors with their own more flexible RF remotes.

@serjturischev9557

One big minus of all smsl's gear is remote control. You should straight to the window of signal panel only,otherwise you cant operate. In this case Aiyima A80 and Ampapa D1 way forwarded step with its own RC.launch

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April 16, 2026