SMSL PL200From real comments

Name: SMSL PL200
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 4 mentions across 1 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment100%

PROS 100%

Rank based on 4 mentions across 1 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a reliable top-loading mechanism instead of failure-prone trays or slots
You mainly need a quality transport/DDC to feed an external DAC
You want MQA-CD, AES/I2S connectivity and the visual appeal of a spinning disc

What users love

Reliable top-loading mechanismNotable0 mentions

Strongly positive

Skip this if...

You want a top-tier onboard DAC without pairing external gear
You dislike extra features like Bluetooth, MQA or USB-C bloat you won't use
You need direct track-access remote convenience without a fussy puck/lid ritual

What users complain about

No cons data available.

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Based on user comments

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1Mid

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2Premium

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You are here

3Mid

SMSL PL200

Reliable top-loading mechanism

SMSL PL200

Reliable top-loading mechanism

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Aging capacitors and transistors cause noise

Rear-mounted output controls

6Premium

Sony NW-WM1ZM2

Premium Build QualityStrong Predecessor Track RecordLong-Term DurabilitySkepticism Over Gold/Material Marketing ClaimsVery High PriceUncertain Volume Cap and Storage Features

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7Premium

FiiO M17

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Build quality
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Auto reverse
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2. Akai GX-266IIarrow_upward1

Overall Impression

The top-loading puck-and-lid mechanism wins over reliability-focused owners. Multiple commenters specifically bought the PL200 because tray and slot mechanisms are the most common source of CD player failure and can scratch discs. The aluminum puck and lid feel sturdy, and users learned you can play without the lid by holding the play button. Watching the CD spin adds a turntable-like ritual that owners genuinely enjoy, despite an initial fumbly learning curve with the two-piece system.

Opinions on the built-in DAC are sharply divided. Several owners found the onboard DAC disappointing compared to dedicated external DACs like a Topping D70s, with one calling the difference 'huge and not good,' prompting a return in favor of a transport-only unit. Others, however, found it a good standalone CD player with no glaring sound issues for the price, sufficient until upgrading other components later. SMSL reportedly underutilized the flagship DAC chip's potential.

As a transport and DDC, the PL200 earns strong praise. Buyers highlight the AES, I2S, and USB DDC functionality as standout features, with one citing a glowing ASR review of its DDC performance and comparisons to dedicated DDCs like the U2 Pro. Users report the I2S connection outperforming coax outputs from other transports, and that pairing with a master clock or quality external DAC noticeably improves sound, making it a versatile hub for a larger hi-fi system.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

check_circleReliable top-loading mechanismNotable

4 mentions

Strongly positive

Owners repeatedly cite frustration with tray and slot mechanisms failing or scratching discs, and see the PL200's top-loading puck/lid design as a durable solution. The all-aluminum construction adds confidence against accidental damage.

@bikeman7982

Thanks for the comprehensive overview. \n\nI don't understand your criticism of the top loading mechanism. If it's just about convenience, we don't need a CD player in 2024 - we can stream all the music we want and/or play ripped music from a server. Top loading and the two piece aspect is actually the point of this CD player. You can play the CD without the top lid and watch your CD spin like a record! \n\nWhy do say \"cursory headphone output\"? It's 1000mW/channel into 32 ohms with really good sound quality! EDIT: I just received my SMSL200 and the headphone output sounds excellent. It definitely sounds better to me than the headphone output on my $4,999 NAD M33 Integrated Streaming Amplifier.

smart_display

August 29, 2024

@_alifeallmine_

I’ve never had a Slot Loading CD Player where the loading mechanism didn’t either fail, or leave some level of scratching on the CD, usually both. And Players with Tray mechanisms have also been the Bain of my existence, 4 out of 5 (not cheap Units) owned have failed, and been ridiculously expensive to fix. I’ve been trying to find a Component with this style of Top Loading, that didn’t cost a fortune like most of them do, for a long time. It’s still infinitely easier to operate than wrangling with Vinyl, been there done that 40 Years ago. This looks perfect.

smart_display

March 30, 2024

@lisar3944

For me the reason I want a top loading cd player is that I don't want to worry about a drawer or slot mechanism breaking. That's it. It's the dumbest possible reason for cd player failure, yet it's also the most common. Plus, there is basically no risk of disc damage with a top loading mechanism. I couldn't care less about the \"ritual\". \n\nAnd you don't need to place the large lid to play. Just place the puck then long press the play button. RTM :) Obvs it's a good idea to replace the large lid when it's not in use to keep the insides clean.

smart_display

March 9, 2024

@lisar3944

this is so timely - I have recently tested both the pl200 and the et3 myself. I primarily want a new transport to replace an older, ok, but very slow and slightly noisy teac player. As transports, I didn't find that the pl200 vs et3 sound particularly different in my system which is decent, but modest. I will do my best to refrain from commenting on my overall experience with the et3 as I don't want to steal your thunder ;) but overall I prefer the pl200.\n\nImportant: you do not need to hold the trigger that is normally depressed by the lid to play without it! Just put the puck on, and hold the play button until it starts to go. That's it - it only takes an extra second or two and you're off and running. This discovery in the manual (yes, i am a dork and read the manuals) was key to my finding a happy experience with the lid/puck design - see below.\n\nPluses for the PL200: it does sound quite good as a transport. Compared to my old teac player it sounds just a tad \"cleaner\" but it's not at all bright or harsh. The ux/interaction with the machine took some getting used to, but in the end I came to like it very much. Yes, the two piece puck + lid combination was incredibly fumbly at first, but then I just started playing discs without the cover in place, and bingo! That feels really good to me, and I can just leave the lid sitting on the table until I'm ready to shut it down. Put the lid on to keep dust and cat paws out, and it's all good. The puck and lid are made primarily of aluminum (with a bit of plastic in the puck) so I'm not at all worried about damage if they take a spill onto the floor (unlike the glass lid on the et3...highly questionable). I was interested in a top loader in the first place as I have had a couple of experiences with cd player failures and it was always around the tray or slot mechanisms. With the PL200's sturdy lid I really feel like I have found the lowest chance of \"dumb failure\" one could get in a player/transport. Score! I like the piano keys - yes they are a bit cheesy but feel good in use. Overall the unit is very quick and responsive in terms of starting play, skipping tracks and that kind of thing - this is a huge improvement over my teac and also much better than the et3, both of which required me to stand there waiting until i could hit the play button.\n\nThat said, I have absolutely no use for the rest of the features and i honestly wish they would implement a pure transport version of this unit without the schnickschnack. To my years the dac was especially disappointing (compared to my Topping d70s) which is a bummer as i don't even think I would use that feature even as a backup. Not a small difference - HUGE. And not good. Perhaps it sounds better through headphones? That's not my bag so I don't know.\n\nAnyway I still like it as I primarily listen to cds, and it's GREAT for this use case.

smart_display

February 3, 2024

SMSL PL200chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

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Expensive

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SMSL PL200From real comments

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What users love

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What users complain about

Overall Impression