SMSL DP5SE: High-Resolution WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) Network Audio Player & Streamer – A Crossover Evaluation
s.m.s.l dp5se high resolution wifi network audio player and streamer. The high-end audiophiles always look for products to play back music with extremely high-quality audio resolution and wanted more and more convenient ways to connect for today’s technologically sophisticated consumer electronics. The DP5SE is one of those successfully addressing the needs of audiophiles with the best sound quality, advanced connectivity and streaming solutions and very stylish design in a relatively small form factor. The DP5SE is an ideal digital audio player and WiFi network audio streamer with high-resolution based on the most innovative wireless fidelity WiFi technology and design.
The entire scope of this review will go further in-depth than most, featuring sections covering the DP5SE’s build, features, audio quality, streaming ability, and usability. We will also talk about the features which make it unique in the system of audio devices and describe the peculiarities of its construction and integration into the contemporary home multimedia system.
SMSL intros and the DP5SE
The Chinese company SMSL is known among the buyer audience as an audiophile brand that offers several products at a relatively low price. Portable amps, DACs, and streamers are intended to set up a brand-new benchmark for high-quality sound that isn’t outdone by the company’s audio products.
The new model of SMSL is the DP5SE is an addition to the company’s range of high-resolution audio players. Succeeding the DP5 series, the DP5SE is an audiophile-grade converter that delivers enhanced sound quality, expandable connectivity and compatibility with new generation high-definition audio formats. The simplicity of the unit has been amplified with new form factors and new features that can power modern audiophiles including streaming, high-quality formats, and streaming service compatibility s.m.s.l dp5se high resolution wifi network audio player and streamer.
Design and Build Quality
The principles of design of DP5SE can be characterized as a continuation of the minimalist trend in the design of electronic devices. Physically, the system is small, with the dimensions of 10.2 in x 6.3 in x 1.5 inches, which means it can blend into any room and audio system, formal dedicated listening room, or a regular living room. The front panel of this particular machine is formed from brushed aluminum finish which makes it to have a plus looking and aerieller construction. Product design that has smooth silhouettes, almost no camber and sharp edges, but rather a smooth flowing expanse of metal, creates an extremely non-imposing device that would fit with any chosen home interior design.
It has a 5-inch touchscreen display of the device which enable easy and convenient control of the DP5SE. The most important mode of control, help to navigate through the menu and view the information about the track and settings. The readability achieved by the high-resolution screen is complemented by brightness, touch sensitivity, and image clarity that allows user to employ the gadget without inconveniences.
The build quality of the DP5SE is excellent, providing a nice solid, substantial feel combined with the rigidity that is needed in a heavy duty unit without being overly large. In making the device, SMSL has ensured that the various components of the equipment are well enclosed in a tough outer casing that shields the inner circuitry from interference and, in some cases, physical damage.
Audio Performance
High-Resolution Audio Support
The key concept of the SMSL DP5SE is a support for high-resolution audio formats, which makes it an actual audiophile device. The DP5SE also provides PCM audio of up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD audio of up to 512 times Digital Signal Processing (DSD512) meaning that listeners get the finest sound quality available. These superior formats offer sound quality that is uncompressed and much clearer than the compact disc standard of quality sound recording and playback.
Be it listening to high-resolution FLAC files, studio master quality WAV files, or high definition stream ripped files, the DP5SE impresses with its clear and extended sound stage, meeting the level of the incoming material perfectly.
DAC and Amplifier Technology
According to the manufacturer, the 5,5-inch Diaphragm Pivot Tweeter (DP5SE) is powered by the AKM AK4499EQ DAC chip which is said to be the highest-rated DAC on the market. Industry-leading signal to noise ratio, product low distortion, high dynamic range and agile granular control makes AK4499EQ an industry leader. This free from noise and artifacts DAC make sure to provide absolutely natural sound output without any distortions.
The device also has built-in OPA1612 operational amplifier, as in the previous step it is used for amplification of the selected audio signal without distortion. The synergy of high-end DAC technology and precision amplification contribute to smooth, strike balanced sound along with detail-oriented definition making the DP5SE versatile for any type of listeners; aficionado and casual listeners alike.
Audio Outputs
The DP5SE is fitted with a number of audio output options so as to accommodate various make of audio equipment’s. It is also fitted with symmetrical balanced XLR outputs for high-quality, low noise crossover to audiophile systems. Out of phase outputs are less desirable for high quality audio systems because of the additional noise that is introduced in the signal path.
For those who still like to use standard RCA connections, the DP5SE is provided with the same sort of connection. These outputs are good enough for home stereo or for the basic home music system, and certainly do not need anything special.
Other connectivity features such as streaming availability
Another compelling factor which has been put in to consideration in the construction of the SMSL DP5SE is streaming and connectivity. With streaming services and networked music as the two major forms of listening today, DP5SE is developed to cater for this kind of aainking s.m.s.l dp5se high resolution wifi network audio player and streamer.
Wireless Internet connection and Wired Internet connection
Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity are supported, and stable and high-speed streaming from the Internet, or media from a local network are possible.Portability is another strength since users can easily connect the device to their home network through Wi-Fi whereby there is no need for extra cable and for the user who prefers cable connectivity then a provision for Ethernet port is also made in their device.
Streaming Services
The DP5SE is compatible with streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music and Qobuz meaning, it is possible to access millions of tracks through the unit. It also has Air Play compatibility and Spotify Connect so you can stream your playlists straight from any of your Apple device, tablets or computers.
Furthermore, the DP5SE is integrated with UPnP / DLNA, it can access more media source or media servers in the home network, such as network storage (NAS) and other compatible servers.
Bluetooth Support
The DP5SE also features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, allowing for music playbacks from smartphones, tablets or computers. Bluetooh enables free movement without entangling by wires, especially with portable devices such as smart phones or laptops.
Room Ready
The DP5SE exceptionally can integrate with Room, a luxurious music management and streaming application because it is Room Ready. Room is an improved version of library, has some additional metadata characteristics, and compatible with multi-room streaming that’s why it can be useful for those listeners who are interested in creating the highest level of music organization.
User Experience and Interface
Another feature of the SMSL DP5SE is the Operating Interface which is equally well implemented as its primary goal is to make the inclusive listening more easy. This is complimented by a 5-inch touchscreen that has support for a number of menus, volume control, track selection and internet streaming.
The device also has physical buttons of power, volume and inputs. Some of these are these are these are tactile buttons give user quick and direct to often used/required functions and some functions do not required interaction with the touch screen often. Moreover, the DP5SE supports the SMSL Music App for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. This app enables the user to control this device from a distance and it will come in handy when setting it by salad, searching for playlists and streaming music through a phone or through a tablet.
Then we have Sound Customization and Equalizer Settings.
The SMSL DP5SE is equipped with various sound setting controls to make the sound as per the users choice. Three different types of digital filter parameters are provided and can be chosen depending on the requirement of tonal balance, sharpness and other characteristics of the sound. Filter options are available for customization by the user to help dedicate listenings that relates to their preference.
With even higher demand for controlling the sound characteristics, the DP5SE features an equalizer – the manual way of correcting the frequencies of bass, mid and treble ranges . Precisely this EQ allows users to decide how music sounds for them and which style of sound output will be comfortable for any genre.
Current Options, Additional Capabilities and Post-Reform Possibilities
Hence, the SMSL DP5SE supports the current most current audio formats/standards and streaming protocols to futureproof the DAC. The longevity of the DP5SE is good because as technology creates new high-resolutions of streaming features the DP5SE is ready to accommodate the changes making it long-lasting for the jazz enthusiast.
Conclusion
The SMSL DP5SE is designed as a sophisticated and extraordinary WiFi network audio player and streamer with a magnificent performance. It comes with breathtaking build quality, exceptionally powerful audio, connectivity, and contemporary streaming features, which make it suitable for audiophile and other enthusiasts of highest quality sound.
For the casual music listener that streams their music from the popular services, as well as for the audiophiles who expect nothing less than the best from their equipment the SMSL DP5SE is perfect. VirtualMastering provides all the important aspects of a modern high-end audio player, including streaming, network integration, support for higher formats and sound tuning.
Heralded by its excellent sound quality, stylish appearance, and measuring up to future standards, the SMSL DP5SE is an unrivaled player and streamer in the field of high-rez audiophiles. For those who loves music and prefer a single product that would do it all for them; play music and also stream then the DP5SE is the ultimate solution.
