SMSL D400 MK2 DAC Launches with AK4499EX for $649

The SMSL D400 MK2 desktop DAC was launched today (September 2) in the international market and mainland China. Featuring specifications similar to those of the SMSL RAW-DAC1, the D400 MK2 also uses AKM’s AK4499EX DAC chip and AK4191 delta-sigma digital modulator. Other highlights of SMSL’s new DAC include a 10 MHz OCXO crystal oscillator and the CK-04 clock-processing circuit. Below are all the details about SMSL’s latest release.

D400 MK2 Arrives to Form a Stack with the H400 MK2

Featuring the same design as the H400 MK2 amplifier, the new D400 MK2 DAC also uses a chassis made from CNC-machined aluminum alloy. Below is an image of both devices alongside the SMSL PL600T SACD player, announced during the 20th Shenzhen International Audio Show (SIAS 2026).

The D400 MK2 Is SMSL’s New Midrange Desktop DAC with an AKM Chip

The D400 MK2 was launched nearly two years after SMSL’s previous desktop DAC equipped with an AKM chip, the RAW-DAC1. It should not be confused with the RAWPro, which uses a DAC chip from ESS Technology.

Numerous Connections for Greater Flexibility

The rear panel of the D400 MK2 features a wide variety of inputs and outputs. There are six digital inputs in total: USB, I²S, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, and Bluetooth. Supported Bluetooth codecs include SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC.

For analog outputs, SMSL’s new DAC features a single-ended (SE) RCA output and a balanced XLR output. The RCA line output (LO) delivers 2.5 Vrms, while the XLR line output delivers 5 Vrms.

D400 MK2 vs. RAW-DAC1

The differences between the D400 MK2 and the RAW-DAC1 lie in their digital inputs, clock-processing circuits, weight, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and dynamic range (DR).

While the RAW-DAC1 has two coaxial inputs and two optical inputs, the D400 MK2 has only one of each. In terms of weight, the D400 MK2 is slightly heavier, weighing 1.9 kg compared with the RAW-DAC1’s 1.33 kg.

The clock-processing circuit developed by SMSL for the D400 MK2 is one generation newer—the CK-04—than the CK-03 used in the RAW-DAC1. The D400 MK2’s dynamic range and SNR are 1 dB lower, at 126 dB, compared with 127 dB for the RAW-DAC1.

There does not appear to be a significant difference between the two models, yet the D400 MK2 costs $150 more than the RAW-DAC1. Therefore, they must be tested directly, or comparative reviews must be consulted, to determine whether the newer model is worth the additional cost.

SMSL D400 MK2: Specifications

General Parameters

• Analog outputs: RCA and XLR
• Digital inputs: USB, optical, coaxial, I²S, Bluetooth, and AES
• Dimensions: 254 × 189 × 46 mm (W × H × D)
• Power consumption: Less than 10 W
• Standby power consumption: Less than 0.5 W
• Weight: 1.9 kg (4.18 lb)

Line Output (LO) Parameters

Line output levels:

• XLR: 5 Vrms
• RCA: 2.5 Vrms

Line output impedances:

• XLR: 200 Ω
• RCA: 100 Ω

Line output THD+N:

• XLR: 0.00006% (-124 dB, unweighted)
• RCA: 0.00008% (-121 dB, unweighted)

Line output dynamic range:

• XLR: 132 dB
• RCA: 126 dB

Line output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR):

• XLR: 132 dB
• RCA: 126 dB

Digital Input Parameters

USB transmission:

• Asynchronous

USB compatibility:

• Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 (driver required)
• macOS 10.6 or later and Linux (no driver required)

MQA decoding:

• USB, optical, and coaxial

Digital input bit depths:

• USB/I²S: 1 bit and 16 to 32 bits
• Optical/coaxial: 1 bit and 16 to 24 bits

Digital input sampling rates:

• USB/I²S – PCM: 44.1 to 768 kHz
• USB/I²S – DSD: 2.8224 to 22.5792 MHz
• Optical/coaxial – PCM: 44.1 to 192 kHz

Specifications of the supported Bluetooth codecs:

• LDAC: 24-bit/96 kHz at 990, 660, or 330 kbps
• aptX HD: 24-bit/48 kHz at 576 kbps
• aptX: 16-bit/44.1 kHz at 352 kbps
• SBC: 16-bit/44.1 kHz at 328 kbps
• AAC: 16-bit/44.1 kHz at 320 kbps

Release, Price, and Availability

The SMSL D400 MK2 is now available internationally in silver and black for $649 through the Shenzhenaudio online store.

More Affordable SMSL Desktop DACs with AKM Chips

If the D400 MK2 is beyond your budget, SMSL offers other noteworthy desktop DACs equipped with AKM chips:

• SMSL RAW-DAC1 (about $499)
• SMSL SU-1 (nearly $79.99)