From: Vitor Valeri
SMSL x Moondrop DHA15 DAC/amp (Image: maomao demon/Bilibili)
The SMSL x Moondrop DHA15 was released last Friday (April 17). The main differentiating feature of Moondrop’s desktop DAC and amplifier (amp) is support for the Moondrop app, which includes the “Online Interactive DSP” tool. This allows users to select a frequency response curve as a basis for applying equalization automatically or manually. See below for all the details about this new release.
The key highlight of the DHA15 is its compatibility with the Moondrop app, which provides access to the “Online Interactive DSP” tool. This feature enables users to apply equalization based on target curves, either manually or automatically.
The “Online Interactive DSP” also allows users to import preconfigured equalization profiles through the app’s user platform. In this way, it is possible to obtain optimized EQ settings for specific headphones.
Priced at around US$300, the Topping DX5 II is a more affordable competitor than the DHA15. However, the most likely closest competitor, if the price does not exceed US$600, is the FiiO K15. This is due to the 10-band parametric equalizer built into Topping’s DAC/amp.
However, the DHA15 distinguishes itself from both the DX5 II and the K15 with its output power, which is significantly higher.
The DHA15 employs a Class A amplifier with discrete components. The amplification stage is fully balanced. Moondrop’s DAC/amp features two balanced headphone outputs, one XLR and one 4.4 mm. In addition, there is a 6.35 mm single-ended (SE) output.
The DHA15 delivers a maximum output power of 15W at 16 ohms. At 32 ohms, the DAC/amp still provides 7.5W. Moondrop stated the following in the product’s promotional material:
“Whether for hard-to-drive planar magnetic headphones or IEMs, it handles everything with ease.”
To manage this output capability, the device offers 99 volume steps and three gain levels (low, medium, and high).
The DHA15 adopts the Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC. Two chips are used to enable the balanced DAC/amp circuit. For comparison, the DX5 II uses two ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips, while the K15 uses two AKM AK4497S chips.
The DHA15 can be used as a DAC/amp, preamplifier, dedicated headphone amplifier, or standalone DAC. It supports both single-ended RCA inputs/outputs and balanced XLR inputs/outputs.
To facilitate operation and improve usability, a remote control is included in the box with Moondrop’s DAC/amp.
• Amplification: Class A with discrete op-amps
• Chassis material: aerospace-grade aluminum alloy
• DAC: 2× Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Digital connectivity: USB-C
• Dimensions: 25.4 cm × 22.1 cm × 4.6 cm
• Headphone outputs: 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm, and XLR
• Weight: 2.04 kg
• Dynamic range: 131 dB
• Native decoding: 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256
• THD+N: 0.00007% @ 1 kHz
• 16 ohms: 15W
• 32 ohms: 7.5W
• 300 ohms: 1000 mW
• 600 ohms: 550 mW
The SMSL x Moondrop DHA15 was launched in mainland China at a price of 2,999 yuan (approximately US$440). There is no confirmed release date or pricing for the international market yet. However, the retail price outside China is typically higher.
Below an unboxing video of the SMSL X Moondrop DHA15.
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