SMSL Announces PL200 MKII CD Player with Flagship DAC and Built-In Headphone Amplifier
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SMSL has officially unveiled the PL200 MKII, an upgraded version of its premium CD player that combines traditional disc playback with modern high-resolution audio features.
At the heart of the PL200 MKII is the ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, supporting PCM playback up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. SMSL has also equipped the player with a fully discrete headphone amplifier capable of delivering up to 1.5 watts per channel at 16 ohms, making it suitable for both in-ear monitors and full-size headphones. Read our SMSL DS300 Review here!
The PL200 MKII features a top-loading CD mechanism, MQA-CD support, USB DAC functionality, balanced XLR and RCA outputs, plus two-way Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD. Users can even transmit music from CDs or USB sources directly to compatible wireless headphones or speakers. Check out our review of the Fosi Audio CD Player as well!
Additional features include a full-color IPS display, external clock input, optical and coaxial digital outputs, and a dedicated Pure Transport Mode that bypasses the internal DAC for use with external digital-to-analog converters.
The SMSL PL200 MKII is available now with a suggested retail price of $599.
Why It Matters
While streaming continues to dominate, many audio enthusiasts still value physical media and dedicated CD players. The PL200 MKII aims to bridge both worlds by combining premium CD playback with modern DAC technology, Bluetooth connectivity, and a powerful built-in headphone amplifier. For listeners who still enjoy spinning discs but also want support for today's high-resolution digital formats, the PL200 MKII looks like one of the more versatile all-in-one options in its price range. We'll reserve final judgment until we've had the opportunity to review one ourselves. Read more about SMSL vs Topping here!
