{"product_id":"smsl-po100-xu316-usb-to-optical-coaxial-adapter-compact-mqa-dac","title":"SMSL PO100 XU316 USB to Optical\/Coaxial Adapter - Compact MQA DAC","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the SMSL PO100 is assessed as a small, purpose-built USB to optical\/coaxial adapter aimed at users who need clean digital output from phones, PCs or streamers. The single biggest reason to buy is its compact MQA decoding and XMOS XU316-based asynchronous USB handling, which provides a stable digital feed to downstream DACs or AV gear without driver fuss on modern Macs and Windows 10 or later. It is a handy travel companion for those who want reliable signal transfer and reduced USB noise in a minimal package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eXMOS XU316 chip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides asynchronous USB transmission for stable clocking and reduced jitter when sending digital audio to a backend DAC or streamer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMQA decoding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports MQA playback without extra software, making it straightforward to output higher-resolution MQA streams to an MQA-capable backend device.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers both Toslink optical and coaxial outputs simultaneously so the user can feed two devices or choose the preferred digital connection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlug-and-play:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works without drivers on macOS and Windows 10+ for fast setup with modern computers and compatible phones using the included cables.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMiniature and portable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Extremely small and lightweight for easy transport in a bag or pocket when traveling with a laptop or streamer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccessory kit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes USB Type-C to C and USB A to Type-C cables to connect a wide range of phones, PCs and players right out of the box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PO100 is best for listeners who already use an external DAC, receiver or streamer and need a clean, portable USB-to-digital interface that supports MQA and standard PCM rates up to 192kHz. It suits mobile users and desktop setups where a compact adapter and simple setup are priorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not for people who need a standalone DAC with volume control or who want to connect directly to active speakers without a backend device. Audiophiles seeking advanced onboard features like IIS output or integrated amplification should look elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact form factor makes it genuinely easy to carry and deploy in portable setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMQA decoding and XU316 asynchronous USB deliver reliable digital output and good signal transfer characteristics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInclusive cables and plug-and-play support on macOS and Windows 10+ reduce setup friction for most users.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReported to reduce USB noise and act as a ground-loop isolator in some systems, improving perceived cleanliness of the signal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes not include volume control and cannot connect directly to active speakers, so a backend DAC or amplifier is required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes not support IIS output like the PO100pro, limiting some niche professional use cases.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChip\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXMOS XU316\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB input\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eType-C (USB to Type-C and USB A to Type-C cables included)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoaxial and Toslink optical (both available simultaneously)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSample rates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM up to 192kHz, DOP64 supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMQA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMQA decoding supported without additional software\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOS support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003emacOS and Windows 10 or above (driver-free)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 0.75 g (very compact)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SMSL PO100 is a practical, low-cost digital adapter for anyone who needs a portable USB-to-coaxial\/optical interface with MQA decoding and stable XMOS USB performance. It delivers solid signal transfer and noise reduction benefits for desktop and mobile users, but it requires a backend DAC or amplifier since it has no volume control and cannot drive active speakers directly. For what it does, it represents sensible value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the PO100 require drivers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is driver-free on macOS and Windows 10 or later, so most users can plug and play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it play MQA files?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the PO100 supports MQA decoding without additional software, but you should set your computer volume to max for best output when playing MQA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it connect directly to active speakers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the PO100 cannot be connected directly to active speakers; it must feed a backend DAC, receiver or amplifier first.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AOSHIDA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48237016023259,"sku":"B0DNP6RCLB","price":38.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51SbpbxkZKL._AC_SL1200.jpg?v=1770743675","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/smsl-po100-xu316-usb-to-optical-coaxial-adapter-compact-mqa-dac","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}