SMSL AD18

Name: SMSL AD18
Brand: S.M.S.L
SKU: 641595a9bf3e34bda4c2c93e
Rating: 2.5 (82 reviews)

Based on 82 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

#15 most mentioned

Reddit · r/BudgetAudiophile

#51 most mentioned

Reddit · r/audiophile

Great power and versatility

Range of inputs and outputs, including Bluetooth and USB

Can power a variety of speakers and headphones

Well-regarded budget option

Generally neutral and clear sound

Not as good as similarly priced options, such as the SMSL SA-98E + B1 DAC

Some minor issues with input selection and switching between headphones and speakers

Some users have noted a slightly digital sound compared to other mini-amplifiers

Verdict

Overall, the SMSL AD18 is a well-regarded budget DAC/Amp that is praised for its power and versatility. It has a range of inputs and outputs, including Bluetooth and USB, and can power a variety of speakers and headphones. Some users have noted minor issues with input selection and switching between headphones and speakers, but these are not major drawbacks. The AD18 is often compared favorably to other budget DAC/Amps, such as the Topping MX3 and SMSL SA300.

Compare with...

Reviews

By topic

By sentiment

Top reviews

SMSL AD18 Speaker/Headphone Amp REVIEW (AMAZING AMP UNDER $150)

So if you plug something in that coaxial optical one slot, but you click optical one in the input selection menu, it doesn't play anything. You click ...

SMSL SA300 Review vs. SMSL AD18 - Which Class D Amp is Right for You?

I think that's a nice step up. The amplifier chip seems like a better chip overall, resulting in better overall sound quality, so you'll get clean amp...

SMSL AD18 Review - The Most Feature-Packed | Small | Class D Amplifier

It's awesome for that, because you can use your headphones if you wanted to use it in the living room situation, it's good for that, because it has a ...

It is finally all here!

* Speaker Amp: SMSL AD18. Finally my first (but probably not last) audio setup is complete! The sundara is my first set of pro-consumer grade headphones and I am loving the sound so far. To my untrained ears, the audio I am getting is just so much richer and fuller in comparison to what I was using before.

Positive

Logiktal

4 years ago

reddit.com/r/headphones

NYC Apartment sized, wife (semi-approved), first budget audiophi... setup

So far the Klipsch are connected to the SMSL AD18 which also powers a Monoprice SSW-10 slim sub behind the cabinet. I'd say 99% of the time I run spotify through a Chromecast audio hooked up to the optical input, today however I'm testing Tidal Masters through an IPad and USB input. I'd say a definitely notable improvement.

Positive

skycaptsteve

4 years ago

reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile

Loxjie A30 is 10% and an additional $5 off for $162.99

I actually bought one to replace my smsl ad18 as well after seeing the Audio Science review and after side by side testing it couldn't displace my ad18. My setup is a near field desktop setup. Usb in, out to a pair of Jamo s803's. Unless you don't have one or your current dac/amp is on the way out I can't see "upgrading" to this at the price.

Positive

PnDaPocket87

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile

I was a complete noob one week ago and while this subreddit has been amazing, I'm still a bit lost in all the info. As far as I can tell, the main budget Chinese amps with competitive audiophile sound quality (for the price) are: Loxjie A30, Topping MX3, SMSL AD18, and SMSL SA300.

Positive

Elc0r

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile

Specs

Brand

S.M.S.L

Model Name

AD18

Speaker Type

Subwoofer

Computer

Connectivity Technology

Bluetooth

QUICK QUESTION!

Got an opinion on a product you've used?
If so, we want to hear from you! Write an authentic longevity review about the product and share your experience with our community. You'll have the chance to win a $100 gift card.

More Alternatives