SMSL have created best value cd player on market. PL100 Pro review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r73ojxB22Uo

Modern versatile player in 2026

The idea of buying a CD player in 2026 is always going to be fascinating to me and bring a smile to my face. I have been a huge supporter of CDs, and for SMSL to deliver budget-friendly CD players with the PL20, PL100, and PL150 is just the right gateway that people need to start appreciating this great format more.

But recently SMSL released the PL100 Pro, which muddies the waters about which one you should buy — the 100 or the 150. Well, don’t worry, I will cover that here. But let’s first talk about what the PL100 Pro is. The SMSL PL100 Pro is a modern interpretation of the classic CD player. At a time when streaming dominates the audio world, SMSL brings physical media back into focus with a compact, feature-rich device that combines a CD transport, DAC, headphone amplifier, digital transport, and preamp in one small chassis.

So yes, this is a really versatile little audio hub that acts as a CD spinner, DAC, and headphone amplifier. And with its future-thinking audio connections, it truly offers serious functionality at an affordable price point without demanding serious money.

Specs, Features, Build Quality...

At the heart of the PL100 Pro are dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips. This DAC implementation provides low distortion and a clean noise floor, with a signal-to-noise ratio around 110 dB and very low THD+N figures. It supports standard audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 CDs, making it flexible for users with burned discs or long MP3 compilations.

On the output side, the unit offers both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog outputs. It also includes coaxial and optical digital outputs, allowing it to function purely as a CD transport into an external DAC. For headphone users, there is a 3.5 mm single-ended output and a 4.4 mm balanced output. The balanced headphone output delivers significantly more power than the single-ended connection, making it the preferred option when possible.

The unit is powered via USB-C (5V/2A), keeping power requirements simple and convenient. Physically, it measures roughly 160 mm wide and deep.

The PL100 Pro features a compact aluminum alloy chassis that feels solid and well assembled. Despite its affordable price, it does not feel cheap. The metal housing adds rigidity and helps reduce vibration, which is important for stable disc playback.

The slot-loading mechanism operates smoothly and quietly. It gives the player a modern aesthetic compared to traditional tray-loading designs. But as a snobby audiophile, I would still prefer a tray-loading mechanism or a top loader. But for the price, I am staying silent here.

On the front, there is a clear IPS color display that shows track information and playback status. The included remote control is practical and responsive, allowing full control over playback and volume when used in preamp mode. Overall, the build quality exceeds expectations for this price class.

As you can see, there are a lot of things you can do with the SMSL PL100 Pro beyond simply playing CDs. With all of its inputs, outputs, and the headphone amp, there is a lot of future-proofing and versatility with this CD player.

Sound Quality

And the sound quality, as you can expect from what I mentioned in the previous section, offers great value for money. Well, there were a few surprises and a few obvious things that need to be addressed.

First off, when used through its internal DAC and analog outputs, the PL100 Pro delivers a clean, neutral, and well-balanced sound signature. The tonal presentation leans toward accuracy rather than coloration. It does not artificially warm or brighten the sound. Yes, but I cannot lie and say that I was not pleasantly surprised by how much attack the bass had.

Usually in these cheaper CD players, you just want neutral, clean, transparent, and open sound, and you want your other gear to do the heavy lifting. But I was so surprised at how this CD player managed to give the bass extension, definition, and attack. I was personally surprised.

Otherwise, the bass is controlled and tight, with good definition rather than exaggerated impact in the upper bass. It does not add extra weight, but it maintains clarity and texture in low frequencies, even though, as I mentioned, it is extended and has definition and attack to it.

The midsection is great. I loved that it did not color the vocals. The production of tracks is going to play a role in how you hear them and the instruments. Your other gear will add coloration, size, weight, scope, etc. Midrange performance is one of its strengths. Vocals are clear and natural, with solid separation from instruments. There is a sense of precision that works well across genres, from acoustic recordings to electronic music. It truly is a versatile sound.

The treble is smooth and clean, avoiding harshness while maintaining sufficient detail. It does not sound overly analytical, but it presents enough resolution to satisfy most listeners at this level.

Great upgrade path ahead

So this was the sound quality via its internal DAC and using this CD player on its own. But here is where this CD player justifies its money and even more. With all the inputs, outputs, and flexibility, it allows great experimentation in how to improve the sound. First, the obvious upgrade is to add an external DAC and improve it in ways you could not even imagine. Add a 300 or 400 euro DAC and you already have an amazing-sounding system. Secondly, add a better external power supply. That will clean up the sound even more, making it more insightful with better transparency.

And here it is — a CD player for you to listen to until you cannot listen anymore, all starting from 150 dollars. So buy this as a first step in a grand journey of CD excellence. Your gateway to CD heaven.

vs. PL20, PL100 and PL150

If you ask me which one to buy between the PL20, PL100, and PL150, first I need to outline what each one is for and their prices.

Let’s start with the PL100, as it is the cheapest at around 105 dollars. This one is going to be harder to get soon, as it will be completely replaced by the 100 Pro. To me, this is the one you should not even look at. For 45 dollars more, you get a dual DAC, headphone output, a preamp, and much more versatility in sound and connectivity. It is just an older model, and only if you absolutely cannot add 45 dollars more does it seem reasonable.

It is still a good-sounding CD player with the same CD construction and quality as the PL100 Pro. It is also a great step that can be upgraded later as time goes on.

The PL150 is an interesting choice, as it costs the same as the PL100 Pro. But it has a better DAC inside, so the sound has more extension and authority out of the box. So if sonic quality is everything you need, then maybe this is the way to go. It offers instant quality, while the PL100 Pro is better for the future. It offers just so much more in versatility, connectivity, headphone output, and preamp functionality. If you have an external DAC already, the PL100 Pro is a better choice. But out of the box, sonically, the PL150 is better.

The PL20 is the most expensive of all the devices at 200 dollars. It is an older device, and sonically it is very similar to the PL100 Pro, but it has some features that none of these devices have, like Bluetooth, CD ripping, and USB playback. So it has the most versatility out of these devices. Now, if you do not care about those three things, then I think the PL100 Pro is, in my opinion, simply better value.

If I could choose one of these devices, it would certainly be the PL100 Pro or the PL150. But since I have my own DAC, then absolutely it would be the PL100 Pro. It just brings a lot of things to the table and has a great upgrade path.

vs. Pro-Ject, Marantz, Denon

Regarding some alternatives that I know, I have fond memories and still own Marantz, Denon, and Pro-Ject CD players. Until this date, I was always saying that the Pro-Ject CD Box E was a great value and my favorite CD player in the budget price range. But I cannot lie to myself and say that this 300-dollar CD player is any better than this 150-dollar one. On the contrary, SMSL offers so much more versatility in connection and adaptability that I honestly cannot recommend the Pro-Ject CD Box E anymore as the best buy in this price range.

Similarly with the Denon DCD-600NE and the now older Marantz CD5005, which was their last CD player in the 5 series. These are more expensive machines, unless you find them second-hand, and they absolutely cannot match the new SMSL CD players in terms of value. They might have better loading mechanisms, but sound-wise they are the same or maybe even worse. I still want to try Denon high-end CD players — I think that is super exciting — but that is for some other time.

Amazing Value CD Player

The SMSL PL100 Pro is an impressively versatile and well-designed compact CD player. It successfully combines modern connectivity with traditional disc playback in a way that feels relevant rather than nostalgic. Its clean and neutral sound signature, balanced outputs, solid build quality, and multifunction design make it exceptional value for money.

It may not replace high-end separates in a reference audiophile system, but it is not trying to. Instead, it offers flexibility, convenience, and solid performance in a compact package. For anyone looking to enjoy CDs in a modern setup without spending a fortune, the PL100 Pro is a highly compelling choice.

And with better external components, it comes even closer to those expensive, full-fledged CD players.

✅ Pros

• Excellent value for money (~$150)

• Highly versatile – functions as:

  • CD player

  • DAC

  • Headphone amplifier

  • Digital transport

  • Preamp

• Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips

• Balanced XLR and RCA analog outputs

• Coaxial and optical digital outputs

• 3.5 mm single-ended + 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs

• Good power from balanced headphone output

• USB-C powered (simple 5V/2A supply)

• Solid aluminum alloy chassis

• Quiet and smooth slot-loading mechanism

• Clear IPS color display

• Responsive remote control

• Clean, neutral, accurate sound signature

• Surprisingly strong bass extension, attack, and definition

• Controlled, tight low-end without bloat

• Natural, uncolored midrange with clear vocals

• Smooth, non-harsh treble with good detail

• Excellent upgrade path (external DAC + power supply)

• Great future-proofing and connectivity

• Better value than similarly priced competitors

• Outperforms or matches more expensive models in value

• Strong transport option if paired with external DAC

• One of the best choices in the SMSL lineup depending on needs

❌ Cons

• Slot-loading mechanism may not appeal to traditional audiophiles (tray/top-loader preferred)

• PL150 offers better out-of-the-box sound quality

• Internal DAC, while good, is not class-leading

• Does not replace high-end separate CD transports and DAC systems

• Requires external DAC investment to reach its full potential

• No Bluetooth, CD ripping, or USB playback (unlike PL20)

• Sound is neutral and accurate but not highly colored or “romantic”

• Single-ended headphone output has less power than balanced

• PL100 Pro makes the older PL100 mostly obsolete