M500 MKII - Headphones S.M.S.L - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Headphone Amplifier / DAC
Brand	S.M.S.L
Model	M500 MKII
DAC Chip	ES9038PRO
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Bluetooth Codecs	LDAC, aptX-HD, aptX, SBC, AAC
Inputs	USB, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth
Outputs	6.35mm Headphone Jack, RCA, XLR
Headphone Output Power	2W x 2 (16Ω), 1W x 2 (32Ω)
THD+N (DAC)	0.00006% (-123dB)
THD+N (Headphone)	0.0001% (-120dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (XLR)	131dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (RCA)	126dB
Sampling Rate (USB)	Up to 768kHz/32bit, DSD512
Sampling Rate (Optical/Coaxial)	Up to 192kHz/24bit
MQA Support	USB, Optical, Coaxial (including MQA-CD)
Display	1.9 inch TFT LCD
Dimensions (W x H x D)	85 x 88 x 197 mm
Weight	0.90 kg / 1.98 lb
Power Consumption	5W (standby <0.5W)
Power Supply	External power adapter (included)
Remote Control	Included (full-function)
Hi-Res Certification	JAS Hi-Res certified

Frequently Asked Questions - M500 MKII S.M.S.L

How do I connect the M500 MKII to my computer?

Use the USB input. For Windows, you may need to install a driver (available on SMSL's website). Mac OSX 10.6+ and Linux are driverless. Ensure you select USB as the input source via the menu or remote.

Does the M500 MKII support MQA?

Yes, the M500 MKII supports MQA decoding via USB, Optical, and Coaxial inputs. It also supports MQA-CD via Optical and Coaxial when the SPDIF mode is set to PROCESSOR.

How do I pair my Bluetooth device?

Switch the input source to Bluetooth using the menu or remote control button. On your phone, enable Bluetooth, search for 'SMSL M500 MKII', and tap to pair. Once connected, the display will show 'Connected'.

Can I use the M500 MKII as a preamplifier?

Yes. In the SETTING MENU, set PRE MODE to 'Vol Variable' to enable volume control via remote. This allows you to adjust volume and use it as a preamp for powered speakers or amplifiers.

What is the headphone output power?

The headphone output delivers up to 2W per channel at 16Ω and 1W per channel at 32Ω, with less than -120dB distortion. It uses a PLFC amplifier circuit for high power and low distortion.

How do I change the sound color?

In the SOUND COLOR menu, you can select from 9 presets: Rich1-3, Tube1-3, and Crystal1-3. These use the ES9038PRO's DSP to alter the sound without changing frequency response. Set to 'Standard' to bypass.

What is the DPLL setting for?

DPLL adjusts the bandwidth of the internal digital phase-locked loop. Lower values improve jitter rejection when the clock is stable; higher values prevent sound interruptions when the input clock is unstable (e.g., from a TV). Default is 7.

How do I update the firmware?

Firmware updates are not described in the manual. Check SMSL's official website (https://www.smsl-audio.com) for any firmware updates and instructions. Typically, updates are done via USB connection.

How do I clean the device?

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners. For the tempered glass display, gently wipe with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.

What is the warranty period?

The M500 MKII comes with a 1-year warranty for normal use. The warranty covers free repairs within one year from the date of purchase. It does not cover damage from misuse, unauthorized modification, or improper installation.

USER MANUAL M500 MKII S.M.S.L

DoP DoP256(USB),DoP64(光纤/同轴)

蓝牙规格：

LDAC 24bit/96kHz (990kbps/660kbps/330kbps)

aptX-HD 24bit/48 kHz_576kbps

aptX 16bit/44.1 kHz_352kbps

SBC 16bit/44.1 kHz_328kbps

AAC 16bit/44.1 kHz_320kbps

消耗功率 5W

待机功耗 ....../<0.5W

体积 85x88x197mm (WxHxD)

重量 0.90kg/1.98lb

The contents of this manual may change with the version, if there is any change without notice, please go to https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/support Download the latest version of the manual.

Safety Notes

• Install this unit in a well ventilated, cool, dry, clean place-away from direct sunlight, heat sources, vibration, dust, moisture, or cold..

- Use the voltage specified on this unit Only. Using this unit with a higher voltage than specified is dangerous and may cause fire, damage to this unit, or personal injury. Our company will not be held responsible for any damage resulting from the use of this unit with a voltage other than that specified.

- Do not attempt to modify or fix this unit by yourself. Contact alesperson or customer service when any service is needed. The cabinet should never be opened for any reason.

- When not planning to use this unit for long periods of time (i.e. when going on vacation), disconnect the power cable from the AC wall outlet.

Important note:

The product specifications and information mentioned in this manual are for reference only. The content of this manual is subject to change without notice.

Warranty Terms

1. The Term of Service

Foshan Shuangmusanlin Technology Co., Ltd promises to offer good-quality products. If the product is broken in 7 days after purchasing when you use it normally, you can choose to send it back for return, replacement or repairing (only the product does not affect the second sales can be returned). Repairing for free in one year if you use it normally.

1. Date of purchase is in accordance with the date on invoice or receipt uesd by seller, and if you buy it on line, you can show the screenshot of trade.

2. If an inappropriate usage causes the unit damaged, the warranty will be void. As below.

- All damages by inappropriate use, including using it under non-normal working environment or without following the instructions.

• Dismantling, refitting, repairing by user in private.

- Causing damage by using some fittings instead of the designative or accredited ones.

- Cannot provide credible proof of purchase.

1. Sending it back to our company for repairing.

2. Contact your S.M.S.L Audio reseller for a return or replacement.

Features

• The top performance D/A chip ES9038PRO from ESS Technology;
• The high-performance power supply chip ES9311, the noise of ES9311 is as low as 1uVrms;
- The 3rd ES9038PRO circuit design has a surprisingly low distortion of -123dB and is more stable;
- The new PLFC headphone amplifier circuit enables the headphone to obtain more than 2Wrms output power and less than -120dB distortion under 16 Ω load!
• The new self-developed CK-02 clock processing circuit greatly reduces clock jitter;
• XMOS XU-216, true 32bit audio processing, supports DoP and Native DSD, and reaches 32bit/768kHz and DSD512;
• USB, optical, coaxial support DSD and MQA decode, coaxial and optical support DOP64 and MQA-CD.
• Qualcomm's latest Bluetooth chip supports LDAC 24bit/96kHz, APTX/HD, SBC, AAC;
- Specially designed discrete component linear regulated power supply and multiple low noise regulated power supplies to provide low noise power for analog circuits.
• Use tempered glass display panel for higher light transmission and longer service life;
• Built-in shielded, low noise power supply processing, while improving power efficiency, lower power consumption;
• High quality gold-plated input and output jacks;
• 3 high-end dual op-amps OPA1612 and a lot of audio grade components are used;
• 1.9 inch TFT LCD display;
• JAS Hi-Res certification;
• Equipped with remote control and full-function remote control.

Specifications

Input ...... USB / Optical / Coaxial / Bluetooth

Output 6.35 Phone Jack / RCA / XLR

THD+N 0.00006%(-123dB)(UN-WTD)

HPA THD+N 0.0001%(-120dB)(UN-WTD)

HPA power 2Wx2(16Ω),1Wx2(32Ω)

HPA gain 0dB(Low),+9dB(High)

Dynamic range ....131dB(XLR),126dB(RCA)

SNR 131dB(XLR),126dB(RCA)

USB Spec....USB 2.0 Asynchronization

USB compatibility ....Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10(Needs Driver)

Mac OSX10.6 or Later、Linux(Driverless)

MQA decoder .... USB / Optical / Coaxial

MQA-CD decoder ..... Optical / Coaxial

DoP decoder .... USB / Optical / Coaxial

Sampling rate & Bit Width:

USB PCM 44.1 \~ 768kHz(32bit)

DSD 2.8224 \~ 22.5792MHz(1bit)

Optical / Coaxial 44.1 \~ 192kHz(24bit)

DoP DoP256(USB), DoP64(Optical / Coaxial)

Bluetooth: 5.0

LDAC 24bit/96kHz (990kbps/660kbps/330kbps)

aptX-HD 24bit/48 kHz_576kbps

aptX 16bit/44.1 kHz_352kbps

SBC 16bit/44.1 kHz_328kbps

AAC 16bit/44.1 kHz_320kbps

Power Consumption ....5W

Weight 0.90kg/1.98lb

SMSL reserves the right to make improvements which may result in specification or feature changes without notice.

Remote control

• Install 2 x AAA batteries as instructions.
- When using the remote control, point it toward the remote con-trol signal receiver on the main unit from a distance of 5 m (16 ft) or less. Do not place obstructions between the main unit and the remote control.
- The remote control might not work if the remote control signal receiver on the unit is exposed to direct sunlight or bright light. If this occurs, try moving the unit. Beware that use of this remote control could cause the unin-tentional operation of other devices that can be controlled by infra.

Operating the remote control

Note

This remote controller use 2 x R03/AAA batteries.

Display Interface and Instructions

① GND
② (+)HOT
③ (-)COLD

1

4 Knob

7 USB input

10 Coaxial input

2

5 Balanced output

8 Power input

11 Power switch

3 6.35mm headphone outputDisplayRem

6 RCA output

9 Optical input

12 Bluetooth antenna

Note: Knob\*

• Konb: Volume/Menu up or down

- Button: Press to Menu/Enter

Hold to Return or Power ON/OFF

Bluetooth operating instructions\*\*

Connection:

- Step 1: Switch the input source in the SETTING MENU or press the Bluetooth button of the remote;

- Step 2: Turn on the Bluetooth function of the mobile phone, search for "SMSL M500 MKII", and tap to pairing. When the mobile phone displays "connected", it has been successfully connected.

Re-connection:

When you had lost the connection with the M500 MKII, for example, going out, and back home, some phones will not re-connect the M500 MKII if the M500 MKII has not been re-boot, so you can press the Bluetooth button on the remote to Re-connect.

Clear pairing: In the Bluetooth input state, long press the FN button. After clearing the pairing, some phones may no longer be able to search for "SMSL M500 MKII". In this case, you need to delete the Bluetooth device "SMSL M500 MKII" which saved in the phone, and then search and pairing again.

Please turn down the volume before connecting the headphones to avoid excessive volume damage to the headset.

According to the advice of health experts, do not listen to the headphones for a long time so as not affect your hearing.

Instructions

INPUT

USB AUDIO
• OPTICAL
COAXIAL
- BLUETOOTH

OUTPUT

• XLR+RCA
  HPA
  XLR
• RCA

GAIN

• LOW (+0dB)
• HIGH (+9dB)

PCM FILTER

• Fast Linear
• Slow Linear
• Fast Minimum
• Slow Minimum
• Fast Hybrid
• Apodizing
• Brickwall

DSD FILTER

There are 4 kinds of digital filtering in total. It's the way that the digital operation means the clutter outside the audioFilter out, respectively

• 47kHz Cutoff
- 50kHz Cutoff
- 60kHz Cutoff
- 70kHz Cutoff

SOUND COLOR

There are 9 sound color settings in M500 MKII.

• Rich1、Rich2、Rich3
• Tube1、Tube2、Tube3
  • Crystal1、Crystal2、Crystal3

This setting is using the DSP of ES9038PRO, to make some different sound color, all of these settings will not change the frequency response curve. When set to "Standard", this setting will be bypassed.

Instructions

PRE MODE

Volume control enable or disable.

• Vol Fixed: In this mode, volume is fixed on max output level, and the M500 MKII will ignore the volume operations.
• Vol Variable: In this mode, volume can be adjust by remote controller, and make M500 MKII a pre-amplifier.

DPLL

MIN \~ MAX

(A total of 15 kinds, the default is 7 kinds. The larger the number is, the stronger the range to adapt to jitter, and the smaller the number, the better the performance against clock jitter.)

This DPLL setting is a special function of ESS series products. It can adjust the internal DPLL digital phase locked loop circuit Bandwidth, so that the chip achieves a balance between anti clock jitter and input tolerance.

Its function:

• When the clock stability of the input signal is good, this value can be reduced, so that the clock performance of the system is better;
• When the clock stability of the input signal is not good, the sound may be interrupted. Increase this value can avoid the sound interruption! Especially when using TV as signal source!

SPDIF MODE

This setting is only valid for optical/coaxial interfaces which using SPDIF protocol;

• NORMAL MODE

NORMAL mode, only use the digital receiver chip (DIR) to process the SPDIF signal, used in most occasions, in this mode supports DoP playback.

- PROCESSOR MODE

PROCESSOR mode, in this mode M500 MKII will use the XMOS processor to process the optical/coaxial signal, so that it can have more powerful computing power and can handle various complex tasks including MQA, DoP, At this time, the system can support MQA full decoding, MQA-CD, DoP64.

Note: do not switch this mode frequently, try to restart the machine after switching this mode, otherwise it may cause output noise.

Instructions

DIMMER

- 5 second \~ 60 second

(The range is 5 seconds-60 seconds. After setting, the screen will automatically go off within this time, and the screen will re-light up if you operate the remote control or the knob at any time.)

BRIGHTNESS

- In this page, press and hold the button of the knob, the system will reset all settings, including Bluetooth pairing status.