SMSL AL400 DAC and Power Amplifier
- CS43131 DAC chip with full MQA decoding
- MM/MC phono input, connects a turntable directly
- TPA3255 amplifier, 4 low-pass filters and 5 filter modes
- HDMI eARC for TV audio pass-through
- Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD
- Professional EQ with independent frequency, gain and Q adjustment
Last refreshed Aug 4, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A DAC and amplifier combo built for a turntable-based system that also wants TV sound through eARC, aimed at a listener who tunes EQ manually rather than through an automatic setup.
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ASIN: B0G4W42R2QModel: AL400Category: AV Receivers
Overview
An audiophile running a turntable through MM or MC cartridges gets a dedicated phono stage here alongside a high-resolution DAC and power amplifier in one box. It connects to a TV over HDMI eARC, decodes MQA and DSD files, and streams from a phone over Bluetooth.
Combining a phono stage, a high-resolution DAC and an amplifier in one unit suits a listener building a system around a turntable and a TV rather than buying separate boxes for each. Its EQ and filter controls reward manual tuning, so it asks more setup than a receiver with automatic room correction.
Who it's for
A vinyl listener who also wants TV sound through eARC and Bluetooth streaming from a phone benefits from combining a phono stage, DAC and amplifier in one box. Someone who wants automatic calibration rather than manual filter and EQ adjustment should look elsewhere.
Pros and cons
- Built-in MM/MC phono stage for a turntable
- CS43131 DAC decodes MQA and DSD files
- HDMI eARC connects directly to a TV
- Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD codecs
- EQ and filters need manual tuning, no auto correction
- No listed Wi-Fi, only Bluetooth and wired inputs
- No listed speaker count or channel configuration
Performance notes
The CS43131 DAC chip and TPA3255 amplifier handle digital conversion and output power in the same signal path, so decoding and amplification do not pass through separate boxes. The phono stage supports both MM and MC cartridges, adjusting gain for the lower output of an MC cartridge internally rather than needing an outboard preamp. Filter and EQ settings are set manually through the remote or front controls, shaping frequency response and phase rather than an automatic room measurement.
Specifications
| Brand | S.M.S.L |
|---|---|
| Model | AL400 |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Compatible Devices | TVs, Speakers, Turntables, Audio Devices |
| Interface | HDMI, Optical, USB |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Number Of Packs | 1 |
| Included Components | Manual,Remote,USB-C Cord,HDMI Cord,Power Cord |
| Other details | |
| Number Of Channels | 8 |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Number Of Pins | 10 |
| Part Number | AL400 |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to connect the SMSL AL400 to my turntable?
Just the turntable's phono cable to the MM or MC input; the cartridge type is selected on the unit rather than needing an outboard preamp.
Does the AL400 connect to a TV?
Yes, through HDMI eARC, so TV audio passes to the amplifier over the same HDMI connection used for picture.
Can I stream music wirelessly to the AL400?
Yes, it supports Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD codecs for high-quality wireless playback.
Does the AL400 correct room acoustics automatically?
No, its filters and EQ are adjusted manually through the remote rather than through automatic room measurement.