Today’s review is about the SMSL PL20, a compact sized desktop CD player with various analog and digital outputs, plus a smart CD ripping function.
The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links.
The price of the SMSL PL20 is $208 and it is available from Aoshida Audio.
About SMSL
SMSL is a brand so famous in the audio community that doesn’t really need an introduction. So let’s cut it straight to the point and check the technical parameters of the PL20.
In the rare case that you are not familiar with SMSL, you can read some of our previous reviews to learn more about its history and product lineup.
SMSL PL20
The SMSL PL20 is a compact desktop CD player featuring a front slot-loading mechanism. It uses two CS43131 DAC chips to maximize audio performance, although its analog line output is stereo RCA single-ended only. However, it is equipped with both balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs.
In addition to CD playback and CD ripping to WAV files, the device also supports local file playback from USB flash drives, as well as wireless Bluetooth reception and transmission.
The SMSL PL20 is compatible with all major audio formats, including WAV, FLAC, APE, WMA, MP3, and DSD64 (DFF/DSF).
Design and Appearance
The PL20 is a compact device with a modern rectangular shape that measures 166.3×49.5×209.3mm and weighs 1.39 kg, so it is ideal for desktop use since it doesn’t occupy much space.
The sturdy chassis is made from CNC-machined aluminum alloy and is available in either silver or black finishes. The eight operation buttons are made from rigid plastic, while the device rests on four rubber anti-vibration feet.
Connectivity and Interface
The SMSL PL20 is equipped with a stereo RCA line output, 4.4mm and 3.5mm headphone jacks, as well as coaxial and optical digital outputs, allowing it to be used as a CD transport with an external DAC.
All inputs and outputs are located on the rear panel of the device, something not particularly convenient for headphone users, especially when the PL20 is placed inside a Hi-Fi rack.
At the left side of the front panel there is a small monochrome screen that displays the current track and elapsed time. At the right side there are eight operation buttons but it is much better to use the included remote control.
The device also supports bidirectional Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to either stream music from a smartphone to the PL20 or listen to CDs through wireless speakers and headphones. Don’t expect much though as it only supports the SBC codec which is much inferior to CD quality.
User Experience
The PL20 is not a battery powered CD player, it needs to be connected with a 5V/2A power source through its USB type-C input to function.
In order to listen to your favorite music, just insert a CD inside the slot and playback will start automatically after a few seconds.
Loading and ejecting CDs, reading discs and changing tracks are all fast operations, while the CD mechanism runs almost silently. If there is something to criticise, it is that gapless playback is not properly supported. The player inserts a brief pause between tracks, making it less suitable for CDs with continuous content, such as opera recordings or live albums.
Playing files from a USB flash drive is not that convenient either because the PL20 cannot display metadata or folder and file names. It reads the content of the flash drive and displays it as track numbers from 1 to 99 so there is no way to know what song is playing.
The CD ripping function is a one touch operation, just insert a CD and a flash drive and press the RIP button. The procedure is automatic and is done at a fast speed. A 60 minute CD needs about 15-20 minutes to rip into split WAV files.
The Headphone Outputs
The headphone outputs of the SMSL PL20 are more of a secondary feature than a core function, as they do not employ a dedicated amplification circuit and offer limited output power. With 160mW*2@32Ω from the balanced output and 40mW*2@32Ω from the single-ended, they are only suitable for earphones and some very easy to drive headphones, such as the Aune AC55.
The volume control doesn’t help either, as it is limited to just 15 adjustment steps, making fine volume adjustments somewhat difficult.
Listening Evaluation
The tuning is neutral and uncolored with a touch of some extra brightness in the treble but it doesn’t become piercing or fatiguing. Still, some users may find it too sparkling and brilliant for their taste, while the PL20 will not match that well with brighter gear.
The overall presentation is a bit clinical and somewhat sterile. The PL20 doesn’t sound particularly organic, exhibiting the flat and direct character often associated with studio monitoring equipment.
Transparency, clarity, definition and detail retrieval are especially impressive for the category, but it should also be noted that textures are rather lean and dry, especially through the headphone outputs. The bass is fast, tight and precise but it is lacking in weight and dynamic punch.
Listening to music with the PL20 is more about analyzing the recording rather than becoming emotionally engaged with it or exploring its harmonic variety. However, depending on the intended use case and the user’s personal taste, this can be considered a significant advantage rather than a drawback.
All that said, the PL20 sounds much better, a tad fuller and a little more musical through its line output, rather than the headphone jacks.
Using it as a CD Transport
Connected to the FiiO WARMER DAC through its coaxial output, the PL20 proved a worthy CD transport with exceptionally low noise floor and without infusing the music with any digital artificiality or metallic harshness.
The silent and fast operation also count as big advantages, making the PL20 a handy entry-level CD transport, especially if you don’t mind its erratic gapless playback.
In the End
The SMSL PL20 is a great CD transport that would be excellent if it didn’t have the issue with the gapless playback. Maybe SMSL can fix it with a future firmware update and make it work as intended.
Additionally, you can also use the PL20’s line output in an audio system, enjoy some private moments with easy to drive earphones and rip your favorite CDs into a flash drive without the need to connect with a PC. Overall, the SMSL PL20 is a versatile and capable CD transport whose strengths largely outweigh its current shortcomings.
Copyright – 2026.
Authored by Petros Laskis for Ichos Reviews. All content is original and copyrighted. Republishing full reviews or substantial portions without written permission is prohibited. Excerpts up to 100 words are allowed with a direct link.
+ Neutral and uncolored sound signature
+ Excellent transparency and clarity
+ Very good resolution
+ One-touch CD ripping
+ USB flash drive playback
+ Bidirectional Bluetooth connectivity
+ Balanced headphone output
+ Fast and silent operation
+ Ideal as a CD transport
+ Desktop size and excellent build quality
+ Remote control included
- Bluetooth codec support is limited to SBC
- No USB DAC functionality
- Inconsistent gapless playback
- Does not display file names or metadata
- Headphone amplifier has limited output power
- Somewhat clinical and sterile presentation
- Lean and dry note textures
Leave a comment