I owned a SU-8, SU-9 and now Topping D90SE.
I know that it can't be when looking at the measurements, but I believe to hear differences.
The SU-8 sounded much like many other DAC, I liked the design, but even sighted I couldn't really discern it from more expensive DACs.
I purchased SU-9 to see if it makes a difference. Interestingly it did, it was at the same time cleaner and punchier. At least so I think.
I was annoyed about SMSL's handling of
@Wolf 's 3rd harmonic issue so replaced it with the D90SE, hoping maybe even for same or better sound.
However, while it is as detailed and clean as the SU-9 it sometimes lacks some punch.
Obviously this is most likely imagined, but could there be glitches like in the SU-9, which might cause a sonic signature?
Would be interesting to hunt for these on the SU-8s