I actually think in the right system (i.e. USB not fed from a noisy laptop, balanced connectivity, very high quality preamp, speaker placement and possibly some room EQ etc) that there is a worthwhile difference despite what the numbers say. If you can't get those right then sure, there won't...
Long shot, but does anyone know if the D1 remote uses standard remote protocols? @SMSL-Mandy any idea? I've asked for a replacement remote control. Admittedly I'd rather just get a working remote as its easily the finest remote ergonomically and visually I've had.
OK, so DAC is stable and behaving as expected, breaking in well. However I seem to have received a remote which half the time decides to go in the wrong direction volume wise o_O back to Customer Services...
Replacement arrived and working (so far). Must have paid a lot of $$$ to get it from HK so fast.... no battery in remote this time, but at least the case wasn't bashed up like previous :-)
SMSL customer services via Aliexpress asked me to email a video to [email protected] which I did - to find i'm getting "550 user not found". Sigh. @SMSL-Mandy can you let me know the correct email address please?
If they get me an exchanged unit fast (they have stock in EU) I'm happy :) Going back to the T+A ... eeeish. D1 really is a step forward in PCM mode (when it works, ofcourse)
Amps are fine, just plugged T+A into same source, all good. I don't have any amps with RCA inputs, so won't be able to test that. Did factory reset a few times just in case, no improvement even left in "fixed" mode from a reset.
There's a mod? From its XLR outputs, not modified it at all.
edit: oh sorry, at max with variable volume is the same as fixed volume control - its output has significantly dropped.
Well, that lasted long. It's output has suddenly become very quiet, in either fixed or variable mode. Have tried a factory reset, no impact. Let's see how customer services manages this...
Also worth mentioning, my D1 unit had a few scuffs on arrival (top of chassis marks). After sending pictures, SMSL customer services are sending a replacement shell so I can replace it myself. No fuss!