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- Mar 11, 2025
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Just received the SMSL SU1 and my question is does the USB C input have a better signal pathway compared to optical ?
Here is my scenario, Asus Rogg Strix desktop ( quality ) using Zeskit 8K HDMI cable to the Sony Bravia XBR 55X800E then optical output to DAC RCA cables to my Harmon Kardon AVR 140 with Analog bypass mode ( digital bypass to pure Analog ) the sound seemed diminished when compared to the USB C output at rear of desktop.
For optical power supply I was using the 1 amp USB output slot of the TOMO T4 battery bank and do not recommend anyone ever purchase this unit it squeals when powered on and drawing current or when charging.
That said it probably is not the issue as it`s not high pitch noise the sound quality is degraded using the optical.
Optical cable is Blue rigger braided 6ft 24k gold plated version with aluminum shell.
I did a separate test with TV optical direct to amp no dac using another RCA cable brand Acoustic Research Pro II series but in a 12foot length and it was noticeable upgrade switching to the 6 foot so not sure if it was quality related but anyways those bases should be covered.
I`ve had quality issues with optical cables before so now I`m curious about the DAC`s using optical inputs in general.
RCA cables from DAC to AVR 140 I tried 2 different brands one UGreen $16 cad and the other more expensive FosPower $24 for a pair they sound similar when using the USB C from ASUS so can only assume there not an issue using the optical.
I don`t have optical output on my ASUS so no way to know if it`s the TV degrading the signal you never now these days....
Thank you for your time !
Here is my scenario, Asus Rogg Strix desktop ( quality ) using Zeskit 8K HDMI cable to the Sony Bravia XBR 55X800E then optical output to DAC RCA cables to my Harmon Kardon AVR 140 with Analog bypass mode ( digital bypass to pure Analog ) the sound seemed diminished when compared to the USB C output at rear of desktop.
For optical power supply I was using the 1 amp USB output slot of the TOMO T4 battery bank and do not recommend anyone ever purchase this unit it squeals when powered on and drawing current or when charging.
That said it probably is not the issue as it`s not high pitch noise the sound quality is degraded using the optical.
Optical cable is Blue rigger braided 6ft 24k gold plated version with aluminum shell.
I did a separate test with TV optical direct to amp no dac using another RCA cable brand Acoustic Research Pro II series but in a 12foot length and it was noticeable upgrade switching to the 6 foot so not sure if it was quality related but anyways those bases should be covered.
I`ve had quality issues with optical cables before so now I`m curious about the DAC`s using optical inputs in general.
RCA cables from DAC to AVR 140 I tried 2 different brands one UGreen $16 cad and the other more expensive FosPower $24 for a pair they sound similar when using the USB C from ASUS so can only assume there not an issue using the optical.
I don`t have optical output on my ASUS so no way to know if it`s the TV degrading the signal you never now these days....
Thank you for your time !