Recommend a cheap dac for repair bench / shop.

[tjjrx7]

Hello all,

The title sort of says it all. I am looking for a cheapie dac below 100 bucks that I can have on my work bench for testing.

Im really leaning towards the SMSL SU-1. Its cheap, small, and seems to get the job done. But there are so many low cost dacs now that I can't keep up. Is the SU-1 still the best deal going or is there a new kid on the block?

 

[xanalog]

Have you considered bare-bones PCBs (for DIYers) from aliexpress and customize the I/Os anyway a test-bench may require for different needs?
While you are at it @aliexpress, consider what you will/may need; as analog test-gear and variable/clean power supply essentials, all on the cheap DIY-budget.
Some of the current crop of PCs (gamers' grade motherboards) have some very good DACs built-in

 

[tjjrx7]

Have you considered bare-bones PCBs (for DIYers) from aliexpress and customize the I/Os anyway a test-bench may require for different needs?
While you are at it @aliexpress, consider what you will/may need; as analog test-gear and variable/clean power supply essentials, all on the cheap DIY-budget.
Some of the current crop of PCs (gamers' grade motherboards) have some very good DACs built-in

Yeah, I actually have. IDK what is going on, but a lot of their offerings that used to be there are gone. Im seeing a ton of sabre boards and then some odd ball r2r stuff. The two or 3 akm boards use the same chip as the SMSL board and after shipping they cost the same amount without the power supply.

I think aliexpress is broken.

 

[staticV3]

Is the SU-1 still the best deal going or is there a new kid on the block?

PS200 is the new kid, SU-1 still excellent though.

'SMSL PS200 Budget DAC Review'

Feb 6, 2025

This is a review and measurements of the SMSL PS200 stereo budget DAC. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $89.99.

The unit comes in a lightweight plastic package which allows my rather stiff RCA test cables to yank on it. A simple toggle switch changes inputs. There is an indicator for DSD and another for MQA. Back panel shows a feature I haven't seen in a while: selection of USB audio class:

Looking at product description, it says that is to enable playback with Sony PS5 which I assume only works with ancient class 1 devices. Other than, power and...

• amirm
• Replies: 292
• Forum: Digital To Analog (DAC) Reviews and Discussion

• 

'SMSL SU-1 Stereo DAC Review'

Apr 22, 2023

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL SU-1 stereo USB DAC. It was arranged to be sent to me by shenzhenaudio from the company and costs US $79.99.

Despite its simplicity, the SU-1 manages to look elegant with nice fonts and LED indicators for different inputs. Back panel has the basically what you want:

My usual minor gripe applies here with right channel RCA not being red although in this case, it is easy to turn the unit around to plug in the cables. A USB-A to USB-C cable is provided. Note that you need to have a USB power supply even...

• amirm
• Replies: 1,549
• Forum: Digital To Analog (DAC) Reviews and Discussion

• 

 

[bachatero]

I have a SU-1 just for testing and it works great!