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Recommend a SMSL/Topping DAC

kotmj

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Jun 14, 2021
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I bought a SMSL SU-1 recently and love that thing. I use it as a source for my many vintage integrated amps. But I also have several power amplifiers (150 wpm) with no volume controls. So I'm looking for a DAC with volume control and a remote control. Input should be USB-C. Please suggest something.
 
I'd buy something with 5V DC supply (E30II, E30II Lite, E50).

Easy to power from a USB phone charger and they seem to be more reliable than DACs with Mains power supply.

From SMSL, C100 and D12 fit the bill.
 
I would not restrict input to USB type C. This is unnecessary.

Best value right now IMO.
 
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I bought a SMSL SU-1 recently and love that thing. I use it as a source for my many vintage integrated amps. But I also have several power amplifiers (150 wpm) with no volume controls. So I'm looking for a DAC with volume control and a remote control. Input should be USB-C. Please suggest something.

If you can get hold of one, a SMSL C100 would fit the spec. It's an SU-1 with a remote control, volume control, input control and on/off and Bluetooth.

I think mine is just great.
 
I bought a SMSL SU-1 recently and love that thing. I use it as a source for my many vintage integrated amps. But I also have several power amplifiers (150 wpm) with no volume controls. So I'm looking for a DAC with volume control and a remote control. Input should be USB-C. Please suggest something.

A lot of good options have been mentioned above. The Topping DX5 II has a volume control, remote control and USB-B input. The Topping DX5 II allows users to apply Parametric EQ to all inputs.
 
The C100 is discontinued. Pretty sure I'll be going for the SMSL C200Pro
 
A lot of good options have been mentioned above. The Topping DX5 II has a volume control, remote control and USB-B input. The Topping DX5 II allows users to apply Parametric EQ to all inputs.
what is the max voltage on the XLR outputs? Can it drive both RCA and XLR at the same time?
 
Of all my Topping DACs, I prefer the olde Topping D70 with dual AKM 4497 chip configuration. I prefer this coz it has IIS input and it pairs well with Aune S7 amp.
 
I'd buy something with 5V DC supply (E30II, E30II Lite, E50).

Easy to power from a USB phone charger and they seem to be more reliable than DACs with Mains power supply.

From SMSL, C100 and D12 fit the bill.

It's really more reliable?
I assume that only DAC without AMP will work with 5V DC no?

Regards.
 
Hello.

Cheaper than a TOPPING DX5 II whose 'gadgets' don't work properly despite the many firmware 'updates' (and those to come... :facepalm:) ->

Fiio BR15 R2R.jpg
 
Just received our DX5 II today here in the USA. Have read through the manual already and few times since ordering a week+ ago. Have watched 4-6 YouTube vids, read through a few forums, even did a few AI queries. (I just emailed Topping same question (3:30 CST).
Here's my Q: "Hey guys, just received your DX5 II for a client here in USA. My unit's Firmware states V1.87 out of the box. Your website states V1.76 is latest? I must be misinterpreting one of the two values. Please advise."

Any nuisance insights re: firmware?
Thanks!
 
You could just keep your su-1 and add a preamp or one of these cheap volume knobs
 
Here's my Q: "Hey guys, just received your DX5 II for a client here in USA. My unit's Firmware states V1.87 out of the box. Your website states V1.76 is latest? I must be misinterpreting one of the two values. Please advise."
it's not uncommon for Chinese manufactureres to push a new firmware to their production lines before they get around to updating their website.
IMO don't worry about it.
 
it's not uncommon for Chinese manufactureres to push a new firmware to their production lines before they get around to updating their website.
IMO don't worry about it.
Appreciate that.
Have seen this w/ a Fiio SW11 too.
Definitely odd behavior to have (particular device's) assembly line firmware ver. "ahead of" their device's global support page firmware ver..

LOL, often an updated device firmware is already in the pipeline/planned by product eng mgr as latest/current version is released to Joe Q Public.
And/or a new firmware solicitation is generated by a brand's overall product team as in: Customer Service dept>Product Dev Eng dept>Software Eng dept>Product Dev Eng dept>VP/Eng Mgr>Website Mgr>Assembly Mfg Mgr>Joe Q Public.

How a brand's assembly line team receives & updates (device firmware) AND boxes/ships out across the planet before their website team receives & publishes same, is kind of a head scratcher and again, odd.
 
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