Recommendations for a DAC like the SMSL SU-1 but with USB-C?

[theREALdotnet]

I use a mac mini. Maybe there is a difference there....?

Same here, I also don't get pops during periods of silence. However, I do get faint clicks when the sample rate changes. That happens both with USB and Toslink input. It's very quiet, though, and doesn't really bother me. Other DACs I've owned clicked much louder with sample rate changes.

 

[Roland68]

I'm looking for a DAC to use with a Windows 11 laptop whose only free USB port is USB-C. The DAC will be used to output to a set of powered speakers. I think that the SMSL SU-1 would be ideal if it supported USB-C. I know that there are USB-C to USB-A converters, but I wonder whether they could affect the sound quality. Amazon is now shipping the new SMSL DS100 which has USB-C. Is that the best option for a low-cost USB-C DAC? Does anyone have any recommendations?

USB-C is just a connector type and says nothing about the USB connection.
No matter what USB port the DAC has, the connection is always USB 2.0, there can and will be no difference. You can use an adapter or buy a suitable USB cable for less than 10 €/$.

 

[Buzz73]

Same annoying double-pop sound here (SU-1 connected to a Mac Studio via usb-c). Unfortunately it's been too long since I bought the DAC, so my chances of returning it are practically zero . Has anybody been able to solve this problem, rather than replace the DAC?

 

[Rotel75]

I don't know what you guys are complaining about... I like pop music

Never had any pops with mine (W10, USB A out, ASIO driver, using split power, 5V LPS)
Setting: on when needed

 

[Bleib]

I don't know what you guys are complaining about... I like pop music

Never had any pops with mine (W10, USB A out, ASIO driver, using split power, LPS)

SMSL changed the USB driver to let the USB port to be always on.

 

[ACertainfish]

Did I claim all of them pop? Others have also reported this issue, so mine is not an isolated case.


Then it would have been clearer if you stated 'my SU-1 dont pop'.

Not having a go at you, of course.

Also, have you paid close attention to ascertain if yours is actually free of the pops (when using USB)? They are low-level, hence not easy to spot. Also check for the first second of an audio signal being cut off after a long period of silence.

The workaround is to enable the extra panels in the XMOS ASIO Control Panel and choose 'Always On', or to run SoundKeeper to keep it open at all times. If you're using either/both methods, disable them before testing for pops.

A question and maybe the answer is simply how do you send music through the usb while being sure you are also sending clean power at the right levels(ideally you would send them separately)? USB Data is error corrected, so the only things left are the power (which can vary widely depending on the source, "pops?" ) or a defective usb cable (the connectors can get mangled but just swap to know).

 

[ACertainfish]

USB-C is just a connector type and says nothing about the USB connection.
No matter what USB port the DAC has, the connection is always USB 2.0, there can and will be no difference. You can use an adapter or buy a suitable USB cable for less than 10 €/$.

You are correct about Data, but my question is the power source is from the same output and can very different with different devices as it is also the power supply (would be great if they were separated).

 

[Palladium]

Same annoying double-pop sound here (SU-1 connected to a Mac Studio via usb-c). Unfortunately it's been too long since I bought the DAC, so my chances of returning it are practically zero . Has anybody been able to solve this problem, rather than replace the DAC?

I don't like SMSL for similar reasons they always have some annoying quirk like this that shouldn't be there.

Topping is so far the only company I found that is actually smart enough to NOT put the DAC into needless standby on SPDIF in when the signal is off.

 

[Bleib]

I don't like SMSL for similar reasons they always have some annoying quirk like this that shouldn't be there.

Topping is so far the only company I found that is actually smart enough to NOT put the DAC into needless standby on SPDIF in when the signal is off.

Well, my DX5 lite for sure has pop-sound. But this is due to the app setting which Topping doesn't want to fix but SMSL has.

 

[Roland68]

You are correct about Data, but my question is the power source is from the same output and can very different with different devices as it is also the power supply (would be great if they were separated).

Simply split the connection. USB connection with 2 x data line and minus line of the power supply from the PC to the DAC and plus and minus from the power supply to the DAC. Don't forget the outer shielding of the plug.

But that has nothing to do with USB C or B or 2.0. In both cases only 4 lines are used (2 x data, 2 x power supply, plus shielding).

A question and maybe the answer is simply how do you send music through the usb while being sure you are also sending clean power at the right levels(ideally you would send them separately)? USB Data is error corrected, so the only things left are the power (which can vary widely depending on the source, "pops?" ) or a defective usb cable (the connectors can get mangled but just swap to know).

The more important question is, who came up with the stupid idea of laying the data cable with 90 ohm impedance and power supply within a shield in the USB 2.0 cable?
Cables in which both are shielded separately are expensive and rare, or have to be made yourself, e.g. with meter goods from Audiophonics.