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 €/$.