Review and Measurements of SMSL M8 DAC

[Katji]

You can get a serial adapter cheap if that is all you need to flash the firmware!
I think mine has the firmware (my M8), I plan to set the M8 up again for my second workstation now.

You mean a USB--serial port adapter? ...I'm assuming there's some connector inside the M8,...that the chip doesn't have to be taken out.

 

[confucius_zero]

Any news if the new 9038 SMSL M8A is as good as this one?

 

[amirm]

Any news if the new 9038 SMSL M8A is as good as this one?

I have not had time to test mine.

 

[pos]

For anyone interested, I intend to report back with a proper howto when it is all done

I did update my two SMSL M8 and it worked like a charm.
Screensaver replaced the standby feature, turning the screen off after 15 sec.
I gathered images along the way, and will post everything in a new thread when time permits.

Thank you @SMSL-Mandy!

 

[confucius_zero]

I'm curious to know why the SMSL M8 isn't on the "Master SINAD (distortion) Comparison Graph for DACs"

 

[amirm]

I'm curious to know why the SMSL M8 isn't on the "Master SINAD (distortion) Comparison Graph for DACs"

It was tested on my old analyzer which didn't generate it.

 

[pos]

Here is the how-to: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...1st-gen-smsl-m8-update-with-screensaver.5516/

I feel so relieved now: I can finally use my two SMSL M8 without thinking about how the screen is slowly but constantly wearing out while I enjoy music!

 

[Katji]

! That was quick!

Ok...I was thinking I'd better get someone to do the soldering for me, but...I think my solder iron is small enough and the way you did it, I think I can handle that.

 

[vitalii427]

I have not had time to test mine.

Hope you will find some time to measure M8A soon. I’m interested because there’s one at local store and no Tooping except D30 anywhere near.

 

[Jimster480]

Hope you will find some time to measure M8A soon. I’m interested because there’s one at local store and no Tooping except D30 anywhere near.

I would have mailed my M8A into amir, but it was stolen by USPS.

 

[vitalii427]

I would have mailed my M8A into amir, but it was stolen by USPS.

Oh damn! Sorry to hear that

 

[Stein]

I would have mailed my M8A into amir, but it was stolen by USPS.

That sucks, I hope UPS can do something about it.

 

[Katji]

USPS, not UPS. USPS is US Postal Service. ...It really went down over the last 5-6 years or so.

PS: I hope all you north Americans are ok in that extreme winter weather. ...It is so bad, I would visit our friend in Kiev winter, but USA no way. :>

 

[Jimster480]

That sucks, I hope UPS can do something about it.

Unfortunately I didn't have insurance on it.
Its only the basic $50 insurance and they didn't want to honor it.

 

[caocaolatre199x]

This is the circuit board of SMSL M8A v3 compared to v2, it seems that the output protection relay has been omitted. Does anyone have any idea about this?

 

[JediMa]

I have it, it sounds decent, I'd say nice and clear but feels like that's not enough, that's why I posted here to replace it... I still have that feeling but i wouldn't spend more than 200 - 250

 

[Jimster480]

I have it, it sounds decent, I'd say nice and clear but feels like that's not enough, that's why I posted here to replace it... I still have that feeling but i wouldn't spend more than 200 - 250

There are so many good options in the price tier of $200-250.
Even the Topping D50/D50S at $250 is a killer option. You have JDS with the Element DAC, Schiit has a new DAC in that price range too.
Geshelli has 2 DAC's in that price range.
All of them are chart-toppers and are more than "enough"

 

[JediMa]

There are so many good options in the price tier of $200-250.
Even the Topping D50/D50S at $250 is a killer option. You have JDS with the Element DAC, Schiit has a new DAC in that price range too.
Geshelli has 2 DAC's in that price range.
All of them are chart-toppers and are more than "enough"

Well I was considering also to save a bit of money and so Topping E30 was an interesting option, but i'm too ignorant to understand if it's an upgrade for my SMSL M8a. I can't get Geshelli ones in italy and JDS.. well import fees kill any deal, to buy my atom i've paid so much in the end

 

[Jimster480]

Well I was considering also to save a bit of money and so Topping E30 was an interesting option, but i'm too ignorant to understand if it's an upgrade for my SMSL M8a. I can't get Geshelli ones in italy and JDS.. well import fees kill any deal, to buy my atom i've paid so much in the end

It might be an upgrade but I would wait for Amir to review one first.

 

[JediMa]

He did it https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-e30-dac-review.12119/