SMSL "9 Trio" upgrade / replacement suggestions

[mikolajek]

So at the moment I have three SMSL devices: - SU-9 + DA-9 + SL-9, connected to the passive Monitor Audio Bronze 2 speakers. It's unfortunately connected to my laptop via USB and not something more powerful, but it needs to be like this.

Just researching my options - would you recommend any similar setup (can be a bit more expensive) to replace / upgrade it?

 

[delta76]

leave the dac, you might get an upgrade with new amp from 3e audio. DA-9 is fine I suppose but you can benefit from more/clean power from A7

 

[ppataki]

Fully agreed
The A7 is wonderful indeed!
I have two mono units and love them
Just be mindful about the auto-standby feature, it can give a headache.....

 

[mikolajek]

leave the dac, you might get an upgrade with new amp from 3e audio. DA-9 is fine I suppose but you can benefit from more/clean power from A7

Thanks, actually my DA-9 suffers from a firmware bug (it refuses to start randomly), and since I bought it from SMSL directly, it cannot be patched. So the new DAC would be something I'd think of in the first place. And it has all the I/O ports I need for my config.

 

[ppataki]

Thanks, actually my DA-9 suffers from a firmware bug (it refuses to start randomly), and since I bought it from SMSL directly, it cannot be patched. So the new DAC would be something I'd think of in the first place. And it has all the I/O ports I need for my config.

I can recommend the DO100 Pro
I have one of them and I love it
Also the D-6 but unfortunately it is discontinued...

 

[mikolajek]

Sounds cool, shouldn't I then consider upgrade DAC itself to SMSL SU-10? Many reviews suggests it's even better.

My concern however is firmware update - the "S" series generally doesn't allow that, while other (not all) SMSL product support this.

 

[ppataki]

Sounds cool, shouldn't I then consider upgrade DAC itself to SMSL SU-10? Many reviews suggests it's even better.

My concern however is firmware update - the "S" series generally doesn't allow that, while other (not all) SMSL product support this.

Yes agreed, that one is an excellent DAC

 

[delta76]

Thanks, actually my DA-9 suffers from a firmware bug (it refuses to start randomly), and since I bought it from SMSL directly, it cannot be patched. So the new DAC would be something I'd think of in the first place. And it has all the I/O ports I need for my config.

Isn't DA-9 the amp?
su-9 is fine. You don't get any (audibly) better from a better DAC. If you want some matching "pair" that is understandable but that is exactly what those manufacturers want. You have minor annoyances which lead you to a complete "upgrade"
if it were me I will buy a good, cheap enough amp (hypex?) that lasts me a long long while and put the money to a speaker upgrade

 

[mikolajek]

Isn't DA-9 the amp?

Correct, my mistake Indeed I'd replace the amplifier first, but considering getting a new DAC as well on this occasion.

On the speakers - this is actually my home office set, so they act as my desktop speakers. They work fine, so I'd leave them for the time being.

 

[mikolajek]

Just be mindful about the auto-standby feature, it can give a headache.....

Strongly considering it, along with SMSL SU-X (though they don't match even in colour ). I've seen this issue a couple of times described in the forums. Is there any workaround?

 

[ppataki]

Strongly considering it, along with SMSL SU-X (though they don't match even in colour ). I've seen this issue a couple of times described in the forums. Is there any workaround?

You can do two things:
- set the volume control on the amp to a low level (like 9-10 o' clock) and boost the input signal
- do some soldering (remove an SMD resistor)

For the latter you can message 3eAudio here on ASR, he can share the guide on how to do that

 

[mikolajek]

Thank you! So I've just ordered the duo discussed (SU-X + A7- waiting for replenishment ) and also upgraded my interconnections (Audioquest Forest => Mogami 2549 wires with Neutrix connectors).

Also reached 3E Audio user on the auto-standby feature. Since this is a home office setup, I'm a bit afraid the setup may go standby when listening with low volumes.

 

[delta76]

Correct, my mistake Indeed I'd replace the amplifier first, but considering getting a new DAC as well on this occasion.

On the speakers - this is actually my home office set, so they act as my desktop speakers. They work fine, so I'd leave them for the time being.

exactly my point. the DAC is fine and you will find no "audibly better" DAC (but arguably better DACs in term of reliability/longevity/features do exist)
have you considered active speakers so you can get rid of the amp ?

 

[mikolajek]

have you considered active speakers so you can get rid of the amp ?

Actually I haven't as I like the way Bronzes sound. Can you suggest active alternatives, just so I could sneak peak into that matter?

 

[delta76]

Actually I haven't as I like the way Bronzes sound. Can you suggest active alternatives, just so I could sneak peak into that matter?

Kali LP6 v2 comes to mind , but there are a lot good active speakers in range of $300-500/each