SMSL C100 DAC making a rattling noise inside when you gently tilt it up & down?

[kotc]

I have purchased a SMSL C100 DAC from Amazon, connected it up, great sounding & looks well made.

However, I noticed when you tilt the SMSL C100 DAC up & down, there’s a rattling noise inside like there’s something loose inside which is a bit concerning?

Apart from that, everything works fine, the rattling noise issue has been there from new, straight out of the box?

Message the Amazon seller about the rattling noise issue, seller requested a short video clip to demonstrate the issue for them to send to SMSL technician to assess which I’ve obliged.

A couple of days later, the Amazon seller message me the SMSL technician assessed the video clip sent & informed them it’s the scew on Bluetooth antenna that’s making the rattling noise, just needs tightening up to solve the issue.

This just didn’t make any sense as the video clip sent to them, the Bluetooth antenna wasn’t even screw on the SMSL C100 DAC so I message the seller about this & no response since!

I really like the SMSL C100 DAC & want to keep it as it’s fully functional but the rattling noise issue is a bit concerning?

Anyone encounter this before, rattling noise inside issue with the SMSL C100 DAC or any similar SMSL DAC products?

Can’t make my mind up whether to keep it as I really like the SMSL C100 or just return it back to Amazon for a refund?


Thanks

 

[sergeauckland]

If something is rattling inside, it's faulty. Return it and get another one.

With any manufacturer, things occasionally go wrong, so if the item suits you, then just get another one.

One of the benefits of buying through Amazon.

S

 

[kotc]

The Amazon seller also mentioned that the SMSL technician advised to rest assured that this noise will not affect the functionality of the device?

Initially, my thoughts was maybe, all the SMSL C100 DAC make this rattling noise inside & it’s normal?

The response from the Amazon seller & SMSL technician seems to suggest this?

 

[DSJR]

Is it a 'metallic' kind of rattle (a free flying fixing nut, for instance)? If so, I'd carefully get inside and see. Amir I'm sure, tested something with horizontal supply caps which 'rattled' against the circuit board, fixed i seem to recall with either a 'foam cushion' or some suitable adhesive to hold them still.

Certainly try for an exchange, but the twiddler in me would have wanted to look inside first - cough - as long as the external screws weren't 'knurdled up' in the process...

 

[sergeauckland]

The Amazon seller also mentioned that the SMSL technician advised to rest assured that this noise will not affect the functionality of the device?

Initially, my thoughts was maybe, all the SMSL C100 DAC make this rattling noise inside & it’s normal?

The response from the Amazon seller & SMSL technician seems to suggest this?

No, but it might well restrict the service life dramatically if whatever's loose inside shorts out something important.

I wouldn't take that sort of bullshit for an answer. I would insist it goes back under Amazon's Terms of Service.

S.

 

[TonyJZX]

at least open it up and see what's going on inside

its like two phillips heads

 

[Doodski]

@kotc. This situation creates a automatic 100% send it back for exchange or repair situation. Myself I would want a exchange because it is so new.

 

[kotc]

The rattling noise inside the DAC doesn’t sound like the components, nut, screw & etc broken off physically.

It’s not moving all over the place.

It’s more like the fixed components inside just rattle when you tilt it up & down.

I definitely don’t want to open the DAC up to have a look as this invalidate the warranty & etc!

 

[Doodski]

The rattling noise inside the DAC doesn’t sound like the components, nut, screw & etc broken off physically.

It’s not moving all over the place.

It’s more like the fixed components inside just rattle when you tilt it up & down.

I definitely don’t want to open the DAC up to have a look as this invalidate the warranty & etc!

One more time... Sent it back.

 

[kotc]

Yes, I’m going to return it back for a refund, buy another one as this is the general advice from all members.

The Amazon seller who represents/agent of SMSL & the SMSL technician suggest this is all ok (no suggestion of return it back or offering a replacement) this almost convinced me to keep it!

 

[Doodski]

Yes, I’m going to return it back for a refund, buy another one as this is the general advice from all members.

The Amazon seller who represents/agent of SMSL & the SMSL technician suggest this is all ok (no suggestion of return it back or offering a replacement) this almost convinced me to keep it!

Anybody who advises you there is no issue is not doing you any service or good. I have a 24 year run working in consumer electronics and I always advise people with loose stuff in a unit to exchange it rather than go through that warranty service process which takes weeks and months sometimes.

 

[threni]

The rattling noise inside the DAC doesn’t sound like the components, nut, screw & etc broken off physically.

It’s not moving all over the place.

It’s more like the fixed components inside just rattle when you tilt it up & down.

I definitely don’t want to open the DAC up to have a look as this invalidate the warranty & etc!

Depending on where you are it's not the case that you automatically invalidate the warranty by opening it (no matter what the seller/manufacturer says).

 

[kotc]

The SMSL C100 DAC is virtually new, just over 2 weeks old, opening it up to have a look is not worth the hassle or risk of invalidating the device warranty!

The SMSL C100 comes with a 1 year warranty, this confirmed by the Amazon seller, don’t know why I wasn’t offered a replacement, return it back & etc by the Amazon seller?

 

[DSJR]

If you're UK based, you do have rights you know. I'd send it back for a refund and if in doubt over the vendor, buy the replacement from another! Amazon I think are good for returns as well... On your part, make sure the unit is mint/clean and packed exactly as supplied.

 

[Yersinia Bestmate]

I have same issue with Topping A70pro. When I tilt the device along the long axis I can hear something rattling a tiny bit inside. Not like that something's loose and moving inside, but like something light moving a tiny bit against a hard surface. The unit works flawlessly though and the sending back and waiting for reply/new product is a long and tedious process. And in wors case you just end up having the same unit back and have to pay the shipping fees.

 

[Sokel]

If the moving part is metallic and by chance short something there's a good possibility to output it's DC voltage in all its glory which will then be amplified and end up to your speakers.
Disconnect this thing from the rest of your gear immediately,it should be already on its road to seller.

 

[Yersinia Bestmate]

If the moving part is metallic and by chance short something there's a good possibility to output it's DC voltage in all its glory which will then be amplified and end up to your speakers.
Disconnect this thing from the rest of your gear immediately,it should be already on its road to seller.

Not sure if you were replying to the OP or me but I'd say in my case the rattle doesn't sound metallic, more like the sound one sometimes hear when shaking gently an old amp with a bit loose plastic insulators in rca connectors. Not the case here though.

Can a relay make tiny rattle when shaken?

 

[Sokel]

Not sure if you were replying to the OP or me but I'd say in my case the rattle doesn't sound metallic, more like the sound one sometimes hear when shaking gently an old amp with a bit loose plastic insulators in rca connectors. Not the case here though.

Can a relay make tiny rattle when shaken?

It was for OP.
No,relays don't make sound.

 

[alexanderino]

Anyone encounter this before, rattling noise inside issue with the SMSL C100 DAC or any similar SMSL DAC products?

Yes. The second C100 I purchased has this rattling issue (the first one has no rattling, and it's now with a friend). I couldn't locate anything loose, so the source remains a mystery.

 

[kotc]

I’ve returned the C100 back to the seller & a refund has been issued by Amazon (advised by the members)

I still haven’t purchase another C100 yet as I’m now considering whether to go for the SMSL SU-1 DAC instead (apparently, better sounding than the C100?)

Yes, the rattling noise remains a mystery, it’s a real shame as I really liked the C100 & wanted to keep it

Is it not too late for you to return it back for refund or replacement?