SMSL D-6 DAC Review

[Bjorn]

I purchased one of these to use with some PC speakers. I'm also experiencing clicks and pops in one of the channels. Which is not the case with the other sound cards or DSPs units I have. Tried on two different computers with the same result.
I bought it from Shenzhen Audio and service is terrible. They didn't reply at all before I threadened with raising a Visa case. They then told me to reset it without telling how and there's no explanation in the manual either. Can't get hold of SMLS.

This is the last time I order a Chinese electronic product directly from China and I will most likely avoid Chinese electronic brands. I have done it one time before many years ago and that was also a negative experience. Thought it would be better now, but clearly it isn't.

 

[rentaclaus]

I purchased one of these to use with some PC speakers. I'm also experiencing clicks and pops in one of the channels.

If the clicks and pops occur really only on one channel the device is defunct and should be replaced.

To avoid any hassels with chinese companies I bought mine in Europe (e.g. here https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/?controllerUri=index ) so I have european warranty conditions and communication in a language I can speak and write.

 

[Music1969]

If can't buy in own country, other best option is through Amazon.

Shenzhen Audio sell through Amazon.

Amazon handle these things well (in my own experience anyway).

D-6 is a brilliant DAC !

 

[anli]

So, has anybody resolved the issue with loud click on coaxial or optical reconnection?

For me it takes place on source change (and it is still acceptable) and on track change with Chromecast device as source (WiiM Pro at my case). And the last one isn't acceptable.

Probably somebody knows not too expansive and in par in params D-6 replacements without this outstanding bug?

 

[rentaclaus]

So, has anybody resolved the issue with loud click on coaxial or optical reconnection?

With both my coaxial sources - bluray player and dvb-t receiver - this never happens, regardless what I do.

 

[anli]

With both my coaxial sources - bluray player and dvb-t receiver - this never happens, regardless what I do.

Probably your digital sources some way keep hardware connection during session, and mine one doesn't.
Unfortunately I'm among those who is affected by the issue. E70 is ordered.

 

[ampguy]

Really enjoying this DAC, may end up selling Ares II!

 

[nirschl]

I’ve been using this DAC now for about 2 weeks in my living room listening set-up. PC>D-6(Prd DSD pass through mode) >Belles Soloist 3 pre-amp>Belles Soloist 5 amp>Usher 602 towers. I have not experienced any pop noises when listening through foobar, Bluetooth or optical. I have yet to try the coaxial input. Prior to this I was using the DX3 pro and still have the D10 in my chain in my vehicle. I immediately went to some of my standard tracks and was immediately pleased with its performance. Honestly just more pleasing on the ears and made me realize what I had been missing in terms of detail or it just presents them in a different way perhaps.

I have yet to eliminate the Soloist 3 and try the DAC as a stand alone pre-amp. I’m assuming I’ll loose some signal strength? Any thought here from the much more experienced folk?

Thank you as always to the great Amir for this site and your(and others) informative reviews.

Cheers

Added a few pics for those whom like them. I’m using Belden’s 88760(0.3cm) interconnects and SAEC Triple C speaker cables. So far, this works for me.

 

[Music1969]

Really enjoying this DAC, may end up selling Ares II!

This DAC is so good

Incredible value for money

 

[Antz123]

I am new to DAC/Interface world, just like Speakers is there is a list of recommended by budget DACs?

 

[LGD_]

I am new to DAC/Interface world, just like Speakers is there is a list of recommended by budget DACs?

You can't go wrong with the SMSL D-6, only $170. My first standalone DAC too, and I'm totally satisfied with it.
Buy it on Amazon, and you can return it for a month if you don't like it.

 

[Music1969]

Unless it is faulty, this is likely the last standalone 2-channel DAC you will ever need !

 

[Antz123]

You can't go wrong with the SMSL D-6, only $170. My first standalone DAC too, and I'm totally satisfied with it.
Buy it on Amazon, and you can return it for a month if you don't like it.

Thanks for the suggestion. I shall read up more about this. I saw some devices termed as DAC+Amp, is it better to keep them separate?

 

[LGD_]

I guess it depends on what you're looking for. A separate high-quality amp & speakers is my recommendation.
I use an 80W per channel amp (Sansui AU-9900), playing FLACs, mostly classical, some hi-res and lots of CD rips.
Speakers are large 3-ways that I built.
The sq is fabulous- it still amazes me. .

 

[Gfx]

Hi, does anyone have lg c1 with this dac? I have some nasty gpu buzzing (even on same electrical socket, same extension cord, tested different cables, sockets, cords, etc) that only goes away if i use toslink. But I've read lg tvs have poor toslink quality and there may be popping on sabrent dacs. I specifically would buy this because of the akg chips having better handling of poor optical signals. I'm going to use active speakers (kali lp6).
Edit: I've read someone was using c2 and has some issues, while c9 doesn't. So I'm curious if anyone has tried with c1.

 

[nirschl]

Hi, does anyone have lg c1 with this dac? I have some nasty gpu buzzing (even on same electrical socket, same extension cord, tested different cables, sockets, cords, etc) that only goes away if i use toslink. But I've read lg tvs have poor toslink quality and there may be popping on sabrent dacs. I specifically would buy this because of the akg chips having better handling of poor optical signals. I'm going to use active speakers (kali lp6).
Edit: I've read someone was using c2 and has some issues, while c9 doesn't. So I'm curious if anyone has tried with c1.

I’m running the D-6 with a TCL Google TV via toslink with zero issues. Ran in to one issue very recently which turned out to be the
20-ish year old opt cable I was using finally gave me the “finger.” ; ) Fortunately, I had a couple others on hand.

Currently paired with the A300 on a couple Usher Audio floor standers. Somewhat shocking to me that this set-up rivals my more expensive Belles stack. I’m about to order the D300 and perhaps another A300(for maybe better channel separation mostly) for fun. Atleast that concept works really well in my vehicle. One amp to each side and one on the sub. We’ll see. Cheers

 

[Gfx]

I’m running the D-6 with a TCL Google TV via toslink with zero issues. Ran in to one issue very recently which turned out to be the
20-ish year old opt cable I was using finally gave me the “finger.” ; ) Fortunately, I had a couple others on hand.

Currently paired with the A300 on a couple Usher Audio floor standers. Somewhat shocking to me that this set-up rivals my more expensive Belles stack. I’m about to order the D300 and perhaps another A300(for maybe better channel separation mostly) for fun. Atleast that concept works really well in my vehicle. One amp to each side and one on the sub. We’ll see. Cheers

Good thing you mentioned chromecast tv, as that's going to be my source (through tvs toslink). I'll also end up buying a short quality toslink cable just in case. Btw has anyone figured out the new smsl remote codes for volume? I saw there's a code key function on button remapper app. I'd prefer to control via my chromecast remote the smsl IR volume if possible.