SMSL D-6 DAC Review

[gvl]

Use Windows on your Mac

Use Boot Camp to install and run Windows on your Mac.

support.apple.com

 

[srrxr71]

Why is it 99% only provide windows firmware etc updates. NOt a windows machine in the house, all Macs. Any work around?

You could try parallels or that other one that is free but apparently not for long as Broadcom paid a pretty penny for it.

 

[staticV3]

Why is it 99% only provide windows firmware etc updates.

Because the manufacturers of USB bridges typically only provide FW Update tools for Windows, and brands like Topping and SMSL aren't capable of/interested in writing their own tool for Mac.

 

[Gaspar74]

You could try parallels or that other one that is free but apparently not for long as Broadcom paid a pretty penny for it.

Just installed Windows 10 on Virtual machine Virtual box. Does this get rid of pop noise though when switching inputs?

 

[srrxr71]

I have not tried it was just a suggestion.

 

[Craigyp]

I think we need a new way to dislpay the ranking. Even at full size, the device names are getting hard to read

I vote for a histogram!

Yes… and this image cuts off the top scoring SMSL SU-10

 

[Jimster480]

Why is it 99% only provide windows firmware etc updates. NOt a windows machine in the house, all Macs. Any work around?

Probably because Apple has less than 10% of the market and doesn't want to work with anybody.

 

[Gaspar74]

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D-6 Firmware 1.1 Updated

did you at any point turn unit on. INstructions are wonky. at one point after hitting start it tells you plug it in but thats it.

 

[Esprit]

Does this firmware have anything to do with the S.M.S.L D-6s?

 

[Bleib]

Does this firmware have anything to do with the S.M.S.L D-6s?

I wouldn't try it

 

[Gaspar74]

DOes anyone thats updated firmware, can you confirm if Dac gets turned on prior to flash or only plugged in like SMSL instructions say. Says to hit start and THEN plug in power cord. Thats it. I got unable to detect at that point and didnt want to go further without certainty. TY

 

[srrxr71]

I would consider keeping a $200 stick PC around for just this kind of scenario. I’d only use when I need it. Probably better to not let it online. Just use a USB stick (on a stick PC).

 

[Gaspar74]

Is there ANY way to disable this Dac from accidentally allowing you to switch to fixed outcome and almost fry my brand new Acoustic Energy A300 at full tilt for amilliseond. Thats sooooooooooooo stupid and easy to do. You should have to shut it off first and NOT accidentally hit remote button. STUPID

 

[Zek]

Which amp do you have between the D-6 and the AE300?
Can you adjust the volume on the amplifier?

 

[ampguy]

I have this DAC, but this one, and all my others, I set at fixed full output, and adjust volume with a preamp or volume on the amp.

 

[LGD_]

I have this DAC, but this one, and all my others, I set at fixed full output, and adjust volume with a preamp or volume on the amp.

I also use fixed full output, and feed it to the direct in of my power amp - through an external passive volume control.

 

[srrxr71]

I also use fixed full output, and feed it to the direct in of my power amp - thuough an external passive volume control.

If your DAC has high SINAD then probably using a combination of both is ideal. That’s really the point of high SINAD. That you can sacrifice some of it safely.

By combo I mean some digital attenuation and some analog.

 

[Gaspar74]

Which amp do you have between the D-6 and the AE300?
Can you adjust the volume on the amplifier?

I have a tube preamp but keep it fixed and it goes into a class D Ive built currently. Im good now, not an error Ill make again lol.

 

[LGD_]

Total shot in the dark, but there is a known problem with the clock generator IC on the SMSL SU-9n and the symptoms can be similar: Some people report dropouts, others report static + distortion. Symptoms get better when the DAC is left to cool down. May be worth a shot to look for that particular IC on your D-6.

My D6 has also started occasional popping and breakup. It usually clears up if I shut the DAC off and on.
Was going to order the IC mentioned in the SU-9n article linked above, but thought I'd better open up my D6 and see what's inside first:

The D6 is NOT the same inside, there is no recognizable clock IC as shown in the article, and none of the ICs have their markings burned off.
The IC's are so tiny, even if I did know which one, I couldn't replace it without wrecking the board - there's no way I am going to be able to repair it.
So, if the problem persists, I guess I'll have to ship it to China (groan)...

 

[LGD_]

My D6 has also started occasional popping and breakup. It usually clears up if I shut the DAC off and on.
Was going to order the IC mentioned in the SU-9n article linked above, but thought I'd better open up my D6 and see what's inside first:

The D6 is NOT the same inside, there is no recognizable clock IC as shown in the article, and none of the ICs have their markings burned off.
The IC's are so tiny, even if I did know which one, I couldn't replace it without wrecking the board - there's no way I am going to be able to repair it.
So, if the problem persists, I guess I'll have to ship it to China (groan)...

Edit:
I deleted the ASIO driver, and replaced with the most recent one from the SMSL website -
Which meant that I had to re-do the "Streaming:Always On" fix (see post # 200 above), which I did.

So far all has been well, no pops or breakups.
Fingers crossed....