SMSL D-6s Balanced DAC Review

[GXAlan]

Some people could still complain that it's not the correct logo...
It must follow this:

which is not what SMSL uses, it's not two perfect circles:
View attachment 320756

What is interesting is that for the FCC, I could only find two entries from FoShan ShuangMuSanLin technology co., ltd

2ASLV-SA300 2022-05-27	digital Amplifier Original Equipment
2ASLV-A3 2019-03-15	Power Amplifier Original Equipment

There is a question of FoShan Shuangmusanlin “technology” versus “electronics” as the official brand name.

@SMSL-Mandy , can you share with us the FCC report for this unit?

EDIT; I guess you can self certify with the FCC without a report. So I guess with those two tests, they have enough info to pass future products.

 

[Esprit]

Some people could still complain that it's not the correct logo...
It must follow this:

 

[Grooved]

@Esprit the one on the D-6s is exactly between these two logos, so...

 

[Tangband]

Some people could still complain that it's not the correct logo...
It must follow this:

which is not what SMSL uses, it's not two perfect circles:
View attachment 320756

Hmm… If the lie about this, maybe they also use fake components ? And the products sent to Amirm might be ” real ” products that measure well ?

How do we know, except that its obvious that this site is targeted to get good reviews to sell dacs ? ( not Amirms fault )

 

[totti1965]

I hope SMSL, Topping and others will now focus their attention on creating equal value/quality products for Wifi/Ethernet streaming and amplification both desktop and full sized versions.

And also put a bit more attention on QC and UX/UI.

Yes, some streaming / amplification / DAC Integreated Components like 15 years ago the Linn Majik would be nice!!!

For Quality Control / reliability issues with these chinese brands it would be totally nice, if some polls here in the forum could be started on a much more regular basis!
It is something where only forum members who own such devices (and use them) could help each other.

It's not something Amir could do on top of all his other work.

 

[Tangband]

Yes, some streaming / amplification / DAC Integreated Components like 15 years ago the Linn Majik would be nice!!!

For Quality Control / reliability issues with these chinese brands it would be totally nice, if some polls here in the forum could be started on a much more regular basis!
It is something where only forum members who own such devices (and use them) could help each other.

It's not something Amir could do on top of all his other work.

Yes indeed.
The cheap price isnt cheap anymore if you have to buy new products every year

 

[Grooved]

I just realize one thing: looks like a very good DAC, but it only has a very small price difference with the DL200, which is the same but with balanced/unbalanced headphones amp added. Not tested here yet, but also based on ES9039Q2M and 4 x OPA1612, with SINAD at 5V being the same (from SMSL information)
If the form factor is not important, I would pick the DL200 over the D-6s

 

[Esprit]

Honestly, I don't want to use TRS/XLR adapters (which I definitely have in some drawer).
The weight of the adapters and cables would cause the DAC to lift.
P.S. Excluding the headphone amplifier and the TRS rather than XLR outputs, the DACs are perfectly identical.

 

[OldManMatt]

$200 bucks..amazing.

 

[th2j]

It look like the same as the DL200...

Same results in tests (those made by SMSL), as Amir didn't tested the DL200

The inside looks pretty identical also

 

[Human Bass]

i keep wondering when smsl will start putting hdmi as standard feature on their dacs?

Doesnt really matter. Hdmi is overkill for stereo and without an hdmi out for video signal it becomes mostly useless. The optical out of a TV does the trick just fine.

 

[Catsmeow]

Ordered one from Apos for $180. It's currently on a pack mule on the way to the sorting station.

 

[musicforcities]

Looks like a clean pcb layout. Niceness.

 

[dsnyder0cnn]

Ordered one from Apos for $180. It's currently on a pack mule on the way to the sorting station.

I ordered one from Apos for $199. I must have missed the $19-off sale, but I'm fine with the price. Should pair nicely with the WiiM Pro that just arrived today.

 

[Gradius]

It seems SMSL still didn't released the v5.62 driver yet (from 09/26).

 

[burrella90]

hello first time poster here but i often visit,

my question is probably considered silly but, is this D6-S a worthy upgrade from a Topping D10B? I noticed it has SE(RCA) out as well as balanced(xlr) which would be nice, my setup is -
topping d10(balanced output) - magnius(balanced input) for headphones - fosi v3 for bookshelf speakers via rca out from magnius.

thank you guys for all the work you do by the way.

 

[somebodyelse]

You're unlikely to hear the difference between a D10B and the D6-S so unless you need the extra inputs there doesn't seem much point. I'd put the money towards headphones or speakers where the difference is most likely to be heard. Or look at EQ if you haven't already.

 

[burrella90]

You're unlikely to hear the difference between a D10B and the D6-S so unless you need the extra inputs there doesn't seem much point. I'd put the money towards headphones or speakers where the difference is most likely to be heard. Or look at EQ if you haven't already.

i have loki+ eq for the fosi v3, my cans are monolith m1570(openback),
so then i should focus on my speakers (diy sealed 4" woofers 1" car tweeters(i know, ew)..?
thank you

 

[Tangband]

Have someone bought this dac yet - any issues with crackling sound when switching between spdif and USB input , or other issues ?

It would be nice to know that the serie version of this dac is as good as the one sent to Amirm.

 

[Tangband]

I ordered one from Apos for $199. I must have missed the $19-off sale, but I'm fine with the price. Should pair nicely with the WiiM Pro that just arrived today.

Looking forward to hear what you think of this dac, I have the WiiM pro to .