SMSL D1 - ROHM DAC for everyone

[kazuviking]

Its like i'm destined to have issues with this dac. The rail splitter is already failing after TWO AND HALF MONTHS. Time to DIY my own rail splitter psu that wont die this fast.

 

[Evgenliman]

When connected to an amplifier, only one channel works on the DAC. One speaker doesn't work. Has anyone encountered this problem?

 

[billbillw]

Its like i'm destined to have issues with this dac. The rail splitter is already failing after TWO AND HALF MONTHS. Time to DIY my own rail splitter psu that wont die this fast.

Can you elaborate? What are the symptoms/problems? If it is failing, why not exchange it under warranty?

 

[Roland68]

When connected to an amplifier, only one channel works on the DAC. One speaker doesn't work. Has anyone encountered this problem?

Have you checked what exactly isn't working?
Please swap the RCA cables only at the D1 output, not at the amplifier.
Does the signal now switch to the other channel?

 

[Evgenliman]

I connected the DAC to the amplifier with an RCA cable. One speaker sounds good, but the other one makes noise. That's the whole problem.

 

[Roland68]

I connected the DAC to the amplifier with an RCA cable. One speaker sounds good, but the other one makes noise. That's the whole problem.

Have you already tried what I wrote?

 

[Evgenliman]

I swapped the cables. Now, the speaker that worked doesn't work, and the one that didn't work now works.

 

[Roland68]

I swapped the cables. Now, the speaker that worked doesn't work, and the one that didn't work now works.

If you only swapped the cables on the D1 connector, then unfortunately you probably got a defective one. That's a real shame.

Then you'll have to contact the retailer so they can exchange or replace it.

 

[Evgenliman]

If you only swapped the cables on the D1 connector, then unfortunately you probably got a defective one. That's a real shame.

Then you'll have to contact the retailer so they can exchange or replace it.

I have another pair of RCA cables and the problem reoccurs with them.

 

[Roland68]

I have another pair of RCA cables and the problem reoccurs with them.

Unfortunately, the test already confirmed that.
This allowed me to rule out that the problem was with your RCA cables or the amplifier.

I'm sorry for you; I hope you can sort this out with the seller.

 

[Evgenliman]

Unfortunately, the test already confirmed that.
This allowed me to rule out that the problem was with your RCA cables or the amplifier.

I'm sorry for you; I hope you can sort this out with the seller.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[kazuviking]

not exchange it under warranty?

Costs way more to send it to to china than diying my own psu.

 

[Roland68]

Costs way more to send it to to china than diying my own psu.

In the SU-1 thread you'll find information on high-quality DC/DC replacement modules for the SU-1/D1/C100, which are also very low-noise.
There's no need to build anything.
SU-1 DC/DC Converter repair

 

[Evgenliman]

Can you show me in this photo which element is damaged?

 

[KurtKlötentreter]

Created an account finally, after being a silent reader for a while on ASR.

Considering the insignificant difference in pricing between the SU-1 and D1, and considering both seem to perform good enough that my human ears won't have much chance of hearing a difference, can I just choose either of them based on price or availability and be happy with it?

Or are there some actual differences to consider for my decision?
I had previously wished to "check out ROHM signature" but I suppose there isn't much of a signature to be had with a well performing DAC

 

[Roland68]

Created an account finally, after being a silent reader for a while on ASR.

Considering the insignificant difference in pricing between the SU-1 and D1, and considering both seem to perform good enough that my human ears won't have much chance of hearing a difference, can I just choose either of them based on price or availability and be happy with it?

Or are there some actual differences to consider for my decision?
I had previously wished to "check out ROHM signature" but I suppose there isn't much of a signature to be had with a well performing DAC

Welcome to the forum, it's great that you've registered.

I have both, but I prefer listening with the D1. It's even outperformed my DO400 in the long run.
The D1 is also the latest development in a series of these small DACs—SU-1, C100, PS200—so you can assume that a bit more experience has gone into its design. The D1 is also a little larger and not as densely packed, which I prefer.

But ultimately, it's your decision.

 

[KurtKlötentreter]

Welcome to the forum, it's great that you've registered.

I have both, but I prefer listening with the D1. It's even outperformed my DO400 in the long run.
The D1 is also the latest development in a series of these small DACs—SU-1, C100, PS200—so you can assume that a bit more experience has gone into its design. The D1 is also a little larger and not as densely packed, which I prefer.

But ultimately, it's your decision.

Thanks for the warm welcome! Also, for the super quick reply

Both the D1 and the SU-1 are available for almost the same price to me, both with similar enough shipping times (basically before vs after the apporaching weekend). Tho the SU-1 could be had for less because it's available used. Planning to use whatever I get with the Fosi V3 Monos sitting on my desk and the P4 that should be arriving sometime later today. Decisions to be made...

 

[JanL]

Thanks for the warm welcome! Also, for the super quick reply

Both the D1 and the SU-1 are available for almost the same price to me, both with similar enough shipping times (basically before vs after the apporaching weekend). Tho the SU-1 could be had for less because it's available used. Planning to use whatever I get with the Fosi V3 Monos sitting on my desk and the P4 that should be arriving sometime later today. Decisions to be made...

If you get the SU-1 you will forever wonder if the D1 might have been better. But if you get the D1, in worst case scenario you will get the same performance, so no future worries.

Someone will jump at me for writing this, but the D1 does seem to have different sounding bass. I'm not going to say it's better or worse than other nice DACs, but there is something slightly different about it. I noticed it the moment I fired it up and swapped my old MOTU M2 DAC for it.

 

[VientoB]

Welcome to the forum, it's great that you've registered.

I have both, but I prefer listening with the D1. It's even outperformed my DO400 in the long run.
The D1 is also the latest development in a series of these small DACs—SU-1, C100, PS200—so you can assume that a bit more experience has gone into its design. The D1 is also a little larger and not as densely packed, which I prefer.

But ultimately, it's your decision.

You don't explain why you prefer listening with the D1.

 

[Roland68]

You don't explain why you prefer listening with the D1.

I don't have to, I just noticed it.
Currently, I'm using my Gustard A18 and SMSL DO400 along with a Violectric HPA 200 at two different workstations.
Where the DO400 is located, I also tested the D1, and for some reason, I preferred it.

You will surely understand that I will not write much about the completed blind tests here in the forum.