MetalDaze
Member
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2020
- Messages
- 94
- Likes
- 65
Hello everyone. New member but I have been reading the reviews and forums here for a while. I created this account to post my experience and welcome input since I've tried all I can think of. I have also emailed SMSL 3+ days ago and am still waiting for a response - let alone an acknowledgment they received my email. I bought an M300 MkII a couple of months ago right before everything with Covid went berserk. I already own an M100 but I saw Wolf's measurements of this unit and wanted the XLR balanced ability. Bluetooth I don't care much about either way.
I was using single ended only in my main system until I was finally able to make my balanced run worth while. The single ended RCA's are now connected to a DarkVoice 336se. The XLR outputs are used in my main 2 channel rig (outputs of DAC not used at the same time. An Input on my pre-amp is set for pre out of darkvoice acting as tube buffer so I can use them for my headphones or speakers.)
Primary stereo chain = Windows 10 HP Envy Tower 64bit 12gig Ram -->
Foobar2000- DSD: Wasapi (event) Via supplied USB --> SMSL M300 MkII XLR Out [fixed mode] --> Parasound P5 via XLR --> Parasound A21+ via XLR
When I was connected via RCA only the noise was not as noticeable. However now using XLR the noise is distinct, repeatable, pre amp volume dependent and very annoying. The sound is the same "click/pop" a few other threads here mention (SMSL SU-8?, M400 and Topping D90MQA) without resolution.
PCM = No Pop/Click
PCM --> DSD = No Pop/Click
DSD = Pop/Click Any interaction - play, pause, seek, skip, stop results in this unwanted sound.
DSD --> PCM = Pop/Click whether selected manually or allowed to play into next track on it's own.
I have tried everything I can think of:
-Up to date foobar2000 [V1.5.3] and components
-Up to date XMOS driver and version 4.47.0 TUS XMOS control panel
-Using ASIO instead of WASAPI for output
-All settings correct WRT Windows audio control panel (exclusive mode etc)
-Using different USB port on PC/Only having DAC plugged in, no peripheral components
-Only having XLR output be plugged in from DAC (physically removed RCA connections)
-Reloading older versions of foobar2000 and respective components
-Changing the buffer size in foobar2000 (buffer length, hardware buffer, read ahead for all file types)
-Enabling DOP when using DSD direct output under SACD in preferences with older component.
-DFF, DSF, or DSD ISO files all behave the same.
The only thing I have done which fixes this situation is enable DSD+PCM in foobar so the DAC only sees a PCM stream. Any time the DAC no longer receives a DSD input, it instantaneously reverts to the PCM filter. Resume your DSD playback and the LCD screen switches VERY quickly between the "High Res Audio" emblem and then to DSD. This happens anytime you interact with a DSD file being played, even while seeking within a currently playing song. Any time this reconstruction filter is switched between within the DAC itself, it seems as though the muting is not engaging correctly allowing for noise to be sent to the down stream components.
I've read this is an inherent trait when changing between PCM and PDM format but its up to the implementation and design of the equipment to halt it.
I'd rather not use software to convert DSD to PCM since the whole reason I bought the DAC along with XLR ability is native DSD playback (even if it really is DOP).
So I'm stuck. The DAC sounds good otherwise, no complaints about its performance while music is playing. I'd invest more (around 2x sadly) and get a Topping D90 but Topping is parented by SMSL and I have apprehension about spending twice the money just to end up with the same problem.
My main criteria for a DAC is AKM chipset if possible, USB input, PCM/DSD capability and XLR output. If budget wasn't such a factor I would just get an RME offering or Gustard and be done with it overlooking the chipset bias.
Since this seems to be a potential recurring issue within SMSL over multiple models and applications, I was hoping for some correspondence that it was something which could be fixed with a firmware update.
Yet there is silence from the manufacturer (unless you're playing a DSD file through one of their components). Ha! JK.. but seriously. It's frustrating.
I was using single ended only in my main system until I was finally able to make my balanced run worth while. The single ended RCA's are now connected to a DarkVoice 336se. The XLR outputs are used in my main 2 channel rig (outputs of DAC not used at the same time. An Input on my pre-amp is set for pre out of darkvoice acting as tube buffer so I can use them for my headphones or speakers.)
Primary stereo chain = Windows 10 HP Envy Tower 64bit 12gig Ram -->
Foobar2000- DSD: Wasapi (event) Via supplied USB --> SMSL M300 MkII XLR Out [fixed mode] --> Parasound P5 via XLR --> Parasound A21+ via XLR
When I was connected via RCA only the noise was not as noticeable. However now using XLR the noise is distinct, repeatable, pre amp volume dependent and very annoying. The sound is the same "click/pop" a few other threads here mention (SMSL SU-8?, M400 and Topping D90MQA) without resolution.
PCM = No Pop/Click
PCM --> DSD = No Pop/Click
DSD = Pop/Click Any interaction - play, pause, seek, skip, stop results in this unwanted sound.
DSD --> PCM = Pop/Click whether selected manually or allowed to play into next track on it's own.
I have tried everything I can think of:
-Up to date foobar2000 [V1.5.3] and components
-Up to date XMOS driver and version 4.47.0 TUS XMOS control panel
-Using ASIO instead of WASAPI for output
-All settings correct WRT Windows audio control panel (exclusive mode etc)
-Using different USB port on PC/Only having DAC plugged in, no peripheral components
-Only having XLR output be plugged in from DAC (physically removed RCA connections)
-Reloading older versions of foobar2000 and respective components
-Changing the buffer size in foobar2000 (buffer length, hardware buffer, read ahead for all file types)
-Enabling DOP when using DSD direct output under SACD in preferences with older component.
-DFF, DSF, or DSD ISO files all behave the same.
The only thing I have done which fixes this situation is enable DSD+PCM in foobar so the DAC only sees a PCM stream. Any time the DAC no longer receives a DSD input, it instantaneously reverts to the PCM filter. Resume your DSD playback and the LCD screen switches VERY quickly between the "High Res Audio" emblem and then to DSD. This happens anytime you interact with a DSD file being played, even while seeking within a currently playing song. Any time this reconstruction filter is switched between within the DAC itself, it seems as though the muting is not engaging correctly allowing for noise to be sent to the down stream components.
I've read this is an inherent trait when changing between PCM and PDM format but its up to the implementation and design of the equipment to halt it.
I'd rather not use software to convert DSD to PCM since the whole reason I bought the DAC along with XLR ability is native DSD playback (even if it really is DOP).
So I'm stuck. The DAC sounds good otherwise, no complaints about its performance while music is playing. I'd invest more (around 2x sadly) and get a Topping D90 but Topping is parented by SMSL and I have apprehension about spending twice the money just to end up with the same problem.
My main criteria for a DAC is AKM chipset if possible, USB input, PCM/DSD capability and XLR output. If budget wasn't such a factor I would just get an RME offering or Gustard and be done with it overlooking the chipset bias.
Since this seems to be a potential recurring issue within SMSL over multiple models and applications, I was hoping for some correspondence that it was something which could be fixed with a firmware update.
Yet there is silence from the manufacturer (unless you're playing a DSD file through one of their components). Ha! JK.. but seriously. It's frustrating.