SMSL M9 DAC/Amp

[Crane]

I see a measurement and work for the M8 DAC on here, I was wondering if anyone has tested the M9 which is currently being discounted on Massdrop by 70% from 450$ to 140$.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/smsl-m9-dac-amp#overview

 

[amirm]

No, we have not tested it before. For the original list price it needed to have balanced output and much more powerful headphone amp.

 

[Deleted member 4708]

Interesting; I wonder how does this compare to the Topping dx3pro... 140$ seems cheap.

 

[amirm]

From what I have read, its amplifier has high impedance and I think much less power.

 

[Rollingsound514]

The discount from MD is insane. This makes me a lil uneasy having just ordered the dx3 pro but if the M9s headphone amp doesn't cut it then the dx3 pro wins

 

[shocker]

Honestly, i find the balanced headphones output attractive. I wish the DX3 would have that too.

 

[amirm]

The only use for balanced that I have found is more power. To the extent you have sufficient power, there is no reason to resort to balanced headphone connection.

 

[bravomail]

amazon reviews are quite negative and states a lot of issues for such a high priced product. Then u have it on sale at 1/3 the price. You do the math

 

[Frank Dernie]

I have a SMSL M9 bought on impulse because I liked the beautifully machined case
I am an engineer and don’t mind paying more for a nicely made product rather than a cheap folded sheet metal case.
I don’t use headphones much so it was a silly impulse but it works nicely enough for me.
You wouldn’t be able to get the case made here in the UK for what Massdrop are asking.

 

[pwjazz]

I have a SMSL M9 bought on impulse because I liked the beautifully machined case
I am an engineer and don’t mind paying more for a nicely made product rather than a cheap folded sheet metal case.
I don’t use headphones much so it was a silly impulse but it works nicely enough for me.
You wouldn’t be able to get the case made here in the UK for what Massdrop are asking.

Some reviewers state that the unit runs very hot. Have you found that to be the case?

 

[Frank Dernie]

Some reviewers state that the unit runs very hot. Have you found that to be the case?

It runs fairly warm, I wouldn’t say hot. I haven’t used it for a few months though