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SMSL SU-1 Stereo DAC Review
- Thread starter amirm
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Try the Shenzen site- I think I saw the manual etc. there.
radix
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Good find. I'll be using w/ Volumio on RP4, so hopefully I won't have that same windows problem.
You see what's sent to device it in ASIO Control Panel. My picture is for E50, but it looks for every XMOS the same.
22579200 / 44100 = 512 ... DSD512
You can have Control Panel permanently open. It updates in real time.
22579200 / 44100 = 512 ... DSD512
You can have Control Panel permanently open. It updates in real time.
Mark S.
Active Member
Yes, it plays DSD fine, that was one of the reasons I didn't want to use SPDIF, even if it stopped the noises. No indicator for that, bitrate or anything else, it's a stripped-down DAC and that's actually one of the reasons I bought it. If SMSL (or someone else) made a similarly hair-shirt (and commensurately cheap) DAC/preamp with no display I'd have bought one - if anything's going to fail sooner rather than later it'll be a display panel. ETA >> That said, I'd want a basic remote for volume control and I guess that mandates some kind of display - was considering an Sanskrit, but couldn't ascertain how reliable they are.
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Even though I mostly change the volume on the amp, I still want a remote for changing the source or turning it on or off. But for this price (52 usd after "618" event discount + voucher), I think it'd be a bargain.
Mark S.
Active Member
You've prompted me to pin it to the taskbar (along with Equaliser APO and its 'configurator'), really useful for instantly checking what sample-rate I've set Windows sound to when using DirectSound.
I'm new to audio stuff and I'm currently using Fosi Audio Q4 on my PC and looking to upgrade my setup and audio listening.
The SMSL SU-1 is affordable that is why I'm considering buying this but I'm not sure what headphones amp to partner up with this DAC.
Could someone recommend me an affordable amp for this?
Also, is Topping DX1 or Topping DX3 Pro+ a better option than a stack DAC and AMP than I've mentioned?
Currently using Epos H6Pro, Aria Snow, and Crinacle Zero.
I appreciate any feedback.
The SMSL SU-1 is affordable that is why I'm considering buying this but I'm not sure what headphones amp to partner up with this DAC.
Could someone recommend me an affordable amp for this?
Also, is Topping DX1 or Topping DX3 Pro+ a better option than a stack DAC and AMP than I've mentioned?
Currently using Epos H6Pro, Aria Snow, and Crinacle Zero.
I appreciate any feedback.
Are there apps/plugin that could be pinned to taskbar to show which bitrate being played? That would be very convenient.
radix
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If you are just starting out, I think an integrated unit like the DX3 Pro+ is a better option. Keep it simple.
I the H6Pro and Aria should be OK. The Crinacle is 17 ohms? That's towards the limits of the DX3 Pro, but according to Amir's review you'll still get over 2W. Another poster said he uses the DX3Pro+ with them and has no problem driving them.
Sabaj A10h, $75
Sabaj A10h Review (Headphone Amplifier)
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Here you are. My current system consist of Audio Monitor Bronze 2 speakers, Dayens Menuetto amp, SU-1 and RPi 4b with SSD. This is an upgrade from an RPi 3+Pimoroni DAC HAT/SSD, and that was an upgrade from a Philips 723 CD player.
Starting with the CD player, that system gave already a very enjoyable experience in listening, but RPi3+DAC HAT was a very audible step forward (so to speak), and it was in use for years until now, when I've decided to upgrade. Eyed long with Allo Boss2, but unfortunately(?) it's out-of-stock everywhere. At this time I found and then on kept following discussions here about DACs. To make it short, when I saw this thread the search was over. Ordered SU-1 and am now listening over my favorites, and can say with certainty that this little thing makes my best system 'till now. Whatever I throw at it (like Marcus Miller - M2, Chick Corea - Secret Agent, Take 6, John Williams - Echoes of Spain, Daft Punk - RAM, Paul Simon etc) I keep rediscovering details in these musics I was not aware of, or see them in a new light ((would say 'hear' if it was not a mixed metaphor). The sound is clearer, more detailed, bass has more body, the sense of space is more expressed.
It is incredible what good so little money can buy nowadays!
The only minor issue was at first that when experimented with some HiRes music (not because I believe that it makes any real difference) in every few minutes there were some delays or pause in playing. But soon realized instead of USB2 the USB3 should be tried, and that indeed solved the problem.
Starting with the CD player, that system gave already a very enjoyable experience in listening, but RPi3+DAC HAT was a very audible step forward (so to speak), and it was in use for years until now, when I've decided to upgrade. Eyed long with Allo Boss2, but unfortunately(?) it's out-of-stock everywhere. At this time I found and then on kept following discussions here about DACs. To make it short, when I saw this thread the search was over. Ordered SU-1 and am now listening over my favorites, and can say with certainty that this little thing makes my best system 'till now. Whatever I throw at it (like Marcus Miller - M2, Chick Corea - Secret Agent, Take 6, John Williams - Echoes of Spain, Daft Punk - RAM, Paul Simon etc) I keep rediscovering details in these musics I was not aware of, or see them in a new light ((would say 'hear' if it was not a mixed metaphor). The sound is clearer, more detailed, bass has more body, the sense of space is more expressed.
It is incredible what good so little money can buy nowadays!
The only minor issue was at first that when experimented with some HiRes music (not because I believe that it makes any real difference) in every few minutes there were some delays or pause in playing. But soon realized instead of USB2 the USB3 should be tried, and that indeed solved the problem.
Philipp
Active Member
Why use the Splitter? If it is only sometimes, you just pull out the USB-C from the Charger and stick it in your Computer?
Not
Not in an easy to reach place. I tried some old Mac Docking hubs and the kluge did not work.
Just got mine today, and so far I think it sounds very good.
How this it compare to my $1800 R2R, don't really know yet. What I do know is that this has a lower gain on RCA vs the R2R on XLR and that it sounds very good. More testing to follow.
How this it compare to my $1800 R2R, don't really know yet. What I do know is that this has a lower gain on RCA vs the R2R on XLR and that it sounds very good. More testing to follow.
Philipp
Active Member
Just a longer USB-C cable then, to a „better to reach“-spot?
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