SMSL SU-1 Stereo DAC Review

[Mysterybug009]

Here are some Toslink in -> Headphone out solutions below $200:

-Sound Blaster G3
-Sound Blaster X4
-Topping DX3Pro+
-SMSL C200
-SMSL DL200
-SMSL M300 SE
-FiiO K5 Pro
-FiiO K7
-FiiO K11
-Sabaj A10d

How is the SMSL M300 SE? I'm more inclined to spend 120 euros then 200 euros for the smsl c200 or dx3pro+

 

[Toku]

How is the SMSL M300 SE? I'm more inclined to spend 120 euros then 200 euros for the smsl c200 or dx3pro+

I would recommend the DX3 Pro+ over the M300SE due to its good sound quality, stable operation, and reliable operation.

 

[strumf666]

I can't see power consumption on boot, but as soon as the power meter starts measuring it hovers around 1,3W, doesn't matter if it is playing music or not.

 

[maudio]

Here is my experience with SMSL SU-1 DAC

The DAC is simply sensational - if you pair it with good USB output.

1st connected directly to Macbook Pro USB, it was very detailed but timbre and certain frequencies sounded somehow funny up to the point i removed it.

Then i connected a dedicated USB output card to MBP, the JCAT USB XE, connected it to DAC and WOW - it beat 10x more xpensive DACs and digital equipment! Which i am now selling and keeping this little bugger!

Also it suites more "warm" amps like Class A with lotsa even harmonics. Which my Class T just happen to be!
Get this DAC, invest some money into good USB card, and you will get better sound than using 1k DACs with standard computer USB out. Because it all starts with source.

I even connected optical from my Streaming monitor, also great sound and do not need a preamp for 2 inputs!

 

[staticV3]

 

[maudio]

View attachment 347246

if you are referring to price, some Topping and SMSL DACs cost more. And this card has OXCO level jitter, which these DACs will never reach on the input without it.
Yes top level Topping and SMSL DACs offer bit more functionality and ouputs compared with SU-1. But SU-1 has more than enough inputs for me (3!) and i need only single ended out and no preamp. No other DAC will reach this signal level on the input without this card.

Also the price of the card includes VAT and shipping. I got it without VAT, so for me SMSL SU-1 + JCAT USB XE is less than some top level SMSL and Topping DACs, and i am pretty sure better sound because of the output of JCAT card.
Not to mention NOS DACs which cost 1k+. And still they will get better with this card.
You could compare it to high end streamer which will cost you again a lot more €$.

 

[Falco]

I have the SU-1 and I'm very pleased with its performance.

However, I was wondering, does anyone know why this su-1 DAC is not mentioned on the smsl website?

SMSL Audio Official -Professional audio product manufacturer

Foshan ShuangMuSanLin electronics Co., LTD. founded in 2009 which located in Shenzhen, China. And our branch company VMV Technology(HK) Company Limited registered in HK in 2013. Our company is specialized in the audio DAC, stereo headphone amplifier, power amplifier, and with own R&D...

www.smsl-audio.com

 

[jooc]

After several months with two of these, here's my subjective take:

They sound exactly the same as my FX Audio DAC-X6 and my Audioengine D1 DAC at my typical listening volume (65-75 db avg, 90 peak) using typical amps (various TPA3255 class D and IOTAVX a/b,) and speakers (Triangle Borea, Emotiva B1+)

However, after rudimentary non-blind but volume-matched a/b testing, it does sound noticeably better than the DAC stage in both my older consumer Yamaha AVR receivers (RX-V373 and I forget the other) and anecdotally better than any Windows-based PC DAC stage I've ever personally encountered. I haven't done anything like a/b testing with any of my other external DACS with either of those older things, but I assume they'd also do well since they're indistinguishable to my ear to the SU-1.

I don't happen to need a headphone jack at either place I'm using the Su-1, but if I did it would be disappointing that it doesn't have one.

I can see the measurements so I know how well this thing is controlling noise behind the scenes, so I'm happy to add it to any audio chain for under $100 - it assures I'm getting remarkably clean signal at that stage and I don't have to worry about it.

 

[jooc]

However, I was wondering, does anyone know why this su-1 DAC is not mentioned on the smsl website?

SMSL Audio Official -Professional audio product manufacturer

Foshan ShuangMuSanLin electronics Co., LTD. founded in 2009 which located in Shenzhen, China. And our branch company VMV Technology(HK) Company Limited registered in HK in 2013. Our company is specialized in the audio DAC, stereo headphone amplifier, power amplifier, and with own R&D...

www.smsl-audio.com

You're right, it's not listed, maybe their product updates are faster than their marketing.

You know, DAC stage should just work well and doesn't need to be fancy or expensive, but I notice SMSL and others sure have made DAC a desirable looking node

 

[Tonton marc]

Good call. I will have the chance to do so later today, and then update my original post.



Couldn't agree more. By the way, the C100 has the same issue — it, too, was set to 'On when Needed' out of the box.

Update: Sadly, the 'Always On' setting is not saved inside the DAC, but the PC. I've now had access to a 64-bit Windows 10 PC, 32-bit Windows 10 PC, and a 64-bit Windows 8.1 PC. With both the SU-1 and the C100, and on all 3 machines, the setting reverts to the last setting chosen on that machine. Hence, when 'On when Needed' was selected with Machine 1, then 'Always On' selected with Machine 2, reconnecting the DAC to Machine 1 reverts it to 'On when Needed':
View attachment 296651

To resolve this properly, SMSL will need to release firmware updates for at least the SU-1 and C100.

Hello, I do not have the option tab to change the setting. Help would be appreciated.

 

[staticV3]

Hello, I do not have the option tab to change the setting. Help would be appreciated.View attachment 347362

You have to unlock the setting first. Here's how:

XMOS driver settings for no cutoff/delay

I was contemplating on creating a "tutorial" of sorts for all XMOS drivers on devices that have a cutoff -- latency between the start of a sound and the dac "reacting" and actually playing said sound... So here it is: XMOS drivers use a control panel not unlike this: Usually the "Options"...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[DeepCuttaBeats]

I just ordered this DAC (based on the review here) to replace my Motu M2 for my desktop system. I hope it sounds better!!!

 

[Veri]

if you are referring to price, some Topping and SMSL DACs cost more. And this card has OXCO level jitter, which these DACs will never reach on the input without it.

You realize that's utter bullshit, right?

 

[ManniX]

And this card has OXCO level jitter, which these DACs will never reach on the input without it.

Yes, it's a 25€ USB card with a 150€ oscillator.
It's nice that you are happy with it but it's completely useless.
Unless you have one of the very first ancient DAC without a clock or only supporting obsolete USB Audio.
Which the SU-1 isn't.

On top it's detrimental without an USB galvanic isolator; the USB ports on that card are noisy.
Then the fancy OXCO will be even more useless since will just feed the USB isolator.
Which will reclock the data packets with a 20 cents oscillator...
Nothing wrong, the result will be just as good, but sad considering the price of that card.

 

[starcat]

You realize that's utter bullshit, right?

You are absolutely right.
As soon as I saw this, I exited...

 

[ManniX]

You are absolutely right.
As soon as I saw this, I exited...

I hope you didn't miss the SSD because that's the pinnacle of their act IMO.

Every time, I try to resist browsing the shop but.... it's like entering Disneyland.
I'm laughing so much that I'll end up in the hospital next time.

Wish I was so ruthless and without a conscience, I'd be millionaire now.

 

[Nutul]

I hope you didn't miss the SSD because that's the pinnacle of their act IMO.

Every time, I try to resist browsing the shop but.... it's like entering Disneyland.
I'm laughing so much that I'll end up in the hospital next time.

Wish I was so ruthless and without a conscience, I'd be millionaire now.

where have I been till now?!? This is far better than any fun site I've ever seen.
EDIT
1K for the SSD?!?!? People just need to die!

 

[starcat]

That page need to be put on a blacklist to protect clueless people.
Amazing what kind of utter bullshit they are able to come up with.


Take a look at this reference gold network cable for $700, lol
but there is a signature level LAN cable for $1300 as well advertised as the best "sounding" Ethernet cable...

 

[Nutul]

That page need to be put on a blacklist to protect clueless people.
Amazing what kind of utter bullshit they are able to come up with.


Take a look at this reference gold network cable for $700, lol
but there is a signature level LAN cable for $1300 as well advertised as the best "sounding" Ethernet cable...

Hahahahahaha.
Seriously, there is people that can be fooled by this kind of false information.
They are clever, though...

 

[DeepCuttaBeats]

Has anyone plugged the SU-1 in to their chain and found it clinical, flat, sterile? I am still waiting for mine to arrive. It is replacing a MOTU M2. (hopefully)