SMSL SU-1 Stereo DAC Review

[Billy.Z]

Hi, I’m interested in buying this DAC, but I have a question. Here, we often have power outages. If I use this DAC connected to a phone charger and leave it on all the time, when the power goes out and comes back, will it turn on by itself, or will I have to press the power button every time there’s a power outage?

 

[theREALdotnet]

If I use this DAC connected to a phone charger and leave it on all the time, when the power goes out and comes back, will it turn on by itself, or will I have to press the power button every time there’s a power outage?

I have said phone charger plugged into a WiFi/Homekit controlled power outlet. The DAC will come one when I turn on the outlet. It will return to the on/off state it had when the power was removed. No button presses required.

 

[gpunique]

Do you guys suggest running power and audio thru the same usb-c cable? is it better quality to power via usb and use optical for audio input?
better to buy a wall adapter? Thanks.

 

[staticV3]

Do you guys suggest running power and audio thru the same usb-c cable? is it better quality to power via usb and use optical for audio input?
better to buy a wall adapter? Thanks.

Try one cable for power+data first.

If there's noise, switch to Optical and an external power supply (phone charger).

 

[magreen]

Heads up this DAC is available now for $55.80 shipped on Ali Express w/ $5 coupon code (showing on product page). I couldn't resist and just ordered.

 

[BurakErdqn]

İm using this DAC with my Aiyima T9 in my workshop. This is perfect match for me. Only thing is when i use it on my laptop with usb cable sounds lose the warmth. But when i switch to the optical "welcome to the heaven"

 

[TonyJZX]

. Only thing is when i use it on my laptop with usb cable sounds lose the warmth. But when i switch to the optical "welcome to the heaven"

errmmm this is going to be responded to in kind

may as i ask how you feel about the 'character' of coaxial?

 

[BurakErdqn]

errmmm this is going to be responded to in kind

may as i ask how you feel about the 'character' of coaxial?

I've never tried making a coax connection. The main reason here may be the noise in my computer. Because I use a power bank as a power source when using optical connection.

 

[Paugie]

Bought this SU1 sometime last year. Been using USB out from laptop or Optical out from TV. Great sound BUT yesterday morning I turned it on and it played for 2 seconds. The laptop error message said "the USB device has malfunctioned and us not recognizable. I tried the optical input from the TV.
It has failed. Less than a year.
I also have a failed D10s (first DAC) this after functioning 2 years
Are these economically repairable?

 

[Fahzz]

Bought this SU1 sometime last year. Been using USB out from laptop or Optical out from TV. Great sound BUT yesterday morning I turned it on and it played for 2 seconds. The laptop error message said "the USB device has malfunctioned and us not recognizable. I tried the optical input from the TV.
It has failed. Less than a year.
I also have a failed D10s (first DAC) this after functioning 2 years
Are these economically repairable?

If you are going to stay with this unit and it's available to you, they were selling for $55 last week. Someone mentioned that around here somewhere. Also Black Friday sales are coming. So repair might not be the way to go. My advice is just get a new one.

 

[VientoB]

Or isn't there a new version coming out?

 

[staticV3]

Or isn't there a new version coming out?

There's the PS200, which is very similar.

 

[Bleib]

There's the PS200, which is very similar.

I have the PS200 and prefer it. Adds BT and the lights are less overly bright.
Same no nonsense design.

 

[Paugie]

If you are going to stay with this unit and it's available to you, they were selling for $55 last week. Someone mentioned that around here somewhere. Also Black Friday sales are coming. So repair might not be the way to go. My advice is just get a new one.

Thank you for the advice.
Though I'm sad I will have to save up again. My expectations are destroyed. The hope was these solid state components would be durable.
The sound from laptop or TV w/o the DAC is almost unbearable.

 

[theREALdotnet]

Incidentally, one of my three SU-1s just failed a few days ago. When I turned everything on there was hum and crackle coming from the subs (the DAC was responsible for two of the subwoofer channels). I unplugged it, it gave off a burning smell. The other two SU-1s powered by the same USB charger are fine. I returned the broken one to Amazon and got a new one. I hope this isn't turning into a habit for these DACs.

 

[BurakErdqn]

İ think phone chargers are not safe for this little dac. Because mostly phone chargers can supply multiple voltage and somehow if charger switch to 12 volts, it can be destroy the dac. So im using with powerbank.
Just an opinion.

 

[theREALdotnet]

İ think phone chargers are not safe for this little dac. Because mostly phone chargers can supply multiple voltage and somehow if charger switch to 12 volts, it can be destroy the dac.

The one I'm using is a 4-port USB-A charger. It can only supply 5V.

 

[unpluggged]

So im using with powerbank.
Just an opinion.

Powerbanks also support multiple charging protocols with various voltages.
Just an opinion

 

[BurakErdqn]

Yeapp.. For this reason , I designed the circuit board for my powerbank only for 5 volts.

 

[Aerius-Aye]

I run mine powered by an Anker USB A/C phone brick, 2 for 12 on Amazon. Plenty of power (I am quite sure this little guy does not draw near as much as the brick can deliver). Sounds great through the coax output. RE the voltage switching, negotiating the proper voltage is part of the USB C spec, and negotiations start at 5V. From Google: "In a USB-C connection, voltage switching happens through a communication protocol called "Power Delivery" (PD) where the source device (charger) and sink device (device being charged) negotiate the optimal voltage and current levels to deliver power efficiently, using dedicated pins within the USB-C connector to send messages and determine the best power settings based on the connected device's capabilities; essentially, when you plug in a USB-C cable, the devices "talk" to each other to decide what voltage is needed, starting with a default 5V and then adjusting as necessary depending on the device's power requirements."