SMSL SU-1 Stereo DAC Review

[Roland68]

Hi!
What could I replace it with that’s pin-compatible and low-noise? My DC-DC also broke, negative rail got shorted — my own fault

This one is good: RECOM DC/DC Converter RD, 5 V, Dual, ± 12 Vout, ± 84 mA, SIP-7, but please double-check the pinout.

 

[Roland68]

Hi!
What could I replace it with that’s pin-compatible and low-noise? My DC-DC also broke, negative rail got shorted — my own fault

Theoretically, all of these from Mouser should fit: DC/DC Converter 5V -> +/- 12V 2-3 Watt SIP-7, but please double-check before ordering.

 

[Watt768]

Theoretically, all of these from Mouser should fit: DC/DC Converter 5V -> +/- 12V 2-3 Watt SIP-7, but please double-check before ordering.

Thank you, I'll take a look at their datasheet.

 

[jmc06]

I read on the product description that this device requires a power of ＜5W. If I use my phone's Type-C port to power it and use it as a decoding device for my phone, will it result in insufficient power supply? The 2019 phone's Type-C port should be USB 2.0 standard, right? Is it unable to meet the power supply, or will it operate in a bad state?

 

[staticV3]

I read on the product description that this device requires a power of ＜5W. If I use my phone's Type-C port to power it and use it as a decoding device for my phone, will it result in insufficient power supply? The 2019 phone's Type-C port should be USB 2.0 standard, right? Is it unable to meet the power supply, or will it operate in a bad state?

I can't answer that as I don't have your phone to test.

But you can check yourself using a USB power meter.

If plugged into your phone, current and voltage going into the DAC are similar to when the DAC is plugged into a PC, then you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Watt768]

Thank you, I'll take a look at their datasheet.

By the way, I’ve contacted the manufacturer to ask about the price of the original part including shipping to my country.
I also found another converter with slightly better characteristics — lower ripple voltage and higher operating frequency — which would make the original 22uF–100uH–22uF CLC output filter even more effective.
It’s physically larger than the original one, but it might just fit inside. AM2DM-0512DH60EZ

 

[Roland68]

By the way, I’ve contacted the manufacturer to ask about the price of the original part including shipping to my country.
I also found another converter with slightly better characteristics — lower ripple voltage and higher operating frequency — which would make the original 22uF–100uH–22uF CLC output filter even more effective.
It’s physically larger than the original one, but it might just fit inside. AM2DM-0512DH60EZ

I would absolutely advise against buying the original part again; it would be better to order a cheap one from Aliexpress. It might be the same, but cheaper.
Anything up to 22mm long, 11mm wide, and 20mm high will fit. Otherwise, it would have to be 2-3mm high and then only 17mm high.
The 3-watt model from XPPOWER has an R&P of only 50mV, so significantly lower; you'd have to look through the others.

 

[Watt768]

I would absolutely advise against buying the original part again; it would be better to order a cheap one from Aliexpress. It might be the same, but cheaper.
Anything up to 22mm long, 11mm wide, and 20mm high will fit. Otherwise, it would have to be 2-3mm high and then only 17mm high.
The 3-watt model from XPPOWER has an R&P of only 50mV, so significantly lower; you'd have to look through the others.

You're right, the IR0512S is better.

 

[Watt768]

You're right, the IR0512S is better.

I think the Murata converters are the ones with the lowest noise, and I’m considering that the 1W version might be sufficient NMV0512SC. By the way, the support team doesn’t seem to provide much information regarding the technical specifications, I seriously doubt that the original performs better or even matches this one.

 

[Fahzz]

I had to completely break down and reassemble my system recently for room painting purposes. I got almost everything up and running, but in the process I also updated the Windows 11 on the Mini PC I use to stream LMS. Now that PC does not recognize the attached SU-1 and only shows "Remote Audio" as the sole sound playback device.

Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this? I've done the usual shut down/restart and uninstall/reinstall driver stuff. Thanks.

 

[staticV3]

Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this?

Open the Device Manager.

The moment you plug the SU-1 into/out of your PC, check if the device list flickers/refreshes.

If it reacts to the plugin/-out, find the right entry in the device list (should be under "Sound, video and game controllers"->right-click->Uninstall device.

Then plug the DAC out, restart the PC, login, plug it back in, and be patient while Windows does its thing.

If the Device Manager shows no reaction to the DAC, try using another USB cable.

 

[Fahzz]

Thanks - I'll try all this on the weekend.

 

[gino1961]

Hi ! sorry to jump uninvited
i am using this very dac with satisfaction But i wonder if anyone has used one of those usb Y cables to use only the data stream from the pc and provide DC from another quality source I could try to make one with a little DIMyself using the connector below

P.S. in the meantime i have found in a drawer an old little Teradak power supply i bought many years ago this one

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005007932929282.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2ita

i am powering the su-1 with it and using the optical input
I was afraid that the pc usb bus had not enough power
looking inside i see cheap caps ... i think i will try better ones I would like also to run some noise measurements on this thing
but i am still looking for a very low noise usb sound card compatible with Rew software

 

[renots]

Hello everyone and nice to find you here! Since it is sales season and Black Friday, I am thinking of buying a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter).

For some time now, I have been considering buying the SMSL SU-1 or the Fosi Audio Q6 Stereo DAC.

Their prices after the discount are almost identical (a 5 euro difference), and the primary use of the DAC will be to connect a DVD player via coaxial to be used as a CD player. Secondly, it will be used for connecting to the computer (USB) for audio listening.

Amirm's detailed reviews for both these DACs are very good, but I'm confused about which one to choose. What would you recommend?

Thank you in advance.

P.S.: Amirm, I have been following you for many years, and I would like to congratulate you on the excellent work you do! Hats off!"

 

[Monster]

Well, it's not a very big sample size but I have had both and I put my view in an earlier post here. Make of it what you will.

The main advantage that I can see for the SU-1 is that it occupies about half the desk space of the Fosi Q6. I haven't tried the Q6 with a USB input.

 

[renots]

Well, it's not a very big sample size but I have had both and I put my view in an earlier post here. Make of it what you will.

The main advantage that I can see for the SU-1 is that it occupies about half the desk space of the Fosi Q6. I haven't tried the Q6 with a USB input.

Thank you very monster! I had already viewed your post and i put one vote for fosi q6

 

[Monster]

Thank you very monster! I had already viewed your post and i put one vote for fosi q6

So you had. Sorry, I had forgotten.

 

[TheBrightestSun]

Hi! I have purchased this device but what I am trying to understand is whether I need special drivers for it or not? I see that SMSL has some drivers on their website.

 

[staticV3]

Hi! I have purchased this device but what I am trying to understand is whether I need special drivers for it or not?

Manual driver install is only required for ASIO and firmware updates. Everything else works as well using the universal audio driver that comes with modern OSes.

 

[TheBrightestSun]

Manual driver install is only required for ASIO and firmware updates. Everything else works as well using the universal audio driver that comes with modern OSes.

I see. I am a complete newbie. Bought a set of devices (Scarlette Gen4 Solo, SMSL SU-1, Fosi Audio 4 due to some sales) and then realized that I literally don't have enough cables to connect to all of it as I have used usbs and regular jacks (from headset) until now