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SMSL SU-1 Stereo DAC Review

Rate this DAC:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 15 2.6%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 14 2.4%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 68 11.9%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 475 83.0%

  • Total voters
    572
Right. Optical is digital data, with the benefit of galvanic isolation, so no difference between a computer source or a dedicated streamer like a Wiim.
So this method is safer than providing both data and power directly to the SU-1 via USB؟
I have an original Huawei charger that outputs 5V 1A. Is that suitable?
 

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So this method is safer than providing both data and power directly to the SU-1 via USB؟
I have an original Huawei charger that outputs 5V 1A. Is that suitable?
It depends on the DAC, but I can’t tell you with this DAC in particular. There have been DACs in the past (that I’ve owned) that can be disturbed/noisy/malfunction due to noise coming through a USB cable from a desktop computer.
 
It depends on the DAC, but I can’t tell you with this DAC in particular. There have been DACs in the past (that I’ve owned) that can be disturbed/noisy/malfunction due to noise coming through a USB cable from a desktop computer.
I'm a bit confused :) I meant in terms of device stability and longevity. Wouldn't it be better with a separate charger?

And don't you have any opinion about the charger I mentioned to you? Do you think it's suitable?
 
I'm a bit confused :) I meant in terms of device stability and longevity. Wouldn't it be better with a separate charger?

And don't you have any opinion about the charger I mentioned to you? Do you think it's suitable?
Sorry, I don't have information/data to form a well-founded opinion on device stability or longevity when using different power sources. The SU-1 is a reputable device with a well regarded XMOS USB chip. Hooking it up to the computer either way will probably work just fine. I don't have any information on that particular Huawei charger either, other than that it looks suitable. So I can't tell you more than I've said above.
 
Mine has been working fine for years from a mini pc through USB using the standard data/power connection. Music is playing almost every day. Best $57 (sale price) I ever spent.
 
Arrived yesterday and already put it to the test: amazing, marvelous, it's incredible how such a small DAC can deliver so much detail, instrument separation, deep bass, and musicality.
Connected to my laptop with the foobar2000 using the supplied USB cable to a Pioneer amplifier, it transformed the audio with an incredibly satisfying sound.

I only have one worrying fear: having to extend either the RCA or USB cable, it'll be harder to find a USB data cable. These days, you can only find USB 3 fast charging cables for cell phones. What should I do? Extend the RCA cables?

Let's hope this gem lasts.
 
Mine has been working fine for years from a mini pc through USB using the standard data/power connection. Music is playing almost every day. Best $57 (sale price) I ever spent.
If I may, what mini PC do you use?
I was thinking of doing the same thing, since I also have SMSL SU-1.
 
If I may, what mini PC do you use?
I was thinking of doing the same thing, since I also have SMSL SU-1.
I have a Beelink. There are many companies that make these and they are probably all basically the same. Not sure about current prices but mine was pre tariff, and cost $279 US. There's also lots of reviews online for these devices. To find some for sale just go to Amazon or similar and search mini PC.
Two Caveats: If you are going to store local tracks, make sure you get a big enough hard drive. Also make sure it has some form of remote desktop function if you need that-my unit is hidden away but I access it from my laptop with windows remote desktop.
 
Thanks for the info

Also make sure it has some form of remote desktop function if you need that-my unit is hidden away but I access it from my laptop with windows remote desktop
ah, for this reason, some apps like volumio or foobar2000 also allow you to control it from your smartphone.
 
Thanks for the info


ah, for this reason, some apps like volumio or foobar2000 also allow you to control it from your smartphone.
Remote control might not be the same as access. I use LMS- lyrion music server and there are a number of remote control apps for the software. However you need to control the PC itself, for at least set up, but also for any updates and to interact with your local library if you have one, and if you need to restart etc. just keep that in mind. There may be other ways to accomplish this and I am basing this on my own use case.
 
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