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SMSL SU-1 vs D-6S vs DO100 Pro

Argonil

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Mar 15, 2023
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So I was looking for a sub to pair with my Adam T5Vs, discovered that the matching T10S sub has a horrible standby mode, so I was recommended the JBL LSR310S instead. I'm considering it, but my DAC is a SMSL SU-1, which doesn't have balanced inputs to support the JBL sub. Perhaps it's time to find a new DAC with three extra features I'd like: Balanced input, Bluetooth connectivity, and volume control. Or perhaps not? These are the 3 options I'm considering:

1. Keep the SU-1. Connect the sub to the DAC with XLR to RCA cables since the cable length is short enough for balanced cables to not have a huge impact. Live without the volume control and Bluetooth; they're not all-important.

2. Buy the SMSL D-6S. Use balanced cables.

3. Buy the new SMSL DO100 Pro. Use balanced cables.

I'm under the impression that the 3 DACs are going to sound largely the same, not only because they're from the same brand but because good DACs all sound the same because that's what they're supposed to do. Right... ?
Lower your pitchforks, I'm not here to start a war. If I were to buy one of the two latter DACs which have the extra features I'd like, which one do you think I should get? It seems the D-6S and the DO100 Pro has the same features... probably the same sound... is there any difference at all between them? The DO100 Pro supports HDMI ARC, but apart from that, they appear to be exactly the same?

There aren't many good reviews out yet for the new DO100 Pro, but the one review I found compared it to the Schiit Modius E, and said that the DO100 Pro sounds ever so slightly worse and has a different soundstage; the DO100 Pro's soundstage is allegedly equally wide but many of the instruments are pulled closer to the center. Does that make any sense whatsoever or is it just placebo effect? I'm very skeptical, I would never guess that there'd be any significant change to the soundstage. How is the DO100 Pro expected to perform?

Which option seems best?
 
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I have DO100 Pro. Before I bought it, I also considered D6S. Main differences include; Dual ES9039Q2M vs Single ES9039Q2M, and # of OP Amps. If you care about channel separation, dual DAC implementation generally outperforms single DAC chip of the same model.
 
I have DO100 Pro. Before I bought it, I also considered D6S. Main differences include; Dual ES9039Q2M vs Single ES9039Q2M, and # of OP Amps. If you care about channel separation, dual DAC implementation generally outperforms single DAC chip of the same model.

I see, thanks. I just "pre-ordered" it from HiFiGo. They say shipments will start in "early June", and the free delivery method should take 1-3 weeks, so it's gonna be a while before I can say anything about it.
 
I've had a few of the D-6s and currently have a DO200 Pro. The biggest difference is the D-6s still has the slight tick when changing bit rates, on the DO200 Pro its fixed completely. The SMSL DL200 also has the tick/pop problem also. With headphones it's not that bad, but I can see people with speakers and the volume turned up it would be a deal breaker. I've got two of the Topping E50 and they're excellent also, no problems whatsoever.
 
I've had a few of the D-6s and currently have a DO200 Pro. The biggest difference is the D-6s still has the slight tick when changing bit rates, on the DO200 Pro its fixed completely. The SMSL DL200 also has the tick/pop problem also. With headphones it's not that bad, but I can see people with speakers and the volume turned up it would be a deal breaker. I've got two of the Topping E50 and they're excellent also, no problems whatsoever.
Would you say there's a difference in sound going from the D-6s to the DO200 Pro?

I have a D-6s and really do love it, the only thing that's still got me looking for an upgrade/sidegrade is the popping/ticking while switching bit rates...

I've heard some comments that the DO200 pro sounds a bit brighter, which would be a deal breaker for me. Could you confirm?

I am also wondering if they fixed the ticking issues on the DO100 Pro and not just its bigger brother...
 
I have an SMSL D-6S connected directly in balanced mode to a pair of Adam S3X-Vs
 
Sorry, not sure if the question makes sense.
Fosi ZA3 Input Sensitivity: 0.775VRMS (coorect me if this is wrong)
SMSL D6S: RCA Maximum Output: 2.5 VRMS
Will it cause ZA3 to clip in any way ?
 
2.5Vrms is about 10dBu while 0.775Vrms is 0dBu. So, D6s is about 10dB higher. Assuming each volume step is 0.5dB, lower the volume by 20 steps. I believe you still have a wide range of volume.
 
I am looking for a second DAC with volume control and considering either D6S or DO 100 Pro.
Is USD 25 gap worth choosing DO 100 Pro with extra chip & hdmi over D6S ?
(I am using SU-1).
 
Considering technical specs for Fosi ZA3, I expect D6s will be sufficient. When output voltage is decreased, SINAD will be decreased (i.e. more noise) - so DO100 Pro may be more advantageous by ~3dB at same output voltage.
 
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