Good to hear! I will be watching closely to see how you make out. Could I ask a favour? Could you recap your whole adventure so far?
1) When did you order it and where are you?
2) When did you receive it?
3) When did you notify them that it was defective?
4) How long did they take to reply to you?
5) When did you receive the replacement piece?
6) Did you have to return the defective unit and if so, did you have to pay?
I know you probably have all these facts throughout the thread, but it would be cool for me and future readers to be able to see the whole adventure in one post. I think I am going to buy it the next time Shenzen puts it on sale. Hopefully next week.
Shane D
OK, Shane, since you asked:
1. I found ASR while researching lower cost DACs with balanced output. I was running a Roon Nucleus server using USB out to the built-in DAC on my pre/pro. It works, but I have always expected better DAC performance is possible. On a fixed income retirement, I can't justify a $1000++ outlay for a major league device. The SU8 V2, as reviewed here, seemed to fit my needs. I worked through all 45 or so pages of this review and read all I could find about the unit on the web. I ordered from Amazon (1. Two day delivery, 2. Six months no interest on their credit card, 3. Thirty day no questions return policy) on 16 May.
2. It arrived two days later at my home in Colorado.
3. I worked with the device, powering on/off, etc. for 48 hours, attempting to get it to "unlock" using the "C" button on the remote. I could not get it to work; while it would seemingly operate the device, it kept defaulting to the "unlock" screen. And my Roon server failed to "see" the device when connected. I then connected the SU8 to my Mac laptop which also did not "see" the DAC. I arranged for a return on 20 May. Scanned and packed at UPS, it went to Nevada.
4. I contacted the manufacturer twice, setting up an account and asking for help. Although automated email assured me someone would reply within 24 hours, no reply from Shenzhen has yet to arrive. Not a good sign. Made me glad I was dealing with Amazon. Maybe a few $$ more than Shenzhen, but it is a small price for active customer service.
5. I reordered from Amazon as soon as all financial exchanges were in place -- May 24. It arrived Sunday, the 26th. Had holiday company until yesterday, but I managed to power up, unlock and connect it by USB to my Nucleus to insure it was "seen". Got it set up and running this morning.
6. Amazon of course covered the return shipping costs. I was out $00.00 for the defective unit.
First impressions? I played portions of files I know very well this morning. While not discounting the placebo effect of new equipment, I heard a smoothing of the audio output from what I formerly heard. Plus some new details I am anxious to explore. Whether this is from better chips, the XLR output, or wishful listening, I can't be sure. I am running a shuffle playback as I type, expecting it to run at least overnight before I start critical listening.
But so far, I am happy with the results. Thanks for your interest!
MIKE