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Su-9, m400, or Topping D90 for stereo setup (amp + speakers + sub about US$11K)? Currently using node2i, which measured poorly by ASR. I am not liking the highs that much using node2i directly to amp.
I would go with RME ADI-2 FS v2. Superb DAC, build like a tank, and great support. Opposite to a lot brands here, they really listen to you (topping isn't one of them).
No, I think somewhere in a thread, maybe even this one, someone corrected me. There may be a setting that you need to switch "on" to pass through MQA via the digital.
I would go with RME ADI-2 FS v2. Superb DAC, build like a tank, and great support. Opposite to a lot brands here, they really listen to you (topping isn't one of them).
But if the Matrix Mini-i Pro 3 is not suitable for Android phone and only has AirPlay (not DLNA), I think I will have to look for a combo. The Element I has everything I need, but lacks MQA decoding. It's a shame, because the Element I has DLNA, access to USB mass storage (portable hard drives) and a good built-in DAC (although it's slightly worse than SU-9's ES9038 PRO, but could I hear the difference? That's the question).
I know that MQA decoding on this forum is scam for most users, but I have not heard yet a MQA stream, so I cannot judge if it's garbage or not, and naturally I would like to take advantage of my Tidal HiFi subscription.
But if the Matrix Mini-i Pro 3 is not suitable for Android phone and only has AirPlay (not DLNA), I think I will have to look for a combo. The Element I has everything I need, but lacks MQA decoding. It's a shame, because the Element I has DLNA, access to USB mass storage (portable hard drives) and a good built-in DAC (although it's slightly worse than SU-9's ES9038 PRO, but could I hear the difference? That's the question).
I know that MQA decoding on this forum is scam for most users, but I have not heard yet a MQA stream, so I cannot judge if it's garbage or not, and naturally I would like to take advantage of my Tidal HiFi subscription.
Thank you for your clarification, but the point is if it can receive Tidal and Qobuz streams not over Bluetooth with my smartphone, but over WiFi with my internet router/modem, as Denon do with their HEOS system (I have a Denon AVR-X4400H receiver and works like a charm, I can wirelessly play hi-res tracks up to 192kHz sample rate). The HEOS system uses the smartphone only as a controller via BT, streaming is made via WiFi. As far I know, the Mini-i Pro 3 only can do this with Roon running... it's not a solution for me. So is there any streamer working like HEOS? Moreover, if the device had a good built-in DAC and a streaming similar to HEOS, it would be wonderful (but keep in mind I cannot afford the Matrix Element M).
Received my SU-9 yesterday and thought I would give some feedback on some of the issues that have been reported (this might help some people looking for a new DAC):
The 3 rubber feet 'issue' - I use 'heavy' XLR cables and use nearly every socket on the DAC but my unit sits stable and doesn't wobble at all, this is no issue for me
No coil whine whatsoever, the unit is silent
The USB plug/socket works fine, maybe a smidge harder to plug it in or remove it vs. other USB sockets I have used but no issues
Bluetooth LDAC actually sounds quite decent
The DAC gets warmer than my Purifi/EVAL1 based amp
When plugged into my Purifi/EVAL1 based amp the speakers are DEAD-silent, absolutely inky-black. In fact, I feel like the tweeter is even more silent when the amp is plugged into the SU-9 with XLRs compared to not being plugged into anything at all - I have never experienced such a lack of hiss and that was one of the most important things for me as I am allergic to tweeter hiss!
When switching source or muting/unmuting the DAC, and sometimes when changing file on Tidal (MQA to non-MQA) the DAC releases a short and low volume but very high pitched crackle sound that manages to hurt the ears despite being of such low volume, its annoying
The remote feels very cheap - is there a way to use an apple remote or something else that doesn't make me feel like I am using a sub 1-dollar piece of plastic?
I quite like the display, it seems to be pretty high resolution, I did dim it a bit though
With regards to sound quality - the first thing I noticed when using the DAC is just how amazing the bass sounds - it seems to be very detailed, layered and well defined, very punchy and controlled. Obviously the Purifi helps in that department as well, but that was the first thing I noticed when playing the DAC
I still need to play around with the different filters/sound modes
Received my SU-9 yesterday and thought I would give some feedback on some of the issues that have been reported (this might help some people looking for a new DAC):
The 3 rubber feet 'issue' - I use 'heavy' XLR cables and use nearly every socket on the DAC but my unit sits stable and doesn't wobble at all, this is no issue for me
No coil whine whatsoever, the unit is silent
The USB plug/socket works fine, maybe a smidge harder to plug it in or remove it vs. other USB sockets I have used but no issues
Bluetooth LDAC actually sounds quite decent
The DAC gets warmer than my Purifi/EVAL1 based amp
When plugged into my Purifi/EVAL1 based amp the speakers are DEAD-silent, absolutely inky-black. In fact, I feel like the tweeter is even more silent when the amp is plugged into the SU-9 with XLRs compared to not being plugged into anything at all - I have never experienced such a lack of hiss and that was one of the most important things for me as I am allergic to tweeter hiss!
When switching source or muting/unmuting the DAC, and sometimes when changing file on Tidal (MQA to non-MQA) the DAC releases a short and low volume but very high pitched crackle sound that manages to hurt the ears despite being of such low volume, its annoying
The remote feels very cheap - is there a way to use an apple remote or something else that doesn't make me feel like I am using a sub 1-dollar piece of plastic?
I quite like the display, it seems to be pretty high resolution, I did dim it a bit though
With regards to sound quality - the first thing I noticed when using the DAC is just how amazing the bass sounds - it seems to be very detailed, layered and well defined, very punchy and controlled. Obviously the Purifi helps in that department as well, but that was the first thing I noticed when playing the DAC
I still need to play around with the different filters/sound modes
I'm suffering from pop noise on the M500's XLR output.
Is there pop noise when the power is turned on / off with the remote control or front panel while using the SU-9's XLR output?
If there is no pop noise, I would like to replace the M500 with the SU-9.
But if the Matrix Mini-i Pro 3 is not suitable for Android phone and only has AirPlay (not DLNA), I think I will have to look for a combo. The Element I has everything I need, but lacks MQA decoding. It's a shame, because the Element I has DLNA, access to USB mass storage (portable hard drives) and a good built-in DAC (although it's slightly worse than SU-9's ES9038 PRO, but could I hear the difference? That's the question).
I know that MQA decoding on this forum is scam for most users, but I have not heard yet a MQA stream, so I cannot judge if it's garbage or not, and naturally I would like to take advantage of my Tidal HiFi subscription.
I'm suffering from pop noise on the M500's XLR output.
Is there pop noise when the power is turned on / off with the remote control or front panel while using the SU-9's XLR output?
If there is no pop noise, I would like to replace the M500 with the SU-9.
I don't get a pop noise when I switch the unit on or off but I get the same super short/high pitched micro-crackle that I described above. So definitely not a pop but a crackle, and it isn't loud but it does hurt the ear a bit. I would describe it as the sound of a static sweater next to your ear as you pull it over your head, if that makes sense?
Though I have heard my SMSL M400 through a £ 100 K rig, and my ears are 61 years old.
My ears still said WOW though.
At my age, you have no expectation bias.
Youth may know better though.