Hi guys, I ordered the S.M.S.L SU-9 from Amazon AU and it turned up the next day (yesterday). I'm not new to audio but seems that Chi-Fi is an exciting journey but great value and sound quality when working right. Due to the great reviews of this unit thought I'd upgrade to this or the X16. For years I've been using these setups:
- Chomecast -> DACMagic (optical) -> Yamaha HS80M monitors (XLR) (via a nano patch for gain control)
- PC -> iFi Zen DAC-> Matrix M-Stage ->DT 1990 Pro.
I know most people are probably using this on a desktop setup, but my main aim is to eliminate the two sets of cables and the nano patch, have a volume control, achieve gapless playback and stream hi-res (tested 96kHz works great with the current setup using a trial of Qobuz but mainly using Tidal so wanted MQA).
Just wanted to clarify a few things:
1. Would this SU-9 have the new firmware (will contact amazon now and email shenzehenaudio now), it seems that the updated units have a s/n beginning with DAC6**** - my sticker on the side of the unit is DAC21012, the box has an older one X00WX****, HW 1.0, SW 1.2, USB 2.06 (which don't get updated so bit useless).
2. Don't particularly want to get stuck with a defective device, Amazon seem quite good for returns so would rather get it sorted now, and it's not exactly cheap at A$630. Was also considering the DACMagic 200M but they wouldn't sound as exciting or much better than what i have, and pretty expensive (and short supply), although they are a quality brand with no issues. For whatever reason there aren't many devices with MQA decoding and balance outputs with built in network streamer. I'm looking at building a RPi4 for direct streaming and to replace the CCA for gapless. Not sure if I add a 7" touch screen before the SU-9 if it will give me a player interface - don't want to subscribe to roon, Volumio etc, VitOS may work (no HATS, happy with USB input).
3. The Cambridge had a hard power button so used on a smart plug with master/slave power board to then turn on the speakers. Does it hurt to kill the power to the DAC or better to leave on standby (can power off just the speakers automatically).
4. There is a small pop on the right speaker when power on/off. The monitors have some hiss in the tweeters anyway if listen closely but want to check for this third harmonic problem. (Edit: selecting different inputs makes a pop also, not very premium feeling).
5. Regarding PREAMP settings. I know it's advised on here to set to Preamp mode (Vol '99') for best sound quality, if I do this there isn't much range on the phone/app volume and run the risk of it being fooking loud, remove volume doesn't work etc. Can I calculate the optimum volume for the DAC and leave it (Vmax to Vrms conversion??) the monitor's Input Sensitivity/Impedance =-10 dBu/ 10 k-ohms. I know too many different volume controls in the chain isn't idea, but still need some functionality.
Anyway those are the main things to sort out, it's much easier running on a PC/desktop setup in exclusive mode with a headphone amp like with my iFi. Ideally I'd just get the Cambridge EVO-150 but it's $$$, and similar options are also expensive. It's hard to believe you still need two or three pieces of gear just to do this. Having powered monitors means I should be able to use the SU-9 directly to the monitors.
Edit: Bluetooth mode sounds better than expected, wouldn't plan to use too often but handy especially with guests etc.
Tidal seems to top out at 96kHz on tracks I've tried. Still assume MQA, high res PCM and DSD are superior?
Thanks in advance!