SMSL SU-X with 2x ES9039MSPRO

[antcollinet]

I don't think he saw much point in all the different filters. Hard to know why it would sound *worse* than their cheaper DACs, though

we don't have measurements yet as far as I can tell, but most likely this is just another audibly transparent DAC. It won't sound worse, or better than any other decent design.

 

[VientoB]

He doesn't like dac's with a lot of filters and adjustable possibillities. He got lost in the UI and ended up with probably a bad combination. To me it's a clean detailed and transparent dac, but with a few bugs. I hope for a firmware update to fix the bugs and also the filter positions mentioned earlier in the thread.

I just watched his video on the SU-X again and when he shows the different filters he says "I'm going to turn that off". Shouldn't he use the linear fast filter? Would that not be the default filter for most DACs?

 

[Kenny46]

I just watched his video on the SU-X again and when he shows the different filters he says "I'm going to turn that off". Shouldn't he use the linear fast filter? Would that not be the default filter for most DACs?

Yup.....so from that my take on the Cheapaudioman is that he didn't do a good job on this review.

A fast filter is usually the standard filter for most DAC's and it's difficult or impossible to hear differences....but unfiltered NOS setting is not neccesarily better because high and low frequency over and under 20‐20K can "overload" or clutter the sound with uneccesary(over and under hearing ability) frequencys ...and it's also a bit louder when you switch between them. This is something I read so please correct me if I'm wrong here. But this is what he's hearing I think. But as a reviewer he should know stuff like this I think. So I almost never take him seriously.

My general experience with NOS settings is that the sounsdstage get narrower....but what is correct with NOS or with filter....I don't know. What sounds best to you I guess....

 

[TonyJZX]

does anyone here really expect to be able to DBX a $1k SU-X or a $200 DL200???

there's no way theres a noticeable difference given same CORRECT filtering (that in itself is an SMSL conundrum!) and even if there was a measureable difference it isnt 5x as the price would indicate

 

[Smarty]

He doesn't like dac's with a lot of filters and adjustable possibillities. He got lost in the UI and ended up with probably a bad combination. To me it's a clean detailed and transparent dac, but with a few bugs. I hope for a firmware update to fix the bugs and also the filter positions mentioned earlier in the thread.

Could you be more specific about "with a few bugs"? I really like my SUX with a filter combination of linear fast/rich so far have not found issues.

 

[Kenny46]

Could you be more specific about "with a few bugs"? I really like my SUX with a filter combination of linear fast/rich so far have not found issues.

As mentioned in a seperate thread and a bit earlier in this thread SMSL has probably wrong numbering on the filters from 4 or 5 and up. Trying to output both balanced and rca at the same time makes my unit sound weird and I need to powercycle. It should work when this is an option. NOS filter.... as mentioned is a bit weird and its not, to me, a good solution on this dac. I use fast filter as standard on all DAC's as I can't hear the differences much between any of them. Sometimes USB stops working and I need to powercycle with power button. Small annoyances with an otherwise good transparent and clean DAC, that all probably can be fixed with firmware updates.

 

[Nutul]

IIRC, The Cheapaudioman was referring to the coloration filters, not the reconstruction ones...
I think he also mentions some "tube" (valve...) one.

 

[VientoB]

IIRC, The Cheapaudioman was referring to the coloration filters, not the reconstruction ones...
I think he also mentions some "tube" (valve...) one.

He talked about both and he specifically said he was turning the reconstruction filters off, I double checked.

 

[Nutul]

He talked about both and he specifically said he was turning the reconstruction filters off, I double checked.

Yep, that's correct.
I was more focused on the fact that the reconstruction filters are for accurate, young ears; which he has not (at least young, FWIW...), hence drifted towards the coloration ones (why in hell would one apply coloration remains a mystery to me, though...)

 

[FrenchFan]

Look page 17 the first THD+N measure
message #340 from jamesdyson

 

[JIW]

SMSL's labeling of the filters is probably incorrect from filter 5 to filter 8. Filter 5 is linear phase fast roll-off low ripple, filter 6 is linear phase slow roll-off, filter 7 is minimum phase fast roll-off and filter 8 is minimum phase slow roll-off or minimum phase slow roll-off low dispersion. This is evident from comparing the SU-X manual with the ES9039Pro data sheet. I explain it in this thread.

The order and selection of the filters has been updated. This is from the manual. Filter 4 is mislabeled. It is Linear phase fast roll-off low ripple (ESS #4) not Linear phase fast roll-off (ESS #3).

 

[fabriciom]

Does anyone that purchased the unit have it hooked up to a mac with logic pro?

Would it be possible to share the latency the unit shows?

 

[ShiZo]

Ordered one and will be arriving on Jan 2nd 2024.
I have D70 Pro Sabre and really like it. But, I also curious how D1SE2 sounds compare to it. Or say, how SMSL sounds compare to Topping. I know D90 III is there, too. But, this time, I will give SMSL a chance. And, the 2 USB inputs are VERY convenient to my setup (one from a HTPC, and one from RPi4 runs Volumio).

How was the comparison?

 

[Jimbob54]

Ciao! Ho appena acquistato un SMS su x. In modalità fissa o variabile, il volume dovrebbe cambiare!? Cercherò di spiegarmi. Di fabbrica il volume è impostato a 2db. In modalità variabile usando il DAC come preamplificatore funziona correttamente, alzando e abbassando il volume. Mentre, in modalità fissa, alzando il volume sul mio amplificatore crea distorsione dell'audio e crepitii, diventa inascoltabile. Qualcuno ha avuto gli stessi problemi? Aggiornando il firmware si può risolvere il problema. Grazie per chi vuole rispondere

Please repost in English .thanks

 

[Jimbob54]

Ciao! Ho appena acquistato un SMS su x. In modalità fissa o variabile, il volume dovrebbe cambiare!? Cercherò di spiegare. Il volume è impostato di default a 2db. In modalità variabile usando il DAC il preamplificatore funziona correttamente, alzando e abbassando il volume. Mentre, in modalità fissa, alzare il volume sul mio amplificatore crea distorsioni audio e crepitii, diventa inascoltabile. Qualcuno ha avuto gli stessi problemi? Aggiornare il firmware può risolvere il problema. Grazie a chiunque voglia rispondere

Yeah . Still Spanish

 

[Snoopy]

Ciao! Ho appena acquistato un SMS su x. In modalità fissa o variabile, il volume dovrebbe cambiare!? Cercherò di spiegare. Il volume è impostato di default a 2db. In modalità variabile usando il DAC il preamplificatore funziona correttamente, alzando e abbassando il volume. Mentre, in modalità fissa, alzare il volume sul mio amplificatore crea distorsioni audio e crepitii, diventa inascoltabile. Qualcuno ha avuto gli stessi problemi? Aggiornare il firmware può risolvere il problema. Grazie a chiunque voglia rispondere

Translation:

Hi! I just bought an SMS on x. In fixed or variable mode, the volume should change!? I'll try to explain. The volume is set to 2db by default. In variable mode using the DAC the preamp works correctly, raising and lowering the volume. While, in fixed mode, turning up the volume on my amplifier creates audio distortions and crackles, it becomes unheard. Has anyone had the same problems? Updating the firmware can solve the problem. Thanks to anyone who wants to answer

 

[Ahmonge]

Yeah . Still Spanish

Not really. Italian

 

[Jimbob54]

Not really. Italian

See, that's why I need a translation! With apologies to @Saverio

 

[Sharok]

Hello,
I got my SU-X and was surprised by its performance in terms of well-defined clean sound with deep tight bass. I would like to share with you and other owners of the SU-X about the settings and adjustments: 1. PCM filter: just followed suggestions (on Shenzhenaudio) and set it to Linear Filter. I have not tried any other settings though. 2. Sound Color: Since I didn't find any opinions or reviews on this setting I just set to the standard mode to bypass it. 3. Pre Mode: I set to Fixed to use my preamp to adjust volume. Just out curiosity I switched to Variable but didn't notice any difference, so I keep it to Fixed. 4. Inputs: I only use two input modes - AES/EBU to play via my CDT (20% of time ) and Bluetooth playing Sportify via my Galaxy S23 (80% of listening time) 5. Outputs: Balanced only 5. DPILL: never tried this setting menu
Two things I really like: sound clarity and Bluetooth convenience. So if you have any other suggestions about settings, adjustments, and other tips please share with me and other owners. Happy listening!

Hi Smarty,
What preamplifier do you use with your SU-X?
I'd like to use this DAC with my floor-standing speakers and home amplifier (Anthem Statement P-5 multi-channel) and I don't know whether I need a preamplifier or not. Is it necessary to use a preamplifier in my situation and set the SU-X volume to FIX or can I use the SU-X with my system and just use the DAC volume?

 

[Scrivs]

Jesus Christ, this threads giving me a headache