SMSL VMV D3R

[MBO]

I recently received an SMSL D3R from Amazon.
Unfortunately, I have to say it’s a disaster: the I2S connection doesn't work with any source—there’s nothing but distortion. I tried every possible setting, but nothing works; perhaps SMSL only accepts its own sources?

For such an expensive device, this is absolutely unacceptable!

When the external 10 MHz clock input is enabled, music playback suffers from constant interruptions—that’s a bug! The menu navigation is also poorly thought out and very inconvenient.

Overall, the sound quality is very good and coherent, yet also very strange—as if there were a curtain in the way.

Running firmware SW1.05.

Seriously, what does SMSL think it's doing?

If a few odd bugs were ironed out, it would be a marvel.

 

[rammsteks]

I received my D3R DAC yesterday too. Connected it to the WiiM Ultra via Qobuz. And I don’t understand what’s going on… the sound feels like it’s playing behind a veil… really unpleasant to listen to. I checked all the setting presets… I even tried my old cables… didn’t help! Firmware 1.05. No updates available, it’s the latest version. Maybe this him sound signature? Probably going to return it.

 

[RandomEar]

Before talking about the "sound signature" of a device which is likely fully transparent, please start with testing it correctly (precisely level-matched, blind, quick switching). Otherwise, this thread will lead to nothing.

The irony that the first poster remarks "very good" sound quality, while the second reports it to be "unpleasant" is a prime example of why sighted, uncontrolled listening tests don't produce useful results.

How can DAC's have a SOUND SIGNATURE if they measure as transparent?

I know there are people out there that think cables affect sound, which is much worse, but there really is no response to something like that, but just to smile and nod. But what about people who talk about DACS as if they were headphone drivers or speakers, and talk about the SOUNDSTAGE...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[rammsteks]

Let me explain in more detail! Previously I had a Topping E70v DAC, and it was transparent with pretty good sound. I decided to upgrade to this DAC. I tried it with two sources — a PC and a WiiM Ultra — connected to the 3e Audio A7 Stereo amplifier via good XLR cables. I tested all the presets on the DAC. The best result was with the “Best mode” preset (or whatever it’s called). However, in every case there was a muffled sound effect — you could even call it a partial echo. I wrote to the seller, and he replied that I’m not the first person returning this DAC model. I took it to the pickup point and got my money back. End of story

 

[piaseczek]

If a few odd bugs were ironed out, it would be a marvel.

Is the sound so different from Sabre or AKM?

 

[Saponetto]

SMSL is frequent to set as "default on" some eq menus.
Before dump these devices, have a check for the status of those menus.

 

[MBO]

I have an update regarding the sound quality!

I am currently testing the D3R. The DAC had been playing continuously for a day, and after listening to it again, it was clear to me that this device wasn't for me.
Then I started a comparison test against my Gustard X26III; it was immediately obvious that the Gustard was superior in the high-frequency range.
However, while switching units, I happened to use a reference power cable that lacked a ground connection (it had been custom-made for a Yamaha amplifier).
And what a surprise!
Suddenly, the D3R sounded absolutely relaxed and open—in this instance, the comparison clearly favored the D3R.

I would ask other D3R owners to check for this behavior.
It seems likely there is a circuit design flaw at SMSL; similar issues were previously known to exist with Topping DACs.

 

[RandomEar]

Congrats, you've discovered cognitive bias. Apart from very, very obvious ground loops which you immediately hear even when no sound is being played, power cables do not change the sound of a DAC. Please stop with this nonsense and start testing correctly.

 

[MBO]

Is the sound so different from Sabre or AKM?

I’d say that if all the bugs were fixed, it would be much more interesting than AKM or ESS...

 

[piaseczek]

I’d say that if all the bugs were fixed, it would be much more interesting than AKM or ESS...

Thx, did you connect it directly to a power amplifier?

 

[MBO]

Furthermore, there are constant interruptions when switching to an external clock, even without a cable connected.
I2S simply won't work.
I also have the impression that some audio files sound distorted/overdriven; I suspect the DIR circuit isn't functioning correctly—everything works perfectly with the Gustard unit.

Please report this to SMSL!

 

[RandomEar]

 

[MBO]

Correction!
When connecting the file player Quloos QA662 with the I2S works without a problem. Musician and Aune do not work with D3R on the i2s input. The Clock 10mhz I does not work correctly. There is no correct work in the DSD in the preamplifier mode..

 

[piaseczek]

I've tried the D3R in my system and I feel that there is a potencial in it but for now it sounds too soft even at the sound mode #1. So good job SMSL/VMV but your top product needs some polishing, it should be more revealing, it is obvious especially when compared to the topping d900.

 

[MBO]

First of all, the D900 is sonically inferior to the D3R. The D3R sounds much better with a power cord that lacks a ground connection. The I2S connection offers a massive improvement in sound quality.