SMSL VMV D3R

[Matt-2m]

Mine had the right channel polluted with broad-band noise.

Nevertheless, I'd like to draw attention to this DAC especially those listening to acoustic music.
I just wonder if there is any technical advantage of this product in comparison to D200 which costs much less.

 

[piaseczek]

Mine had the right channel polluted with broad-band noise.

I had the same problem.

 

[RandomEar]

Mine had the right channel polluted with broad-band noise.

Nevertheless, I'd like to draw attention to this DAC especially those listening to acoustic music.

There is no such thing as a DAC for a specific type of music. Most modern DACs are audibly transparent and can't be told apart in well controlled tests (blind, level-matched).

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

Even for amplifiers, which perform about one to two orders of magnitude worse than DACs in the relevant metrics, people really struggled to tell them apart as far back as 40 years ago (p. 78).

I just wonder if there is any technical advantage of this product in comparison to D200 which costs much less.

Nicer case, maybe more options like loudness correction or treble/bass control (best to check the manual, I'm just listing possibilities not actual features of that device). There's mostly differences in features, build quality and price. Not in sound.

If a device had serious problems like the ones you list with audible noise in a channel, I would get that replaced by the seller ASAP. If it's a systematic problem of that DAC, I would look elsewhere for a competently designed unit.

 

[MBO]

I would like to share my impressions regarding the sound quality of the D3R specifically;
I have owned this DAC for quite some time and have installed all the latest firmware updates. To put it briefly: this is the best DAC I have ever owned—I even sold off all my Gustard and Topping units. The D3R delivers a very natural and harmonious sound that comes as close as possible to the live music experience. I detect no coloration in the sound. The DAC features six different sound modes—details of which SMSL unfortunately fails to document, a real oversight! However, these modes are described in detail in the technical documentation for the new ROHM BD34302 chip, and they make a significant difference. This makes the VMV D3R extremely versatile when it comes to tailoring the sound to individual preferences without compromising quality. It does not cause listening fatigue, even during long sessions. When the pre-amplifier mode is engaged, the D3R still sounds excellent—unlike the Topping D900. The only issue is the inability to play DSD files in this mode, though I expect SMSL will resolve this soon. In my personal opinion, this is SMSL's first true high-end DAC.

 

[Redacted]

As soon as I see "DSD", I know the thread is dead and stuff is being made up....

 

[piaseczek]

To put it briefly: this is the best DAC I have ever owned—I even sold off all my Gustard and Topping units.

Did you sell also your Gustard preamp?

 

[MBO]

Did you sell also your Gustard preamp?

Yes,I bought the P2 MK2 instead of it.

 

[piaseczek]

Yes,I bought the P2 MK2 instead of it.

Could you describe the difference in sound between the standalone d3r and the d3r + p2 mk2?

 

[MBO]

Could you describe the difference in sound between the standalone d3r and the d3r + p2 mk2?

I don't know what to say here; the P2 pairs very well with my power amplifiers, so the sound is wonderful. With the D3R, however, you really need to choose the right amplifier. But the Gustard P26 was simply terrible by comparison...

 

[piaseczek]

With the D3R, however, you really need to choose the right amplifier.

Which specific power amplifiers do you recommend?
I'm interested in direct connection with the d3r, in other words I would like to use built-in preamp.

 

[rnrmf]

I would like to share my impressions regarding the sound quality of the D3R specifically;
I have owned this DAC for quite some time and have installed all the latest firmware updates. To put it briefly: this is the best DAC I have ever owned—I even sold off all my Gustard and Topping units. The D3R delivers a very natural and harmonious sound that comes as close as possible to the live music experience. I detect no coloration in the sound. The DAC features six different sound modes—details of which SMSL unfortunately fails to document, a real oversight! However, these modes are described in detail in the technical documentation for the new ROHM BD34302 chip, and they make a significant difference. This makes the VMV D3R extremely versatile when it comes to tailoring the sound to individual preferences without compromising quality. It does not cause listening fatigue, even during long sessions. When the pre-amplifier mode is engaged, the D3R still sounds excellent—unlike the Topping D900. The only issue is the inability to play DSD files in this mode, though I expect SMSL will resolve this soon. In my personal opinion, this is SMSL's first true high-end DAC.

How did all the issues you noted since purchasing get resolved?

 

[PMWAudio]

@Kitty (S.M.S.L Marketing), I have been a long time lurker on this thread in the hopes of finding some positive news before purchasing the D3R. I am unable to find any information on the SMSL website on how to update the firmware of the D3R or even where to download it.

SMSL Audio Official -Professional audio product manufacturer

Foshan ShuangMuSanLin electronics Co., LTD. founded in 2009 which located in Shenzhen, China. And our branch company VMV Technology(HK) Company Limited registered in HK in 2013. Our company is specialized in the audio DAC, stereo headphone amplifier, power amplifier, and with own R&D...

www.smsl-audio.com

I went to the url that lists the firmware versions available to download and do not see the D3R listed.

@MBO may I ask how you were able to do yours.

I apologise if all this information is available on ASR as I tried to search but found no other threads on this device and it's firmwarem

 

[MBO]

@Kitty (S.M.S.L Marketing), I have been a long time lurker on this thread in the hopes of finding some positive news before purchasing the D3R. I am unable to find any information on the SMSL website on how to update the firmware of the D3R or even where to download it.

SMSL Audio Official -Professional audio product manufacturer

Foshan ShuangMuSanLin electronics Co., LTD. founded in 2009 which located in Shenzhen, China. And our branch company VMV Technology(HK) Company Limited registered in HK in 2013. Our company is specialized in the audio DAC, stereo headphone amplifier, power amplifier, and with own R&D...

www.smsl-audio.com

I went to the url that lists the firmware versions available to download and do not see the D3R listed.

@MBO may I ask how you were able to do yours.

I apologise if all this information is available on ASR as I tried to search but found no other threads on this device and it's firmwarem

You can request the firmware by emailing SMSL Service; I have already received the third firmware update.