Thoughts on SMSL D-6 DAC?

[yllanos]

So I found this DAC available on Shenzhen Audio website. But I couldn't find any comments on its performance or use:

https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...khz-32-bit-dsd512-decoder-with-remote-control

It seem to offer an interesting mix of features and a low price. I also could not find it on SMSL website (because AKM issues maybe?)

Any owners around here?

Mod edit: review is posted now: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/smsl-d-6-dac-review.36235/

 

[Gradius]

More here too:

SMSL D-6 DAC

Dang it. This product has been discontinued. It is no more. It has ceased to be. A Mini DAC designed for desktop The SMSL D-6 arrives hot on the heels of SMSL’s other mini DAC, the SU-6. The biggest difference between these models is that the D-6 is fully balanced, whereas the SU-6 is not. The...

apos.audio

AKM tends to sound more "melow", while ESS more "harsh".

I still want to see a review here.

 

[Gradius]

because AKM issues maybe?

Not at all.

The IC is worldwide available:

AK4493SEQ | Audio D/A Converters | Audio Components | Products | Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)

AKM’s audio D/A converters (DACs) provide solutions for high quality audio system with the original digital-analog mixing technology.

www.akm.com

 

[yllanos]

I think I'm going to buy one soon, just to try it out. It ticks a lot of checks in my book. In fact, the only thing it misses is an on/off switch on the back...

 

[Gradius]

I think I'm going to buy one soon, just to try it out. It ticks a lot of checks in my book. In fact, the only thing it misses is an on/off switch on the back...

Well, the thing only consumes less than 0.1W (standby)... so I don't see the point.

Btw, is super easy to mod the power cable and add a power on/off switch on it.

I'll only buy after couple reviews, specially from amirm or wolf.

 

[MCH]

Might be the cheapest balanced dac with volume knob and remote? If the measurements are confirmed could become the go to cheap option...

 

[JSmith]

AKM tends to sound more "melow", while ESS more "harsh".

Sorry but that is simply not true... please, don't supply misguided information.

So I found this DAC available on Shenzhen Audio website.

Literally looks like this was released 8/9 hours ago, produced under license by Shenzhenaudio. You may be interested in the info here;

S.M.S.L D6 AK4493s Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC)

shenzhenaudio.com: professional headphone, earphone, amplifier, dac, decoder, hifi player, cable supermarket. you will find good price here.

fr.shenzhenaudio.com

JSmith

 

[Gradius]

Sorry but that is simply not true... please, don't supply misguided information.

Then you haven't read enough.

 

[JSmith]

Then you haven't read enough.

Please clarify this unusual assertion... I've obviously read people making such claims, but still no solid blind A/B results. Do you have any to post?

It's really unhelpful when a member is seeking advice and people post unsubstantiated FUD in the form of a one line throw away comment.


JSmith

 

[Veri]

Then you haven't read enough.

Let's keep such non-discussions to threads like these, yes https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...e-as-transparent-are-that-many-confused.9245/

 

[VintageFlanker]

I think @Gradius quotation marks were quite obvious and meaningful...

Whatever, I asked @SHENZHENAUDIO for a D-6 review sample, if "somehow" they wouldn't have sent one to Amir yet...

 

[Gradius]

Please clarify this unusual assertion... I've obviously read people making such claims, but still no solid blind A/B results. Do you have any to post?

It's really unhelpful when a member is seeking advice and people post unsubstantiated FUD in the form of a one line throw away comment.

I have test both ICs from different DAC brands, and I can confirm those finders. It can be FUD for you, but you will not change my opinion.

 

[staticV3]

AKM / ESS Sabre

People will hear what they want to hear

 

[JSmith]

I can confirm those finders

Great, so can you share your findings, test methodology and controls used with the membership?

FUD

... providing same will clear up uncertainty and doubt. Then others can attempt to replicate your results.


JSmith

 

[AdamG]

I have test both ICs from different DAC brands, and I can confirm those finders. It can be FUD for you, but you will not change my opinion.

OK you are not new here, so you should know this by now. This is a Science Based, facts first type of Forumn. When someone makes performance claims like you did in this thread. Your going to get challenged by other Members to provide proof/evidence to back up your claims. So here we are with you making the Subjective statement:

“ AKM tends to sound more "melow", while ESS more "harsh".

If you have any supporting Measurement data or Controlled Listener Study data to share to support your claims now is the time to post it. Otherwise, simply state for the readers, that your above quoted statements reflects your personal opinion of the performance of these DAC/Chips.

In the future be prepared to scientifically defend your generalized value statements here or clearly state that what you are saying is your personal opinion/experience and not science based. Thank you for your understanding and anticipated reply.

 

[yllanos]

Well, the thing only consumes less than 0.1W (standby)... so I don't see the point.

I do. I live in a third world country, specifically in an area where power is unreliable and low quality. I prefer to have an physical emergency shut off just in case there are constant blips on energy supply. I guess we all have different needs/usage.

Anyway, at that price range I wouldn't matter to try it out for quality. I'm getting my stereo system upgraded and this might be the perfect stepping stone... until I get to a better DAC a couple years from now while maintaining low cost.

 

[Zek]

I prefer to have an physical emergency shut off just in case

You can do this if you have a switch on the extension cord.

 

[Overseas]

More here too:

SMSL D-6 DAC

Dang it. This product has been discontinued. It is no more. It has ceased to be. A Mini DAC designed for desktop The SMSL D-6 arrives hot on the heels of SMSL’s other mini DAC, the SU-6. The biggest difference between these models is that the D-6 is fully balanced, whereas the SU-6 is not. The...

apos.audio

AKM tends to sound more "melow", while ESS more "harsh".

I still want to see a review here.

My experience is the other way round, regarding the subjective sound Ess vs AK.

 

[Overseas]

I am also looking for this DAC as I want max pure DAC performance for the money, no need for MQA, headphone or preamp function. I experienced ESS implementation in my Yamaha amp and it is very ok.

 

[cheapmessiah]

How is this that much cheaper than the DO100?

Looks interesting, i dont need it, but having a DAC with SE/BAL output might be useful since I have a couple of amps, plus the BT and remote conectivity make it very atractive.

Oh, 2 prong AC plug, dont know if thats relevant for the balanced operation of the DAC.