This Cheap DAC is Tiny and Mighty - SMSL SU1 Review

Ойын-сауық

SMSL SU1 amzn.to/44ARP2v ($80)
Hifiman 400 SE ($109)
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0:00 Start
0:39 Intro
2:50 Under the Hood
5:18 Comparisons
8:29 How does it Sound?
12:13 Final Thoughts
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Пікірлер: 250

  • @cheapaudioman
    @cheapaudioman Жыл бұрын

    SMSL SU1 amzn.to/44ARP2v ($80) Hifiman 400 SE ($109) Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

  • @ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ
    @ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ5 ай бұрын

    For those just discovering this review, I have a tip. I think this may have already been covered. The power you send this DAC is very important to the sound. I stupidly had it plugged into a cheap home automated multi plug. I didn't notice any problem until today. I thought the cord might be the problem, but the power source was giving me a faint Morse code-like noise. Tried several devices until I found that my receiver USB was absolutely dead quiet. Back to 70's funk! Hope this helps at least one person.

  • @tw_judy

    @tw_judy

    2 ай бұрын

    the morse code like noise is probably interference from your wifi router or extender

  • @neutron564
    @neutron5646 ай бұрын

    I got an SU-1 for Christmas and the difference from the internal DAC in my Wiim Mini is literally night and day. It is incredible

  • @jeffchristian6798
    @jeffchristian6798 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent, thank you. Your channel keeps getting better and better. BTW, love the Maxell shirt.

  • @cheapaudioman

    @cheapaudioman

    Жыл бұрын

    thanks!

  • @thesleepingwolf
    @thesleepingwolf9 ай бұрын

    Got this on this latest Prime Day event, and even after reviews I am pleasantly surprised and impressed. For a secondary system using a thrift store bought bluray player as a transport , an Ayima A07, some old precision acoustic bookshelf speakers, I can't tell much a difference from my main system using a Yamaha Home theater receiver. Keep up these kind of product reviews. When you have a budget , the "cheap" works very well for me.

  • @tsyriac

    @tsyriac

    9 ай бұрын

    How much did you get it for ?

  • @lifeseeker9777

    @lifeseeker9777

    9 ай бұрын

    @@tsyriac I got it about 71$ at the same Prime day. Now it's 80, but still a way more has a value than that. I'd spend 100$ for it.

  • @bradmcmahon3156
    @bradmcmahon3156 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much for the review. I saw this on Ali a few weeks back and was hoping you were going to review it. I couldn't find a DAC at that price point that could input USB,OPT and Coax. I had a feeling it was going to sound OK and I'm glad you confirmed it. It looks like it is what I am looking for as I am on a very strict budget and conversion rates + postage or local retailer markups make US produced gear too expensive for me in Australia.

  • @stevelouie5928

    @stevelouie5928

    Жыл бұрын

    The Aiyima dac a2 has all you are looking for but at a much lower cost. Under 40 usd.

  • @bradmcmahon3156

    @bradmcmahon3156

    Жыл бұрын

    @@stevelouie5928 Thanks, I will look into the budget Ayima/Fosi Audio ones a little more. Hard to find good reviews on them though.

  • @thepaintedsock
    @thepaintedsock4 ай бұрын

    Thankyou for the review. It sent me on an exploration of trial and error between a few DACs. After pushing music through the dac via optical to my active eris 5 (cheap monitors) I could hear a crystal clean sound from the su-1 but it sounded too digital and failed on various frequencies with typical dance music and was harsh and week or too edgy and not worth it even for £60. Though it was better than a non branded dac of £30 I've now settled with a modi 3. The modi 3 I think is the base level and is warmer sounding. It sounds great with accoustic guitar and vocals but even that might be too detailed and fatiguing if listening to dance music for hours, but it gets away with it. The modi 3 is palatable for dance music and a joy with live music. Better than the su-1. So my advice - don't waste your money on this su-1. Get a modi 3 or better. Anything less than £100 I think is wasted money. You maybe ok just listening on headphones, but why not spend an extra £40.

  • @chuckblank9063
    @chuckblank906311 ай бұрын

    Love your plain spoken audio intelligence. This S.M.S.L. SU-1 makes my 2yr old, broken in Koss Pro 4AA cans sound amazing. Two other budget dacs couldn't do it. Falling in love again!!! Thanks for helping to convince me to buy this dac.

  • @ThomasSielaff
    @ThomasSielaff Жыл бұрын

    Noticed your shirt. I had a poster of that way back when. I believe it was included in 10pack of cassettes

  • @Ans12237
    @Ans122378 ай бұрын

    I like that you put these things into context. Some people tell you products like this suck because they don't sound as good on their 2.5k headphones which these never were intended to be used with

  • @adamcanterbury
    @adamcanterbury Жыл бұрын

    Perfect execution, like the other guy said..."Randy's back"...love the whole vibe and layout of this review...Thank You for all your hard work bringing us information and entertainment...😊

  • @cheapaudioman

    @cheapaudioman

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you! this video was a lot of fun to make.

  • @stevezeidman7224
    @stevezeidman7224 Жыл бұрын

    Now, that was fun! Great intro.

  • @andyanderson9446
    @andyanderson9446 Жыл бұрын

    Best and most fun intro yet!

  • @markcompton6750
    @markcompton675010 ай бұрын

    I have one of these, from tv to my Musical Fidelity amp. Sounds just brilliant 👍

  • @MKPatrick
    @MKPatrick Жыл бұрын

    Loving the new intro sequence

  • @bigredwag
    @bigredwag Жыл бұрын

    You've been hazed; that explains a lot😮! Love the new intro 👍

  • @RileytheBunny
    @RileytheBunny9 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the review. Just picked this up as it allows me to utilize usb, coaxial and optical going to my Kanto YU4s at a good price.

  • @ginom407
    @ginom407 Жыл бұрын

    Love the Review and the Skee-lo reference!!! 👍👍👍

  • @edverbeek6292
    @edverbeek6292 Жыл бұрын

    Great intro. Again!!

  • @astrotrance
    @astrotrance Жыл бұрын

    Digging the schitt outta the new intro!

  • @michaelvalicek4461
    @michaelvalicek4461 Жыл бұрын

    I have been wondering for quite some time how all the DACs that you have reviewed stack up to the Emotiva ones. Months ago, I bought a PT1 on sale to get FM tuning, preamp, DAC, headphone amp and phonoamp all at once. (still in the box as I save up for T3 speakers and proper amp/monoblocks) Friends, Romans, Randy, keep lending us your ears!

  • @brandontheblack

    @brandontheblack

    Жыл бұрын

    I bought the PT1 and plugged it into my existing system, and my advice is DON'T WAIT! I noticed a big difference right away, my system has never sounded better.

  • @benkrake3678
    @benkrake3678 Жыл бұрын

    I love my SMSL C200. Just got it a few weeks ago, and it’s such an excellent allrounder DAC and headphone amplifier. It really has stepped up my digital music listening experience. The timing is spot on, it’s more tonally balanced, and I’m hearing details in the music I wasn’t hearing before. SMSL really make great audio! Thinking I might upgrade my headphones and go with the Hifiman Sundara’s, and dive into the planar magnetic headphone world!

  • @ADREISTER
    @ADREISTER Жыл бұрын

    Epic intro!🎉

  • @cheapaudioman

    @cheapaudioman

    Жыл бұрын

    thanks!

  • @seba_diaz90
    @seba_diaz90 Жыл бұрын

    I have the smsl su-1 + wiim mini to a marantz sr6015 receiver and it's great!

  • @jamesminotto8036
    @jamesminotto8036 Жыл бұрын

    Ok, Randy, lol. Bought the SMSL and Wiim Pro after your reviews. I plan on pairing them with my Grace Digital powered speakers. I'll let you know. Thanks! Go Navy

  • @JohnScheppler
    @JohnScheppler Жыл бұрын

    Great review and at this price it would be something to consider to compare to my current sabre dac.

  • @asapxd1631
    @asapxd1631 Жыл бұрын

    Hey randy was thinking on upgrading my listening experience & first time purchasing my dac/amp combo stack, but i was wondering is purchasing the Smsl c200 dac/amp combo a better alternative to actually doing a stack combo like you did with the Smsl SH-6 & Su-1 ? Really trying to get a better understanding of this whole hobby. (Mainly going to be using this for desktop purposes only). Love the videos btw !

  • @Veedthetg
    @Veedthetg Жыл бұрын

    I followed your link and ordered this from Amizon a month ago and I'm still waiting for it. The two Fosi amps I bougth on Ali came much quicker.

  • @paultomaszewski1964
    @paultomaszewski1964 Жыл бұрын

    Well this is something, just ordered this DAC to replace my SMSL M100. The micro USB connection on the back is going out (surprise, surprise). Using it with my laptop set up because the main computer I have has a Geschelli stack with the better headphones. Needed this for when I'm downstairs watching your reviews and some music listening. Looks like I made a solid choice.

  • @cheapaudioman

    @cheapaudioman

    Жыл бұрын

    let me know what you think of it

  • @sheiksdetail
    @sheiksdetail7 ай бұрын

    I have an onkyo tx-nr6050 with a wiim pro plus, would it make sense to pair with this dac? Would it sound better? Or should I only stick with the wiim pro plus dac? Also, would it improve the sound if i pair klipsch's The fives + wiim pro plus + this Dac?

  • @rockroll9513

    @rockroll9513

    3 ай бұрын

    Get a better DAC.

  • @VicariousYank
    @VicariousYank Жыл бұрын

    Hey! I have that T-shirt! Love that shop in my home town!

  • @vvraithz
    @vvraithz Жыл бұрын

    Love the new intro! 😂

  • @cheapaudioman

    @cheapaudioman

    Жыл бұрын

    just having some fun with it. hopefully it will morph over time

  • @vvraithz

    @vvraithz

    Жыл бұрын

    @@cheapaudioman having fun is the best way to work!

  • @unstablenetwork4744
    @unstablenetwork4744 Жыл бұрын

    Randy is back! Great review injected with that CAM humor we've been missing. Be bop a loo bop - I'm the DAC Man - would have been a good theme intro.

  • @cheapaudioman

    @cheapaudioman

    Жыл бұрын

    thanks!

  • @randyroberson1179
    @randyroberson11799 ай бұрын

    Hey I also have a Metallica guitar pick that I caught in the croud, it was in little Rock Arkansas. Very useful info here, thank you I'm learning about dac's 😊

  • @AndyEmblow
    @AndyEmblow Жыл бұрын

    I've been using a RPi4 with volumio and a topping D10s and since powering it with a battery pack to power the Pi I've been impressed with the performance. If I use the toppings bridge function to go from the RPi4 usb to Opitcal out of the topping into this SMSL SU1 do people think this is a upgrade or a sidegrade. Or should I just wait for a better DAC with the AKM chip inside. Really interested to know what people think on this. Cheers!

  • @welderfixer
    @welderfixer Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Randy. I'm sure this DAC is a great choice, but for the little extra cost I'd rather buy from our friends and neighbors at Schiit. I hope you and your family are happy and well, Kevin

  • @cv507

    @cv507

    10 ай бұрын

    tell em rounded 12v innce s... -.-

  • @lawrencecabrera5937
    @lawrencecabrera593710 ай бұрын

    Hi Randy. Love the channel! What’s your take on Audioengine DAC’s?

  • @Thomas-tf4cm
    @Thomas-tf4cm Жыл бұрын

    I wish i had a rabbit in a hat with a bat.... Skee loo 🎶 Two turntables and a microphone, Where it's At

  • @MrTalfisher
    @MrTalfisher8 ай бұрын

    Is it worth while buying for this a separate power supply? If so how does one connect a separate power supply as the USB is used for both data and power. Are there any good budget power supplies you can recommend?

  • @cdysthe
    @cdysthe Жыл бұрын

    Not sure where to put this but I would really like to see a review of the jack of all trades amp from Arylic, the modest looking B50. 😎

  • @Kumodot
    @Kumodot7 ай бұрын

    How this compares to the SMSL PO100 ? They seems to share same Chips. I am looking for one to use along with my pair of Rokit5 speakers.

  • @savamon
    @savamon Жыл бұрын

    Do you think Fosi Audio BT20A PRO would be a good match for this DAC ?

  • @wpautz
    @wpautz5 ай бұрын

    Dumb question? I'm new to all this. This would be my first DAC. Power adapters. I have a variety of phone chargers all around the house. They probably have different wattages. Newer ones a bigger, say for my Pixel phone. Anyway, does the choice matter much? Besides impact on sound quality, it can handle any adapter to USB-C without burning or dying? There's another adapter on the inside?

  • @GFClocked
    @GFClocked Жыл бұрын

    Q: is there a way to control my smsl d-6 volume via IR or toslink through a Chromecast remote? I really don't wanna have multiple remotes. Just ordered smsl d-6 as I have some weird buzzing from my gpu, like coil whine, but it goes not via air, but through hdmi cables to the tv and then through tv to the kali active speakers. No ground loop since its all on one socket and one extension cord. So I've just decided to go balanced. I did try everything to remove isolate the issue, unless it's toslink it keeps going through hdmi and rca cables from gpu to speaker ground pins. I'm afraid to use hum destroyers as some people said it can degrade audio quality. Lifting kali ground pins work, but i read you can get electrocuted this way so a nogo. Also don't wanna buy some fancy 100$+ ifi gnd stuff, that's just too much money.

  • @steveschwartz9421
    @steveschwartz9421 Жыл бұрын

    Just ordered a S.M.S.L SU-1, should be here in 2-3 weeks. Going to see if it ups the game on my Pioneer Elite PD-59. Great transport that could use a little sprucing up. ;)

  • @Erbsengeneral

    @Erbsengeneral

    11 ай бұрын

    Already arrived?

  • @steveschwartz9421

    @steveschwartz9421

    11 ай бұрын

    @@Erbsengeneral Yes. My PD-59 is a changed machine! What a bargain!

  • @Erbsengeneral

    @Erbsengeneral

    11 ай бұрын

    @@steveschwartz9421 okay, Then i will try it too. Thx Man :)

  • @steveschwartz9421

    @steveschwartz9421

    11 ай бұрын

    @@ErbsengeneralIt really cleaned things up. Opened up the sound, improved accuracy in the highs tightened up the control and range of the low end output. Cleaned up cymbals, all subtle but in my system, noticeable. I have an Oppo 95 that I usually use for listening. But I have an PD-59 and Elite PDR-19RW. The PD-59 feeds the recorder and is a great transport. Hooked this up for fun, m ay buy another for the other room too! Is it as good as my Oppo, no, but it is a heck a lot better than the 20year old Pioneer DAC hands down

  • @roelcorral7720
    @roelcorral7720 Жыл бұрын

    Nice review, would this improve my stereo performance on my onkyo tx-rz50. I have a WiiM mini as well.

  • @Rodnickeyyy
    @Rodnickeyyy9 ай бұрын

    Hi! I am very new to audio world and would like to get some advice. Would it really improve and give noticeable improvement for music and movies? I am planning to use Smart TV - DAC - Powered Speaker(Klipsch the Fives) My TV would feed PS4 and ATV 4k via HDMI.

  • @taude
    @taude Жыл бұрын

    I have first gen active vanatoo transparent one speakers . Would I want to upgrade to external DAC like this?

  • @scottlowell493
    @scottlowell493 Жыл бұрын

    I hear great things about Topping. I was told I HAD to buy Topping instead of Schiit. ASR is a Topping fan page. Problem is, unlike Schiit, they have horrible customer service, a high fail and arrive DOA rate. "Well, it sounded good for 15 minutes until it failed and I had to send it back..." Then, I got the Modius maximus and it's been working great since It was new on the market.

  • @onionknight9431

    @onionknight9431

    Жыл бұрын

    I also bought a Topping E30 because of ASR. They judge gear based on measurement and believe all dacs sound the same. Thanks to Randy, I bit the bullet and got a Denafrips Ares. Now I have a Gustard R26 and it sounds way better than E30.

  • @scottlowell493

    @scottlowell493

    Жыл бұрын

    @@onionknight9431 Channels like Randy's help dispel the Topping myth (halo effect) and I hope it helps end the topping cult. I swear ASR is the fox news of audio. Lies and cults. Topping products have the highest fail rate of any DAC. They are mass produced like garbage with little quality control. Ever try to return a topping product? It took me MONTHS and multiple e-mails to get them to admit is was defective and nothing *I* did to damage the DAC. Even when I had it the sound was "meh". There are lower cost DACs that measure and sound better than Topping, and all of the name DACS are built better.

  • @redrock425

    @redrock425

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@onionknight9431 Seems to be a daft comparison given the huge price difference.

  • @tpr299
    @tpr299 Жыл бұрын

    Is gain just a pre-set increase, or decrease that affects volume for centering volume controls, or does it affect tone in any way???

  • @cheapaudioman

    @cheapaudioman

    Жыл бұрын

    I couldn't find the remote. as it was, it was fixed output for this one. maybe the remote is sold separately but I didn't see a ir receiver anywhere on it

  • @carlosh11934
    @carlosh119344 ай бұрын

    Based on your recommendation, I went ahead and purchased the SMSL SU-1 to use with my iPhone 12 or my iPad. Now the interesting part begins. Nobody has a video or article showing what parts you need. Based on what I read, it is better to use the Coaxial DAC input to connect the iPhone, that way I can use the USB DAC port can be used for supplying the DAC with power. What cables do I need? Edit on 3/13/24: Thanks, but I got somebody else to help me. Carlos in Texas

  • @nerwin
    @nerwin8 ай бұрын

    Would I hear a big sound difference if I add this to my desktop setup? Right now my audio is just directly coming from my PC which has built in dac supremefx s1220a and its shielded....I don't hear any noise out of it. Will this SMSL SU1 dac provide an even better experience especially using the optical out? Just trying to decide if it's worth spending the $67 for it right now.

  • @JohnLasseter-ct5in

    @JohnLasseter-ct5in

    5 ай бұрын

    Yes

  • @davidgriffin79
    @davidgriffin79 Жыл бұрын

    2:33 AIUI battery power banks use PWM switching to keep the output voltage constant..

  • @Hbomb22Kaboom
    @Hbomb22Kaboom Жыл бұрын

    Can it decode MQA directly from Tidal app? Thanks for the great review as usual!!!

  • @davidgriffin79
    @davidgriffin79 Жыл бұрын

    7:18 It's not just about affordability. I'm in the process of returning a MOJO 2 because I don't like the "house" sound; I also sold a MOJO 1 for similar reasons, back in the day. A few years ago I got a Benchmark DAC3L and feeding a Rupert Neve RNHP (via balanced) got pretty much the "plugged into the mastering desk" audio I was after; the MOJO 1 was unmasked, much like the emperor, by the truth. If the SU1 has a decent implementation of the DAC chip with a well designed analogue interface, then price is irrelevant, much to the chagrin of the likes of Chord, et al.

  • @forfiter25
    @forfiter257 ай бұрын

    I'm currently testing the SMSL SU-1 DAC. Sounds wonderful, but... When I switch songs from Tidal, it always cuts off the first second. Very frustrating. This happens on coaxial. On USB it is less noticeable. My streamer is ifi zen stream. Can something be done about it, any ideas? It ruins whole experience

  • @yaniv-nos-tubes
    @yaniv-nos-tubes Жыл бұрын

    the nuforce icon hd from 15 years ago is built and designed much better, probably sounds much better and has a great headphone amp for around the same price used if you can find one.

  • @timothy7787
    @timothy7787 Жыл бұрын

    This is exactly what I have been waiting for. Just ordered it. Thanks Cheapaudioman!

  • @taleslobosco2631
    @taleslobosco2631 Жыл бұрын

    The sibilance one is the SMSL D6 DAC Review!

  • @SyzygyNoon
    @SyzygyNoon Жыл бұрын

    When I see that intro, I can’t help but think “Hm! Hm-hm! Fire! Fire! Hm-hm!”

  • @bobhopfner3812
    @bobhopfner381211 ай бұрын

    How does this compare to the Fosi Audio DAC-Q4?

  • @tonyjedioftheforest1364
    @tonyjedioftheforest13645 ай бұрын

    Just bought one to connect my iPhone 11 to my hifi. I know I would use the RCA out to my amp but how do I connect my phone to the DAC. I am completely useless with technology so any advice is appreciated.

  • @yarnykh
    @yarnykh5 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the review. I’m going to connect this DAC to active studio monitors. Could you please recommend a volume controller with a remote control

  • @richh650
    @richh650 Жыл бұрын

    I wonder how this new SMSL DAC would compare to the older Emotiva XDA-2 DAC? Anyone have any ideas?

  • @Ramonrossano
    @Ramonrossano2 ай бұрын

    Hi, I got the Fosi Audio Q4, with headphones amp (similar price) Is this a better Dac to consider chance mine for this one?, is there a several diference?

  • @ChicagoRob2
    @ChicagoRob2 Жыл бұрын

    I have a Sanskrit 10th mkIII, which uses the same 4493S chip. It is very transparent, clean, and detailed. Compared to my Schiit Modi Multibit, it’s more analytical and flatter sounding, and not quite as immersive. But, for half the price, it’s a great performer.

  • @doctormidnight

    @doctormidnight

    Жыл бұрын

    I work at Goodwill and we got a Sanskrit 6th anniversary in about a week ago. I'm time limited from buying stuff for a minimum of 24 hours and sometimes more, but someone got it for $50. I would have charged more.

  • @ricferr6945
    @ricferr69457 ай бұрын

    You saved my life as a DJ of 1940´s.................................. Tango songs..

  • @stuartnorman8713
    @stuartnorman8713 Жыл бұрын

    How do you play DSD files through it? USB from computer or ?

  • @e-zeescrossovers6188
    @e-zeescrossovers6188 Жыл бұрын

    I loved the Skee-lo song reference. SMSL has put out some great products recently, at all price brackets. SU-8s, SH-8s, DA-9, SH-9 and similar from those series, with some patience can be found under $200. These are all incredible values, have built in power supplies, offer balanced connections, and great performance. Similarly this SMSL SU1 at $79 is an incredible value. I dont think anyone would find complaint with its performance. The primary reason to step up to the next price tier is not performance gains but convenience. The extra money gets you additional features such as more connecting options on back, volume control, display screen, which for many are unnecessary add-ons. If someone just wants performance at low cost this might be unbeatable at $79, as long as it has the connections you need.

  • @monterok006
    @monterok0068 ай бұрын

    Will it work with apple devices? Does it supports ALAC PCM up to 24bit/192kHz? thanks

  • @WardoUSA
    @WardoUSA2 күн бұрын

    How can you power the SMSL SU-1? USB-C connects to the back? Do you need to turn the unit on and off or is it automatic?

  • @m4nc1n1
    @m4nc1n1 Жыл бұрын

    Randy have you tried the Emotiva Big Ego+?

  • @TD402dd
    @TD402dd7 ай бұрын

    It doesn't have a hand controller, but they did give you a too short cable for a power wall wart. I have my own high quality cable (6 feet) to find the power strip.

  • @dahaizang
    @dahaizang5 ай бұрын

    I bought this DAC because of this video. However, there is a half second of silence before this DAC starts to output sound when I start to play, so I miss the start of the music. I wonder if this is the problem with this DAC or a common problem with external DACs. I am simply playing KZread videos on my PC, and I see the video start to play before the sound comes out.

  • @bluerev
    @bluerev Жыл бұрын

    Been looking for something small like this to hook up to my active desktop speakers. WIll this make a sizeable difference compared to just running signal out of the onboard audio on my PC?

  • @stevelouie5928

    @stevelouie5928

    Жыл бұрын

    Probably depends if you have a dedicated sound card on your pc already. I bought a cheapo aiyima dac 02 for under $40 and it made a huge difference running it to the aiyima a07 amp. Best $40 I ever spent.

  • @billpaxton1345

    @billpaxton1345

    Жыл бұрын

    yeah it makes a difference... i have a asus rog x570 board that has a dac chip they say is the best.... well when i ran a separate dac (the topping d10s) to a pair of edifier powered speakers it made quite the difference, an $80 difference? yes.... a $120 difference? yes..... a $200+ difference? not really thats kinda stretching it if you dont have the power and speakers that could "utilize" the difference. since then i have kinda replaced everything in my system, started off with just the edifier powered speakers (i think the BT1100s or something, the ones that are stupid popular) and got some kef ls50s and an emotiva ta2.... after upping system to well over $2k now, the dac i still use is the topping d10s, it was the cheapest but best upgrade i made. spending money on better equipment is only going to be helpful if the signal thats sent is good to begin with and that starts with the dac as its the "start" of the analog chain. usually separates are better, and this little smsl unit looks better than what you would have currently for sure.

  • @gregbailer8701

    @gregbailer8701

    6 ай бұрын

    Yes, if you use HDMI out from PC to TV and out to coax input on DAC. Then RCA to speakers. Must send analog to speakers NOT digital.

  • @ronlucas2955
    @ronlucas29554 ай бұрын

    Will this dac be an upgrade to the stock deck on a emotiva pt1?

  • @ktcochran35620
    @ktcochran35620 Жыл бұрын

    A SIMPLE, GREAT BUDGET DAC. GREAT REVIEW, RANDY!

  • @mcjonner
    @mcjonner Жыл бұрын

    Any follow up about the remote control?

  • @bobcaravello3088
    @bobcaravello3088 Жыл бұрын

    I have the WIIM pro running right into a carver analog preamp and a Chromecast audio on another system running right into a integrated analog amp not using any DAC and love them. Would I really benefit by plugging in these streamers int this DAC? Keto up the great work.

  • @Envy701

    @Envy701

    Жыл бұрын

    I was in the same position when I bought the Wiim Pro. Do I? Don't I. I decided to buy the latest version of the Schiit Modi + due to Randy's and other like minded reviews. I paid over the odds as I'm in the UK but what a difference it made. It now brings a smile to my face each time I listen to it. In my mind, the Wiim Pro DAC is sort of okay but very harsh on the higher frequencies, and to be honest it grated on me after a while.

  • @kellybest2357

    @kellybest2357

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes. The Schitt Modi really helped with bass 'pop'. Made a noticable improvement in the sound from my wiim

  • @ericaudio
    @ericaudio5 ай бұрын

    Has anyone used this successfully with iPad/iPhone? However could not get working with a direct USB connection. Do I need a powered USB Hub to give enough power here? The manual is not helpful. The SMSL website does not have any information even the scant user manual on it's webpage. I did get it working with optical from WiiM Pro and with Coax from CD transport. Thanks.

  • @jamiljackson4779
    @jamiljackson4779 Жыл бұрын

    Thumbs up just for the Skee-lo I wish song

  • @dbnpoldermans4120
    @dbnpoldermans41203 ай бұрын

    Does this turn on when power is fed or do I have to turn it on seperately every day when Power is turned on in my office?

  • @HiFiSB

    @HiFiSB

    3 ай бұрын

    You have to turn it on manually by pressing the power button a little bit longer.

  • @silkhead44
    @silkhead446 ай бұрын

    i've had both...the schiit modi USB port stopped working after two years...$55.00 to fix.....I prefer the sound of the SMSL...the coaxial port sound is phenomenal for the price

  • @tonym8358
    @tonym8358 Жыл бұрын

    Time to do a new Dac tier? All batteries bank are not the same inside, the best uses 18650 battery which are built rolled like capacitors, other power bank that uses sandwich battery are bad sounding

  • @monterok006
    @monterok0068 ай бұрын

    Will it work with IOS devices or does it support pcm up to 24/192?

  • @mohammedalomari1998
    @mohammedalomari19984 ай бұрын

    Thanks Can i use this dac with my cheap sony dvd player to connect it to the amplifier ? Kind regards

  • @superunknown2812

    @superunknown2812

    4 ай бұрын

    Yes you can I just recently got one and have it hooked up to my dvd player as a cd transport as long as your dvd player has digital coaxial on the back your good to go

  • @mohammedalomari1998

    @mohammedalomari1998

    4 ай бұрын

    @@superunknown2812 Thank you very much Kind regards

  • @kraig7777
    @kraig7777 Жыл бұрын

    Just got mine today... and I already have a gripe. The light on the front that indicates the source is kind of bright and blinks whenever you aren't playing music. At night with no other lights on your room is blinking like a strobe light. I'd give it 5 stars for the sound quality per dollar but I'm going to have to take a star away for the piece of black electrical tape I had to put on the front to cover the light.

  • @Daandeslions

    @Daandeslions

    10 ай бұрын

    Dude: Get yourself a powersocket with remote, they cost next to nothing these days. I've got 8 Technics components and a streamer. They all have stand-by LED's that make my living room look like one of them rooms where you develop your oldschool photo's. What's that called, a redroom?

  • @kraig7777

    @kraig7777

    10 ай бұрын

    @@Daandeslions I don't want to turn it off.

  • @Daandeslions

    @Daandeslions

    10 ай бұрын

    @@kraig7777 why not, you use it as a searchlight when you come in the room to sleepwalk? So you can see, but won't wake up because you don't have to turn on the lights?

  • @kraig7777

    @kraig7777

    10 ай бұрын

    @@Daandeslions Because I'm sitting right in front of it playing records, or surfing the internet on a laptop, or watching TV. I have other things to listen to besides just a DAC.I understand for a poor person it might be all they have to listen to but I have other options.

  • @Daandeslions

    @Daandeslions

    10 ай бұрын

    @@kraig7777 I understand that a poor person has only one place to sit and listen in their tiny home.

  • @j.t.cooper2963
    @j.t.cooper2963 Жыл бұрын

    My, what a small DAC you have there.

  • @crew4906
    @crew4906 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, SMSL SU-1 or TOPPING DX1?

  • @JMJM75257
    @JMJM75257 Жыл бұрын

    This vs topping e50? would be interesting if the smsl can outcompete!

  • @thailandstreetscenes

    @thailandstreetscenes

    Жыл бұрын

    Buy whatever is cheaper, and save the rest of money on future speaker or headphone upgrades ;)

  • @ADNesau
    @ADNesau6 ай бұрын

    smsl su1 or schiit Modi+ ?

  • @JDM613
    @JDM613 Жыл бұрын

    I have the SMSL D300. Im thinking of picking up another dac for another setup, and wonder how this would sound in comparison. I like how small it is!

  • @fatboyvin

    @fatboyvin

    Жыл бұрын

    same here, recently sold the smsl d300 and got schiit modi 3e. Totally regret it. The d300 is the best sounding dac I have ever had. I wonder if the topping e70 velvet is better than the d300, if not i am getting the d300 again.

  • @JDM613

    @JDM613

    Жыл бұрын

    @@fatboyvin the d300 really does sound fantastic. I did pick up the c100, which is basically the su1 with a display and bluetooth, And I gotta say... It sounds just as good and smooth (with filter 4) as the d300 does. Its different, but not a bad different. I am happy with it for use with a 2nd system, so I am not tempted to buy another d300, for now. Lol.

  • @fatboyvin

    @fatboyvin

    Жыл бұрын

    @@JDM613 does that mean the su1 will sound similar to d300 too? if so, it would be a steal

  • @ehong123

    @ehong123

    Жыл бұрын

    I tested both SMSL c100 and the SU-1 DAC in my system. I returned the c100, the SU-1 just sounded much better, even though they had the same AKM chip. Actually I'm buying another SU-1. I put the old SU-1 with my surround soundbar and immediately the sound got much better.

  • @lucuschen9911
    @lucuschen9911 Жыл бұрын

    This or second hand e30? (Same price)

  • @D1N02
    @D1N02 Жыл бұрын

    the s in 4493s stands for silky. Without MQA this could have been even cheaper. But without a remote you cannot switch filters, so you are stuck with whichever one smsl chose for this DAC.

  • @kiv9431

    @kiv9431

    Жыл бұрын

    or “sibilance” 😉

  • @liebkraft9950
    @liebkraft9950 Жыл бұрын

    in terms of chip and form factor, this looks much like the topping dx1 which actually also has an hp amp. only has a usb input though. but if you're looking for something like that and you only want to use it on pc, i'd say go for the dx1.

  • @tim_bbq1008
    @tim_bbq1008 Жыл бұрын

    My Schitt Modi DAC stopped working when my laptop windows did an auto update. Schitt wouldn't help. I'll give this a try!

  • @cheapaudioman

    @cheapaudioman

    Жыл бұрын

    I hope that it works for you

  • @joelcarson4602

    @joelcarson4602

    Жыл бұрын

    Windows Updates: Known audio killers. I have experienced a Win 10 update that clobbered a Creative Labs X-Fi card that had worked all through Win 7 into the first half dozen Win 10 updates. With my current convoluted audio setup I view the constant stream of Windows updates with a clenched sphincter and dread.

  • @tigerbalm666
    @tigerbalm666 Жыл бұрын

    Just got a Zen Blue Air...great sounds!

  • @officeboy35
    @officeboy358 ай бұрын

    I want to use this dac with my laptop. I won't use usb. What kind of 3.5mm to RCA coaxial cable do I need? Digital?

  • @cheapaudioman

    @cheapaudioman

    8 ай бұрын

    You can only use this with a digital output from you computer. You’d need to user either usb or an optical spidf if your computer is equipped. If you went 3.5mm out of your computer you’d be using the dac in the computer.

  • @officeboy35

    @officeboy35

    8 ай бұрын

    thank you @@cheapaudioman

  • @NosEL34
    @NosEL34 Жыл бұрын

    Pair that with a WiiM mini and that's probably a nice cheap streamer ya got there.

  • @Veedthetg
    @Veedthetg Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this review. I'm going to dip my toe into the DAC experience and use it with my desktop pc. Mostly I listen to MP3's and FLAC so I'm hoping to hear and improvement. This Windows 10 system plays through and older Kenwood AV reciever into a pair of Paradigm Mini Monitor v.2 speakers and a subwoofer turned down pretty low. My other pc is a recent install of Windows 7, validated but left off line into a Fosi Audio BT300 Pro using a pair of Klipsch R-14m speakers stacked on top of the Paradigms and using an old Bose subwoofer bypassing the dead plate amplifier. Of course the first system sounds better but I love the convenience of being able to ajust the base and volume on the Fosi. Not sure which system I will put the SU1 on yet. Any comments will be welcome.

  • @gregbailer8701

    @gregbailer8701

    6 ай бұрын

    Added SU-1 yesterday to my Windows 10 PC. Hdmi out to TV and TV coax out to DAC. This device replaced my Volt 2 audio interface DAC $300 with Unknown ($3) chip, and sound output is massive upgrade. Blue ray (CD) transport, movies, sports, Windows media player .wav, .flac all great. Amazon Music (PC app) 24/48k+ without need for streamer.

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