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SMSL M8
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SMSL M8
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Product Description
When it comes to a desktop DAC, you don’t have to go big or go home. For a compact DAC with booming sound, go for the SMSL M8, a compact device designed to upgrade your portable system to audiophile status Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downGUTB
238
Jan 4, 2017
Can't really recommend this. It's a bog-standard Sabre / XMOS DAC.
I guess it uses Nichicon caps...even if they're tiny lol. Unusally, the XMOS controller is integrated into the board. Sabre can handle up to DSD-512, but with the el-cheapo XMOS you are stuck with DSD-128 max, and DoP only. Besides, 9028 and 9038 were released last year, so why get a 9018 design? It's probably better than a Modi for example but there is nothing unique about this.
I guess it uses Nichicon caps...even if they're tiny lol. Unusally, the XMOS controller is integrated into the board. Sabre can handle up to DSD-512, but with the el-cheapo XMOS you are stuck with DSD-128 max, and DoP only. Besides, 9028 and 9038 were released last year, so why get a 9018 design? It's probably better than a Modi for example but there is nothing unique about this.
Jimster480
395
Mar 3, 2017
Okay sure, just another delusional audiophile who thinks his platinum god-tier cables make everything sound "so much more clear".
You would probably fail an A/B test with your DAC and a Realtek lmao
Cukedaddy
63
Oct 24, 2016
You might want to check out the SMSL m6... Its both a dac and headphone amp in one box... Massdrop has it once in a while... You might like it as much as I do
lukasgodfrey
13
Oct 25, 2016
lukasgodfrey Thank you for all the lessons and guide, people. I really appreciate what I am learning here.
Moving forward, I have decided to purchase the Schiit Jotunheim: http://schiit.com/products/jotunheim
Moving forward, I have decided to purchase the Schiit Jotunheim: http://schiit.com/products/jotunheim
ArthurM
2684
Jan 5, 2016
We have some great news everyone. Our vendor has informed us that inventory will become available to them within the next few days. They will be working hard to prepare this order for shipment and aim to send it from their location by the end of the week. We are currently trending for everything to be shipped out of our warehouse by the estimated ship date of 1/11.
Expect an update from us by the end of the day Pacific Time on 1/11 or sooner if something comes up.
Expect an update from us by the end of the day Pacific Time on 1/11 or sooner if something comes up.
brainwave
705
Jun 18, 2015
Hey guys, anybody interested in getting SMSL P1 Linear Power Supply for M8 / VA2 ??
It has been said P1 vastly improves performance of M8 and VA2 over the cheap included wallwart.
I would be happy to get one for my SMSL M8 if Massdrop could do P1 drop for under $100.
HaVoC-28
2
Dec 26, 2014
Less complex and simple is the DAC , easier is to implemente it correctly (most times) .
GourouLubrik
13
Dec 29, 2014
Amazon product description + a pic that show a 28 pins dac and not a 64 qlfp package.
http://www.amazon.com/SMSL-Optical-Coaxial-Asynchronous-decoder/dp/B00PS0WLX6
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT0ytAtfrZQKDTImtcP5BBJSG2-UrMdWcOCmQ1vxzcEsNRh8Ntv
There is absolutely no es9018 inside, both chip plays DSD256 natively - es9018 has been reported to also work with DSD512 but I don't think this is officially supported.
It's a portable "flagship" - not real flashship (es9012 for stereo only, es9O18 for both mono, stereo and multichannel applications).
es9018k2m consume less energy, but provide only 2 dacs units instead of 8. I won't go into technical details, but using 4 dacs units in parallel make it better/easiers for I/V stage.
es9018k2m cost 18.90$ per unit / 65.90$ per unit at Ismosys (official distributor) You can check prices here: http://ecommerce.ismosys.com/ordering/index.php?manufacturers_id=34
You pointed up a diy kit at 66$ (that needs 3 external regulated power supply which add costs)
es9018 is more versatile, much more complex and costly to use. A good implementation scheme is using separate VCC L+R /VDD L+R /DVCC. That's 5 power supply rails only for the dac chip, Shunt type are advised because the chip is sensitive to output impedance of the power supply. Es9018K2M only needs two.
As you see, ES9018 is still the "true" flagship, but it behave like a diva and consume much more power, so it's much more costly to implement it doing everything right. I prefer to see a 9018k2m properly done that a es9018 done badly.
Es9018k2m can detect the incoming logic signal (spdif, i2s or dsd) automatically, no need to use any hardware or software to config the signal, ES9018 needs a micro-controller for this task.
Still, es9018 has been used in "portable" DAP such as Ibasso DX100 or Sony PHA3. Upcoming fiio X7 is also rumored to sport an es9018.
There is absolutely no es9018 inside, both chip plays DSD256 natively - es9018 has been reported to also work with DSD512 but I don't think this is officially supported.
It's a portable "flagship" - not real flashship (es9012 for stereo only, es9O18 for both mono, stereo and multichannel applications).
es9018k2m consume less energy, but provide only 2 dacs units instead of 8. I won't go into technical details, but using 4 dacs units in parallel make it better/easiers for I/V stage.
es9018k2m cost 18.90$ per unit / 65.90$ per unit at Ismosys (official distributor) You can check prices here: http://ecommerce.ismosys.com/ordering/index.php?manufacturers_id=34
You pointed up a diy kit at 66$ (that needs 3 external regulated power supply which add costs)
es9018 is more versatile, much more complex and costly to use. A good implementation scheme is using separate VCC L+R /VDD L+R /DVCC. That's 5 power supply rails only for the dac chip, Shunt type are advised because the chip is sensitive to output impedance of the power supply. Es9018K2M only needs two.
As you see, ES9018 is still the "true" flagship, but it behave like a diva and consume much more power, so it's much more costly to implement it doing everything right. I prefer to see a 9018k2m properly done that a es9018 done badly.
Es9018k2m can detect the incoming logic signal (spdif, i2s or dsd) automatically, no need to use any hardware or software to config the signal, ES9018 needs a micro-controller for this task.
Still, es9018 has been used in "portable" DAP such as Ibasso DX100 or Sony PHA3. Upcoming fiio X7 is also rumored to sport an es9018.
Spincervino
1
Apr 12, 2016
I have two questions before I decide: 1) the device comes with Nort American plug, I live in Europe, should I buy a new power adapter? 2) Have a Mac, small cd's are not supported, how could I read the one that comes with?
Jaggi
737
Apr 16, 2016
Judging by the product photos, the power cord that connects the wall socket to the power supply seems to have a standard figure-8 (IEC C7) connector on the end. Rather than buying a plug adapter you could just buy a replacement power cord with appropriate local wall plug for a few dollars. That's if you don't already have a spare cord or two lying around from an old radio, battery charger, etc.
LStigmire
25
Apr 17, 2016
JaggiI think you guys are correct, just looked at the power supply that came with my M8, and it says input 100-240 V.
nalston
8
Feb 13, 2016
I purchased one of these from the last drop and it works great, but I do dislike the 5-min idle auto turn off function. Wish there was a way to disable it. It wouldn't be so bad it turned off but left the USB connection on.
nalston
8
Feb 13, 2016
Thanks userfriendly! I was hoping there was a way to turn off the "auto standby" function.
WannaBeOCer
3
Feb 15, 2016
nalstonPressing the power button for two seconds when it is on. It should switch from "Auto Standby On" to "Auto Standby Off" (or vice-versa). This works on mine, which has the latest firmware. They released this firmware around 6 months ago.
Doge91
35
Jan 5, 2017
Can we please get some clarification - is it the most updated model that supports DSDx256?
Villy
68
Mar 12, 2016
Last Saturday I received my M8 from the last drop, it was burning since then almost non-stop and today I put thru some (more or less) critical listening. This is my impression for those interested in how the DAC performs. It is my personal opinion of course. I also bought SMSL's linear power supply, and I'll add notes for that too.
M8 impressed me at right out the box, spent about 5 mins or so but knowing there is more to come after burning I thought it was very good. Especially considering at its size, common, this thing is really tiny looking at it next to my Matrix X-Sabre. Then I let it burn undisturbed for some 5 days or so.
I won' t bore you with highs, lows and mids. The bottom line is: M8 rocks any way I slice it. Comparing it to X-Sabre (costing about 9 times more) isn't fair - even when M8 is hooked to the LPS, the Matrix DAC has notably larger soundstage, deeper lows and more details. But that isn't a fair fight, is it? Next I compared it to three other DACs I happen to have in my possession - iFI Nano iDSD, Korg's DAC-100M and Grace m9xx. M8 sounds better than the first two, and trails m9xx by just a hair, really. Now, this is with SMSL's LPS. I did a number of A-B listens with/without the power supply, and came to the conclusion that the LPS is worth buying - increases the overall soundstage, adds some detail and refines lows (add some fine texture). Now, are the improvements LPS is adding dramatic? - No, they are not. Do they jsutify getting the LPS? - For me yes. The LPS is not expensive (though at $100 is 2/3 or M8's price), plus it has a second adjustable output (5, 9 and 12v) to supply another device and I used that to power a small balanced amp I have.
The comparisons to the above mentioned DACs - m9xx is better yes, but is the difference it as notable as with the X-Sabre? No, still it is notable. m9xx is really exceptional value in my opinion, all around - phenomenal design and execution, rich sound albeit somewhat warm (and that is good in my book, not tiring), and truly portable (I use it on the road and power it with a phone battery bank). But M8 is so close, one must do A-B comparison, and a close one at that, to tell them appart. As for the iFI and Korg - I thought M8 was more refined than either, which was a surprise to me especially for the iFI DAC as I hold it in high regard (another diminutive champion). The iFi still holds one huge advantage over M8 though - it's has an integrated battery that will last for about 7-9 hour session, and has an integrated amp. And so does the Korg, the Korg has no battery but is also a true portable device with the size of a flask, it runs off USB and can be taken anywhere in your pocket so it has it's niche too (and I run it off battery bank too).
Back to M8 - in short, M8 is a keeper in my book, a real keeper. If you don't have a DAC or have an old one (DSD-less, oh yes, I tested M8 with DSD64 and DSD128 - all is good) - then get it, this thing is dirt cheap for what it delivers. Excellent value, excellent! Don't judge it by it's size, it delivers the goods just as many big boys. I would recommend getting the LPS too, your millage may vary of course depending on the house/apartment wiring and what else is on line/proximity, but if you can afford the linear power supply, I recommend getting it.
M8 impressed me at right out the box, spent about 5 mins or so but knowing there is more to come after burning I thought it was very good. Especially considering at its size, common, this thing is really tiny looking at it next to my Matrix X-Sabre. Then I let it burn undisturbed for some 5 days or so.
I won' t bore you with highs, lows and mids. The bottom line is: M8 rocks any way I slice it. Comparing it to X-Sabre (costing about 9 times more) isn't fair - even when M8 is hooked to the LPS, the Matrix DAC has notably larger soundstage, deeper lows and more details. But that isn't a fair fight, is it? Next I compared it to three other DACs I happen to have in my possession - iFI Nano iDSD, Korg's DAC-100M and Grace m9xx. M8 sounds better than the first two, and trails m9xx by just a hair, really. Now, this is with SMSL's LPS. I did a number of A-B listens with/without the power supply, and came to the conclusion that the LPS is worth buying - increases the overall soundstage, adds some detail and refines lows (add some fine texture). Now, are the improvements LPS is adding dramatic? - No, they are not. Do they jsutify getting the LPS? - For me yes. The LPS is not expensive (though at $100 is 2/3 or M8's price), plus it has a second adjustable output (5, 9 and 12v) to supply another device and I used that to power a small balanced amp I have.
The comparisons to the above mentioned DACs - m9xx is better yes, but is the difference it as notable as with the X-Sabre? No, still it is notable. m9xx is really exceptional value in my opinion, all around - phenomenal design and execution, rich sound albeit somewhat warm (and that is good in my book, not tiring), and truly portable (I use it on the road and power it with a phone battery bank). But M8 is so close, one must do A-B comparison, and a close one at that, to tell them appart. As for the iFI and Korg - I thought M8 was more refined than either, which was a surprise to me especially for the iFI DAC as I hold it in high regard (another diminutive champion). The iFi still holds one huge advantage over M8 though - it's has an integrated battery that will last for about 7-9 hour session, and has an integrated amp. And so does the Korg, the Korg has no battery but is also a true portable device with the size of a flask, it runs off USB and can be taken anywhere in your pocket so it has it's niche too (and I run it off battery bank too).
Back to M8 - in short, M8 is a keeper in my book, a real keeper. If you don't have a DAC or have an old one (DSD-less, oh yes, I tested M8 with DSD64 and DSD128 - all is good) - then get it, this thing is dirt cheap for what it delivers. Excellent value, excellent! Don't judge it by it's size, it delivers the goods just as many big boys. I would recommend getting the LPS too, your millage may vary of course depending on the house/apartment wiring and what else is on line/proximity, but if you can afford the linear power supply, I recommend getting it.
Leffe
3
Mar 14, 2016
VillyThanks for your impression. Unless you do a proper side by side test with two setups of one M8 with stock power supply and the other connected to LPS, placebo might come in to effect. LPS effect is very mixed, some saying no difference at all, some saying they do. I think it heavily depends on how resolving your headphones/IEMs are as well as your amplifier. Of course conditions are different for everyone, but happy to know that LPS makes a difference for you. Might try one in the future though.
Villy
68
Mar 14, 2016
LeffeI did not do side-by-side, have only one set :\ but did a number of quick-switching back and forth. And yes, how resolving the rest of the equipment is makes a difference. I used Music Fidelity's v90-BHA amp (it is a tiny balanced amp, the most affordable fully balanced amp with XLR inputs, though I used naturally the RCAs) and Massdrop/AKG collaboration K7XX. Keep in mind that I rewired the headphones and made them balanced, and must also mention that I used extremely detailing cable (balanced, pure silver 28AWG solid core wire, made it myself, can't afford such thing otherwise). And for the evaluation I used a set of songs, all 24bit and at least 96khz, including Dr. Chesky's Ultimate Headphone Demonstration which has a bunch of tracks that allow for exploring sound, imaging and stage depth among others. So yes everyone's millage may and will likely vary, as it depends on what follows M8 in the lineup, adding LPS may or may not feel like an improvement, I agree. That is way I noted this is my personal experience and opinion (not that it matters to anyone but me :) And I still think that M8 is a tremendous bargain, LPS or not.
fasc
28
Dec 20, 2015
Please be aware that these guys have horrible reviews for support and after-sale care. And it seems that it is not just the lack of support, but also outright rudeness that customers seem to complain about. SMSL seem happy to take your money though...:-)
I am not a disgruntled customer, and only checked on them on the internet...YMMV
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