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SMSL SU-8 Version 2 DAC & SH-8
01 / 08
SMSL SU-8 Version 2 DAC & SH-8
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Product Description
Ideal for placing at the center of your hi-fi system, the SMSL SU-8 boasts high-end DAC features at a surprisingly low price. It’s built with many of the current specs you might expect to see in a more expensive model, including dual ES9038Q2M DAC chips, an xCORE-200 XMOS USB audio solution, and dual XLR outs for a fully balanced output Read More
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Kaisei
5
May 6, 2021
Currently something wrong with this page. It won't let you add anything to the cart.
Raths
169
Mar 25, 2021
So, i have the SU-8 already and was wondering if i pickup the SH-8
i run the 6xx/58x/660s/560s/HE-5XX/pc38X
now for 150 / 200 i could pickup
Schiit stack (Modi 3+ & Heresy)
Atom Stack
Schiit Magnius
Schiit HEL 2 (basically the schiit stack in one with a bit less power)
THX AAA ONE
there's a EL AMP II round me for 230
was wondering on peoples thoughts one what i should go for and why.
(Edited)
Tsai250
0
Feb 9, 2021
Does anyone know if the volume control can be bypassed so it performs like a DAC using balanced connection into a preamp?
rhing
7
Feb 6, 2021
This morning, I finally had time to make a pair of Mogami 2549 balanced XLR interconnects with Switchcraft XLR connectors to connect my new SMSL SU-8 v.2 DAC to my Pass DIY Aleph J single-ended Class A amplifier driving my Klipsch Forte II speakers. I’m using the volume control built into the DAC to control volume to the Aleph J.
(Edited)
Redcap
18
Feb 6, 2021
Thanks for the prompt reply, and accompanying info. It's very much appreciated.
I totally agree with you about the form factor coolness of the Switchcraft as compared to Neutrik. I'll check out Markertek.
Your McIntosh is stunning. By comparison, I'm still slumming it with an old Dynaco ST70 and a couple of other geriatric tube amps. I'd certainly be interested in hearing your thoughts on whether the McIntosh 240 and SMSL SU-8 play nice with one another.
Cheers
rhing
7
Feb 7, 2021
RedcapI have no doubts. The SMSL SU-8 v.2 DAC is a winner and I expect it to play nicely with the MC240. The Dynaco ST-70 is a classic tube amp. I also have a rebuilt Dynakit Stereo 35 tube amp using EL84/6BQ5 tubes with the original Dynaco Z565 output transformers. If anything, the Dynaco output transformers were the reason why the Dynaco tube amps sound so good.
Not having a schematic, I cannot tell if the two red Wima film caps in the analog stage of the SMSL SU-8 v.2 DAC surrounding the TI OPA1612 op amp on the single ended outputs are also in the signal path of the balanced outputs. There's nothing wrong with the Wima film caps as I've used them in other projects, but I wonder if that might contribute to the greater transparency I hear when using the balanced connections versus single ended connections (no caps vs. caps). I'm sure the higher output of the balanced connections helps. My main concern was whether the digital volume control that is built into the ESS DACs might be a traditional digital volume control that adversely effects sound quality with lower levels, but from what I can hear, that is not the case.
Somewhat surprisingly, my Nelson Pass-designed, self-built Aleph J single ended Class A solid state amplifier can go toe-to-toe with the McIntosh MC240. I have rebuilt the MC240 and put a lot of elbow grease into putting some very high end components like new German-made power supply caps, expensive film and paper-in-oil caps and an upgraded bias supply. Both the Aleph J and the MC240 are capable of producing a huge holographic soundstage with exceptional detail and separation. I love the ability to hear the quality of the engineer's work on the mix on recordings, and both of these amps can reproduce this very well.
Lastly, I use the Raspberry Pi4 computer for streaming Tidal, high resolution DSD recordings and my own music collection in FLAC file format. It is a very capable and affordable bit-perfect source for the SMSL SU-8 v.2 DAC. I use Volumio, because I like the simple, clean interface and the ability to search multiple sources for music with a single search. I bought a 4GB Raspberry Pi 4 with the Vilros fan-cooled die-cast Aluminum enclosure and use the USB 2.0 connection to the SMSL SU-8 v.2 DAC. I cannot hear the fan unless I put my ear over the fan vent. The Raspberry Pi 4's USB interface does not have the noise and interference issues that earlier version have, and the WiFi connectivity is solid.
Redcap
18
Feb 6, 2021
lztlztmhIt's unclear as to whether you're trying to contact Drop or the manufacturer.
If you're wanting to contact Drop, their email is : support@drop.com
If you're wanting to contact the manufacturer, their email is : support@shenzhenaudio.com
Perhaps they replied to you, but their email met its demise in your junk mail or spam folder.
c0ld
114
Jan 5, 2021
Can you control the right and left volume levels for this DAC? I bought the D10s and and was disappointed I couldn't.
rhing
7
Feb 7, 2021
c0ldNo. The digital volume control changes volume for both left and right channels simultaneously. The sound is balanced, so I am not sure why you want to control the balance to each channel. If you want that level of control, you will need to invest in an outboard volume control or preamp that provides balance control.
Lmvrtinez
51
Dec 23, 2020
I want a DropxS.M.S.L collab to bring us this SU-8X in limited edition black to match the 789.
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