Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Showing 1 of 155 reviews about:
SMSL SU-8 Version 2 DAC & SH-8
Jnever1
23
May 10, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
Bells and whistles I will never use
The SMSL SU-8 replaces an Aune X1S. I bought it specifically to run XLR cables to a couple of active studio monitors, while also providing clean output over RCA to an Aune X7S headphone amp. It is the primary DAC used with my office laptop when I work from home, as well as with my home desktop PC.
For all I can tell, there is effectivly zero perceptible sonic difference between the X1S and the SU-8. Even fooling around with the SU-8s filters and DSP settings, I can barely - honestly, it's probably psychosomatic - tell the difference. They are both very clean, seemingly "linear" DACs.
I have found that I most enjoy the "Tube 2" DSP setting when I feel a need for more warmth in my music. The other DSP settings do not color the sound in any way I have been able to appreciate.
I prefer that the SU-8 is only a DAC and not a DAC/AMP, like the X1S.
I very much enjoy that the SU-8 comes with a remote control.
Being able to use both studio monitors and headphones makes the SU-8 the clearly superior hardware, in my eyes. YMMV
Recommends this product? Yes
Josepfe
49
Oct 14, 2020
Jnever1Hi Jnever1, thanks for your review. Could you please tell me whether the remote is only for controlling the volume of the powered speakers?. Or does it also serve to control the volume of the Aune X7S?. Many thanks in advance!.
(Edited)
Jnever1
23
Oct 15, 2020
JosepfeI just tested: Volume control works via remote control from the SU-8, through RCA cables, to the X7S (and the X7S volume knob still works, too).
Please note that I am using digital source (usb).
Josepfe
49
Oct 16, 2020
Jnever1Many thanks, it is very much appreciated :-)
junyong647
0
Jan 4, 2021
Jnever1I was actually planning to get this smsl Su8 to replace my x1s, in your opinion is there any noticeable difference between the Su8 and x1s ?
Jnever1
23
Jan 4, 2021
junyong647DAC-wise, none to my untrained ear.
There are a number of other considerations, though:
The x1s has a (limited) headphone amp, the su-8 has no amp.
The su-8 has balanced out, the x1s does not.
The x1s stacks like crap on other-branded gear, the su-8 is nice and blocky.
The x1s has a soft, satin-y shean to the silver, the su-8 looks more like a daimond dusted spray paint.
The su-8 has more digital 'features', the x1s is more pass-through.
The su-8 has a remote, the x1s has a knob.
...you get the idea.
The x1s sits on my nightstand, for bedtime listening. It fulfills my all-in-one needs, there. The su-8 stays in my office, providing balanced input to a couple of studio monitors, as well as single-ended input to an aune x7s, that I use to drive hifiman planar headphones.
(Edited)
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
NMPacella
New here
Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop