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SMSL SU-8s DAC
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SMSL SU-8s DAC
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Product Description
The SMSL SU-8s is an excellent audiophile DAC—providing incredible audio performance without all the extras that muddy the experience. In essence, the goal is to provide listeners with SMSL’s industry-leading audio performance without the spec sheet diving and research time usually required Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downhp4fun
32
Jun 21, 2022
Need to resist coz I already have SU-9! At this bargain price it is just no brainer, even as a backup DAC (why do I need a backup DAC? idk.......).
musicnut23
4
Jun 23, 2022
hp4funYou need a back up DAC for that one time when lightning struck and it killed the other one.... True story 😑
whodiini
25
Jun 24, 2022
hp4funI gave up resisting. I also have a SU-9 and bought this drop..... Of course I need a backup to my backup DAC. Seriously, many reviews mention that the SU-8S is harsher than the SU9 in the treble. Will be interesting to see if that is true. The SU-9 is the smoothest yet detailed DAC by Chifi.
whodiini
25
Aug 4, 2022
here are a suggested set of settings to optimize the 8S. I can only say these worked best for me and another reviewer. Maybe something else will work better for you.
1) Outputs: disable the ones you arent using
2) DPLL: lower is better. Use the lowest that doesnt result in drop outs. I use #1. Lower jitter is better
3) PCM filter: Slow minimum. This results in less phase distortion and less pre-ringing.
4) sound color. I prefer rich 1.
5) Premode: VOL fixed if you have another way to control volume after the SU8S. vol variable if you dont. It is better to control it on the 8S than on your computer.
Enjoy!
Benfromboston
0
Jan 15, 2023
whodiiniI happened upon this message today and was pleased to see that my su-8s settings matched exactly to those in whodiini’s guide. I use a Cambridge Audio AXR85 amp and Polk R200 speakers. My source is a Wiim Pro and I’ve never had a Jitter issue even though I keep DPLL on the Su-8s at MIN. So, obviously, I think this guide is spot on. Thanks whodiini.
P.S. does anyone else feel like the performance out of the su8s’s balanced XLR output is better than the unbalanced RCA out, even if you just use an XLR to RCA cable into your amp’s RCA in?
Luis
35
Jun 18, 2022
Would this be an upgrade for my Chord Mojo? I already have the DROP THX AAA 789, bluetooth is not important to me. Thanks for your suggestions.
(Edited)
citysinz
33
Jun 19, 2022
LuisAdded the SU-9 to my collection for Black Friday price ($390), after a lot of research. Per Reviews:
"Both have a fairly different sound presentation even though they both use ESS DACs. The SU-8S has a higher focus on mids and treble and the SU-9 has better detail retrieval yet doesn’t come off as bright and goes for a relaxed sound signature."
At this price ($180), SU-8S is really interesting.
whodiini
25
Aug 3, 2022
Received the 8S and compared it to the 9. Initial impressions - straight out of the box, with minimal warmup and burn in. Its a winner. There are subtle differences between the 8S and 9, but not big enough to warrant the price difference for most people. I listened thru the Massdrop Koss electrostatic, which is revealing. The 9 is more transparent. Its got that last few percent in life. Whether or not it matters to you is up to you. The 8S has a slightly better balance, with less of a tilt in the treble. The 8S sounds great. The 9 has that quality that sometimes just grabs your attention and you sit up and say holy s... But that requires tuning things just right. With the 9, cables made a difference. The 8S not so much. Also, some comments online said it was harsher in the upper mids - I did not hear that. I am very impressed what $200 can buy now. Will update this as I listen more and it burns in. Oh, also, can hear the difference streaming TIDAL with MQA on and off. Not sure which is preferable,
creimes77
27
Aug 5, 2022
DALEHaven't received mine yet, it shipped to the border and a friend brings it back for me but not for a few weeks :( my Topping D70 will get me by for now haha
postwarscars
1367
Jun 28, 2022
It doesn't work. Everyone's been talking about it because a user mentioned it, but it's not applicable. $180 is still very low however, so holding off on a purchase over an already heavily reduced item seems strange to me. I get it, more money saved, but there are gifthorses and things.
MaskingTape
2
Jun 28, 2022
postwarscarsTotally agree. This is still an insane price for feature rich DAC. I was abled to apply the code and thought to share with this great community.
musicnut23
4
Jun 23, 2022
This unit vs a Bifrost 1 Multibit USB 5 which converts DSD to PCM?
Linux & JRiver support? Using Ubuntu server and JRiver Media Center.
I run a 2 channel setup out of the music server to the DAC via USB and then out to the Pre with unbalanced RCA.
Already happy with my setup but have been considering a DSD capable DAC. I realize the price on this SMSL is good, but I would not want a drop in sound quality.
musicnut23
4
Jun 23, 2022
Not sure my message came across clearly, my apologies.
I already own the Bifrost MB 😁.
Looking to validate the expense (even at this discounted price) of the SMSL as a 2nd DAC for DSD playback.
Appreciate your response though!
postwarscars
1367
Jun 23, 2022
musicnut23Oh, yes, it seemed like you were comparing two unpurchased DACs. My bad!
I guess it's really down to how much you value DSD playback. There are cheaper DACs for that purpose, though this one is a particularly good price on a very decent DAC.
NorCal73
1
Jun 18, 2022
I am completely new to the world of DAC and high fidelity music in general. I don’t currently own any equipment. Would this be a good starter unit? What other equipment can you all recommend? Any good sites I can check out to educate myself? Thanks!
mattris
1266
Keyboard Club Member
Jun 21, 2022
NorCal73In an audio system, the DAC converts a digital signal - from a source like a phone, tablet, computer, CD player, or TV - to an analog one. The analog signal can then be sent - via compatible cables - to one of the following listening methods:
[1] headphones + a headphone amplifier
[2] speakers + a speaker amplifier
[3] powered speakers that contain amplifiers (sometimes called 'powered monitors')
As with all purchases, you should select your audio components based on what - and how - you want to listen.
confed
230
Jun 24, 2022
Was thinking about getting this to pair with the THX AAA One Linear amp. Anyone with experience on that pairing?
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