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SMSL SU-8s DAC

SMSL SU-8s DAC

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Frequently bought together:
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Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones
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Drop + Audio-Technica Carbon VTA Turntable
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Drop + HIFIMAN HE5XX Planar Magnetic Headphones
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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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?
Diesi
0
Oct 14, 2022
Before I pose my inquiry, please forgive any ignorance about the way DROP's drops function or any other oversight on my part. When DROP indicates that an item is "Sold Through" does that mean that it may return or that it will eventually return? A quick web search revealed that as of today's date (2022-10-14) the SMSL SU-8s is still a listed product on the SMSL website, but I figure that doesn't necessarily mean it's technically still being produced. Sometimes companies lag in updated their websites or purposely leave no longer manufactured products on their websites for some time. Any clarification from those who have shopped DROP for some time or who are otherwise well-informed would be much appreciated!
JTrubs
195
Aug 30, 2022
Just received an email notification a few hours ago that this SU-8s DAC was available. Is it already sold out again?
debuggerus
2
Jul 28, 2022
got a shipping notification today.
DALE
41
Aug 3, 2022
How does it sound now?
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
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
Jul 30, 2022
I'm not sure what to expect for $180 but here's hoping it's a good performer for the money, it will be going between my Mac Mini and Emotiva Airmotiv 6S powered monitors, I currently own the Topping D70 and the Grace SDAC Balanced, other gear, THX AAA-789 and Senn HD58X, Sherbourn PT-7030, Outlaw 7000X and Chane 753 towers so I will try it in all three systems.
(Edited)
The SMSL DAC that replaces this model - the DO100 - has LDAC and DSD support, a USB-C connection, and an LED display.
Daedalus76
3
Jul 3, 2022
So since this one doesn't have 2 dac chips is it not actually balanced?
frivoflava29
147
Jul 3, 2022
Daedalus76Honestly, I don't even know what balanced is supposed to mean when it comes to DACs. This is balanced in that you're getting differential output but it is not dual mono.
brainwave
703
Jun 18, 2022
I was eyeing this great DAC since it got out in 2021, and with AKM DACs mostly out of the circuits... Ah, just can't resist the clearance price.
brainwave
703
Jun 19, 2022
After the 2020 Nobeoka factory fire, there is a shortage of Asahi Kasei DACs and complimentary AKM chips. Many manufacturers switched to chips from other makers for their newest DACs, some even modified their current models to use ESS chips instead of AKM DAC chips.
Rotorooter
11
Jul 1, 2022
There is absolutely nothing wrong with theses dacs chips sets. . I have them in 2 devices RME adi-1 and AK 100mk2 and there seems to be a preference for the AKM chip version over the ESS in the RME.
Cferrer1983
79
Jul 1, 2022
I'm just here thinking how good of a deal this is at $180 with the $20 discount is from that summerof22 coupon code, it came to $173.20 (tax and shipping included) and as CheapAudioMan put the Geshelli J2 in S Tier and youtuber Passion For Sound did perceive almost any difference between this and the J2, I can say this is a winner.
newitx
0
Jul 1, 2022
I am sorry for asking about a payment issue, but whenever I tried to purchase for this item, my request was rejected in the final stage. Is this on sale only for US customers? I attempted to buy it with various credit cards and even PayPal, but no cigar.
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