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SMSL SU-9n DAC
01 / 07
SMSL SU-9n DAC
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Product Description
The SMSL SU-9n is a streamlined take on SMSL’s popular classic SU-9 DAC. The “n” version takes the core of what’s great about the bigger brother—clean audio, reliable performance—and removes some bells and whistles to hit a more accessible price point Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downCCD1
55
Feb 21, 2022
Major shortcomings of reviews. In researching this DAC, I was reminded of the fundamental shortcomings of reviewers. They generally all evaluate equipment as stand alone devices, which makes sense. However, what we really want to know is how a piece of equipment will impact our existing setup. By most accounts, this is a good DAC and certainly better than the Grace DAC. But what I really want to know and will only learn thru experimentation is how well this SMSL DAC pairs with the THX AAA 789 and whether this duo will allow me to get more out of my existing headphones. No review who had not tried this DAC with my setup can tell me that.
All I’m really doing is making an educated guess that the Grace DAC is the weak link in my audio chain and that getting a better DAC might make audible improvements in my system.
If this does not work, my next move will be to change headphones. I have 3 cans right now and 2 of them aren’t going anywhere. The ones that are staying are hardly perfect, but they do some things that I value really well. The soundstage on the Koss electrostatics is really good (the bass not so good). The 6xx has good tonality, dynamics and bass (but not that great on soundstage or details). The Emu Wood Series is a better all round headphone than either of these cans, but it doesn’t do anything really well and that is its downfall for me. What would I replace it with? Right now, my money would go to the LCD X based on my listening preferences.
CCD1
55
Feb 19, 2022
I currently have two stacks: 1) ifi Zen DAC and amp Signature for the 6xx; and 2) thx aaa 789 with the Grace balanced SDAC. Stack 1 pairs so well with the 6XX, that I find myself rarely listening to Stack 2. That is what I’m trying to change with this purchase which will replace the Grace DAC. Will it work. Who knows?
Upgrade paths in audio are a tricky affair. I also looked at the Singxer SA-1 amp and would have purchased the Focal Elecs but for the QC issues. At the end of the day, I rationalized this purchase as being the least expensive of my options and a building block for a much better Stack 2 that could merit listening to in the future.
looks61
0
Feb 18, 2022
HelloThere, I would like to purchase a SMSL SU-9N DAC, but don't know how it functions. I've been using a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 100 for the last few years That I would like replace the machine above with.
My DAC now is Via my computer and Fubar2000 ( Which I download and upload my
music on ) for my audio system through my Preamp and Home Speakers and not a desktop.How would Yours Operate Please? Please advise.
Thanks,
Ally P
Kbaum
64
Feb 22, 2022
Yes, you are replacing your old but wonderful dac with a new one. I’m using mine in a speaker system. I’m using a raspberry pi with an allo digi one to stream music and drive. I also have the digital from my tv. You may or may not need to install a driver on your pc for the usb connection SMSL has that on their website. I’m really enjoying the dac. More of everything eg dynamics and cleaner imaging. Digs deeper into the music. I bought mine through apos , free shipping to Canada and a second year on the warranty
(Edited)
mdunjic
8
Feb 14, 2022
Is it available to be shipped immediately by Drop? I ordered mine via Apos Audio, but they will be able to ship by mid March only it seems. Drop price is also $50 cheaper than Apos Audio
(Edited)
headjourney2
33
Nov 27, 2021
I ordered the SMSL SU-9N based on recent reviews by Amir and HiFiGo:
Amir: "This [SINAD (aka THD+N)=121)] is exceptional performance with distortion almost shrinking down to -140 dB! This places the SU-9 in #3 position of some 350 DACs tested to date.... Extremely low noise and distortion" (Audio Science Review, 10/13/21).
HiFiGO: "The latest S.M.S.L SU-9n...still features the top-of-the-line ES9038Pro DAC chip this time paired with ES9311, a high-performance power supply chip to bring the best performance out of the Sabre DAC. It outperforms the flagship SU-9 in terms of distortion and provides a cleaner output among the two. What it takes away is MQA decoding and UAT codec support for wireless Bluetooth transmission. Other than that, the SU-9 and SU-9n are identical to each other" (10/14/21).
mdunjic
8
Feb 14, 2022
headjourney2Ordered mine through Apos Audio, they said expect to ship mid March. I am using Quad 99 CDP-2 as my DAC for about a decade, feel like it’s time to try something new and more modern 🤫😉 which has XLR outputs into my Benchmark LA4 preamplifier
(Edited)
headjourney2
33
Feb 15, 2022
mdunjicNice matchup with the Benchmark LA4 -- both are highly transparent. You're getting very clear sound reproduction.
CaptainNemo412
63
Nov 29, 2021
BOB1973Yes, but comes with extra pads so you can make it have 7 feet if you want.
Marcus22687
301
Nov 27, 2021
Headfonics Review of the SU-9n
https://headfonics.com/smsl-su-9n-review/
"Sonically, the SMSL SU-9n isn’t simply a SU-9 with no MQA, instead, it offers a trade-off for that MQA capability. The SU-9n offers something unique by having a neutral image but a thick tone and a wide and layered soundstage. This allows the SU-9n to be detailed while forcing them down the throat of the listener."
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