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purceller
23
May 18, 2020
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Trying to decide between this DAC and the SDAC-B I have on pre-order.
May 18, 2020
Kyleidos
12
May 19, 2020
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purcellerSpeaking personally, I do not think the SDAC-B would work for me. Don't think either DAC is a bad choice, but it doesn't fit how I use my SMSL SU-8. In case it helps, I'll detail why.
  1. Not enough inputs. Having every conceivable hookup really allows my SU-8 to be a one-stop shop. I mostly use the USB audio, but for videogames and my 4K player, having a optical audio slot is a absolute must. And having RCA slots means I can have everything hooked up and not have to switch cables ever. Currently have both my THX AAA hooked up as well as my new Koss x Massdrop ESP/95X and I don't even have to click a single button on the DAC to switch between them.
  2. The remote. I didn't think it mattered when I got it, but then I got the ESP/95X I mentioned above and now it's invaluable. It's easy to adjust the volume on the THX amp, but the Koss electrifier has a really fiddly volume system, with individual knobs for both earspeakers that you need to line up very carefully for equal volume. Rather than having to constantly, laboriously realign the two, I set it once at a good volume and adjust in-real time with the DAC remote. It's so much more intuitive that I now do the same thing with my THX. As an added bonus, I'm never in danger of setting the volume too high, now that I leave the volume/gain in the same place and have a number indicator for volume.
Sorry I didn't see this earlier, hope this message gives you some helpful insight.
(Edited)
May 19, 2020
purceller
23
May 19, 2020
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KyleidosThanks Kyleidos, I really appreciate your thoughtful response when I didn't really expect one at all. This is what I love about this community :)
May 19, 2020
Kyleidos
12
May 20, 2020
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purcellerOnce I saw your message and looked up the SDAC-B, realized that, unlike so many gear discussions which come down to personal taste, I might have a relevant viewpoint. Of course, this is my use-case, and that's going to be different for everybody, but prior to having it in your hand, it can be hard to know what features (or lack thereof) will end up mattering. Regardless of what DAC you end up acquiring, hope it works out for you. Good luck!
May 20, 2020
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