6:51 Is what draws me to this channel. Indeed it is all about the music! I have learned a great deal from your channel since beginning this journey earlier this year and I really appreciate your presentation style and the fact that you discuss product information only as it directly pertains to actually listening to and enjoying music; not over-analyzing graphs and charts...well said! Thank you for your great work!
Excellent review!! have listened to it for a few hours, it has a super clean output, sounds very smooth. When paired with a decent AMP it makes a good chain.
I just discovered your channel. Great work! One thing that would really help would be to have a list of links for everything that you talk about, including a list of your reference system. For the most part, you could cut and paste most of the links from one review to another. Another idea would be to have a list of systems that work well together at various price points.
The Burr Brown DACs are semi-multibit, and I consider them to have a bit more musicality -- I'll have the new iFi Neo iDSD in for review sometime soon and I'll talk about it then. R2R DACs, depending on set-up, can have something like a tube-like warmth and musicality, but it depends on the design. A lot of them are often run in NOS mode with no digital filter.
7:49 is all I needed thank you very much. This is my first time buying and I have Balanced Tube Amp so Just need a DAC that wont introduce noise. I have been using my 1Mii basic Analog and Digital to Bluetooth Transmitter, which cool as it is does also have DAC bypass. Its working but I'm interested in seeing what the "next level" sounds like. Been debating between this, SMSL M300 or Topping D50s.
Can both the RCA and balanced outputs be used at the same time? I want to use the balanced outputs for my speakers and the unbalanced to my subwoofers.
I have a fiio k3 and was thinking of getting something a little better, what would you recommend as decent DAC and Headphone Amp without breaking the bank?
Hi I need advice I am currently using Chord Hugo 2 with Topping A90 Via RCA inputs will using SU-9 via XLR on A90 bring better SQ or Hugo 2 via RCA is good I heard A90 sounds better via RCA so may be Hugo 2 via RCA inferior to A90. Hope you can help me decide and save me from wasting money because I get demo of chifi DACs. Thanks
Why not use the Hugo 2 direct to your headphones? That will bring the best SQ for almost all headphones. If you find that a bit to "clear"-sounding, I'd get a tube DAC to add a bit of musicality, though you do lose a bit of detail.
@@Currawong I am using hifiman Arya which are bit hard to drive I don't think Hugo 2 drive them efficiently also I mostly listen to Tidal MQA 😂. Any recommendations on tube DAC many thanks
You'd be surprised. The Hugo 2 can drive even sensitive speakers. Unless you're listening at hearing-damaging loud levels, if you're not feeling satisfied by the performance, I'd say the synergy isn't so good. I found that with the HE1000 V2, where I prefer a slightly more "musical" amp. For a tube amp, it depends how much you want to spend. I use a Studio Six, but that's around $4k.
@@Currawong many thanks for your advice and recommendations. I will experiment Hugo 2 directly to Arya Vs A90 and also will try to get a Tube DAC demo.
I have an SMSL SU-9 that I use as a DSD and MQA DAC. I think it's pretty good, but I am still making my mind up about it. It is definitely better than the the SU-8, IMO. I just wonder how it would compare with the Soncoz SGD-1 for DSD mainly. Anyways, I use a Schiit Gungnir MultiBit for PCM and couldn't be happier. I wish Schiit would make DACs that could process DSD natively...
R2R DACs can't process DSD -- the ones that can, use a separate resistor ladder for it specifically. Since it's relatively obscure versus PCM, Schiit consider it a waste of time. The best option is to get a Schiit DAC, and convert all your DSD to PCM. If your DSD is from SACD rips, you should just use the PCM versions, as the SACD versions were very often converted from PCM anyway.
what would have to pay for this performance 20 years ago? was it even available? is this the end game for digital? has the digital demon glare been vanished and have we moved beyond analog?
Depends what you mean by "performance". I'd still take some of the old, high-end DACs from that era over the M200. They produced music that was engaging and wonderful. Sometimes I regret not buying my friend's Marantz Project D-1, for example.
I have an SMSL SU-9 that I use as a DSD and MQA DAC. I think it's pretty good, but I am still making my mind up about it. It is definitely better than the the SU-8, IMO. I just wonder how it would compare with the Soncoz SGD-1 for DSD mainly. Anyways, I use a Schiit Gungnir MultiBit for PCM and couldn't be happier. I wish Schiit would make DACs that could process DSD natively...
@@cobrabucket how reliable are these Chinese DACs? By that I mean do they survive more than a few years of use? My CD player is 8 years old and still works as new. Is there any data on the reliability of products from Topping, SMSL, etc?
I wonder if the fire at the AKM factory has been reported more in Japan, looks like it was pretty serious and could disrupt supplies for a while. You mentioning the Chord Mojo, made me check as I am thinking about getting one, but in UK on Amazon the mojo & hugo seem no longer to be sold, and not many on Ebay UK either, strange as they are manufactured in the UK, maybe our second lockdown in England is affecting things with Chord, or hope of hope maybe a new Mojo model soon (big maybe I guess), strange times, Japan seems to have dealt with Covid better.... Sorry a bit of topic, a great review as ever, with a few digs at audiosciencereview (maybe as you are too polite and decent to mention names), I did read one of his more recent reviews and I think he has started mentioning music and listening to some songs as part of the review, think it was for a Hiby dac.
I have a Chord Mojo, its advantage is that it's portable, (and made in UK) if you don't need portability your money is better spent elsewhere. I have an Asus STU in my home setup with opamps from Burson Audio and it sounds great, much better than the Mojo.
Check out the Loxjie D30 coated this to SMSL M200 and the SU9 the Loxjie sounded better on my system . 150 Euros forge D39 amazing value and well built .
Great review, well explained, and no beating around the bush in typical aussie fashion, unlike some of the yanks, that just want to glorify everything for the sake of the kickback dollar!
Dear I have watched all your videos about HiFi products. It is very meaningful and a review video we want to make for customers. This is a very reference video for our customers. If you are interested, please contact us directly Sincerely look forward to your reply
6:51 Is what draws me to this channel. Indeed it is all about the music! I have learned a great deal from your channel since beginning this journey earlier this year and I really appreciate your presentation style and the fact that you discuss product information only as it directly pertains to actually listening to and enjoying music; not over-analyzing graphs and charts...well said! Thank you for your great work!
Excellent review!! have listened to it for a few hours, it has a super clean output, sounds very smooth. When paired with a decent AMP it makes a good chain.
what do you think about pairing it with smsl ao 200?
so much choice, that right now i am enjoying the Gustard A18 with no regrets
I prefer Burr-Brown Dac's myself. I like the smoother, softer presentation they offer.
Indeed! Apparently my IFi Zen dac uses one, which I like, and my old Cowon p1 DAP from a few years ago.
Welcome back 😇
I just discovered your channel. Great work! One thing that would really help would be to have a list of links for everything that you talk about, including a list of your reference system. For the most part, you could cut and paste most of the links from one review to another. Another idea would be to have a list of systems that work well together at various price points.
Why would they make the box just slightly slanted? It drives me nuts.
Can you explain the difference in sound and musicality of Multibit vs R2R DACs?
The Burr Brown DACs are semi-multibit, and I consider them to have a bit more musicality -- I'll have the new iFi Neo iDSD in for review sometime soon and I'll talk about it then. R2R DACs, depending on set-up, can have something like a tube-like warmth and musicality, but it depends on the design. A lot of them are often run in NOS mode with no digital filter.
7:49 is all I needed thank you very much. This is my first time buying and I have Balanced Tube Amp so Just need a DAC that wont introduce noise. I have been using my 1Mii basic Analog and Digital to Bluetooth Transmitter, which cool as it is does also have DAC bypass. Its working but I'm interested in seeing what the "next level" sounds like.
Been debating between this, SMSL M300 or Topping D50s.
Can both the RCA and balanced outputs be used at the same time? I want to use the balanced outputs for my speakers and the unbalanced to my subwoofers.
Yes, they can.
can I use it with smsl AO 200 amp, or is it only for headphones amps?
You can use it with any amplifier.
I have a fiio k3 and was thinking of getting something a little better, what would you recommend as decent DAC and Headphone Amp without breaking the bank?
new to this if I Wanted to power speakers what SMSL amp would you pair the dac with? For this or su9
You need a speaker amp, not a headphone amp. Speakers require a lot more power than a headphone amp provides.
@@Currawong that's what i was asking what amp with dac interested in dac not the headphone amp
Another excellent review. dope!
Hi I need advice I am currently using Chord Hugo 2 with Topping A90 Via RCA inputs will using SU-9 via XLR on A90 bring better SQ or Hugo 2 via RCA is good I heard A90 sounds better via RCA so may be Hugo 2 via RCA inferior to A90. Hope you can help me decide and save me from wasting money because I get demo of chifi DACs. Thanks
Why not use the Hugo 2 direct to your headphones? That will bring the best SQ for almost all headphones. If you find that a bit to "clear"-sounding, I'd get a tube DAC to add a bit of musicality, though you do lose a bit of detail.
@@Currawong I am using hifiman Arya which are bit hard to drive I don't think Hugo 2 drive them efficiently also I mostly listen to Tidal MQA 😂. Any recommendations on tube DAC many thanks
You'd be surprised. The Hugo 2 can drive even sensitive speakers. Unless you're listening at hearing-damaging loud levels, if you're not feeling satisfied by the performance, I'd say the synergy isn't so good. I found that with the HE1000 V2, where I prefer a slightly more "musical" amp. For a tube amp, it depends how much you want to spend. I use a Studio Six, but that's around $4k.
@@Currawong many thanks for your advice and recommendations. I will experiment Hugo 2 directly to Arya Vs A90 and also will try to get a Tube DAC demo.
I have an SMSL SU-9 that I use as a DSD and MQA DAC. I think it's pretty good, but I am still making my mind up about it. It is definitely better than the the SU-8, IMO. I just wonder how it would compare with the Soncoz SGD-1 for DSD mainly. Anyways, I use a Schiit Gungnir MultiBit for PCM and couldn't be happier. I wish Schiit would make DACs that could process DSD natively...
R2R DACs can't process DSD -- the ones that can, use a separate resistor ladder for it specifically. Since it's relatively obscure versus PCM, Schiit consider it a waste of time. The best option is to get a Schiit DAC, and convert all your DSD to PCM. If your DSD is from SACD rips, you should just use the PCM versions, as the SACD versions were very often converted from PCM anyway.
Hoping for the SU-9 review. Though I am shocked that its ESS is 'metal' compared to 'smooth' M200 and 'organic' Modi-MB.
what would have to pay for this performance 20 years ago? was it even available? is this the end game for digital? has the digital demon glare been vanished and have we moved beyond analog?
Depends what you mean by "performance". I'd still take some of the old, high-end DACs from that era over the M200. They produced music that was engaging and wonderful. Sometimes I regret not buying my friend's Marantz Project D-1, for example.
@@Currawong A video on these older DACs from that era would be super cool!
Hi have you tried topping dx7pro?
want to have a significant difference, use a DBX DriveRack PA2.
you have to equalize.
I wonder how it stacks up to smsl su-8
Or the SU9
I have an SMSL SU-9 that I use as a DSD and MQA DAC. I think it's pretty good, but I am still making my mind up about it. It is definitely better than the the SU-8, IMO. I just wonder how it would compare with the Soncoz SGD-1 for DSD mainly. Anyways, I use a Schiit Gungnir MultiBit for PCM and couldn't be happier. I wish Schiit would make DACs that could process DSD natively...
@@cobrabucket how reliable are these Chinese DACs? By that I mean do they survive more than a few years of use? My CD player is 8 years old and still works as new. Is there any data on the reliability of products from Topping, SMSL, etc?
Excellent technical review. Yank watching from North Carolina. I enjoy your direct presentation.
Steve - you must be in Asheville....where Yanks are safe in the South. LOL!
Haha Raleigh! Pretty safe here too.
@@stevezeidman7224 - cheers from South Florida. 👍
I wonder if the fire at the AKM factory has been reported more in Japan, looks like it was pretty serious and could disrupt supplies for a while. You mentioning the Chord Mojo, made me check as I am thinking about getting one, but in UK on Amazon the mojo & hugo seem no longer to be sold, and not many on Ebay UK either, strange as they are manufactured in the UK, maybe our second lockdown in England is affecting things with Chord, or hope of hope maybe a new Mojo model soon (big maybe I guess), strange times, Japan seems to have dealt with Covid better.... Sorry a bit of topic, a great review as ever, with a few digs at audiosciencereview (maybe as you are too polite and decent to mention names), I did read one of his more recent reviews and I think he has started mentioning music and listening to some songs as part of the review, think it was for a Hiby dac.
I have a Chord Mojo, its advantage is that it's portable, (and made in UK) if you don't need portability your money is better spent elsewhere. I have an Asus STU in my home setup with opamps from Burson Audio and it sounds great, much better than the Mojo.
Check out the Loxjie D30 coated this to SMSL M200 and the SU9 the Loxjie sounded better on my system . 150 Euros forge D39 amazing value and well built .
lol, this is a legit science, I am not talking out of my ass ..
What?
@@KingFiercer_zip @4:26...
Great review, well explained, and no beating around the bush in typical aussie fashion, unlike some of the yanks, that just want to glorify everything for the sake of the kickback dollar!
So it hits like a wet noodle?
11:32 what the actual....
Dear
I have watched all your videos about HiFi products. It is very meaningful and a review video we want to make for customers. This is a very reference video for our customers.
If you are interested, please contact us directly
Sincerely look forward to your reply