A nice down to earth assessment. I've been tempted to buy a newer DAC with a Sabre or AKM chip but the more I look, the more I think my 14 year old DAC Magic Azur with its outdated Wolfson chips are probably still just fine.
I picked up a SU-1 recently and you are right about external DAC's in general. I'm not a believer in external DAC's to begin with but I figured for $80 it was worth a try based on mostly positive reviews. I tested the SU-1 on a cheap Sony DVP3962 dvd player and found that the sound of the SU-1 was on par with internal DAC in my Sony. I switched the back and forth several times and the differences were so subtle that it's not worth noting. I disconnected the SU-1 and put it back in it's box. I had planned on doing back and forth testing with audiophile quality players from Rotel and Oppo in my other systems but felt that the SU-1 would not improve on the already superb sound coming from these systems.
Having watched so many reviews of DAC's and listened to the utter nonsense of the so called audiophiles, it is a breath of fresh air to watch a video that is honest. Sure the S.M.S.L. SU-1 is actually a decent DAC, I tested it out using a DVD player as a transport and from there into an amplifier. I was impressed but virtaully any DAC would have done the same.
I think you'll be quite interested in the Tempotec Serenade X. It works as a dac, dac/amp, streamer, bluetooth receiver AND a bluetooth transmitter. It truly is an all in one box. It is also on the affordable side of things considering its many features.
Thank you! The only substantive review I could find was yours. It does what a DAC should do well (great SNR, low distortion, flat frequency response) to produce an uncolored audio signal and has the codecs I need and want. It will do what a DAC is supposed to do. For my requirements, it is a no-brainer, I ordered one. Audiophiles are generally clueless about audio, physics, electronics, design, common sense, and reality so I don't listen to them.
Returned my e50, was OK. Had to use a power bank for it to sound it's best, got tired of charging it, so stupid it's not plug and play. It's plug, try this power adapter, this supply than maybe a battery!? No thx, I'm not paying $200 to be an engineer for them.. ;)
I picked up one of these a couple weeks ago to be used in a mancave set up as i'll be swapping out various amps & cd player etc. from time to time, works a treat. Compared it briefly to my mojo, no noticeable difference.
Very well made, articulate and informative video. I have been a confused “audiophile” for many years and it’s nice to hear a grounded opinion every now and then to help me avoid an unnecessary purchase. 👍🤔🎼
Does the SU-1 turn on when a powered usb cable is inserted? Or does it need to turn on with a button press? Does it remeber the last used input the next time a power is fed to it? I really do not want to turn on one million devices in the studio every time the power is turned on in the studio
Almost all dacs sounds same, I used to think that until one day I compared my EL-DAC to IFI micro iDSD. Something is way way way off there. Even level matched the IFI unit has less detail but more bass. You should buy the IFI unit and test it out.
I made a few videos about iFi. Yes, they generally have a different tuning, and it’s in bass. It’s nothing like night and day, the music is somehow more dynamic than ever before, but it might be noticeable, depending on track, headphones, and volume.
Do you test for hiss through USB connection? For example my ifi Zen Dac is ok through usb. No hiss or noise floor. But adding 5V DC power into the Zen Dac introduces noise floor. Same with zen can air. If you add power from mains outlet you get noise. With some dacs and amps I found them to have no noise floor. With others, the moment you add USB in power or DC power you get noise
I could definitely hear difference between D30 pro vs E50. Me and my friend were abing both devices and we came to a same conclusion. D30 pro was more mid forward and e50 had less mid. We both liked e50 more. The only explanation is either a30 pro was faulty or there was a difference. This was not night and day difference mind you it was more of like when you add 0.5dB peak to upper midrange somewhere between 1k to 2k region. Test was done on Adams active speakers
For sure the analog stage has the most impact on the sound in a DAC. A lot of vendors use 1 or 2 5532 op-amps in the output stage, because they are dirt cheap, and that will ruin every output stage, be it in a DAC or else were. The chip is 50 years old, and it was good compared to others when it came out, but not anymore. And there is no point in starting a discussion on that. Everyone who has made serious measurements on a 5532, and more important: listened to it, will know it should never be allowed in serious HiFi equipment. So I would have loved to know which op-amp is in this DAC.
would you buy a dac like this when using a WIIM pro streamer? would you hear any diff going out the RCA's on the WIIM vs going out the optical to a dac and then to an amp or receiver?
If all you need is a basic dac for your streamer, then sure. Any dac will do just fine. I can't tell you without doing a proper A/B test whether there's any difference between your streamer vs dac; but, frankly, whatever differences MIGHT be present aren't going to be significant.
Hi! Will it work with Active speakers? E.g. Klipsch the Fives? Would there be a noticeable improvement? My current setup is AppleTV4k->TV>[possible DAC]>Klipsch The fives.
No, they all send digital signal. The only possible difference is that one type of connection may support a higher sample and bit rate, which makes no difference if you’re only listening to CD quality resolution.
@@NoThemeReviews hi thank you very much for your kind and very valuable advice I have ordered one unit arriving this weekend I will be using the optical input at first then i Will try the others In the past I have got decent results with a cheap USB to spdif converter to DAC But I would like to keep the audio chain as simple as possible
Depends on your Dac. If your Dac exhibits electrical fault or doesn’t support resolution of your highest quality music files, then yes a new Dac would be an upgrade.
I use my Sanskrit 2 daily and the only thing I don't like about the SU-1 is the single USB for power and data. The Sanskrit has two USB inputs so it won't drain my phone. I just wish the Sanskrit remote worked right.
Recently ordered the a10h for my record player! Might have to add this as a digital source! Don't know how anyone can reasonably justify spending more unless you absolutely need balanced for the power.
Funny, isn't it? They spend thousands on dacs (or get them free, depending on the size of the channel), and can't figure out how to cobble together a basic A/B rig. Too busy regurgitating audiophile myths, I suppose.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 That's it in a nutshell - I often think that people would be better served investing in better speakers than looking to their DACs. If I were looking for an external DAC I'd certainly consider the SMSL SU-1.
All DACs sound differently. Some sound simple and flat, and others provide a good sound stage or better resolution. The problem is only with what equipment you use to listen...
Typical audiophile nonsense. You Dac fans have had decades to prove this claim and never have. Come up with a repeatable, consistent test that can be replicated by anyone else that proves your claims.
@@NoThemeReviews The only nonsense here is your stubborn opinion. OpAmps, Capacitors, Digital filters, everything affects the sound. However, you will never learn this using $100 speakers.
Once again, repeating myths isn’t proof of anything. Funny how you Dac fanboys can hear digital filters that are active above the human auditory limit. If you guys put your effort into making a repeatable test to prove your claims, you could convince others-assuming your test proved what you claim. Why can’t you? Is it the lack of imagination or not wanting to put your tenuous beliefs on the line?
Not completely accurate please ro listin full range ( all devices are tuned) speakers,mics,amps OP-Amps most of your review is correct except!!! Input can definitely change Output Please understand headphones physically can't match full range properly setup speakers rhat is where majority fail I have 6 DACs in my 🗣️ me and there are differences with equipment from modern to vintage
Soundstage that is present in 2 channel audio ( CAN NOT )be captured in headphones the simple physics will not allow because wavelengths between a headphone or IEM are ro short De a brief study of the physics rhe govern al of rh world rhe creator gave us even our biology
@@NoThemeReviews you spoke of keyboard warrior my point is again the only difference I can find after testing many DACs is Soundstage, that is the only concept your review missed This market of digital to analog converters that allow reviewers like yourself to have a place on TH-cam by the previous seven years of DACs being manufactured and sold with 5k to 20k mark-up The only difference I can find again and current devices it which comes output I agree most of the devices are equal
I wish audiophiles weren’t so easily fooled into wasting money based on bullshit: all dacs sound different, more money = better whatever, cables have sound, an SSD affects how the music sounds…so much bullshit, so many people eager to eat it up. Sad. We can’t all have what we want, right?
@@NoThemeReviews yeah, I was a bit harsh sounding, but I'm being truthful. I spent 22 years in audio, and when I heard your dialogue, It bummed me out for newbies, because you sound authoritative. It impossible to change your beliefs unless. It was hands on. Yeah, these things can't be resolved on here, but I've done plenty of double blind A/Bs and know what I know.
You're not the only one who knows what he knows. At least you've done some kind of A/B tests, which is a hell of a lot more than the vast majority of so-called "audiophile reviewers" do. I wish you audiophiles would pressure your favorite pundits to put their necks out and do actual, proper tests rather than spewing the same tired nonsense about gear. Frankly, you all are wasting money on dacs for perceived differences that don’t measure, and can’t be explained without resorting to ad hominem attacks or conclusory statements that themselves lack verifiable evidence.
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
My S.M.S.L. SU-1 has given beautiful life to my two year old Koss Pro AA. They have full frequency response and a wider soundstage. Clear, full sound!
A nice down to earth assessment. I've been tempted to buy a newer DAC with a Sabre or AKM chip but the more I look, the more I think my 14 year old DAC Magic Azur with its outdated Wolfson chips are probably still just fine.
I picked up a SU-1 recently and you are right about external DAC's in general. I'm not a believer in external DAC's to begin with but I figured for $80 it was worth a try based on mostly positive reviews. I tested the SU-1 on a cheap Sony DVP3962 dvd player and found that the sound of the SU-1 was on par with internal DAC in my Sony. I switched the back and forth several times and the differences were so subtle that it's not worth noting. I disconnected the SU-1 and put it back in it's box. I had planned on doing back and forth testing with audiophile quality players from Rotel and Oppo in my other systems but felt that the SU-1 would not improve on the already superb sound coming from these systems.
Having watched so many reviews of DAC's and listened to the utter nonsense of the so called audiophiles, it is a breath of fresh air to watch a video that is honest. Sure the S.M.S.L. SU-1 is actually a decent DAC, I tested it out using a DVD player as a transport and from there into an amplifier. I was impressed but virtaully any DAC would have done the same.
Ho acquistato questa meraviglia qualche mese fa e mi trovo benissimo! È davvero sorprendente per qualità, costo e semplicità di utilizzo! 🎉
I think you'll be quite interested in the Tempotec Serenade X. It works as a dac, dac/amp, streamer, bluetooth receiver AND a bluetooth transmitter. It truly is an all in one box. It is also on the affordable side of things considering its many features.
Thank you! The only substantive review I could find was yours. It does what a DAC should do well (great SNR, low distortion, flat frequency response) to produce an uncolored audio signal and has the codecs I need and want. It will do what a DAC is supposed to do. For my requirements, it is a no-brainer, I ordered one. Audiophiles are generally clueless about audio, physics, electronics, design, common sense, and reality so I don't listen to them.
Good morning from Toronto ☕️
Just picked up the Topping E 50 …and it’s pretty good 👍
Great video.
Returned my e50, was OK. Had to use a power bank for it to sound it's best, got tired of charging it, so stupid it's not plug and play. It's plug, try this power adapter, this supply than maybe a battery!? No thx, I'm not paying $200 to be an engineer for them.. ;)
@@HiFiMods I just bundled it together with an IFI power supply…and it’s damn good.
I picked up one of these a couple weeks ago to be used in a mancave set up as i'll be swapping out various amps & cd player etc. from time to time, works a treat. Compared it briefly to my mojo, no noticeable difference.
Awesome, no nonsense review. Perfect!
Thanks. I wish I hadn't purchased the PO100 for around the same price a few months ago. SMSL is constantly cranking out variations.
After my Sanskrit MkII died, the SU-1 provided me with a perfect replacement, one that matches of surpasses DACs worth much more.
Very well made, articulate and informative video. I have been a confused “audiophile” for many years and it’s nice to hear a grounded opinion every now and then to help me avoid an unnecessary purchase. 👍🤔🎼
Spot on. Focus on a rigg with 100% symbiosis , then pretty much any dac will do..
Does the SU-1 turn on when a powered usb cable is inserted?
Or does it need to turn on with a button press?
Does it remeber the last used input the next time a power is fed to it?
I really do not want to turn on one million devices in the studio every time the power is turned on in the studio
Looks like a nice design, but the Lelon caps in the build kill it for me. I just replaced bloated Lelon PS caps in my sub!
Yeah, using those to save $2 is a joke
I went for the SMSL C100 for a few more dollars so I can see the sample rate. Love your videos. Thank you!
Hi nice review ! what RCA cables do you recommend, J&D ?
Anything with decent shielding. You don’t need to spend more than $10. Monoprice cables are perfectly good for any application.
@@NoThemeReviews had some monoprice RCA cables but found them too stiff, iam hoping to find some alternatives that are more pliable
Thank you for photos inside!!! ❤
Almost all dacs sounds same, I used to think that until one day I compared my EL-DAC to IFI micro iDSD. Something is way way way off there. Even level matched the IFI unit has less detail but more bass. You should buy the IFI unit and test it out.
I made a few videos about iFi. Yes, they generally have a different tuning, and it’s in bass. It’s nothing like night and day, the music is somehow more dynamic than ever before, but it might be noticeable, depending on track, headphones, and volume.
Do you test for hiss through USB connection?
For example my ifi Zen Dac is ok through usb. No hiss or noise floor. But adding 5V DC power into the Zen Dac introduces noise floor.
Same with zen can air. If you add power from mains outlet you get noise. With some dacs and amps I found them to have no noise floor. With others, the moment you add USB in power or DC power you get noise
Have you been able to discover differences between amplification?
I could definitely hear difference between D30 pro vs E50. Me and my friend were abing both devices and we came to a same conclusion. D30 pro was more mid forward and e50 had less mid. We both liked e50 more. The only explanation is either a30 pro was faulty or there was a difference. This was not night and day difference mind you it was more of like when you add 0.5dB peak to upper midrange somewhere between 1k to 2k region. Test was done on Adams active speakers
For sure the analog stage has the most impact on the sound in a DAC. A lot of vendors use 1 or 2 5532 op-amps in the output stage, because they are dirt cheap, and
that will ruin every output stage, be it in a DAC or else were. The chip is 50 years old, and it was good compared to others when it came out, but not anymore.
And there is no point in starting a discussion on that. Everyone who has made serious measurements on a 5532, and more important: listened to it, will know it should
never be allowed in serious HiFi equipment. So I would have loved to know which op-amp is in this DAC.
It depends on the implementation. Opamps alone are not that important.
@@eprpop It also depends on the quality of the op-amps, that is for sure.
LME49720
@@arnaudmarie2892 LME49720 are obsolete, but LM4562 are almost the same, and sound very good, if you are not willing to use discrete ones.
would you buy a dac like this when using a WIIM pro streamer? would you hear any diff going out the RCA's on the WIIM vs going out the optical to a dac and then to an amp or receiver?
If all you need is a basic dac for your streamer, then sure. Any dac will do just fine. I can't tell you without doing a proper A/B test whether there's any difference between your streamer vs dac; but, frankly, whatever differences MIGHT be present aren't going to be significant.
I connect my WIIM PRO to 3 different DACs and that's much better than using the internet DAC. And yes, they all sound different.
Hi!
Will it work with Active speakers? E.g. Klipsch the Fives?
Would there be a noticeable improvement?
My current setup is AppleTV4k->TV>[possible DAC]>Klipsch The fives.
Yes it will work with active speakers.
I cant get my su 1 to connect at all to my small tube b.t module...either im dumb or got a bad unit
Great review as always!Thank you!
Should i get su 1 or soundblaster z se?
Good review... Those first comments with golden ears, hilarious and funny. They are mad by facts.
Hi thank you for the very valuable review
I wonder how the different digital inputs perform
Is one better than the others?
No, they all send digital signal. The only possible difference is that one type of connection may support a higher sample and bit rate, which makes no difference if you’re only listening to CD quality resolution.
@@NoThemeReviews hi thank you very much for your kind and very valuable advice
I have ordered one unit arriving this weekend
I will be using the optical input at first then i Will try the others
In the past I have got decent results with a cheap USB to spdif converter to DAC
But I would like to keep the audio chain as simple as possible
Silly question maybe ? I have a 10 year old dac which I use at the moment .Would buying this not make a difference ?
Depends on your Dac. If your Dac exhibits electrical fault or doesn’t support resolution of your highest quality music files, then yes a new Dac would be an upgrade.
@@NoThemeReviews Thank you .
Can i use this with iphone via usb c to lightning cable?
I use my Sanskrit 2 daily and the only thing I don't like about the SU-1 is the single USB for power and data. The Sanskrit has two USB inputs so it won't drain my phone. I just wish the Sanskrit remote worked right.
This paired with a Sabaj a10h is crazy value. You are getting world class performance for around $160!
Recently ordered the a10h for my record player! Might have to add this as a digital source! Don't know how anyone can reasonably justify spending more unless you absolutely need balanced for the power.
Hi, SMSL SU-1 or TOPPING DX1?
i linked this video in my channel ... TY !
Is it compatible with IOS??
Support USB UAC 1?
I have the Fosi Audi dac q4. Would the SU-1 be worth upgrading to?
Not really. Unless you need what the SU1 offers in features, save your money.
@@NoThemeReviews txs!
Please, review the Focal Elex :)
How do you compare this with denafrips Aries and matrix elements dac ?
lets just compare a ford fiesta to a lambo.. nice one
@@ufopulse In sound
Let's compare it to dcs bartok
@@1abdotheproducer Except tht nobody can afford it. Only rich people. Not sure if NTR will see our reviews, he always miss our comments as well.
Silence... 😅
I really like your 'down to earth' review of this DAC. I have rarely seen any blind testing of DACs on TH-cam - I wonder why that is?
Funny, isn't it? They spend thousands on dacs (or get them free, depending on the size of the channel), and can't figure out how to cobble together a basic A/B rig. Too busy regurgitating audiophile myths, I suppose.
Its because people don't want to embarrass themselves when the curtain is removed and they find out they like the $80 dac over the 2k one
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 That's it in a nutshell - I often think that people would be better served investing in better speakers than looking to their DACs. If I were looking for an external DAC I'd certainly consider the SMSL SU-1.
When I wanna listen to some story telling when I am around the house or cooking, I look for Dac review on TH-cam. It's very resolving 😂
All DACs sound differently. Some sound simple and flat, and others provide a good sound stage or better resolution. The problem is only with what equipment you use to listen...
Typical audiophile nonsense. You Dac fans have had decades to prove this claim and never have. Come up with a repeatable, consistent test that can be replicated by anyone else that proves your claims.
@@NoThemeReviews The only nonsense here is your stubborn opinion. OpAmps, Capacitors, Digital filters, everything affects the sound. However, you will never learn this using $100 speakers.
Once again, repeating myths isn’t proof of anything. Funny how you Dac fanboys can hear digital filters that are active above the human auditory limit. If you guys put your effort into making a repeatable test to prove your claims, you could convince others-assuming your test proved what you claim. Why can’t you? Is it the lack of imagination or not wanting to put your tenuous beliefs on the line?
Not completely accurate please ro listin full range ( all devices are tuned) speakers,mics,amps OP-Amps most of your review is correct except!!! Input can definitely change Output
Please understand headphones physically can't match full range properly setup speakers rhat is where majority fail
I have 6 DACs in my 🗣️ me and there are differences with equipment from modern to vintage
PROZOR is my budget DAC. 😅
Yes, PROZOR dac01 is a nice dac.🎉
Goldensound apparently really hates it.
does it auto switch/detect inputs?
No you have to use the selector
@@NoThemeReviews Thanks for the reply :)
Soundstage that is present in 2 channel audio ( CAN NOT )be captured in headphones the simple physics will not allow because wavelengths between a headphone or IEM are ro short
De a brief study of the physics rhe govern al of rh world rhe creator gave us even our biology
Why are you talking about soundstage? That has nothing to do with this review
@@NoThemeReviews you spoke of keyboard warrior my point is again the only difference I can find after testing many DACs is Soundstage, that is the only concept your review missed
This market of digital to analog converters that allow reviewers like yourself to have a place on TH-cam by the previous seven years of DACs being manufactured and sold with 5k to 20k mark-up
The only difference I can find again and current devices it which comes output
I agree most of the devices are equal
@@thinkIndependent2024 did you test them blind?
I truely wish that people that don't know what they are talking about will stop playing audio gurus.
I wish audiophiles weren’t so easily fooled into wasting money based on bullshit: all dacs sound different, more money = better whatever, cables have sound, an SSD affects how the music sounds…so much bullshit, so many people eager to eat it up. Sad. We can’t all have what we want, right?
@@NoThemeReviews yeah, I was a bit harsh sounding, but I'm being truthful. I spent 22 years in audio, and when I heard your dialogue, It bummed me out for newbies, because you sound authoritative. It impossible to change your beliefs unless. It was hands on. Yeah, these things can't be resolved on here, but I've done plenty of double blind A/Bs and know what I know.
You're not the only one who knows what he knows. At least you've done some kind of A/B tests, which is a hell of a lot more than the vast majority of so-called "audiophile reviewers" do. I wish you audiophiles would pressure your favorite pundits to put their necks out and do actual, proper tests rather than spewing the same tired nonsense about gear. Frankly, you all are wasting money on dacs for perceived differences that don’t measure, and can’t be explained without resorting to ad hominem attacks or conclusory statements that themselves lack verifiable evidence.
MQA is dead, thankfully.
It never really lived.
I know they both are different, what should i get - this or aiyima dac-a2
Could you recommend a headphone amp to partner with this dac?
Pick any that fits your budget. Schitt makes some very good amps.