Thank you for the review! While I found it to be a good and informative review overall, it would have been interesting to know if the sound quality varied a lot between the various digital inputs. Another thing; Given that both the SU-9 Ultra and the DO300 use the same DAC chip(s), and yet somehow the background is noticeable darker in the former, it suggests to me that the differences could be the power section. Perhaps better filtering or better USB clock? But I am just speculating.
You're right, I tend to just use USB most of the time and should compare inputs. Compared to Do300, yeah power supply, capacitors and op amps etc can all make a difference
It's a combination of the DAC and Amp - for the DAC it's about minimal noise and interference and is dependent on the quality of the power supply, shielding, capacitors and resistors etc.
@@PrimeAudioReviews ah, is there a DAC/Amp set up within 1K that has an inaudible noise floor? also do you use any special third party accessories? For example, Honest Audiophile reviewed an iFi Power Station that's supposed to reduce noise floor, but it costs 750
Good question! Sonically, they're very close but to my ears, the SU 9 Ultra has an extra layer of depth and transparency. I also prefer the usability of the SMSL.
Pretty close but I'd give SU9 Ultra a slight edge in audio. The AH90 is just a hair away but does streaming and headphone amp which is awesome for the price.
@@PrimeAudioReviews it’s best to get neutral components all around no better sounding equipment than that, I tried a few dacs and the smsl so far did the best job
"It's not just spacious on this DAC. It's a void painted on obsidian." Such poetic words Sir!
Thanks for noticing!
Great video Dave! 😄 The price looks really good for what it is.
yeah thing is nowadays people actually have more time at work/school than at home, why many prefers laptops nowadays
Thank you for the review!
While I found it to be a good and informative review overall, it would have been interesting to know if the sound quality varied a lot between the various digital inputs.
Another thing; Given that both the SU-9 Ultra and the DO300 use the same DAC chip(s), and yet somehow the background is noticeable darker in the former, it suggests to me that the differences could be the power section. Perhaps better filtering or better USB clock? But I am just speculating.
You're right, I tend to just use USB most of the time and should compare inputs. Compared to Do300, yeah power supply, capacitors and op amps etc can all make a difference
6:04 is it the DAC that's responsible for low noise floor?
It's a combination of the DAC and Amp - for the DAC it's about minimal noise and interference and is dependent on the quality of the power supply, shielding, capacitors and resistors etc.
@PrimeAudioReviews ah, I see. Is there a technical spec that makes it easy to know what DAC and AMP will produce the most noiseless floor?
@radiofreealbemuth most of them are pretty good in that regard these days. It's hard to make any recommendations without knowing the price range.
@@PrimeAudioReviews ah, is there a DAC/Amp set up within 1K that has an inaudible noise floor? also do you use any special third party accessories? For example, Honest Audiophile reviewed an iFi Power Station that's supposed to reduce noise floor, but it costs 750
Topping E70 Velvet and L70 amp. Or SMSL SU-9 Ultra for dac. It also depends if you want headphones amp or speakers only etc
Nicely Done.
Can you turn down the brightness on the screen or turn it to black & white
it seems very distracting :)
Thanks
Yes, you can dim the display (6 brightness levels) and there's also an auto screen off.
Earned another subscriber
is there any difference from DO300EX ?
Yeah there is. DO300EX had to spend some resources on the headphone amp section. SU-9 Ultra is just a pure DAC with better capacitors and circuitry.
So as dac only the ultra is better?
Have you tried these on a speaker set up as well? What amp and speakers were used?
Yes, tested with my Fosi BT20A Pro and NHT C3 speakers. Sounds incredible for the money.
Quick follow up.
Did you notice any difference between the rca & balaced outputs ?
Thanks
RCA has just a little less focus and not so black background but the difference is almost imperceptible.
How does SMSL SU 9 Ultra compare to Topping E70 Velvet? Which is better at the same price? Thank you!!
Good question! Sonically, they're very close but to my ears, the SU 9 Ultra has an extra layer of depth and transparency. I also prefer the usability of the SMSL.
How does it compare to the audalytic ah90? Same chip and similar price.
Pretty close but I'd give SU9 Ultra a slight edge in audio. The AH90 is just a hair away but does streaming and headphone amp which is awesome for the price.
I see MQA support, I move along. However, nice video. Thanks.
Thankfully, mqa is effectively dead.
It’s neutral sounding and that is true hifi not many know this truth about sound reproduction neutral is where you want to be
For some maybe but if you have brighter speakers a warmer DAC can be better. It depends on the whole audio chain, not just a single component.
@@PrimeAudioReviews it’s best to get neutral components all around no better sounding equipment than that, I tried a few dacs and the smsl so far did the best job
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