↘Associated Component List In Video Description ↙ ☝Be careful of scammers in the comments or social media platforms who pretend to be me and trying to scam. 👋I'm not hosting giveaways or asking you to contact me. 👍A real comments/replies from me has a GRAYED OUT profile name just like this comment. 🫵 Also, due to spam posts, LINKS are No Longer Allowed in comment section. Thanks for watching! 🙏
SMSL SU-X, at least from what I hear, is on a higher plane of sound reproduction with a more detailed, open, less distorted sound. Pegasus is just a tad warmer, but I prefer the SMSL SU-X which can take on any dac around 10K. I also believe that SMSL takes more care about their designs than Topping.
I like Deltasigma smsl much more, pegasus is not bad, but even in the video I perceive that R2R dacs generally always add something to the music (distortion and modulation noise?) which bothers me, but I fully understand what people like about it...R2R it sounds more as analog. Tharbamar reviews are some of the best.
After three very happy years with my SMSL SU-9, I saw your review of the SU-X and blind bought it... perfect combination with the tube Pre. Thank you very much Tharbamar!
I've had the VMV D1se2 with this ESS chip for two years now. If one wants to avoid any hint of digital glare, then keep it set at 44.1 khz. It's all the resolution anyone actually needs and you maintain the overall richness of the source's music.
The SU-X is just a bit brighter, i could see maybe after, longer listening periods it may become a bit harsh...? That Pegasus sounds wonderful...! Thank you for the review comparison.
CONGRATULATIONS SIR,❤❤.First for changing song other than Kiss Of LIfe .Secondly your every word, sentence is so well balanced for description of song ,music and demo .Even you are giving advise is upto point. Once again you are one of the best audio enthusiast ,reviewer and no nonsense approach , up to point description. One way not every one get opportunity to try dac and decide. In this way your demo songs are great , one can decide based on your opinion and demo songs which dac to buy. I am personally thankful to you for enabling viewers with such demos and advice. Keep rocking , keep posting such great reviews. I think it is one of the best place where TH-cam , Technology and YOU and VIEWERS are perfectly synchronized. Once again ,Well done sir to you and your team .💯💫💫💥👌👌
For my taste, the SU-X is a little bit bright. For some time now, I have used only R-2R dacs and this is the direction I will follow forward. Pegasus II happy user ;)
Thank you for this video! The SU-X sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. I'm impressed that you could so easily hear the difference between the steel stringed guitar and the nylon stringed. With the Pegasus they sounded more similar to me. Grateful for this video.
To me the musician sounded sweeter with greater depth and decay on instruments - the SMSL could be better on less revealing speakers but I prefer to have revealing speakers tuned with smoother and more full sounding electronics such as the Pegasus.
Hopefully I get your response on this issue.... I know you have auditioned both the SMSL SU-X and the Topping D90III Sabre... I'm in need of a new DAC and torn between these. Which one would you recommend me to get? I want clean, deep, and tight base... and of course big sound stage and details. Thank you in advance for your time. Jason
That recording you did of Heart of Gold sounded so good on my headphones! Sounded better than most original recordings. Little bit of clipping, but it sounded like I was in the room. Topping A70Pro/D70Pro stack and some Hifiman Arya Stealth headphones. Pre-ordered a pair of Modhouse Tungstens, but still have at least a couple months before I get those!
I have a Pegasus 1 and my only regret compared to delta-sigma's is the (lack of) punch in the bass. I've found the delta-sigma's, even the cheapest ones, much punchier in the bass, Pegasus' bass is beautiful and detailed but too soft. All the rest, soundstage, tone, ecc is better in the Pegasus.
would love some more music to judge ! I know you've done it now... but this comparison really needed more types of music... thank you for your detailed explanation, great video from a subscriber...just need to choose a streamer and amp.....or torn by my idea of 12 inch 4 way active diy speakers...!
Really appreciate your feedback, I've got the Topping B200 and I agree with your review about it, so I'm looking for a DAC to give them justice, would you comment on how SMSL SU-X compares to Eversolo DMP-A8? DAC and Preamp sections? Thanks for giving us valuable data to take decisions on the never end audiophile journey...
You can tell the most difference in the vocals, chip dacs struggle to sound natural. Pegasus would likely sound more natural with the NOS feature on since I can tell there's a touch of sibilance.
Hello Mr Tharbamar, im looking for my very first DAC. I have a Choco Sound Emei amp and by the different reviews, it has like tube amp sound. I really like it, and want to add a DAC. In this case do you recommend the smsl SU-X or the Pegasus? Thank you. Edit: Just finished watching your wonderful review. Thanks a lot. As you say, still confused about which one. I want more detail because the amp retrieve a little bit of detail, but i don't want brightness. 😅
Hello Tharbamar, Hello from Ghana! I have been keenly following your channel for last 4-5 yrs. The Pegasus II sounds very promising. I really need your recommendation for a Stereo DAC (will never use headphone output). Torn between Pegasus II, Aune S9C, Topping DX9, Eversolo Z8 and maybe Chord Qutest (I do not like thin sound but still appreciate details). I currently have Topping E50 DAC so the new DAC should offer a significant upgrade from the current one. I will appreciate your reply.
Is SMSL SU-X the same model as SMSL SU-10? The Roman numeral X stands for 10. By the way, I'm extremely pleased with the SMSL D400EX and Mogami that you recommended. Thank you, Tharbamar!
Hello Mr Tharbaram. I purchased this pegasus II and i love it, thanks for the recommendation. Its my first DAC amd i have a question. My streamer is a Wiim Pro and from there to this DAC, and from there to my Choco Emei amp. How do i bypass the Wiim DAC and use only de Pegasus DAC? Connected from Coax or from Optical to the DAC? Thanks again.
Great videos like always, let me ask you a question if I where to run my DAP as a streamer source, would be better to run directly trough a preamp or a DAC?
Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC is the winner. SMSL XU-X DAC sounds good but if you listen to Pegasus II first then 😕.The voice is much better with Pegasus II. Sound is more natural, credible, engadging.. It seems obvious that R2R DACs have improved quite a bit.
Spotify Premium streaming with my old Sony HAP-Z1ES which resample everything to DSD paring with external R2R DAC, 2nd favorite is Eversolo DMP-A8, thanks
Hi there thank you for the reviews. Quick question, the Pegasus ii is the better choice for soundstage and 3d sound with dad files playing mainly musical jazz , vocals. Thank you in advance
i like a lot of hip hop and edm music and thus i enjoy a lot of bass. Currently my Modi 3 serves me well regarding bass quantity and punch, more than my other Zen DAC, but obviously the Modi can’t give a good soundstage and stereo image. Based on these demos I really enjoy the Pegasus natural representation of sound but i’m concerned with it bass reproduction, any comments Tharbamar? 😊
I love this piece!!! where to find it please? I'm hesitating between the Denafrips Pontus, the Musician Pegasus, and the Gustard R26 thank you for your videos!
Thank you for your answer. I currently have a Gustard R26. Do you think Pegasus II sounds better than it? I would like to have 2 DACs, one R2R and one Delta Sigma. Regards 🖐️
Was ready to ask your opinion about Musician Pegasus 2 Vs. Denafrips Ares 12th-1 but if I'm not mistaken it's more on the Pontus class, is it really the case? In fact I'm looking for a laid back, wide soundstage and analog sounding pure DAC component to escape my current upfront and bright presentation ESS DAC implementation. This Pegasus seems to be the right choice for me.
If someone wants female vocals, and airy/open treble (and care less about the other stuff), what would you recommend between the Musician Pegasus II and the Ladder Schumann DAC?
This will happen whenever you introduce a new device into an existing system that has been voiced together. You may have found the musician dark for just having chosen your cables with the SMSL.
No Sir I never get fooled by it because I know how each of them sound down to detail, I have tested many DAC back to back not only based on these two, Please note I only use most transparent cables.
![Полный технический анализ ЦАП SMSL SU-X на 2xES9039MSPRO [DacMaster]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/f1DEJCjCsbM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Полный технический анализ ЦАП SMSL SU-X на 2xES9039MSPRO [DacMaster]](/img/tr.png)
↘Associated Component List In Video Description ↙
☝Be careful of scammers in the comments or social media platforms who pretend to be me and trying to scam.
👋I'm not hosting giveaways or asking you to contact me.
👍A real comments/replies from me has a GRAYED OUT profile name just like this comment.
🫵 Also, due to spam posts, LINKS are No Longer Allowed in comment section. Thanks for watching! 🙏
SMSL SU-X, at least from what I hear, is on a higher plane of sound reproduction with a more detailed, open, less distorted sound. Pegasus is just a tad warmer, but I prefer the SMSL SU-X which can take on any dac around 10K. I also believe that SMSL takes more care about their designs than Topping.
I like Deltasigma smsl much more, pegasus is not bad, but even in the video I perceive that R2R dacs generally always add something to the music (distortion and modulation noise?) which bothers me, but I fully understand what people like about it...R2R it sounds more as analog. Tharbamar reviews are some of the best.
I agreed, thanks for the comment.
The Su - X is blowing me away so smooth and just perfect vocals amasing dac ! 😊 smokes my ps audio direct stream !
After three very happy years with my SMSL SU-9, I saw your review of the SU-X and blind bought it... perfect combination with the tube Pre. Thank you very much Tharbamar!
Great to hear!
Have you compared these two DACs with the Holo Audio Cyan 2 at all?
I've had the VMV D1se2 with this ESS chip for two years now. If one wants to avoid any hint of digital glare, then keep it set at 44.1 khz. It's all the resolution anyone actually needs and you maintain the overall richness of the source's music.
I have the d2r and love it
I like the SMSL , more clarity.
The SU-X is just a bit brighter, i could see maybe after, longer listening periods it may become a bit harsh...? That Pegasus sounds wonderful...! Thank you for the review comparison.
CONGRATULATIONS SIR,❤❤.First for changing song other than Kiss Of LIfe .Secondly your every word, sentence is so well balanced for description of song ,music and demo .Even you are giving advise is upto point. Once again you are one of the best audio enthusiast ,reviewer and no nonsense approach , up to point description. One way not every one get opportunity to try dac and decide. In this way your demo songs are great , one can decide based on your opinion and demo songs which dac to buy. I am personally thankful to you for enabling viewers with such demos and advice. Keep rocking , keep posting such great reviews. I think it is one of the best place where TH-cam , Technology and YOU and VIEWERS are perfectly synchronized. Once again ,Well done sir to you and your team .💯💫💫💥👌👌
For my taste, the SU-X is a little bit bright. For some time now, I have used only R-2R dacs and this is the direction I will follow forward. Pegasus II happy user ;)
Hi, you gave good reviews on the SMSL D400EX. How does the SU-X compares to the D400EX in sound?
Thank you for this video! The SU-X sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. I'm impressed that you could so easily hear the difference between the steel stringed guitar and the nylon stringed. With the Pegasus they sounded more similar to me. Grateful for this video.
Glad I could help!
COMPRATELO ES DE OTRO NIVEL, ESPECIAL CON HI RES Y SIN FILTRO ALGUNO, ES UNA VERDADERA MARAVILLA.
@@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038 Con que amp lo estás usando?
@@zombielandiii2711 ROTEL 1582 MKII, LUMIN U1 Mini con LPS
@@zombielandiii2711 ROTEL 1582 MKII + LUMIN U1 con LPS
Good afternoon from Toronto ☕️❄️
I went with the Denafrips Ares 12-1 ..and I love it!🥰
Good choice!
Same! I am in love of my Ares 12th-1!
The level of realism and detail in Pegasus is truly impressive. High level indeed!
I used to be an R2R dac fan but now prefer good chip Dacs, and this demo just confirms that decision for me.
To me the musician sounded sweeter with greater depth and decay on instruments - the SMSL could be better on less revealing speakers but I prefer to have revealing speakers tuned with smoother and more full sounding electronics such as the Pegasus.
Brilliant review and recordings ! Pegasus's transcription wins even via my BT transfer on my little system, great musicality ! 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hopefully I get your response on this issue.... I know you have auditioned both the SMSL SU-X and the Topping D90III Sabre... I'm in need of a new DAC and torn between these. Which one would you recommend me to get? I want clean, deep, and tight base... and of course big sound stage and details. Thank you in advance for your time. Jason
For me, Musician Pegasus II , very musical :)
That recording you did of Heart of Gold sounded so good on my headphones! Sounded better than most original recordings. Little bit of clipping, but it sounded like I was in the room. Topping A70Pro/D70Pro stack and some Hifiman Arya Stealth headphones. Pre-ordered a pair of Modhouse Tungstens, but still have at least a couple months before I get those!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wondering how the Topping D50 III would fare
I have a Pegasus 1 and my only regret compared to delta-sigma's is the (lack of) punch in the bass. I've found the delta-sigma's, even the cheapest ones, much punchier in the bass, Pegasus' bass is beautiful and detailed but too soft. All the rest, soundstage, tone, ecc is better in the Pegasus.
would love some more music to judge ! I know you've done it now... but this comparison really needed more types of music... thank you for your detailed explanation, great video from a subscriber...just need to choose a streamer and amp.....or torn by my idea of 12 inch 4 way active diy speakers...!
Really appreciate your feedback, I've got the Topping B200 and I agree with your review about it, so I'm looking for a DAC to give them justice, would you comment on how SMSL SU-X compares to Eversolo DMP-A8? DAC and Preamp sections? Thanks for giving us valuable data to take decisions on the never end audiophile journey...
I would say EverSolo A8 is better choice for features, sound quality and synergy with B200, thanks
Thank you!@@Tharbamar
А что по вашему играет лучше gustard r26 или musician pegasus ll ?
Hola ! Como compararias al Su-X & Smls Su 10(seria tambien un buen video).
Saludos
Can you do a review of Audial S5 Dac ? Please
You can tell the most difference in the vocals, chip dacs struggle to sound natural. Pegasus would likely sound more natural with the NOS feature on since I can tell there's a touch of sibilance.
I will probably go with the musician 😉
Hello Mr Tharbamar, im looking for my very first DAC. I have a Choco Sound Emei amp and by the different reviews, it has like tube amp sound. I really like it, and want to add a DAC. In this case do you recommend the smsl SU-X or the Pegasus? Thank you.
Edit: Just finished watching your wonderful review. Thanks a lot. As you say, still confused about which one. I want more detail because the amp retrieve a little bit of detail, but i don't want brightness. 😅
Hello Tharbamar, Hello from Ghana! I have been keenly following your channel for last 4-5 yrs. The Pegasus II sounds very promising.
I really need your recommendation for a Stereo DAC (will never use headphone output). Torn between Pegasus II, Aune S9C, Topping DX9, Eversolo Z8 and maybe Chord Qutest (I do not like thin sound but still appreciate details). I currently have Topping E50 DAC so the new DAC should offer a significant upgrade from the current one. I will appreciate your reply.
Hi based on your comment I would suggest you to try Pegasus II in 1K USD range or SMSL SU-9 Ultra or E70 Velvet in $500 Range. thanks
Is SMSL SU-X the same model as SMSL SU-10? The Roman numeral X stands for 10.
By the way, I'm extremely pleased with the SMSL D400EX and Mogami that you recommended. Thank you, Tharbamar!
Please check out here,
SMSL SU-X DAC World Premiere Review and Comparisons
th-cam.com/video/mZSRO3t-0l0/w-d-xo.html
Have you tried SMSL flagship VMV D2R with Rohm chip? Some say it’s the closest Delta Sigma to R2R
I am using it sounding in good but the unit have power supply issues when you on it sound come like thud
Hello Mr Tharbaram. I purchased this pegasus II and i love it, thanks for the recommendation. Its my first DAC amd i have a question. My streamer is a Wiim Pro and from there to this DAC, and from there to my Choco Emei amp. How do i bypass the Wiim DAC and use only de Pegasus DAC? Connected from Coax or from Optical to the DAC? Thanks again.
Hi, yes Coaxial or Optical from WiiM Pro to Pegasus II is the best way, thanks
Great videos like always, let me ask you a question if I where to run my DAP as a streamer source, would be better to run directly trough a preamp or a DAC?
Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC is the winner. SMSL XU-X DAC sounds good but if you listen to Pegasus II first then 😕.The voice is much better with Pegasus II. Sound is more natural, credible, engadging.. It seems obvious that R2R DACs have improved quite a bit.
but too much sibilance from the r2r dac
Darn it now i need to get this pegasus instead. Thanks i like them both!
I prefer the Musician, more natural and musical
too much sibilance from the musician so the smsl wins hands down
Just curious. What is your favorite Streamer to use? Thanks!
Spotify Premium streaming with my old Sony HAP-Z1ES which resample everything to DSD paring with external R2R DAC, 2nd favorite is Eversolo DMP-A8, thanks
Hi there thank you for the reviews. Quick question, the Pegasus ii is the better choice for soundstage and 3d sound with dad files playing mainly musical jazz , vocals. Thank you in advance
Yes it should work great for your need with a bit richer side tonal balance, thank you.
Thank you very much
Dang sux sounding good.
The Pegasus definitely is better. The string plucks are much more detailed and clear.
I can only use RCA output in my system , any chance you compared it to the XLR output? 🙏
The guitar on the Musician Pegasus II clearly stands out (in a good way) over the SMSL, imo.
Thank you!
Welcome!
i like a lot of hip hop and edm music and thus i enjoy a lot of bass. Currently my Modi 3 serves me well regarding bass quantity and punch, more than my other Zen DAC, but obviously the Modi can’t give a good soundstage and stereo image. Based on these demos I really enjoy the Pegasus natural representation of sound but i’m concerned with it bass reproduction, any comments Tharbamar? 😊
For Bass R2R DAC will deliver very natural sound and deep bass, also try AKM based DAC like th-cam.com/video/6Nan-KfdPqI/w-d-xo.html
@@Tharbamar great i will order the pegasus as I really enjoy its sound signature, but I need a preamp as it will feed monoblocks, maybe gustard p26?
Deeply appreciated for your excellent review. I feel Musician Pegasus II is more relaistic and brisk sound in guitar and vocal too🤭
I love this piece!!! where to find it please?
I'm hesitating between the Denafrips Pontus, the Musician Pegasus, and the Gustard R26
thank you for your videos!
In the description. Thanks
yes I read but I didn't find it on Qobuz.
@@maverickrou Not on streaming platforms.
Hi. Which of them would you connect to the Unison Research S6 tube amplifier and Monitor Audio Gold 300 5G loudspeakers?
May be SMSL SU-X for most transparent sound.
Thank you for your answer. I currently have a Gustard R26. Do you think Pegasus II sounds better than it? I would like to have 2 DACs, one R2R and one Delta Sigma. Regards 🖐️
As this video title shows that’s where it stands, in case if you don’t know I had R26 and many more expensive DAC. Thanks
What would be a good upgrade from smsl-su1. No more than $500 ?
I would suggest SMSL SU-9 Ultra or Topping E70 Velvet.
Was ready to ask your opinion about Musician Pegasus 2 Vs. Denafrips Ares 12th-1 but if I'm not mistaken it's more on the Pontus class, is it really the case? In fact I'm looking for a laid back, wide soundstage and analog sounding pure DAC component to escape my current upfront and bright presentation ESS DAC implementation. This Pegasus seems to be the right choice for me.
MP sounds like an easy listen to my old ears.
Thanks for sharing.
which one would you choose for the Polk R200
Probably SU-X.
If someone wants female vocals, and airy/open treble (and care less about the other stuff), what would you recommend between the Musician Pegasus II and the Ladder Schumann DAC?
It'll be depending on paring components, both of them are capable of doing it.
This will happen whenever you introduce a new device into an existing system that has been voiced together. You may have found the musician dark for just having chosen your cables with the SMSL.
No Sir I never get fooled by it because I know how each of them sound down to detail, I have tested many DAC back to back not only based on these two, Please note I only use most transparent cables.
Hello.
Pegasus ii or Gustard r26?
Thanks
I had R26 but now I’m enjoying Pegasus II, thanks
Silly question: can the Pegasus be used with 4 feet instead of 3?
No 4 feet option from factory.
Could you compare the Pegasus to the Denafrips?
Sorry No plan I have to work on other projects.
Massive difference. I want the detail of the su-x and the timbre/color of the musician.
smsl D400pro
Gustard A26 still better than all the rest❓
It's all depending on personal preference.
А если сравнить с d400ex?
14:05 17:16
The Denafrips, eh hey, I mean the Musicians Pegasus is the clear winner
SMSL SU-X
13:26
16:38
They sound identical sometimes
I like the SU-X better.
When oh when will these companies get rid of the MQA nonsense!
Too rich for my ears
hi~
Is it possible to compare Gustard a26 and smsl su-x?
If you were to choose between the two, I was wondering which one you would choose.
Thank you.
That will be tough choice, mostly preference and system dependent because can’t go wrong with either one. Currently I’m only using SU-X, thanks