☝️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. Thanks for watching!
Great review to explain the devices with compare listen. Better than most the channel spent 10mins+ to introduce the hardware without any on stage demo which waste our time.
Hi! Always great content :) the SU10 has a good midrange, but the treble sounds processed, especially the high hat. I had fatigue after two minutes. The D400 midrange is gorgeous. The treble still has hints of the SU10 treble, but it is better controlled. I would still have to put a valve filter/buffer in front of it.
Very soon I will start to listen to music on your channel instead of Tidal. You have a good audio system. SU 10 sounds a bit clearer on my headphone system based on Denon DA10 DAC and headphone amplifier and AKG K273 Pro. The voice and the separation of instruments are better on SU 10 and for this reason, I prefer it.
Your video help me to choose over these 2 good DACs. Use McIntosh pre and power and B&W 802D loudspeakers, hear a lot of classical, jazz, and the music of my childhood: Stones /Beatles/ Zepp/etc. D400EX will be my elected dac, both was on my wish list but can´t be sure wich to choose until i hear your comparative video. thanks a lot for your good work.
Interesting. The D400ex sounded better - better midbase impact, more texture and definition in the midrange. This latest generation AKM chip is the first AKM product I really like.
I wish you would have had the d400es to compare with the su-10 since they are both sabre ess chips. I have the d400es and was comparing to some other dacs here and was so surpirsed at how lush it sounds without being glaring or bright and or too forward and narrow like some es chips can be. I really think today the best value dac is the d400es it is 550 on amazon and you can find refurbished there for 400. The d400 series had two power supplies and a little beefed up components clock and caps ect, Ive heard actually the the 400es and 400ex sound very similar which is interesting considering different chips. Anyways thank you as always. cheers
Hi, thanks for the test. Lazy sound of akm, as usual... , missing the spark, thus long listing don t bother, best choice for background listining, or only it is my impression (???) probably, they have ro reserve opa1612 for ess chip only, to try to soften the sound, but for akm to find another op amp, more speedy.
This sound demo clearly shows EX to be sweeter sounding. SU 10 ess puts out harsh with fatiguing sound. Thanks Tharbamar // great job with sound samples. (How can ppl just talk about DACs , sound in general even compare without providing sound samples??????)
@@BillyKueekSG yep same experience. Had one ess DAC with Bluetooth. Really harsh bright sound overall. Even my PC aux port sounds less fatiguing than that.
@@noob_strikes0011 we learn and then we move on, and as we do, we spend and spend. I am at a point where I am happy with my equipments now. I got a 3-in-3-out switcher to play around with what I have - Gustard R26, iFi Pro iCAN Signature, XDuoo XA-10 (Will upgrade to a better AKM DAC at some point), iFi Zen DAC V2, iFi Gryphon, XDuoo TA-26 tube amp, Topping A90…
Yes, the SU 10 puts out harsh with fatiguing sound ...in this system. Í have SMSL D1SE DAC (same ES9038PRO DAC chip). It never puts out harsh with fatiguing sound ...in MY system.
@@csszabi8779 vmv d1se perhaps rolled off flat upper midrange n trebles? Again a lot to do with implementation and speaker types. For example we have the Evo 4.2. lush warm sounding yet laid back. However it is revealing n expose bad recordings . // with not neutral DAC it will fatigue you very quickly.
Nice for me to stumble upon this comparison as i am in the market to replace my SU-9 and i naerowed it down to this two DACs. My music of choice is primarily acustic jazz trios, quarters and vocal jazz as well as a lot of classical with some ambiental electronics. My amp is still XTZ A100D3 with Node N130 and Advance Paris KC800 with pair of Q200e subs with Nordost Blue Heaven speaker bi-wires and Mogami 2803 interconects which makes it detiled, resolving and bright enough allready so i will probably go with D400ex 🎉😅
@lukava… I am also seeking to upgrade my SU-9, did you find the 400ex a big step up? I listen to the same genres of music as you mentioned and believe the AKM 400ex would do a better job as well. I plugged my SU-9 into my main system (swapping out my ares 2) and could not listen for more then an hour way too bright. Any perspective is appreciated, Thanks!
Both DACS sound good. But I would make the choice of what DAC to get depending on what music genres you listen to. I listen to mostly Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres so I'd go with SU-10 for more speed, punch and slam/impact. I'd go with the D400ex if I wanted a smoother more relaxed presentation. It's similar to why I preferred the Gustard A26 over the R26. R26 R2R has nice smooth presentation while A26 can do all genres well but delivers a more impactful listen. You also have to know what your Audio setup can do too when upgrading your DAC. Buying higher end DACS isn't going to make much difference in your setup if your Speakers, HP Amps and Headphones aren't at a certain level of high end quality too
My question is this, if the D400 EX is your favorite delta sigma DAC, should I assume you have a preference on AKM vs ESS chips? To me, the D400 EX sounds smoother. However I have just bought the DO400, I am just guessing its slightly brighter sound signature from the ESS 9039MSPRO chip might match better to my Dynaudio Evoke 50 speakers given Dynaudios tend to ever so slightly lean warm with its silk dome tweeter. I have just received it a few hours ago, so I will start testing it. I also heard your comparison between the D400 EX and the Denafrips Aries II 12th, in that particular comparison in your system, I actually find the D400 EX bright especially with its midrange/vocal while the Aries II 12th's acoustic guitar sounded much more meaty. Just curious whether you will be testing the SMSL D400 Pro with the AKM chips? Although it is not as well speced as the DO400 EX, it does come with a brand new really cool-looking casing. And do you think it would make sense with a Roksan Blak integrated amp/Dynaudio Evoke 50 system or do you think it might be a tad too soft?
I come back. SMSL SU 10 is also better on attack and delay. The delay, release of the notes, and the length of this release, it is better and more balanced in regard to the attack. This is a very good DAC, indeed!!!
SU10 ACTUALLY sound more details, dynamic and more clean linear than 400 Ex . This 400ex has coloured a bit and slightly higher distortion just like tube sounds
All your reviews are great and i am experiencing them. Since I don't have the ability to listen all DACs, which ones would you recommend in the $1000 range from SMSL, Denafrips, Topping and Gustard for my Exposure 3010 amp and Spendor speakers? So far I've only listened Vinyl on my Rega turntable, so would like my future DAC to sound analog if it is possible. Thx!
I like your comparison videos. Can these DACs be used as a preamp? My preamp doesn't have balanced connections but my power amp does, and I was wondering if these DACs can be connected directly to the power amp via XLR cables. Thank you, Mr. Tharbarmar.
If you had to pick a filter on the SU-10 to tone down the harshness and make it more natural and comparable to the D400EX, which filter would you suggest?
I want to buy a class D amplifier. Which SMSL amplifier is the best in sound? I mean the amplifier itself. It doesn't matter whether there is a built-in DAC or not. I will not use the built-in DAC, since I already have an SMSL su-10 DAC. The price doesn't matter either, since they are all not expensive for my budget.
Is any of them supported with DPLL setting? I use SU-9n and one thing I'm missing is separate settings per input. One source may require dejitter while other may not...
The first time I listened to an ESS DAC (Pioneer U-05) well I was disappointed, it was the midrange and the air that struck me (good potential) but I don't like the stay.
@@Tharbamar My wallet fears you! All kidding aside we really appreciate the hard work you put into these reviews and it really does help out our decision making.
The SU10 sounds clearly better. The image hight is obviously lower with the ex400, very bad for a price like this!!!! The SU10 also has much cleaner sound.
@@Tharbamar hello thanks for the replay may I ask you if you prefer smsl do200mk2 or topping e70 velvet? I have a musical system based on opera v loudspeaker not open on High frequency and tube pre
Hello! Interesting comparison (as well as between D400EX vs Denafrips Ares 12th) and apocalyptic indeed. I prefer the sound of D400EX comparatively . As I am using in my system the VMV D1SE, I'm wondering if it's worth the upgrade to D400EX. Do you have any comments? I appreciate your opinion.
D1SE is very good DAC but one question I would ask is would you preferred D400EX AKM chip based sound signature in your system? which I do for analog like tonal balance, as always decision is yours, Thanks
Hi, I have a vmv D1se and the DO200 mark Ii sound much better, more clear, I believe the british noratel transformer of the 1Dse is the wrong part for this Dac, or maybe the 2 separate chip of the DO200 mark Ii made better. If you have one 1Dse sell it for 300 dls, buy a better dac . i hope this D400Ex with 2 noratel transformer will not affect the sound. i prefer not to buy again toroidal transformer in my system
I am not sure how SMSL SU10 compares Topping E70 Velvet. I really like E70 Velvet. I purchased D400EX and then returned it - it is not better than E70 Velvet at all in my experience. I do hope SU10 is better - the only thing I am afraid it may be too soft in general (mid and high range).
@@MrBoomtheroom I can't say better these are different in sound, and louder, in terms of accurate sound and transparency Z1ES is better like studio quality sound.
For chip-based DACs, I prefer the AKM chips than the ESS. However, I also like the Burr Browns and R2R. If I am to add another chip-based DAC, it’s likely to be the Gustard A26. I am happy with my Gustard R26, IFi and the XDuoo XA-10 (AKM chips). I’d like to test listen to the Chord Qutest or Hugo TT2 with M-Scaler.
@@noob_strikes0011 I am more of a headphone user and only put a portable speaker in each room at home with a lousy soundbar system for my TV. Tharbamar is the expert here
oh gosh, another dilemma...i love full body, more organic voicing of D400ex...but i love micro dynamics and in general more energetic presentation of su-10!
Subjectively su 10 sound crystal tough (maybe too tough) and 400ex sounds like missing a good linear psu. Victory for ess on this round but certainly due to the linear psu.
I'm using SU-10 with A90D and the Arya Organic HP. What I hear is her voice is much cleaner with SU-10 and D400EX make her voice sound like she sing into a tin can. Bass is a bit punchy with D400EX. Overall SU-10 sound much better. Could be the song I'm not sure.
D400EX is overrated by many who take their given marketing delusion serious. Just a third-rate work for the price. Rip-off, especially aiming the Japanese market. Japanese blindly prefer their own chip maker AKM/Asahi Kasei.
The question is, what is ,,better,, . I chose the Crane Song Solaris. Had a Mytek Brooklyn and some others before but the Solaris is (for me) the cleanest sounding DAC ive heard so far. The Soalris paired with an pair of actives is an awesome combo, simpel but very clean & transparent Sound
With this kind of audio recording...all DAC sound the same, can not tell the difference, especially in more details...generally worst than may car audio
400ex of course. But 90% of a sound goes from low noise separated power sources and iu/filter op amps with components around. SMLS is well known as a company that saves as much money as possible on components, selling only a DAC chip title
I don't know... the only difference I can perceive is d400 is more lush at mid and low end but very detailed&sparkly at the top end, saber seems to be more balanced without this artificial spark. I had to change to planar headphones to hear that, on dynamic headphones they seems the same.
☝️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.
Thanks for watching!
Great review to explain the devices with compare listen.
Better than most the channel spent 10mins+ to introduce the hardware without any on stage demo which waste our time.
Hi! Always great content :) the SU10 has a good midrange, but the treble sounds processed, especially the high hat. I had fatigue after two minutes. The D400 midrange is gorgeous. The treble still has hints of the SU10 treble, but it is better controlled. I would still have to put a valve filter/buffer in front of it.
Very soon I will start to listen to music on your channel instead of Tidal. You have a good audio system. SU 10 sounds a bit clearer on my headphone system based on Denon DA10 DAC and headphone amplifier and AKG K273 Pro. The voice and the separation of instruments are better on SU 10 and for this reason, I prefer it.
Your video help me to choose over these 2 good DACs. Use McIntosh pre and power and B&W 802D loudspeakers, hear a lot of classical, jazz, and the music of my childhood: Stones /Beatles/ Zepp/etc. D400EX will be my elected dac, both was on my wish list but can´t be sure wich to choose until i hear your comparative video. thanks a lot for your good work.
Great choice, I’m still enjoying D400EX everyday.
Interesting. The D400ex sounded better - better midbase impact, more texture and definition in the midrange. This latest generation AKM chip is the first AKM product I really like.
What about Gustard A26?
Thanks, D400EX sounds more realistic, like someone singing in room
I wish you would have had the d400es to compare with the su-10 since they are both sabre ess chips. I have the d400es and was comparing to some other dacs here and was so surpirsed at how lush it sounds without being glaring or bright and or too forward and narrow like some es chips can be. I really think today the best value dac is the d400es it is 550 on amazon and you can find refurbished there for 400. The d400 series had two power supplies and a little beefed up components clock and caps ect, Ive heard actually the the 400es and 400ex sound very similar which is interesting considering different chips. Anyways thank you as always. cheers
Hi, thanks for the test. Lazy sound of akm, as usual... , missing the spark, thus long listing don t bother, best choice for background listining, or only it is my impression (???) probably, they have ro reserve opa1612 for ess chip only, to try to soften the sound, but for akm to find another op amp, more speedy.
D400 is all over that midband 🤩
How is SMSL D400EX compared to Musician Pegasus (r2r)?
This sound demo clearly shows EX to be sweeter sounding. SU 10 ess puts out harsh with fatiguing sound. Thanks Tharbamar // great job with sound samples.
(How can ppl just talk about DACs , sound in general even compare without providing sound samples??????)
I find ESS chips fatiguing, wasted some monies purchasing and than selling as used
@@BillyKueekSG yep same experience. Had one ess DAC with Bluetooth. Really harsh bright sound overall. Even my PC aux port sounds less fatiguing than that.
@@noob_strikes0011 we learn and then we move on, and as we do, we spend and spend. I am at a point where I am happy with my equipments now. I got a 3-in-3-out switcher to play around with what I have - Gustard R26, iFi Pro iCAN Signature, XDuoo XA-10 (Will upgrade to a better AKM DAC at some point), iFi Zen DAC V2, iFi Gryphon, XDuoo TA-26 tube amp, Topping A90…
Yes, the SU 10 puts out harsh with fatiguing sound ...in this system.
Í have SMSL D1SE DAC (same ES9038PRO DAC chip). It never puts out harsh with fatiguing sound ...in MY system.
@@csszabi8779 vmv d1se perhaps rolled off flat upper midrange n trebles? Again a lot to do with implementation and speaker types. For example we have the Evo 4.2. lush warm sounding yet laid back. However it is revealing n expose bad recordings . // with not neutral DAC it will fatigue you very quickly.
SU-10 sounds much better from my desktop 2 channel system. Clearer, wider taller soundstage, more dynamic and louder even.
Nice for me to stumble upon this comparison as i am in the market to replace my SU-9 and i naerowed it down to this two DACs. My music of choice is primarily acustic jazz trios, quarters and vocal jazz as well as a lot of classical with some ambiental electronics. My amp is still XTZ A100D3 with Node N130 and Advance Paris KC800 with pair of Q200e subs with Nordost Blue Heaven speaker bi-wires and Mogami 2803 interconects which makes it detiled, resolving and bright enough allready so i will probably go with D400ex 🎉😅
Great choice!
@lukava… I am also seeking to upgrade my SU-9, did you find the 400ex a big step up? I listen to the same genres of music as you mentioned and believe the AKM 400ex would do a better job as well.
I plugged my SU-9 into my main system (swapping out my ares 2) and could not listen for more then an hour way too bright.
Any perspective is appreciated, Thanks!
All my DACs have AKM which are warmer and mellower than ESS. It was my understanding since day one.
Both DACS sound good. But I would make the choice of what DAC to get depending on what music genres you listen to. I listen to mostly Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres so I'd go with SU-10 for more speed, punch and slam/impact. I'd go with the D400ex if I wanted a smoother more relaxed presentation. It's similar to why I preferred the Gustard A26 over the R26. R26 R2R has nice smooth presentation while A26 can do all genres well but delivers a more impactful listen. You also have to know what your Audio setup can do too when upgrading your DAC. Buying higher end DACS isn't going to make much difference in your setup if your Speakers, HP Amps and Headphones aren't at a certain level of high end quality too
Agreed! All we need to know is synergy between the components and personal preferences.
My question is this, if the D400 EX is your favorite delta sigma DAC, should I assume you have a preference on AKM vs ESS chips? To me, the D400 EX sounds smoother. However I have just bought the DO400, I am just guessing its slightly brighter sound signature from the ESS 9039MSPRO chip might match better to my Dynaudio Evoke 50 speakers given Dynaudios tend to ever so slightly lean warm with its silk dome tweeter. I have just received it a few hours ago, so I will start testing it. I also heard your comparison between the D400 EX and the Denafrips Aries II 12th, in that particular comparison in your system, I actually find the D400 EX bright especially with its midrange/vocal while the Aries II 12th's acoustic guitar sounded much more meaty. Just curious whether you will be testing the SMSL D400 Pro with the AKM chips? Although it is not as well speced as the DO400 EX, it does come with a brand new really cool-looking casing. And do you think it would make sense with a Roksan Blak integrated amp/Dynaudio Evoke 50 system or do you think it might be a tad too soft?
Hi, please review the new SMSL VMV D1SE2
I come back. SMSL SU 10 is also better on attack and delay. The delay, release of the notes, and the length of this release, it is better and more balanced in regard to the attack. This is a very good DAC, indeed!!!
do you mean Decay and not Delay ?
@@olegpa yes
today, we do not listen to amps and speakers anymore like we used to....we listen now to DACs that has the biggest impact on a sound system
Lets me rephrased that. We now listen to DACs that has the best measurement on paper.
@@denis4072 measurements hardly mean anything, and thats why we're going in the wrong direction
I own the smsl d400ex and I love it! could you please let me know where did you get the isolation feet for it?
Best regards
SU10 ACTUALLY sound more details, dynamic and more clean linear than 400 Ex . This 400ex has coloured a bit and slightly higher distortion just like tube sounds
Thanks for sharing
For me SMSL D400EX...@Tharbamar, please... will be very interesting a comparation betwen SMSL D400EX and Loxjie D40 Pro! Thanks!
All your reviews are great and i am experiencing them.
Since I don't have the ability to listen all DACs, which ones would you recommend in the $1000 range from SMSL, Denafrips, Topping and Gustard for my Exposure 3010 amp and Spendor speakers?
So far I've only listened Vinyl on my Rega turntable, so would like my future DAC to sound analog if it is possible. Thx!
Did you make a choice? Or compare in live some dac
@@mcm934ify ANK 2.1 is my choice
I like your comparison videos. Can these DACs be used as a preamp? My preamp doesn't have balanced connections but my power amp does, and I was wondering if these DACs can be connected directly to the power amp via XLR cables. Thank you, Mr. Tharbarmar.
They can be use as PreDAC but I do not like the way they sound, as PreDAC they sound a bit thinner and shallower, thanks
A dac is a dac, not a pre amp. It will not sound good when you dont use it for it's intended purpose.
What is best.....this or topping E70 velvet?
Спасибо. Очень хорошо можно сравнить звучание цапов. Я с Вами согласен. 10 - звучит мутно и на низких, и на высоких.
For d400 sounds sweet n detailed
If you had to pick a filter on the SU-10 to tone down the harshness and make it more natural and comparable to the D400EX, which filter would you suggest?
Sorry it’s been a while I don’t remember exactly.
I want to buy a class D amplifier. Which SMSL amplifier is the best in sound? I mean the amplifier itself. It doesn't matter whether there is a built-in DAC or not. I will not use the built-in DAC, since I already have an SMSL su-10 DAC. The price doesn't matter either, since they are all not expensive for my budget.
Is any of them supported with DPLL setting? I use SU-9n and one thing I'm missing is separate settings per input. One source may require dejitter while other may not...
The DAC I am using to listen is inferior to these and the differences are hard to discern.
The first time I listened to an ESS DAC (Pioneer U-05) well I was disappointed, it was the midrange and the air that struck me (good potential) but I don't like the stay.
Hi, thanks for info. Do You test all dac's on the same "Linear fast" filter setting ? Thanks
Mostly but sometimes Apodizing filter, depending on their sound signature, thanks
I’m with u, D400 much smoother!
SU10 wins, apparently D400 sounds much better via i2s input?
love this DAC but replacing it with the Gustard A26 damn you Tharbamar!
Great choice!
@@Tharbamar My wallet fears you! All kidding aside we really appreciate the hard work you put into these reviews and it really does help out our decision making.
Hi jsuno, I also wanty to replace D400EX with A26, what your opinion about this? Thanks in Advance
The SU10 sounds clearly better. The image hight is obviously lower with the ex400, very bad for a price like this!!!! The SU10 also has much cleaner sound.
Dear Sir and what about Topping 70velvet also if in different price range?
It’s a good DAC but not to the level of DACs in this video.
@@Tharbamar hello thanks for the replay may I ask you if you prefer smsl do200mk2 or topping e70 velvet? I have a musical system based on opera v loudspeaker not open on High frequency and tube pre
DO200MK2 should be better paring for your needs.
Hello! Interesting comparison (as well as between D400EX vs Denafrips Ares 12th) and apocalyptic indeed. I prefer the sound of D400EX comparatively . As I am using in my system the VMV D1SE, I'm wondering if it's worth the upgrade to D400EX. Do you have any comments? I appreciate your opinion.
D1SE is very good DAC but one question I would ask is would you preferred D400EX AKM chip based sound signature in your system? which I do for analog like tonal balance, as always decision is yours, Thanks
Hi, I have a vmv D1se and the DO200 mark Ii sound much better, more clear, I believe the british noratel transformer of the 1Dse is the wrong part for this Dac, or maybe the 2 separate chip of the DO200 mark Ii made better. If you have one 1Dse sell it for 300 dls, buy a better dac . i hope this D400Ex with 2 noratel transformer will not affect the sound. i prefer not to buy again toroidal transformer in my system
I am not sure how SMSL SU10 compares Topping E70 Velvet. I really like E70 Velvet. I purchased D400EX and then returned it - it is not better than E70 Velvet at all in my experience. I do hope SU10 is better - the only thing I am afraid it may be too soft in general (mid and high range).
Did you tried it?
Dear Tharbamar - great review! Will you review the Eversolo Z8 - I don´t know if I shall buy D400EX or Z8 ...
No plan for Z8 I didn’t accept the review invitation last year, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thank you
How about D400ES or SU10?
is the sony hapz1es sound much better than these>?
Sony is like Studio Sound quality with most honesty.
i want something better than my Hapz1es ..any suggestions?
@@MrBoomtheroom I can't say better these are different in sound, and louder, in terms of accurate sound and transparency Z1ES is better like studio quality sound.
For chip-based DACs, I prefer the AKM chips than the ESS. However, I also like the Burr Browns and R2R. If I am to add another chip-based DAC, it’s likely to be the Gustard A26. I am happy with my Gustard R26, IFi and the XDuoo XA-10 (AKM chips). I’d like to test listen to the Chord Qutest or Hugo TT2 with M-Scaler.
Hello which ifi ?? Less fatiguing sound for you
@@noob_strikes0011 I still use the Zen DAC V2 for active speakers and I use the Gryphon as DAC, hooked up to the iFi Pro iCAN Signature.
@@BillyKueekSG could you suggest DAC for wharfdale Evo 4.2?? Ifi or r2r such as Cayin RU6
@@noob_strikes0011 I am more of a headphone user and only put a portable speaker in each room at home with a lousy soundbar system for my TV. Tharbamar is the expert here
I'm giving up on Chord and the owner in my opinion seems like Bernie Madoff...🤣🙄😜
Linear PSU here, switching PSU there, D400EX has more realistic sound.
oh gosh, another dilemma...i love full body, more organic voicing of D400ex...but i love micro dynamics and in general more energetic presentation of su-10!
Subjectively su 10 sound crystal tough (maybe too tough) and 400ex sounds like missing a good linear psu. Victory for ess on this round but certainly due to the linear psu.
I'm using SU-10 with A90D and the Arya Organic HP. What I hear is her voice is much cleaner with SU-10 and D400EX make her voice sound like she sing into a tin can. Bass is a bit punchy with D400EX. Overall SU-10 sound much better. Could be the song I'm not sure.
D400EX is overrated by many who take their given marketing delusion serious. Just a third-rate work for the price. Rip-off, especially aiming the Japanese market. Japanese blindly prefer their own chip maker AKM/Asahi Kasei.
D400ex best!
I'll take the 400EX because it looks better... 😬
What DAC is better than my Chord Qutest ? Update: wasted money on a Qutest and sold it...Got the Gustard R26 and it smokes the chord...
Denafrips
@@xxgamerxxchrischris2325 thx but did you ever have the Chord Qutest for comparison ?
@@briancampbell7712 I haven't buy I'm sure it's better
@@xxgamerxxchrischris2325 okay...thx for your thoughts
The question is, what is ,,better,, . I chose the Crane Song Solaris. Had a Mytek Brooklyn and some others before but the Solaris is (for me) the cleanest sounding DAC ive heard so far. The Soalris paired with an pair of actives is an awesome combo, simpel but very clean & transparent Sound
With this kind of audio recording...all DAC sound the same, can not tell the difference, especially in more details...generally worst than may car audio
400ex of course. But 90% of a sound goes from low noise separated power sources and iu/filter op amps with components around. SMLS is well known as a company that saves as much money as possible on components, selling only a DAC chip title
Quit smoking weed man.
I don't know... the only difference I can perceive is d400 is more lush at mid and low end but very detailed&sparkly at the top end, saber seems to be more balanced without this artificial spark. I had to change to planar headphones to hear that, on dynamic headphones they seems the same.
400 ex is less sharp and scratchy .
D400EX sounds better to me
more accurate sound privides sennheiser 560s
Su-10 better for me in all aspect
Evaluation of the sound over you tube is a joke ,people writing about the midrange or the highs on compressed audio is so funny 😂😂😂
In my opinion, smsl d400ex sound more natural, more better.
Exactly thats the main design focus of AKM4499EX chips.
Can barely understand him.
so so sick of dac reviews!!!!😢
DAC Reviews are okey, the problem are the repetitive brand selection (mostly stuff straight from china)