SMSL SD-1955

The SMSL SD-1955 kills for the price, at 100 dollars, and for the price it exceeds in clarity, detail, and delivers an overall clean presentation. But it's major trademark for me is the extra "air" and space it gives, treble extension is pretty good, nothing to brag about, but the slight boost at 14K (to my ears) gives it a crisp, airy presentation, 3D almost, if it wasn't for the op amp (more on that later). Again clear, beautiful presentation, obviously the hallmark of the AD-1955 DAC chip, yet the SD-1955 has a weakness, its op amp. I can't complain, it's 100 bucks, but the JRC5532DD op amp doesn't give the overall sound the warmness it lacks, so vocals sound slightly thin or even cold, I'm going to install an OPA627 soon. Still, the SD-1955 is the best for the money.

I've only had this unit for a few days so I expect it should get a little better with burn-in, and I can already hear that happening. It plays CDs and DVD-Audio discs with no problem, and streaming through the USB is great. Very nice, smooth sound. A big improvement to my system.

FYI - the dac chip in this device is the same one that's used in the Emotiva cd player.