Yes, it has dual Ak 4495 se. I have connected both the solid state and tube outputs to my preamp so I can switch between the two. They both sound very good. Tube output has a warmer sound with softer airier bass, but still sounds very clear through mid and treble regions. I haven't made my mind...

There are so many Dacs around, it's a minefield trying to chose one, that's why I continued using the M8 for so long, but I'm glad I made a decision and went for this one. There maybe comparable dacs for the same sort of money, but for me it's money well spent. Great improvement imho.

Sorry, didn't answer you questions. I've got the A version. It's fitted with original OPA 2604 for Op Amp one and LME 49990 for Op Amps 2 & 3.

Hi, I thought the M8 Dac was good value for money, but couldn't understand some of the reviews I saw posted about it. Better than most internal dacs, but not what I would call an Audiophile Dac.

I have been using the SMSL M8 for last couple of years. In my opinion there is no comparison. The Dac 05 is far better. Detailed, smooth, good imaging and real depth to it's sound. Qualities that I never got from th SMSL.

Oh, forgot to mention, I've got the A version dac, with dual dacs.

Hi, I,ve also got the 728 preamp, but with tone controls. Checked the photos that were on line and from what I could see, bypassing tone controls would amount to having no tone control version, apart from theoretical downgrading of sound as it goes through switches. I had an earlier version...

Hi, balanced jacks are definitely Solid State output. Got my one a few weeks ago. Sounded very good out of the box, but in search of wringing every last drop out of it, now in the process of modding a few parts.

Many Thanks, up and running, sounding great.

Hi, thanks for your replies. I had a look online yesterday trying to find the correct SoX software to download, but couldn't really fathom out what I need. Any chance of a link to correct application? Thanks

Hi Guys, new to this thread, but been reading with great interest for sometime. I am currently using a M8 and have been pretty happy with it's sound quality, but not sure how to implement upsampling features as mentioned in this thread. I'm using Foobar for playback. Can someone talk me...