S.M.S.L SU-9 DAC has dropped at SHENZHENAUDIO store timely, with ES9038PRO chip and MQA supported

[makatech]

I did hear the D90 MQA and I wasn't as impressed by it's filter implementation honestly, SU-9 had more apparent subtleties when swapping between filters VS D90

D90 also had that some what aggressive dry presentation but on an AKM chip which felt off? Still the Pre-Amp function of D90 was better imo as SU-9 sit at like what 4+V on the XLR? Which isn't ideal as an even 4V is standard is it not

Either way if you didn't need and want the Digital Pre-Amp function I feel SU-9 would be better. But to use AS a digital Pre-Amp D90 would be better imo

I have two questions:

1. About the Topping D90 pre-amp functionality, I'm a confused about this since I'm a newbie in this area. A90 is also having pre-amp functionality, right? If connecting monitors (XLR) I will do this from the amp, not from the DAC or I could do either? Please enlighten me.

2. This reviewer (for SMSL SU-9) is reporting coil while (second page in the review "Issues" section)? Is this something you noticed?
https://theheadphonelist.com/smsl-su-9-review-epiphany/

 

[Makiah S]

I have two questions:

1. About the Topping D90 pre-amp functionality, I'm a confused about this since I'm a newbie in this area. A90 is also having pre-amp functionality, right? If connecting monitors (XLR) I will do this from the amp, not from the DAC or I could do either? Please enlighten me.

2. This reviewer (for SMSL SU-9) is reporting coil while (second page in the review "Issues" section)? Is this something you noticed?
https://theheadphonelist.com/smsl-su-9-review-epiphany/

D90 can function as a pre-amp running out of it's XLRs so you can hook it and SU-9 Directly up to active monitors and control them that way, A90 would be useful if you wanted to run XLR into that and have your D90 serve both Speakers and the Headphone map.

You can hook active monitors right to the DAC, passive monitors that need a dedicated amp you'll hook directly to the amp with D90 running into the that. Now if your Speaker amp is simply a "power" amp with NO volume control than yea D90 will serve as your pre-amp there too

Coil Whine isn't something you hear in your playback system but rather it's literal noise the hardware in the DAC makes. I don't hear any coil whine on my unit... and I'm disappointed to see a reviewer would upon hearing coil whine... not seek out a replacement. But review the product as is...

 

[newtophones07]

I have two questions:

1. About the Topping D90 pre-amp functionality, I'm a confused about this since I'm a newbie in this area. A90 is also having pre-amp functionality, right? If connecting monitors (XLR) I will do this from the amp, not from the DAC or I could do either? Please enlighten me.

2. This reviewer (for SMSL SU-9) is reporting coil while (second page in the review "Issues" section)? Is this something you noticed?
https://theheadphonelist.com/smsl-su-9-review-epiphany/

Coil whine, from a PS? That's a failed unit, why not ask for an immediate replacement before reviewing it, oh well. SMSL should have tested it before mailing I guess.

 

[Makiah S]

Coil whine, from a PS? That's a failed unit, why not ask for an immediate replacement before reviewing it, oh well. SMSL should have tested it before mailing I guess.

It could have defected during shipment, enough force from a fall mid transit, how the delivery company handle'd the package physically or even aggressive enough changes in temperature and humidity.

I've had Fed-Ex Straight DESTROY things I've sent in the mail... remember it's still people who move these products around the world. So even if SMSL tested things still happen, it's up to the reviewer to make an effort to get a replacement. How SMSL handle's that process is worth speaking about, reporting a failure as "normal" or a regular "fault" or con shows a lack of insight...no it shows lazy negligence on the reviewers part...

In my years reviewing I've also come across faulty products, and most of the time manufacturers and even vendors are understanding and quick to get replacements. So there's a lot of one off's I don't speak about as they've happened once.

It looks like tho the SMSL team verified it was "higher than normal" but no mention was made of a replacement... which is disappointing to hear, but props to the reviewer for doing their due diligence and reporting the results of their inquiry about the "Issue"

I know in my home I run Pangea Power Cables and Furman Conditioners on all of my systems and over the years I've had almost no issues. Still a shame to see SMSL didn't issue a replacement

 

[makatech]

It could have defected during shipment, enough force from a fall mid transit, how the delivery company handle'd the package physically or even aggressive enough changes in temperature and humidity.

I've had Fed-Ex Straight DESTROY things I've sent in the mail... remember it's still people who move these products around the world. So even if SMSL tested things still happen, it's up to the reviewer to make an effort to get a replacement. How SMSL handle's that process is worth speaking about, reporting a failure as "normal" or a regular "fault" or con shows a lack of insight...no it shows lazy negligence on the reviewers part...

In my years reviewing I've also come across faulty products, and most of the time manufacturers and even vendors are understanding and quick to get replacements. So there's a lot of one off's I don't speak about as they've happened once.

It looks like tho the SMSL team verified it was "higher than normal" but no mention was made of a replacement... which is disappointing to hear, but props to the reviewer for doing their due diligence and reporting the results of their inquiry about the "Issue"

I know in my home I run Pangea Power Cables and Furman Conditioners on all of my systems and over the years I've had almost no issues. Still a shame to see SMSL didn't issue a replacement

@newtophones07

I agree, it gets very confusing for a newbie like me if reviewers start drawing conclusions from a (possibly) defective unit. I was surprised reading about the coil whine issue.

Finally (to make it even more confusing) the reviewer is stating:
"SMSL engineers also confirmed this is normal behaviour of the switching power supply, but that the noise on my unit is at the higher end of normal."
https://theheadphonelist.com/smsl-su-9-review-epiphany/2/

 

[ezduzit2500]

I've just received my SU-9 recently. Had it about a week and so far so good. I haven't had any problems with my unit, coil whine or otherwise. I had the su-8 v2 directly before this unit. I feel that the su-9 is a definite upgrade so far. Where I felt the v2 was on the warm side with a slight mid bass emphasis the su-9 seems to be more linear to me. Listening balanced out to Schiit Magnius and Hifiman Ananda and Arya. SE out is linear and sounds good too. Not bright with just enough detail from both outputs. No glitches from the SE outs either, unlike the su-8 v2. I might be keeping it if things don't break.

 

[Soundizer]

Can you pls check our your order, we have noted on it about the taxes, it not take by us, but by the customs at your end. We are also really sorry about the trouble we caused. We have given you a solution PM, can you check it?

the smsl m500 has arrived and it has software 1.7. This is not the latest. I use a Mac. How do I update it?

 

[Soundizer]

Originally I had an issue and concern about a product experience purchased from Shenzenaudio. The product itself was not faulty, but was not to my preference. Anyway Shenzenaudio was excellent at helping me return the product. They provided superb support via email.

many thanks Shenzenaudio.

I feel confident and comfortable purchasing again from Shenzenaudio. I live in UK..

 

[nishan99]

Just got mine and playing with some settings, still not sure I am hearing differences between them except the DPLL. Please set it at MIN, the higher the value the duller, slower and veiled the sound becomes. Cheers! .

 

[ezduzit2500]

Just got mine and playing with some settings, still not sure I am hearing differences between them except the DPLL. Please set it at MIN, the higher the value the duller, slower and veiled the sound becomes. Cheers! .

I'm still playing around with some settings also. Agreed that that setting gives me the most clarity. Whether or not differences with other settings can be heard depends a lot on how transparent and revealing other parts of the chain are - amp and especially headphones. I've got Ananda and Arya and I'm hearing slight differences with different PCM filter settings, still haven't settled on which is "best" though.

 

[shenzhenaudio]

Originally I had an issue and concern about a product experience purchased from Shenzenaudio. The product itself was not faulty, but was not to my preference. Anyway Shenzenaudio was excellent at helping me return the product. They provided superb support via email.

many thanks Shenzenaudio.

I feel confident and comfortable purchasing again from Shenzenaudio. I live in UK..

Thank you for your approval.

 

[corgifall]

The SU-9 has arrived!! Patiently awaiting the SH-9 to get here

 

[ezduzit2500]

The SU-9 has arrived!! Patiently awaiting the SH-9 to get here

How do you like your unit so far? I'm well pleased with mine. I thought about stretching to a D90/A90 stack but I'm not ready to bust my budget yet (again) - I'm still getting used to my new Hifiman Arya set. Really liking the PC / Tidal MQA > su9 > Schiit Magnius / Emotiva a-100 > Arya / Ananda combo.

 

[corgifall]

So far so good. Everything works as it should and sounds fantastic. In the process of A/B testing the SU-8 and SU-9 at the moment. Big difference in micro details between the two. Picking up a lot of little details on the SU-9 vs the SU-8 that come through slightly dull. Very curious how the SH-9 will do with both the DACs.

Does anyone know what the little connector on the bottom side on the SU-9 is meant for? I haven't looked at the manual yet.

 

[shenzhenaudio]

The SU-9 has arrived!! Patiently awaiting the SH-9 to get here

Glad to get this feedback from you. Enjoy yours now.