[pataburd]

Cannot answer for the SU-9 but the upgrade from the M400 (as good a DAC as it is) to the D400EX was definitely worthwhile.

 

[Jefecesti]

Its definitely a step up.... But a tiny step? If you have the right gear I'm sure the differences could be a wider margin but with what I have I would say it was a slight improvement overall. Around the same time I've upgraded my power cables and interconnects so I couldn't tell you what made the bigger difference but I can tell there is one. Main reason for switching to the Gustard A26 is for the network connection. Although it doesn't have bluetooth I can still route music from any streaming service or local file thru the network to the dac and control on my phone via mconnect or bubble upnp. If you plan on using HQPlayer, both the Gustard and the D400EX have DSD Direct. Just a piece of mind that DSD coming from HQPlayer is not being converted back to PCM before delivering it to you in DSD when using DSD Direct. For me, same goes with interconnect, powercords, fuses etc...I do hear differences but its also for piece of mind I'm getting the best that I can afford.

Does the streaming straight from network improve sound quality compared to playing it from phone/laptop via usb?

 

[suno23]

Does the streaming straight from network improve sound quality compared to playing it from phone/laptop via usb?

I think it will all depends on what you believe. I'd rather take the network route if you have a generic USB cable. At the time I was using Supra USB and Lan cables my belief was LAN sounded better. From memory I thought it sounded fuller. Maybe because of blacker background? I really couldn't tell you why. Most seem to agree on here as well.

 

[pataburd]

Had been listening almost exclusively to the Denafrips ENYO 15th for the last several weeks.
Thought the Denafrips might even be supplanting the D400EX.
Swapped in the S.M.S.L. yesterday for a potentially "farewell" listen. Wow! The comparative upticks in speed, detail and especially dynamics almost startled me! The K501 really seemed to wake up and sound their best with the D400EX.
I will be holding onto the S.M.S.L. for a bit longer . . .
[The D400EX and the ENYO 15th make a great complementary pair.]

 

[poker.]

has anyone listened to the d400ex and a dac with a single 4499ex, like the e70v?

If so, just wondering what your insights or opinions are on the differences.

Edit: I’m blind and just saw pataburd’s comment about upgrading from the m400

 

[pataburd]

has anyone listened to the d400ex and a dac with a single 4499ex, like the e70v?

If so, just wondering what your insights or opinions are on the differences.

Edit: I’m blind and just saw pataburd’s comment about upgrading from the m400

To reiterate, I found the D400EX [2x 4499EX] superior to the (already quite good) M400 [1x 4499EX].
However, with the D400 Pro's separate [analogue and digital] power supplies, that margin may be narrowed appreciably.
Haven't seen any D400 Pro Vs. D400EX head-to-head reviews yet. Was tempted to pick up the D400 Pro to do an a/b myself.

 

[poker.]

To reiterate, I found the D400EX [2x 4499EX] superior to the (already quite good) M400 [1x 4499EX].
However, with the D400 Pro's separate [analogue and digital] power supplies, that margin may be narrowed appreciably.
Haven't seen any D400 Pro Vs. D400EX head-to-head reviews yet. Was tempted to pick up the D400 Pro to do an a/b myself.

Got it, thanks.

I have the d400ex currently and enjoy it, but had a thought in the back of my mind if downgrading to the e70v would be worth the money. Sounds like I’ll just keep enjoying this unit, thanks.

 

[helloh3adfi]

If anyone is interested I'm selling my D400EX. https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/smsl-d400ex-dual-ak4499ex.74978/

 

[pataburd]

Which DAC are you getting/keeping in the D400EX's stead?

 

[helloh3adfi]

Keeping an ADI-2. Got too many devices so selling the D400EX.

 

[Hyde00]

A bit late to the party...... someone selling the D400EX (AKM version) locally so it got me intrigued.

But I'm only using a single ended tube amp.

Is it wasteful to get this since if I won't be using it balanced.

 

[Zbell]

A bit late to the party...... someone selling the D400EX (AKM version) locally so it got me intrigued.

But I'm only using a single ended tube amp.

Is it wasteful to get this since if I won't be using it balanced.

I use it with a single ended tube amp and it sounds amazing unbalanced. Would highly recommend, plus you can connect a SS Amp at the same time balanced and run signal to both at once (or individually) if you update your setup in the future.

 

[pataburd]

Used mine with two single-ended tube/hybrid amps [Schiit LYR+ and Hagerman Tuba]. The D400EX paired very well with either of these two amps.

 

[Hyde00]

I use it with a single ended tube amp and it sounds amazing unbalanced. Would highly recommend, plus you can connect a SS Amp at the same time balanced and run signal to both at once (or individually) if you update your setup in the future.

Used mine with two single-ended tube/hybrid amps [Schiit LYR+ and Hagerman Tuba]. The D400EX paired very well with either of these two amps.

lol that's good to hear.

I'm too used to hearing about dacs gimp their single ended in favor of balanced out, so in general I have a hard time shopping for higher end dacs.

But nice to see this is not the case this time.

EDIT: Oh for reference, I use Lyr 3 and Project Solstice hybrid tube amps.