pataburd
Headphoneus Supremus
Just picked up the D400EX, moving on/over(?)/up(?) from the M400 [which I enjoy very much].
SMSL D400EX & D400ES - Impressions Thread
- Thread starter XERO1
- Start date
Draknodd
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2016
- Posts
- 143
- Likes
- 128
Can you make a comparison between the two dacs? I own the m400
pataburd
Headphoneus Supremus
D400EX due for delivery tomorrow.
pataburd
Headphoneus Supremus
A quick update:
Got the D400EX up-and-running [late] yesterday evening.
(+) It uses the same USB driver as the M400 [which was already installed on the Lenovo], so that was convenient.
(+) The D400EX sounds pretty incredible! So much more resolving than the M400, but also so much more natural- and realistic-sounding. (Having spent a fair amount of time with the M400, I wouldn't have thought this degree of refinement/uptick possible.)
(+) Virtually every sonic aspect is treated very well--and with remarkable ease/gracefulness.
(+) The Amiron Home have never sounded this capable(!), scaling up significantly from the M400 to the D400EX.
(-) Had to reverse the orientation of all my cables/connections to accommodate the D400EX's "upside down" back panel layout.
(-) Haven't gotten used to manually adjusting that "toggle wheel" yet. I think I prefer the M400's "one knob does it all" solution. Or the remote.
(+) So glad SMSL put a totally defeatable display option on the D400EX(!).
. . . more later--when I'm less giddy, Deo volente . . .
Subsequent UPDATE [11/15/2023]:
The D400EX pairs surprisingly well with the SMSL SP400 THX 888 AAA: spacious, detailed and refined, with lovely tone and timbre. I am noting that as I include more "neutral" components in my audio stream, the better and more "natural" the sound the D400EX seems to impart. For example, SP400 + XLO Signature S3-2 cable + Neumann NDH-30 has been one of the best combinations I have tried so far--nearly perfect for listening to large-scale classical music.
Got the D400EX up-and-running [late] yesterday evening.
(+) It uses the same USB driver as the M400 [which was already installed on the Lenovo], so that was convenient.
(+) The D400EX sounds pretty incredible! So much more resolving than the M400, but also so much more natural- and realistic-sounding. (Having spent a fair amount of time with the M400, I wouldn't have thought this degree of refinement/uptick possible.)
(+) Virtually every sonic aspect is treated very well--and with remarkable ease/gracefulness.
(+) The Amiron Home have never sounded this capable(!), scaling up significantly from the M400 to the D400EX.
(-) Had to reverse the orientation of all my cables/connections to accommodate the D400EX's "upside down" back panel layout.
(-) Haven't gotten used to manually adjusting that "toggle wheel" yet. I think I prefer the M400's "one knob does it all" solution. Or the remote.
(+) So glad SMSL put a totally defeatable display option on the D400EX(!).
. . . more later--when I'm less giddy, Deo volente . . .
Subsequent UPDATE [11/15/2023]:
The D400EX pairs surprisingly well with the SMSL SP400 THX 888 AAA: spacious, detailed and refined, with lovely tone and timbre. I am noting that as I include more "neutral" components in my audio stream, the better and more "natural" the sound the D400EX seems to impart. For example, SP400 + XLO Signature S3-2 cable + Neumann NDH-30 has been one of the best combinations I have tried so far--nearly perfect for listening to large-scale classical music.
Last edited:
pataburd
Headphoneus Supremus
Just exchanged a set of Herbie's Gabon Ebony Domes [footers] with some [old school] "MI Roller" vibration absorbers/footers underneath the SP400; the ebony domes are now supporting the D400EX [beneath which no isolation/damping formerly resided].
Appreciable upticks in detail, articulation, sense of air/space and midrange bloom. Remarkable, actually.
Implementing cost-effective tweaks is one of the most enjoyable facets of this "hobby".
Appreciable upticks in detail, articulation, sense of air/space and midrange bloom. Remarkable, actually.
Implementing cost-effective tweaks is one of the most enjoyable facets of this "hobby".
Last edited:
Hello. I'm here to ask what's the difference between D400EX, D400 Pro, SU-9 Ultra. They are on 4499ex, but cant understand. which one is better and fresher?
I want to get dual 4499ex but cant understand is it in this devices or just single ?
Is there way to look over 9390pro cause its 8 channel due 2 channels?
I want to get dual 4499ex but cant understand is it in this devices or just single ?
Is there way to look over 9390pro cause its 8 channel due 2 channels?
AFtesht:
These are just guesses and needs verifying but
D400EX: Mentions triple chip design, has (2) AK4499EX DAC chips, and (1) AK4191 DAC chip, CK-03 clock. <6W of power of power consumption. Perhaps uses (1) AK4499 chip for each channel.
D400 Pro: Has dual chips and CK-03 clock, looks like it only has (1) AK4499EX dual chip and (1) AK4191 chip? Uses <10W of power consumption. The Pro is slightly bigger, a little more width and height. The Pro is about 30% cheaper (retail-wise). Looks like the Pro only uses (1) AK4499 dual version chip to handle both channels, instead of two separate AK4499 chips like the EX to handle each channel.
The backs have different layouts but same amount of inputs and outs, board layout looks quite different as well. The EX is just about a year older than the Pro. I like the volume knob better on the Pro than the recessed one on the EX.
These are just guesses and needs verifying but
D400EX: Mentions triple chip design, has (2) AK4499EX DAC chips, and (1) AK4191 DAC chip, CK-03 clock. <6W of power of power consumption. Perhaps uses (1) AK4499 chip for each channel.
D400 Pro: Has dual chips and CK-03 clock, looks like it only has (1) AK4499EX dual chip and (1) AK4191 chip? Uses <10W of power consumption. The Pro is slightly bigger, a little more width and height. The Pro is about 30% cheaper (retail-wise). Looks like the Pro only uses (1) AK4499 dual version chip to handle both channels, instead of two separate AK4499 chips like the EX to handle each channel.
The backs have different layouts but same amount of inputs and outs, board layout looks quite different as well. The EX is just about a year older than the Pro. I like the volume knob better on the Pro than the recessed one on the EX.
Last edited:
AudioQuality777
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2016
- Posts
- 159
- Likes
- 121
The ES,EX, and PRO models are proprietary SMSL models.
Therefore, almost the same schematics-two power supplies, a clock, etc.Different number of chips.
The SU model is produced for the distributor shenzhenaudio.This model is simpler - one power supply, a clock.
In the 9038 dacs, there are 2 channels at the output of course.
Therefore, almost the same schematics-two power supplies, a clock, etc.Different number of chips.
The SU model is produced for the distributor shenzhenaudio.This model is simpler - one power supply, a clock.
In the 9038 dacs, there are 2 channels at the output of course.
pataburd
Headphoneus Supremus
Are you sure that the EX, EX and PRO have two power supplies [for analogue and digital, respectively]?
I thought that was unique to the SU-10.
I thought that was unique to the SU-10.
AudioQuality777
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2016
- Posts
- 159
- Likes
- 121
Last edited:
pataburd
Headphoneus Supremus
What is a "funny low-noise power supply system"?
Doesn't the SU-10 have two transformers?
Doesn't the SU-10 have two transformers?
AudioQuality777
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2016
- Posts
- 159
- Likes
- 121
In EX,ES,PRO-a pair of low-noise switching power supplies.SU has a pair of analog power supplies.
Users who are viewing this thread
