[Flex2d]

Hello i am in the market for a new DAC. I have been looking at these two and a little undecided. The reason i have chosen these 2 is for the Balanced out put, as i plan to upgrade my valve amp in the next couple months to balanced output.

So I guess the main difference from what i can tell is the headphones amp out put plus the better Dac's in the Sabaj (on paper)

So i was wondering if the community could shed some much valued advice as to whether i should go for the Sabaj D5 over the SU-8 and would i notice the difference?



Many thanks

Daniel

 

[ultraman31]

I heard that the SU-8 will be replaced soon. Look into SMSL M300 or M200 as they are newer, but has AK chip instead of Sabre.

 

[arielext]

I have had both and the sabaj out classes the smsl. Neither come close to the (on paper weaker) rme adi-2 dac.

 

[Flex2d]

I have had both and the sabaj out classes the smsl. Neither come close to the (on paper weaker) rme adi-2 dac.

Ok thanks for the reply, so in which way would you say it outclasses the SMSL? dynamics, imaging, musicality or?

Thanks

Daniel

 

[arielext]

Dynamics and musicality. The sabaj produces a better holographic image where the su-8 is a bit 2 dimensional

 

[Flex2d]

Dynamics and musicality. The sabaj produces a better holographic image where the su-8 is a bit 2 dimensional

how is the build quality the Sabaj, also does it justify the additional cost in your view


Cheers

 

[arielext]

The build quality of both is very good. The sabaj weights a ton. I dislike the way they implemented the upgradeable firmware (special hardware needed) but it is a quality product.

 

[Flex2d]

specialist hardware seems an odd one to upgrade the firmware. maybe i should purchase both and return the one im not happy with.. In your view is there any other i should be considering a £400 limit (ish)?

Thanks for your insights!

Best

Daniel

 

[Flex2d]

one of the main reasons i am asking, i picked up a SMSL yesterday and it arrived couple hours ago, and i am.. underwhelmed i guess you could say. I have been using my Yamaha AS-701 as of late. I feel the smsl lacks in bass end depth. personality and enjoy-ability if that is possible. feel the music becomes very linear, even when hooked up to tube amp. songs loose personality. Maybe i am used to my music being colored by the dac in my yamaha as-701 , or just used to that sound. .. tempted to pick up a sabaj and see if i find the fix.

thanks for your insight!

best

 

[Flex2d]

thats what it reminds me of! the DT 1770Pro's, just keep looking for more! ha