Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
The mids sound very clean and clear overall. There are fantastic details in the vocals and instruments as well. There isn’t anything strange going on here which I enjoy as mids aren’t usually my huge focus but I still enjoy some quality mids nonetheless. OperandiThis is the problem with distilling down a DAC (or anything really) to a small subset of measurements and presenting it to people without the proper knowledge to understand the context of those measurements. A DAC is not computational device, like a CPU, or network adapter, this is 100% incorrect understanding of how this works. While it does work with binary data its performing transfer functions (the DACs filter) to create analog output and how that filter works is part of its sound, the other part being its analog output (either opamp or discrete components) stage. PRE Mode – Volume Fixed or Variable, if you will be using it as a DAC only device, leave it at Fixed. Frankly, amplifier and headphone choice have a more significant impact on the sound signature than does the DAC. There. I said it, and I stand by it. In my world, high-quality DACs should perfectly deliver the music with a minimum of coloration and imparted personality. They should provide a flawless foundation that the listener can build their own sound signature preferences upon. Set in USB input from the factory, the full-color display will show the sampling rate below the volume setting. Turning the wheel will rapidly sweep between -99.5dB and +2.0dB in 0.5dB increments.
I also do not mind the additional cost over its earlier versions since the upgrade to the newer ES9039MPRO is well executed. It outperf For MQA listeners, the full decoding functionality of the SU-9 for USB has been extended to the optical and coaxial inputs on the SU-9 Pro for greater flexibility. There is also MQA-CD reserved for the two SPDIF inputs. The SMSL SU-9 is one of the most competitive DACs at this price range. If you perceive SMSL products as the ones with a digital kind of sound, the SU-9 would totally change your perception. It offers a midrange focused sound, with a nice slam of the bass and outstanding microdynamics. However, it still remains transparent and provides many emotions in the sound, which reminds me of acoustic concerts that I loved before the pandemic.This was my favorite paring. The SH-9 paired with the SU-9 made for an extremely accurate sound but it still had a dynamic low end without feeling too warm sounding. Soundstage width is average but the depth is fairly deep sounding to my ears. Imaging was very good with this combo as well. This would be my recommended pairing. Unfortunately I don’t have any of Topping’s amps to test. So take this recommended pairing as you will. The SU-9 also supports DSD512 & PCM up to 32bit/768kHz. Wireless-wise it does have access to the latest arsenal such as the UAT, LDAC, and AptX HD via Bluetooth 5.0. The measurements and the performance of the device are really good on paper, we’ll see how it performs soon, in the sound section.
The ES9039MPRO of the SU-9 Pro is boasting eight individual channels but the dual ES9068AS DAC chip the DX5 is using is playing catch up as it has two channels each for a total of four. Pausing the numbers game for a minute, users will find that the DX5 can also decode MQA, PCM, and DSD at the same level as the SU-9 Pro. A lot can be said between the Topping all-in-one and the SU-9 Pro DAC of SMSL seeing they’re quite far apart from one another not just with their brand but also in disposition. The price difference as well shows taking into account that the DX5 had to squeeze in an amplifier making it more difficult to outclass the SU-9 Pro. Plus, inside is an upgrade from the XU-216 USB module to the more modern XU-316 from XMOS. Hardware jargon aside, end-users can still reliably expect to play 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 with the SU-9 Pro. You sort of blasted a company that offers cheaper ESS solutions and another one that while using FPGAs is famous for a budget unit. The point you made kinda falls flat.
SMSL SU-9 Pro Technical Specifications
This will expand the MQA file once to provide better sound quality than CD quality.Products with MQA decoder has Bluesound, Pioneer and Onkyo's player (with a digital output product).Such as shrimp and music streaming service providers and Roon other media player.
Great Deal 
New Comment