The One to Beat below $1K - SMSL SU-10 DAC Review

[@juneguts]

upgraded from a TDA aliexpress dac to this. instant change, night and day. bass rumbles 7x harder, low-resolution artifacts caused by the other dac gone, everything is clearer, easier to perceive, faster, smoother, prettier, stronger, etc. thanks

[@Soundnews]

Hey Toni, that doesn't surprise me at all. SU-10 is still unbeatable below $1K, not even by newest SMSL D400EX - for which I will be dropping a review shortly.

[@rherbm]

​@@Soundnewswhat are your thoughts compared to bifrost 2/64?

[@klaymoon1]

Great review. I hope you review SMSL SU-X soon!

[@ronaldo.cocuroci]

I had already seen other reviews and yours only reinforced my choice for this dac to replace my VMV D1se, now it's time to wait for it to arrive and enjoy its sound. Thanks for the excellent review. Thanks!

[@AbideinChristSealed]

Did you get it yet? I got mine 2 days ago, and so far can't tell a difference between it and my Asus Xonar STX sound card with upgraded op amps. Not sure if it needs more time to break in. I will say that my 1984 Technics integrated amp could be a weak link. I have a Burson Soloist 3Xp coming soon, and hope it all improves. My JM Audio Editions headphones are NOT the weak link. I noticed a big difference in clarity and airiness right away. They are closed back that sounds like open back. :)

[@Flavius7]

Aaaand another SMSL dac. Looks very familiar because of the software, clean, minimalistic design. If it can be compared to the D1SE it's already an interesting unit for a beginner. Always a pleasure to appreciate the quality of your reviews!👍

[@emanuellolarue4476]

why for beginners only ?

[@MattMediaAU]

Curious to see how you set the output level; "If you need a rock-steady 4V output or lower, you can lower its volume and then lock it by choosing a fixed Pre Mode." I can't find mention of that feature in the manual or elsewhere, how do you set it up? Thanks in advance!

[@ashred9665]

My head goes dizzy with these DAC launches. I wonder how much of an upgrade is the SU10 over the SU9?

[@decoryder]

given the dual noratel power supplies, and the really beefy output stage, it's probably a very substantial upgrade. I had the SU-9, and compared it to my Daily-Driver VMV D1SE, and that was already a substantial difference in favor of the D1SE.

[@Soundnews]

As @DecoRyder mentioned, the whole digital and analog sections are considerably nicer and...better than anything I've seen below ~$1K. The final result is a more technical, dynamic and airy sound versus SU-9. I'm sorry, but SU-9 isn't that close.

[@malinyamato2291]

@@decoryder I got the D1SE, is SU-10 and up or downgrade relative to that?

[@decoryder]

@@malinyamato2291 Pretty sure that's going to be a substantial upgrade - everything that sets the D1SE apart from the 'rest' of DACs (Noratel Power Supply, multi-opamp output stage) is enhanced in the SU-10. The D1SE is still one of my favorite DACs, and I'll never sell it, but I might also get an SU-10.

[@Soundnews]

@@malinyamato2291 Hi there, SU-10 would be an upgrade to D1se, but not a substantial one.

[@zsoltf.2662]

Hello! Am I the only one who doesn't hear a difference between each "sound color" settings? I have pretty good ears, and my hi-fi system is quite decent, but no matter how I listen, I can't hear anything noticeable. All presets are somehow the same. Does anyone hear any difference by changing the "sound color" settings? I know the fact that it's all based on added second and third harmonic distortion, which some say is good, others say bad... I also have an SMSL DAC, an SU-10, and I love it. I tried with several types of music and with really high-quality audio materials. What did I do wrong? Surely there is such an audible difference between "rich" and "tube" and "crystal" settings? If so, what can I do to hear it? What should I pay attention to? Or maybe my device is faulty if I can't hear anything in the "sound color" settings, because really the differences in sound should be so obvious?

[@motogpfanuk]

Hi Sandu, would the SU 10 or the vmv ds1e be better as a pre to an Exposure power amp. Cheers Gary. great reviews dude.

[@Soundnews]

Hi Gary, SU-10 has a much better analog output stage that is reflected in its SQ either used as a standalone DAC or DAC + Preamp combo. SU-10 works just fine with my Ultima 5 power, it should work in a similar fashion with your Exposure amp.

[@clan_biblioteke]

Hello, I have a marantz 6006 and Klipsch RP500 M speakers. What DAC do you recommend to connect to my laptop. I currently have an e30. Budget up to 300-400 dollars. Thank you and all praise.

[@jurynalivaiko4718]

Hi! Thank you for your very detailed review! Very interesting. but i got confused with some things, and i guess u could help me . I just dont really understand how its works with this one... So, in denafrips ares 2 u can set-up pcm signal in oversampling mode, therefore giving u a sort of better signal output, if yours is not good enough. Is that the same in smsl? can u set-up sampling mode rates, bit-depth somewhere in the menu, ? thank you

[@hermannschmidt9788]

Their new design quirk is to mount the circuit boards upside-down. The D400EX has it, too. I don't understand the rationale behind this.

[@Soundnews]

SU10 uses an unibody case carved from a single block of aluminum, with just a cover sitting underneath. If you need to repair it, imagine flipping it upside down, removing 6 screws just to find an empty PCB. They made that design decision for easier servicing.

[@hermannschmidt9788]

@@Soundnews For a unibody case this is the explanation. The case of the D400 however has separate top, bottom, 2 sides, front, back. I think they wanted a simple construction without visible screws on top. All the screws are on the bottom and back. Oh, and BTW, I am looking forward to your D400EX review :-D It is a very different beast.

[@andreygolovchenko]

I am not sure how SMSL SU10 compares Topping E70 Velvet. I really like E70 Velvet. I purchased D400EX and then returned it - it is not better than E70 Velvet at all in my experience. I do hope SU10 is better - the only thing I am afraid it may be too soft in general (mid and high range).

[@jayem1826]

How nice you could return it. If I only had that option. Selfish dealers here won't even allow auditions. Efin 3rd world. Two yrs ago I contacted Emotiva in the States. They assured me the dealer in Manila would allow me to try. NEVER HAPPENED. FLIPS

[@ionescugeorge2003]

Can’t wait for the comparison with D400EX.

[@decoryder]

Me too:)

[@Soundnews]

Probably in about a month...couriers aren't catching up with demand.

[@mrkymrk99]

I’ve been using the small su-10 as a preamp, is this ok? Or should I use a separate preamp?

[@Soundnews]

it depends on the system. However, I would invest in a dedicated active preamplifier if a power amp will follow.

[@Андрей-ъ9е5в]

Hello! What's best connected DAC SU-10 (xlr/rca) to Amplifier (only RCA) - cable RCA to RCA or XLR to RCA?

[@ZedTen]

Hi Sandu, I am undecided between D1se and SU-10. What do you think would be the best choice? Thank you!

[@Soundnews]

Hi mate, SU-10 is a direct upgrade for the D1se as I've mentioned in the video.

[@Harvy75a]

I was searching for the same question or adding it if not founded!

[@Harvy75a]

@@Soundnews THX for reviewing both. I watched the other few hours ago and I was already thinking about changing/upgrading my new SMSL DO200.

[@mehmetcamat4458]

I am planning to get the eversolo z8 do you think there will be a big clarity difference between smsl su 10 and the z8?

[@Soundnews]

Hi mate, there won't be a massive difference between them. Z8 is more fun, while SU10 is ever so slightly clearer sounding.

[@AquaFreak]

Here when go again, I've owned the Topping DX7 pro Wich uses the ES9038Pro sabre dac and this dac sounded way beter then the Topping D90 and DX7S.. but now is my question how much beter does this sound ?

[@ltlai9465]

Another break through DAC from SMSL again 👍 Didn't know that SMSL can further introduce a newer model of 9-Series family - SU-9PRO that use ESS9039Pro chip 😜 Gustard also got new A26 DAC that use dual AK4499? 😳 (I though AKM factory burnt down?) Will you review these two new gadgets soon 😁 thanks in advance.

[@progronom3685]

Hi! If the device is turned on, and at the same time turn off the power - for example, pull 220 volts out of the socket, then turn it back on after a while. Will the SU-10 turn on itself? Or do I need to turn on the button on the remote control again, or on the Knob handle?

[@emilianpredescu3477]

Best under 1000? That's a bold statement! Below that value we have quite a few good chifi and not only chifi contenders. Gotta give this one a try, sounds interesting, cause I trust your ears due to the history I have with your spot on conclusions that align with mine.

[@221298ale]

Hello Sandu! SMSL SU-10 compared to SINGXER SDA-6 PRO has a lower score even if in the review you say that out of 10 you liked SDA-6PRO by Singxer. I've never had an AKM and was ready to give it a try! i trust you but you got me now you got me confused ! anyway thanks I hope you make me understand!

[@whocares0503]

I have been using an SMSL VMV D1 for 3 years, it has dual ES9038 DAC chips and a dual Noratel toroidal transformers. Given its from 2019 it makes me wonder how it compares. It retailed @ $1299 and I got from Drop for $850 with tax and delivery. It was built to last a lifetime too..

[@decoryder]

That's still one of the best DACs SMSL ever made - however, it still has a significant "IMD Hump" since SMSL decided not to eliminate that during the design phase, so I wouldn't be surprised if the SU-10 sounds cleaner than the D1.

[@whocares0503]

@@decoryder I was over at hte ASR website when he reviewed it and I believe SMSL corrected some of the issues. But I can tell you as a whole I am pretty pleased with the sound. I was looking at a D2 but that is pricey also... Just have to wait and see! Thanks for the reply! :-)

[@decoryder]

@@whocares0503 I f you're certain you don't have a model with IMD hump, I wouldn't be in a hurry to upgrade:)

[@aleksandrpopleev]

How do you connect your word clock to it? Do I have uadx x 16 I can only connect it on aes? My uad x16 connection with word cook and all work?

[@turbo2288]

I was going to purchase a Musician Pegasus and I saw this review, how do they compare?? Thanks!

[@derelictsandwich1113]

Which has better low-end dynamics (macrodynamics/bass impact in particular) along with good resolution, the SU-10 or the Gustard R26?

[@Soundnews]

There's no comparison, R26 is better, but it's also two times as expensive.

[@ryanschipp8513]

@@Soundnews Did you do a blind back and forth comparison using them both as a dac/pre on songs you've listened to hundreds of times?

[@tomasbroulik7496]

How much of an upgrade this one could bring against 2021 Node with upgraded LPSU?

[@p2h7fiw]

@Soundnews Could you compare SU-10 and Dac of the Fiio K9 Pro ESS? They both have 2x9038 Pro and it looks like they are made with the use of very high-quality components.

[@dragomirpetrov6469]

Can this be connected straight into a integrated amplifier, and if yes will there be drop of quality?

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

Yes and no

[@sonhouse9636]

Do you think it would be a good match with a Drop AAA 789 headphone amp ?

[@virgogreg]

does the SMSL M500MK3 sound similar? it has similar multi channel implimation with the same DAC chip

[@МаксимБелов-ъ9ц]

Hi! Singxer sa-1 will be good with SMSL SU-10?

[@andreygolovchenko]

How does it compare to Sonos Amp sound?

[@carlosamlgo4863]

Hola ! Una pena,pero se me hace todavía un poco caro para mi ,acabo de comprar Topping a90 discrete,espero su review de Smsl 9 pro y del Smsl Do 200 mkll,esos son más mis precios.Sabes para cuándo sacarás la review?si es q la haces.Gracias por su trabajo,es un placer poder leer sus reseñas Saludos desde España

[@Soundnews]

Hi Carlos, I'm not sure my followers would want another SMSL DAC review, except for the D400EX. Can't promise anything regarding DO200 MKII or SU-9 Pro

[@carlosamlgo4863]

@@Soundnews Ok.Gracias igualmente

[@azrecion]

@@Soundnews I vote for test D400EX

[@d1str3ss0r]

Hi Carlos,i have this DAC and if you can do an effort it deserve it absolutely,i paired it with an A90D and…damn…is like i’m hearing all my music collection for the first time 🔥 Anyway,do200 mkii is way better than su9

[@carlosamlgo4863]

@@d1str3ss0r gracias por tu çonsejo.Que dac ténias antes del su 10 ? Al final me compré smsl do 200mk2

[@ryanschipp8513]

Any chance you can review some Nuprime Audio products?

[@김민호12]

나이쓰 ^^ 형님 ^^ 오늘도 ....굉장히 아주 아주 재밌는 장비 소개 갑사합니다!!! 이러한 장비소개 많이 해주세요 !!! 항상 재미있고 즐거운 장비 소개 입니다 ^^

[@김민호12]

헤드의 헤드폰! 이것도 리뷰 부탁합니다 ^^

[@MarkBarsby]

I just bought the su10 .upgraded from the su9. not received it yet.the su9 runs very cool. How hot does the su10 get with those 2 linear power supplys when running for a few hours on a shelf by itself?

[@carlosamlgo4863]

Hola ! Cómo fue con el Su 10.Se nota la mejora ?Y tú pregunta está muy interesante.Se calienta ?Gracias

[@markbarsby5770]

@@carlosamlgo4863 mostly noticed more bass than the SU9 - RUNS HOTTER BUT I HAVE A SMALL USB FAN BLOWING AIR ONTO IT - COOLS IT DOWN VERY WELL - ODD OCASSION HAVE TO PULL THE POWER LEAD OUT AND PLUG IN AGAIN OR IT WONT TURN ON - RARELY THOUGH - NO DRIVER REQUIRED FOR WINDOWS 11

[@carlosamlgo4863]

​@@markbarsby5770yo tengo el Smls do 200 mk2,que es un poquito mejor que el Su 9.Para ti fue una buena actualización o casi no se nota el cambio ? Gracias,estoy indeciso en cambiarlo 😅

[@c2mojo]

I'm torn between this and the d400es

[@gabrieljung6763]

Hi Sandu, Awesome review like always. I need help. I just received my SU-10 and the Singxer SU-6 just like you have there. I will be pairing it with the Singxer SA-1 headphone amp. I want to try using I2s to connect the SU-10 and the SU-6, can you recommend a cable that will be compatible? Thank you

[@hktan1480]

Ugreen 0.5 meter hdmi cable. Cost $4.

[@gabrieljung6763]

@@hktan1480 I appreciate it brotha!

[@markschwartzman6305]

Hello, I play music files through an internal dac of a Rotel 1592 MK ll amplifier. Can smsl su10 improve the sound quality? Thank you

[@bearclaw5115]

Any DAC at this price will outperform an internal DAC from another audio component generally speaking. The real question is do you like the synergy between your system and a given DAC?

[@markschwartzman6305]

@@bearclaw5115 Sometimes yes, sometimes no, It depends on musical genre and the quality of the file. In any case, thank you very match !!!

[@dingbat19]

this vs Chord Qutest ?

[@ilovebruno96]

This is more expensive than the new Denafrips Ares II. Well smaller footprint and have a few sound profiles, but the Ares is unbeatable at this price point when it comes to analog sounding dac.

[@Soundnews]

Both units are sounding quite different, that is for sure.

[@jurynalivaiko4718]

@@Soundnews Can smsl SU-10 with its all filters available for tailoring the sound (cristal, tube, rich, sampling modes, etc.) be close to Ares 2 in terms of its liquidity, organic sound signature, warmth, detail? And Using Ares 2, did you felt that something was missing when switched to SMSL SU -10 afterwards? I guess the question is between these two Dacs, What do you gain and what do to need to "sacrifice" when buying one over another. And with both units have filters to play (smsl has obviously more) by applying those, can one or another be compensating some of its weaknesses? As example Smsl is Delta sigma, and would probably have "residue" of digital realm, can those be mostly "defeated" by applying one of those tube warms filters? Ares 2 operating always in oversampling mode (even when in NOS), but when putting it in OS mode and its sharp filters, (or slow filters) can it bring more dynamics to life? would be very much appreciated for the answer. Thank you!

[@김민호12]

헤드의 헤드폰! 이것도 리뷰 부탁합니다 ^^ 그리고 ... 서스바라!! he 1000se 이것들 헤드폰도 리뷰 보고 싶어요 ^^

[@Soundnews]

Hi mate, I have reviewed both the HE1000SE and the Susvara, you can find them over my channel...but if you can read English, I strongly recommend reading my written articles for both headphones, where I go a lot deeper into their performance, measurements and comparisons.

[@georgedomse]

Everyone posting this DAC as 'thinsthat UNDER 1K'. This one is far from under 1K. Actually it costs closer to 1200 EUR right now. For that sort of money it has stiff competition.

[@Soundnews]

Hi George, as I'm typing this SU-10 can be bought for $899 in the USA or China (some shops are offering free shipping) and for 999 Euro in Europe, check audiophonics.fr or soundimports.eu for a price in Eur. Avoid sellers that are asking more for it. Now here's the deal, I listen to a lot of DACs, many are coming and going, many are developed with my help. For my setups and my golden certified ears, SU-10 performed better than its stiff competition and that's my honest opinion about it.

[@loko306]

Geshelli Labs AKM chip

[@paul____s]

We need smsl su9pro comaparasion ᕙ⁠(͡⁠°⁠‿⁠ ͡⁠°⁠)⁠ᕗ anyone got any experience?

[@thanhnguyen-xi8fq]

You have enough writing about this DAC on paper...You dont need to go on youtube and "read" the same thing here.. it is better to give the audiences a listen and they can see themself.

[@aRc11-11]

.. everyone mentions a tendency toward brightness.

[@Soundnews]

SU-10 Bright? Pass that joint please.

[@aRc11-11]

@@Soundnews..finally lost the hearing 😊 eh? It would take more than a couple tokes to get rid of the migraine.

[@decoryder]

".. everyone mentions a tendency toward brightness with bright recordings" - there, fixed that for 'ya:)

[@Soundnews]

@@aRc11-11 I'm still Golden Ears certified by Philips you know ;)

[@Flavius7]

@@aRc11-11 When is it you tried the Su-10? Have you? No? So you just decided that some people are right and others wrong without testing?😃 See the problem, 🤡?

[@davidstein9129]

I am having trouble understanding thus guy.

[@ferdinandbardamu3945]

Warning for audiophiles: don't enter into the Chinese DAC rat race. Trust me, it's not worth it.

[@onionknight9431]

I went from Topping E30 to Denafrips Ares 2, then Pontus 2, finally settled on Gustard R26. Every upgrade was SO WORTH IT.

[@kadaad]

Благодаря Вашим обзорам я преобрел себе ЦАП и цифровой транспорт. Большое спасибо! Thanks to your reviews, I bought myself a DAC and digital transport. Thanks a lot!

[@Soundnews]

Just sharing my Hi-Fi journey with the world, glad I could help.