SMSL SU-9 Pro brings Sabre 9039MPRO to the masses
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
- SMSL SU-9 Pro is an incredible value for 499$. My written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
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00:00 Intro
00:23 About SU-9 pro
02:59 Sound
05:34 vs M500 MKII
09:33 vs DO200 MKII
10:34 vs Topping D90LE
14:05 vs SU-10
16:43 Final thoughts
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scene stuff: / iiwireviews
Test system:
Pi2Design Mercury streamer: bit.ly/3PLha14
Gustard R26 DAC: bit.ly/3XLyNCF
Acoustic Invader AMP and PREAMP (Fulcrum version): acousticinvader.com/
Spirit Wind Speakers
KEF LS50 speakers: amzn.to/2ztRg0s
#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo - Наука та технологія
Excellent review! Being able to do head to head comparisons with other relevant options, and being able to explain the differencies, is what makes this channel my number 1 HiFi review source.
Thanks for keeping us updated with these ongoing technology refreshes.
Thanks Srbo, very informative, as usual!
I don't think you should stop testing DACs, even if they are similar or in the same categories - this is a way for the "rest of us" to get to know of interesting products.
Please keep up the good work!
Always nice having lunch and looking at one of your reviews.I can always count on you to give the most complete review of a product to make a confident decision.
Fabulous review! Thoughtful, reflective and balanced. Been waiting every day for this review. Have Su9, and tomorrow SU-9 Pro arrives. Would have loved to buy SU10- but that’s alot of coin! So glad Pro is a noticeable sonic upgrade. I appreciate the fair, listening comparisons to other SMSL units- very helpful. I am a live sound engineer and musician, si I’m blessed and cursed with acute, trained ears. Pairing with Sundara, XS and Meze 109 Pro driven by Topping A90 D amp.
Update- SU-9 Pro came in 2 days ago. It is best DAC for $500. Huge upgrade over SU-9. This is End-game DAC for my pocketbook. Amazing rich, full sound. Thin mids I heard with HIFIMAN Edition XS, replaced with lush, full bodied, balanced sound. I only entered audiophile headphone world about a year ago and price to value ratio has gotten even better since I joined. I am blown away by the sonic magic of this DAC. I consider it a Su-10 Jr. display is big improvement. My 8 month old SU-9 is on Ebay for $300. Love the Pro!
Nice. I am in a quite similar situation. Bought the Arya SE as my first more expensive headphone recently and I am still running it over a USB dongle. I feel that the mids are quite thin and I am happy to read about your experience with improved mids for a similar headphone using the SU-9 pro. I am ordering it soon.
Thanx for showing examples of music you use. I love it!
Congratutlations !!!
I've waited so long for this moment because I said to myself that I will buy the DAC that will replace your M500 mk2.
Finally done. I can stop now my endless research and reviews watching.
Thank you .
what ? the SU10 doesn't make your juices flow ?
Good review I am awaiting the S.M.S.L. D300 MK II. I am a bit surprised that no other manufacturer is creating DACs using the ROHM chip.
Great reviews!!! I've been visiting often to check. I just bougt a recently laund DAC/AMP from SMSL, the DO300EX only based on my previous listening experience on AKM DAC Chips, following the brands for years, and the prefered IO used on this package over their TOL SMSL DO400 DAC/AMP solution. A comparison between them should be truly interesting.... ;)
Thanks, good review, very interesting product.
One Of Best DAC reviewers ever !!!!! Keep it up!!!!
Once again, a brilliant, well thought out, informed, knowledgeable and presented video 😁😁. I find myself hanging off your every word!
I bought the SMSL M500 MKII based on your original, brilliant review and am still happy with it, so no FOMO here (!) lol.
Keep up the excellent work my friend! 👍😁👍😁👍
Great review! Very informative
Topping E50 supports mqa through coax, opt, usb that dac is enough for me now . Just purchased the Sabaj A30a wow that’s a nice unit for the money, looking forward to reviews on that dac amp . One day in its a thing of beauty ..
Loving Tradutto, Thanks to you, cool runnings
Enjoy it. Cheers! 🍻
Excellent review.
Great review! Thanks!
Great Review!!! as usual :)
Can you Test the new SMSL D400EX???
Great review, thank you.
THANKS SRBOLJUB, FOR HELPING OUT THE COMMUNITY 🤗👍💚💚💚
“Glossy”, “gliding over a well smoothed ice survive”
Wow, great description, I understand/recognize immediately what you mean.
Really great review! 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
very impressing, looking forward the compare between mk500 & sabaj a20d
AB'd with the Gustard X26pro (huge price diff) and yes, you can def hear the difference. Su-9pro has much smaller soundstage and less emotional in representing music. The su-9pro bass sounded less defined yet music felt more comfortable/warmer for extended listening sessions.
Hi Srboljub, thanks for an interesting product review! I would like to ask for a comparison with the Aune X8 Magic XVIII + Sparkos opamp combo. It is at a similar price point and I remember you gave it quite a positive review too. In fact, I was surprised then it did not replace your favorite M500 MKII :) Thanks much!
If you browse earlier comments here, you'll find few about X8 and my answers. I talked about the difference and also why I don't include it in comparisons.
I am excited with the direction SMSL is taking with their latest DACs. Recognizing they may be reaching diminishing returns with their ESS dac chips alone, SMSL seem to be placing greater emphasis on the output stage.
4 new models have either upped the # of DACs (and channels), # of op-amps and its channels and even bring us improved or dual linear power supplies. SMSL M500 mk3, SU 9 Pro, DO300 and SU-10, all priced between $500-$900, offers so much improvement from their predecessors.
Sure, the SU-10 is the clear winner, but I cannot wait until you have reviewed these other mid ~ $500 DACs for your unique and thoughtful impression. Admittingly, I'm greedy. I'm looking for a Delta Sigma dac with 90-95% of the wide soundstage, depth, separation, imaging, tonal quality, body and texture of a R2R dac in the $500 price range.
@@milkyway270 I almost got that one but ended up getting the SU-9 Pro for $410. It's so much better than my M8.
One more clear and fully explainable review, well done. I just wonder if it would be an upgade to the Aune X8 and Sparkos, sound-wise i mean. maybe not.
Not an upgrade.. Just different, warmer fuller tonality. X8 and Sparkos are probably more deteiled and with a slightly deeper soundstage, but colder in tonality. It's a matter of preference and system matching.
@@iiWiReviews thank you
Great news for people with limited funds. Nice to see a great product with a realistic price.
Thank you for another great review and comparisons.! 🥰
Is it E70 or E70 Velvet that is next in line.?
Very good style and informative review.
Very good review as always. I was wondering if you could post a DAC hierarchy from all the ones you have heard. Thank you.
I did that list for my patrons as a token of gratitude for their support, and it's updated regularly. But I think that can also be deduced from videos and cokparisos easily. My top favourites at this moment are Gustard R26, Ladder Schumann, Musician Pegasus, SMSL SU-10... Each next spot has many DACs sharing it... So I may do a tier video sometimes.
After 5 minutes I put my favourite Womack&Womack tape into my Tascam CD-A500 and enjoyed listening.
It would be interesting to compare SMSL D400ES to both SU-9 Pro and SU-10.
I find your reviews very informative and even entertaining at times. I bought myself a su9 pro and like it very much. On the subject of pcm filter, there is a very noticeable drop in output level as soon as any of them is engaged vs off, on rca out at least. Did you notice this as well?
Yes I did, but off will also go into clipping occasionally if recording has near 0 dB levels... so I didn't find it to be truly usable.
I finally pulled the trigger and picked up a used SU-9 Pro still under warranty for $410. I was torn between the SU-9 Pro and the M500 mk2 for $330 or the D300 for about $360. It doesn't matter much now. lol Curious to hear the difference (if any) from my aging SMSL M8 dac with P1 linear power supply. I'll know by tomorrow.
Another top review, very helpful thankyou, thought I'd share sound nice vocal tracks: This Love by Chlara, Beautiful life by Chantal Chamberland, I'll Follow Your Trail by Sean Rowe, Liberty by Anette Askvik, Imagine by Chris Klafford, Fall into my arms by Lucinda Peters, Landslide by Stacey Kent, Fix it by Lady Blackbird, Angel by Sarah Mclachlan, September in Montreal by Anne Bisson, It'll never happen again by Lady Blackbird, A Battle Between by Blue Tofu, Walkin in the sun by Fink, The Curse by Agnes Obel, Here but I'm gone by Vanessa Femandez, Like a Rock by Dave's True Story
I think many of your viewers would appreciate an occasional tier list of your preferences and short summary of what characteristics you liked. I bought an Aune x8 based on your review and am happy but I haven’t heard your other favourites…could I have been happier at the price point? I don’t know. If I upgrade the op amp will I be happier than if I buy a Geadhelli j2? Beats me but I do respect your opinion of the differences between equipment. Thank you.
Srboljub does in fact supply such a list. I can't remember offhand if it's only for his Patreons -- but one is available.
Yes, I shared it on Patreon. I don't make any exclusive videos or reviews for patrons so I tought it would be a nice gesture to thank you for your support by making such list.
BYW, all of that can be deduced from watching reviews and comparisons, it's just conveniently packed in one list there.
I got an EverSolo z8 dac and I am pretty happy with it actually. What would your comments be compared it to Su-9 Pro?
Fantastic review and gratefully received. Does this work with a Cambridge Axa 35 cd or amp? And would I need to attach a streamer to this? Keep up the great work. Adding real value
while it does sound ridiculous, the noise ruins the experience esp at night, length also isnt practical
and i think output kind of too powerful for sensitive iem buds, might uncomfortable for long use
What most important to you regarding SQ? Depth - Separation - Clarity - Resolution - Transparency - Details - Dynamics - Tonality...you name it. The things you absolutely need and what you are willing to give up (more of less).
I would say a good balance probably. Excelling in one or few things (let's say details and speed) but lacking natural tonality and sounding cramped is a no-go for me. I would rather listen to a tonally good and naturally sounding DAC such as Denafrips Ares II, with a great soundstage too, even though it's dynamically compressed, slow with transients, and not that precise. But something like this one strikes a really good balance between all of these. Imho, it's better to have everything on 80% than a few things on 100% and a few things on 30%.
@@iiWiReviews I hear what you mean, if something is really off, regardless of what, you notice. But I find I really need good tonality, depth and separation. Key for me. I can give up some resolution, detail, and dynamic punch but it has to have the 3 key elements. Finding something with most everything sounding right enough is not easy especially with individual components.
Own the M500 MKII and love it. You know many maintain that DACs are one of the most profound swindles in audio. They say blindfold tests have revealed that, generally, no one can tell a difference in a DAC’ed and UN - DAC’ed treatment. Placebo effect. Recently, I watched a UA-cam vid of a high fidelity music critic who insists he can discern an audio quality difference since he purchased an $18.000.00 turntable tonearm for his vinyl set-up.
He seemed defensive about that decision but no one even question him about it. Sorta amusing. I am not wealthy so all I have for my music set-up is an old Marantz 7001 with both Ohm Sound Cylinders along with some B&W 703’s. Stangely, I mostly listen to the Ohm’s which are not even in the same universe as the 703’s. They have an appealing sound to me, but when I switch to the B&W’s…God enters the room.
I say all that ‘thinking’ that since I bought the S.M.S.L. M500 MKII my system sounds more expensive…but does it really? Even in a receiver as old as the 7001, shouldn’t it have a decent DAC onboard? Or is that DAC chip yesterdays news?
Honestly, I don’t know what’s real or what’s just an illusion/delusion of an aging white male who doesn’t know any better. As the Grimm Reaper closes in…help guys…help me go to my grave with the true answer.
mdg - Mexia, Texas
DACs do sound different. I even made few recordings comparing them directly on videos (Schiit Modi Multibit vs Topping E30 for example). Anyone can watch it, they can even close their eyes and make it a blind test... And it will be clear that there is a noticeable difference. Everything else is rationalising of those who either can't hear it in their home for some reason (not so good system that color the sound too much or not so good hearing) or they never even tried to hear it because their belief is strongly against the possibility that the difference might exist.
Unfortunately, it is very common for people with low to zero experience to have strong opinions based on some half-knowledge of the topic. That's not exclusive to DACs either.
So I wouldn't say what you're hearing is related to the aging white man syndrome. 😉 Enjoy your M500 MKII because it is an awsome DAC that sounds great. Cheers! 🍻
There are some multibit DACs based on vintage chips like . I recommend you Lite DAC-AH for a review .
Thanks for the review which motivated me to buy the su9pro.
My question is, can you suggest a suitably matched pre-amp which also has rca or balanced output (for my krk rp5g3 speakers) and balanced output for my headphones?
Do you know how it compares to the Mojo2 or any of the Geshelli J2s?
Or for that matter the E50 with ifi ipower2 upgrade which I think you preferred to the D90 (or did I confuse that with yet another model?!)?
Thanks in advance... 👍
Everyone says the "chip" only accounts for about 10% of what you are hearing - a very important 10% for sure - but that it is the op-amps, the quality of the power supply, and how circuits are isolated from each other that means a lot for the overall sound of a DAC. So, I doubt people buying DACs from say PS Audio are worried much about low cost DACs like this or even the SU-10. However, for the rest of us who have more normal wallets, it is good that DACs like these can give us nearly everything we want. Thanks for the review. I was leaning toward the D0200 MK II (maybe). It is often available for $469 but with a good 10% discount as well. But now the SU-9 Pro at $499 might be the one to get and just be happy with.
I agree with everybody on that matter. Chip is really not that important. Power supply and analog output stage can make or brake the end result. But the title has to have flare to attract views... it's just how we hobo youtubers make our living. :)
@@iiWiReviews show me a headline, "DAC that can get more women into stereo"....LOL...Take care.
Hi Srboljub. First i would thank you for your work because you have this capacity of detailling each reviewed item in a way that others can't do. For me as for some other readers i think, it's really helpfull. Even if the choice is complicated due to the number of new DACS relased by SMSL/TOPPING. So i have a question for you, maybe you could enlighten me ? I have actually a topping DX3 pro+ with a douk audio P1 used only as a tube preamp. I'm wondering if going for this SU-9 PRO could give me an audible improvement compared to my actual stuff ? I would go to a next level but i'm not sure if this SU-9 PRO can give me this satisfaction with a "palpable" gain or not ? *EDIT: my ampli is a Cambridge Audio CXA60 coupled with a pair of Elipson Prestige 3i
Wonder how the SU9 Pro compares to the M500 Mk III though ...🤔
Thanks!
Thanks for the support! 👍
SMSL M500 MK3 would be nice to see your opinion if you ever get a chance
Interesting ! Ever tried RME ADI-2 DAC ?
SMSL says their Dacs are transparent to the source so how can they have a sound. I have several dacs connected to different amps and yes they produce a different sound because of the source (amps).
We'll just have to wait for the SU-10 pro ;) Has the M500 MKIII still not arrived yet? I noticed you can sparkle it up a bit with the crystal modes (quite a lot actually but I just listened to it a few seconds rolling through the sound signature modes).
Nice kit ... now all it needs and any other manufacturers out there also ... is 31 band EQ that can be set to separate save profiles "built in" ... Flat amps , flat dacs .. we are left with APO EQ on source or EQ tools on phones / apps .. etc or lots of headphones LOL
But back in the mid-90's the The Adcom GDA 600 DAC for $750 buried the Levinson NO.36 DAC ($4000) Theta GEN 5A DAC ($5500) Wadia 850 CD Player ($5000) and matched the BAT Tube CD Player $4500. So price is not always an indicator of great performance.
Don't forget the PS Audio Ultralink 1 or 2 and Classe Audio Dac-1!
And Audio Alchemy DDE 3.0 with a DTI PRO 32
As the owner of an SU9n would I get enough of an improvement to justify the price of upgrading to this unit or is it even really an upgrade?
Thank you to anyone who has some advice on this because I've only had the SU9n for about a year now as I got it when it first came out...
Wont beat Toppings E50 for value for ‘the masses’ that’s for sure, it’s over £400!
"MQA...that particular COMPRESSION format" 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck... Then it is a compression format. 😄
I caught that too... I tend to think of MQA more as a modern-day sound enhancement technology, as I did the Yamaha DSP-1 and its promise of improved fidelity and realness in the mid 80s or the more rudimentary 30-band graphic or parametric equalizers had in the 70s. People swore these improved their audio enjoyment back then. Some things don't change, it's the technology behind it that does.
Great video. Right now I'm torn between the SU-9 and the DO200. Anyone here have any experience with these dacs?
Hi does the SMSL SU-9 Pro support Tidal Masters + Tidal Connect? eg do you also need a player?
Which amp pairs well with the SU-9 pro? I am considering a30 pro and SH-9. Or maybe Gustard H16?
(I have Arya SE)
Can I plug into a vintage receiver and iPhone? If so, how so? Thanks!
How would compare this EverSolo DAC Z8 to the S.M.S.L SU-9 Pro. Thank you in advance!
Thanks for another great review! How do you like (or not) the SMSL DP5? Thanks again!
I haven't tried it so can't comment.
@@iiWiReviews ok, many thanks for your attention. Hope you may do it in a near future.
All that's missing is a parametric EQ - or any EQ at all, which is why an ADI2 DAC would be my go-to again if my current one broke down.
I'm using wiim streamer spdif input and using the 10 channel eq & peq in the wiim player app. It seems to work fine.
@@richardgrear6330, sure that'll work, but the point is, you're depending on an app for that, then, as opposed to the more universal solution in the RME package.
Chipset is a distant third versus the output stages and chassis isolation.
What filter are you using? Which filter do you think has better sound?
It appears the SU10 has a much better power supply(s) than the SU9. Would this have anything to do the larger image and sound quality of the SU10? I am waiting for the SU10Pro. The SU10 also has i2s.
Yes, you are likely correct, but the SU-9 Pro is $500. The SU-10 is $900 so it SHOULD sound better.
This is good DAC for the masses or for a second system or a TV.
Hi all is there any recommended PCM filter setting for this DAC? Trying to find more details about those PCM filters and its functions but cannot find anything. Thank you.
Is the fiio k7 on you're to do list?
Can you connect and SMSL M500 MK11 to an Allo Shanti linear power source ?
Thank You!!
How about compare with smsl d300 ??
Any thoughts vs Topping D70s?
Hi dear Srboljub. I'm asking a very important question!!! ☺️ Between DO300 and SU-9pro it looks the only difference is on do300 there is +2 connection, a bit heavier and the chip is 9039 MS PRO... Is this chip or Su9pro's 9039 M PRO better? While the DO300 is cheaper on the market, I have one shot and I don't want to miss it with a wrong product. The other features are pretty identical on those 2 dacs... Thank you for all your reviews...
I too was confused with the chip naming. Based on the ESS product brief and SMSL product marketing material I could find online, the "9039 M PRO" and "9039 MS PRO" seem to be the same. The M/MS denote it's MQA/MQA-CD compatibility. What's odd is ESS description product brief addresses it by one naming convention yet the name inscribed on-chip is the other.
I recently purchased the SU-9 Pro. Great, noticeable improvement from my dated SMSL M8 dac even with P2 linear power supply.
Is this a good pairing for a burson soloist 3xp and Arya stealth. Anybody have experience
Can I get your recommendation from a soundstage and audio instrument position I'm looking at the S.M.S.L SU-9 PRO
And S.M.S.L M500MKIII
And do400 I'm looking to buy one for gaming and critical listening as someone with such good taste can you tell me witch would be best I already have a headphone amp a topping a50 and a topping e30 dac
How do you know if you need a DAC . I have a Pioneer Elite 94 receiver, sounds great with my Sony CD 375 5:disc player, my speakers are Elac Reference 2.0 b-52 book shelf 2021 model. They are incredible for Price, as you probably already know. How does a DAC improve on sound Stage, clarity, tone, imaging etc. Please educate me on this, very curious, is it based on chips type, thanks for your help and time 🤘😁
and what about Earman Tradutto? It is also a good cheap DAC.
SU9 pro or E70 Velvet which is to get in your opinion thanks
Hello Srbo, how can I know the price list for the acoustic invader products, they have nothing on their website. Thanks and keep up the good work very interesting indeed
Hi Daniel, there's an email address on the website that you can send any inquires about the pricing, waiting time, etc.
Is the MQA a manual option or is it force fed. As I'm not really a fan, but if it's an option versus having it on regardless then we might get along fine.
There is no version of this model without MQA as far as I know.
Wonder how this and DO300 sound against my M400 and VMV D1SE which I have both???? They were more expensive originally....??? I can't even make up my mind which one of those two is "better" so I have both....with SMSL SA400 amp and Elac Debut Reference
Thanks for the good review! Please can you tell us how it compares to the Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC with the Sparkos Labs SS3602 Dual Diskreter OP Amp?
Please browse through the comments... I have answered several questions about it. 🙂
@@iiWiReviews Thank you for your quick response. Sorry, i haven't seen your answers before. I've got the aune and i'm waiting for the sparkos to come.
iiWi, thank you very much for your excellent reviews. I have a question; If I am only to be using this as a DAC for my new LG OLED tv, would i be better served in termss of cost by getting a lesser DAC, say, the SMSL SU-9N. Cost is a major consideration for me. I would be willing to spend the extra amount for the PRO version if the TV sound output was able to taken advantage of the PRO's Capabilities. I do have a fine amp and speakers connected to the TV. I'been using a cheap DAC, but I suppose I just don't know what I am missing. Thanks.
I connect my LG OLED to DAC for gaming and movies too. I don't think that expensive DAC is needed in that case. But instead the older SU-9N I would rather recommend Topping E70 at a similar or even lower price and with better performance.
@@iiWiReviews Thank you for replying. Yes, I considered the E70, however based on one review on your SU9nreview page, one person stated "Was extremely well priced for the 11/11 sale and it's one of the few DACs that works well with my TV's optical port. In comparison to D90SE which wouldn't work with my LG TV no matter which optical cable I used". Now I am concerned that the E70 might also have the same issue. If I did get the E70, I would have to make certain a seller would accept returns, which rules out a lot of used gear I would be looking at. Anyway, as of now I am seriously considering a cheap Dac converter that converts TV E-ARC to RCA and is said by reviewers to have very good sound, because suopposedly the HDMI ER-ARC output port is a better option than the Optical output, though I am not certain why till I study some more. Thanks again.
Which would you choose between su-9 pro, ares2 and rme adi-2 ?
RME ADI-2 if you can afford it… check out my channel
What do you think about Audio gd products?
I've been using a Topping E50 and love it, but I'm looking to upgrade. I am looking for a similar sound signature... dynamic, punchy, clear, detailed but with fullness. Is the su9 pro a good choice? I've never had an smsl dac. I'm trying to stay under $500. I'm open to other suggestions as well. Thanx
This is the best DAC under that price that I've tried so far and it should be a decent upgrade to E50, with fuller tonality. I'm also testing E70 soon, so it might be worth waiting for that too.
@iiWi Reviews I appreciate the response. Is there a difference in the smsl sound vs the topping sound, as in the brands as a whole? Or should I expect the same sound signature just more controlled and detailed on the su9 pro?
I know D70s is no longer in production and u probably don't have it on hand anymore, but if you were to compare the Topping D70s to the Su9 pro? There's no much info on the su9 pro
Particularly on technical details like decay, impulse response and tonality
And what about FiiO K9 Pro ESS???
Mogu li spojiti na laptop pa na pojačalo ?
Some DACs are standouts! And price almost doesn't matter, in terms of sound quality.
Any idea what type the internal power supply is, in this SU-9 Pro? I would guess it is a switch mode?
Pretty sure that it has an internal SMPS, even though it has a standard IEC power cord inlet on the back of DAC...SU-10 has LPS with toroidal transformers, however it's in a much larger case to accommodate those.
@@toddt5562 That's pretty much what I was thinking it would be.
As far as I can see it's a low noise SMPS.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks - that makes sense at this unit's price.
Really love your reviews! Do you plan on reviewing the MKIII version of the SMSL M500? Would love to know if it can retake the crown for the less than 500$ position, against the SU-9 Pro!
I had arranged for M500 MKIII review, but it didn't happen because of some shipping issues... and I'm not going to order it again, so I'm going to skip that model. It's safe to assume that it's somewhere between M500 MKII and this one... meaning they're all quite close.
Interested to hear your take on the Topping E70 Velvet and how it stacks up to SU-9Pro.
E70 review is coming tomorrow... E70 velvet a bit later because I just got it.
@@iiWiReviews how wonderful! Thank you.
Smsl m500 mkiii is missing...
Sir you are telling the same about every product you are reviewing, (how marvelous it is.. how wonderful it is.. etc), which i find as a simple listener confusing! Please show us some downside of the products as well.
Best regards
Only when it's true, like with Gustard R26, Ladder Schumann... and it happens to be true for most SMSL DACs lately. But that's not the case for every review. Just look at my last few videos:
- For EarMen Angel, I criticized the line-out as not being up to the standards of other DACs at that price point - and said I would not use it that way. I praised headphone-out which is great.
- The same thing was said in a recent video of xDuoo TA-22. Subpar line-out, decent tube-out, and good headphone-out with some ups and some downs... Nothing was praised as the best in class or must-buy.
- 7Hz 71 DAC is better than internal Phone DAC... that's it, nothing more. No hype whatsoever.
- In the Eversolo DAC Z8 review, I liked VU-meters and build but didn't praise the sound too much. I've actually mentioned several competitors that I clearly preferred.
All of the above are just recent videos that had very balanced opinions and no hype. So I'm not sure where this "marvelous and wonderful" vibe comes from. Maybe because I make flashy thumbnails, but I have to do it because people simply DON'T click on ones called "An average performing DAC". I tried that and it didn't go well. UA-cam channels live and die by views. But once you're inside the video and actually see comparisons, there is no undeserved hype for any product. It's not a coincidence that I've kept comparing everything to M500 MKII since I reviewed it last April. It was a staple DAC below 500 USD for this long.
I will buy this dac and a headphone amp, I am between ifi zen can and topping a30 pro, for a Verum 1, which one should I choose?
As an owner of the A30 Pro who ended up returning a Zen Can I can tell you that I very much prefer the A30 Pro.
Toppings NFCA amplification tech is no joke and my A30 Pro has driven every headphone in my collection with authority and ease.
I do not own the Verum 1 but I can't imagine it being harder to drive than my Edition XS or my heavily modified M1060 or any of my other headphones like HD6XX, OG HE4XX, ZEUS or a bunch of others in my collection.
NFCA tech produces the same or better numbers than THX based amps without being sterile and boring.
The A30 Pro for me is my endgame headphone Amp with it's sound and just raw power being one of if not the most powerful sub $400 usd amps out there.
The iFi I see a lot of people raving about it's warmth but to me it just sounded like a bloated muddy mess with the sound coming from under a wet blanket.
If you can get them to compare side by side I'd bet you'd hear what I'm describing because it isn't hard but if you can't afford to get both to compare them my advice would be to go with the A30 Pro.
This isn't me being biased by owning the A30 Pro because I owned both and AB'd them and the A30 Pro was the clear winner to me by a long shot.
Good luck and sorry this comment is coming 11 days after you made your's as I just saw it.
I hope what I've had to say helps you in some way even though I'm just some random on the internet.
Good luck and take care...
Oh and the A30 Pro works just as well for IEM's with a pure black background and no hiss even on high gain.
To put it simply it's one of the best pieces of gear I've bought in over 40 years of listening to music at home...
Just what you to ask if you choose one from R2R (maybe denafrips ares II) dac and this one wich you choose? And why? 👍
I sold Ares II and kept M500 MKII when I tested it eight months ago because it was more dynamic, faster, and with cleaner tone... Yet very full sounding. This one is even better as I explained in the video.
Ares II still has wider and deeper soundstage but that's about it. Dynamics is compressed and deteils are blurred in comparison.
@@iiWiReviews thank you for the answer 👍
could you review ifi uno?
Whats the lifetime of this chi fi product? Is it gonna last ?
Oh man! These new DACs being released every month is like a dog chasing his tail... To the seasoned Music Lovers: Just STOP and enjoy your music this year
@UC9uR40S1gzEbveWSg8poyFw I like iiWi Channel and his reviews... I'm a Sub. GREAT info for newbies - But I stand by my comments
Agreed!! But I'm still getting a Gustard R23 ladder dac 😁
@@christophergaus3996 You mean R26? R26 is a good value if one needs a Streamer also
@@larrywe3320 lol 26 - yes
All these same comments about too many DACs, just don’t watch and enjoy music instead