Attractive & affordable, but is it worth it? SMSL D-6S review

A review of the SMSL D-6S DAC including comparison with the Schiit Audio Modi+, discussion of sound quality, features, functions and interface.

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00:00 Introduction
00:49 Sound quality
01:53 SMSL D-6S vs Schiit Modi+
05:13 Design & features
08:16 Wrap-up

#audiophile #audioreview #dac

[christopherorman]

It would seem that there are some features of the SMSL d-6s not being mentioned here when compared to the Modi. The first, is that for some, the d-6s can act as a preamp, with volume control. Not necessarily my cup of tea -- as I love true preamps like Schiit's Kara and I need it for my turntable and other "stuff" -- but for most, this could function as both a DAC and preamp. The Modi is just a DAC, and would need a preamp/amp to be usable -- thus at least some additional cost there, be it $119 for a Magni or more for a preamp. For some, that isn't worth it. Second, and probably the most important, are the balanced outputs. Whether it is to connect to a balanced headphone amp, a balanced preamp, or ultimately balanced amps (like monoblocks), having XLR is a big deal. The only Schiit product similar is the Modius, and it costs $229 and tests far, far worse than the d-6s. In fact, this DAC destroys the Modi in most tests conducted on ASR -- and the Modi is apparently better than the Modius. With Fosi Audio releasing the V3 mono blocks with XLR, this SMSL comes at a great time and presents a great opportunity to move to XLR. Third, is the bluetooth connectivity. Streaming or bluetooth is also not my cup-of-tea, but that the option exists -- and it doesn't with the Schiit Modi. Fourth, is that the d-6s supports the DSD format. As someone with an overflowing CD connection that includes SACD, that is awesome and again something the Modi cannot do. In the end, I think that justifies the $70 difference (without getting into sound, and I do hear a significant difference and improvement with CD and certain media through the d-6s -- which is the more analytical approach I want.). I will conclude by noting that a really good, pure, analytical dac that provides no coloration helps you find the weak chains in your system. I do not think the Modi does as good of a job of this then the d-6s; and I honestly first noticed coloration of certain CDs by the Modi when I tried the SU-1. The d-6s is a big step up from the SU-1, and I think is a step up from the Modi, absent my other discussions here.

In the end, if the goal is flexibility, super clean conversion of digital to analog that does not color the source material, and that has XLR that allows you to eventually upgrade to a balanced preamp and amp system (which feels like the eventual audiophile's goal), the d-6s makes a ton of sense. It helps you get there quickly -- with volume control included -- and all you need is a decent amp and a set of transparent speakers.

[phantomplastics]

The combination that stunned me and made me enjoy music again is the Questyle M15 plus Arya Organic. More enjoyable than gear at 2-3x the price.

[humanbass]

I have it and it works perfectly. Zero stuttering from the optical out of my tv.

[sdrtcacgnrjrc]

The Schiit products are much more expensive in europe, which makes other products more attractive ...

[lukasjanecka]

6:22 Isn't balanced connection inherently ground loop-proof though? That is a big advantage in my experience since, sadly, very few amplifiers feature ground/lift switch :/

[Maverck]

For the XLR vs RCA follow-up video the biggest benefits I see can be distilled down to three aspects:
1) Common mode rejection for the elimination of poor grounding/overall system noise (is anything really built this poorly in 2024? Especially with measurements chasing and APx results?)
2) Getting a floating device to the same potential which may be using a DC Wall Wort via XLR to a 3 prong earthed device, eliminating RCA ground loop issues and promoting electrical safety. This also free's up the RCA connections for additional devices with the peace of mind there will be no loop as the common ground will return via XLR to the chassis and ground prong of the DAC chassis.
3) Providing additional head room to an amp with the hotter outputs. (standard 4V XLR over 2V RCA and potentially hotter these days with many units running up to 10V XLR with built in pre-amps on the units)

[beezlebub]

I like the point of view you presented here, and it’s been my experience that it’s true. One of my favorite dacs I’ve owned is the E50, the TRS outputs for balanced were great for space.

[landosazo]

the SMSL D6S is truly a fine device and fairly priced too. I had it for about 10 days but for my personal taste the SMSL SU-1 for $80 with AKM chips just sounded for organic to my ears while the D6S sounded more lean and dry and female voices do not congeal into one whole rounded breathing image in front of you. The D6S portrays female voices as sort of tattered images in front of you. i don't know...maybe it's me.

[ekjellgren]

I'd like it if you had a section in the reviews testing how far up the chain you have to go to beat it.

[VirusForPrez]

@2:12 That would be the SMSL Su-1 @ 79$ i presume, ...

[Panslapper]

The ideal link between the Wiim Pro Plus and my JBL 305p mk2. The Schitt Modius E is also an interesting alternative for balanced at the mo...

[LelandPratt-nwix]

After this review I just subscribed. Once your stereo starts providing the magic you’ve been looking for any upgrades are approached more critically. I know that anything I change will be subtle at best and appreciate your honest and factual advice. An extra twenty five or fifty bucks is really peanuts but it’s nice to know if it’s going where it will make me happy. Thank you.

[tysontyson]

I can't believe I missed watching this video before! Great video Lachlan!
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One of the reasons that you are the best or one of the best reviewers is that you reveal the equipment that was used in coming to your conclusions. There have been countless videos that I have watched where the reviewer is evaluating a DAC and I wonder if they are using $35 headphones and even sometimes I think that they might not be using a headphone amplifier at all. I have heard some bad interconnects that used solid copper core coaxial wire that have deadened/muffled the sound and I know that one very popular review used some of these in his videos. I love that you explained what interconnects you used.
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Thank you for all of the great videos. You are one of the best at it.

[aceofspades]

Thanks for trying to keep all the models straight as I can’t

[brettschuler]

Balanced XLR connections have the intrinsic benefit of common mode noise cancellation, they are not 'just different', XLR/TRS has a very real technical advantage. How much actual benefit however (subjective or objective) is case specific and significantly depends on the enviroment as well the receiving device. If you already have the option to use balanced connections you definitely should, especially if you're the type that fusses over the subjective differences of USB cables. I won't shame you like the ASR crowd if you don't, but why leave performance on the table for no good reason?
As always, I appreciate the review. For myself what differentiates these chifi chips in a box DACs the most is the perceived depth and width, so like i hearing your impressions.

[sunilm]

Any plan for a shootout between Chord TT2 + M scaler vs Mola Mola Tambaqui vs DCS Lina. I think they all share the same sonic character - clear and cool side of the spectrum.

[ISNW-ckfn]

As you said, all DACs above a minimum quality level sound great. So why compare them by sound quality to cheaper DACs with less feature? The choice for this (and similar) DACs is plain simple. Do you need XLR outputs or not? If you show me a 100 dollar DAC with XLR then I would be interested to hear your comparison.

[rodm]

I am so confused at the moment, I just want a stand alone dac with RCA. Could you please create a "DAC rating list" focusing solely on single endded. At the money being asked I end up considering an intergrated sterio amp as a solid option. SVS Prime for example.

[CinemaDemocratica]

I'm not all the way through the video but the question of whether a $199 DAC with balanced output is worth the price difference over a $129 DAC with only single-ended output, is a no-brainer -- isn't it? I mean, common-mode rejection for $70 seems like a conversation-ender, especially since you preferred the balanced inputs on the Fosi ZA3 amps. One question for you: I'm just wading into balanced connections and I've heard it said that some XLR-terminated cables aren't actually balanced; is that true, and if so, how does one protect one's self without ending up with price-inappropriate high-end cables?

[kcloh]

Hi Lachlan, nice review!! I'm looking a DAC to pairing my amp Xduoo MT604. Currently SMSL D-6S & Topping D50 III are in my list, which one you will recommend?