SMSL D1SE DAC Review - Exit Light! Enter Night!

Video Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Build Quality
01:39 - Controls
02:00 - Tech Inside
02:54 - Sound Performance
05:46 - D1SE in a loudspeaker setup
07:37 - Detail Retrieval
09:33 - Soundstage
11:49 - Transients
13:41 - Bass
14:25 - Midrange
15:13 - Treble
16:12 - D1se VS D90SE
16:31 - My Conclusion

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#SMSL #D1SE #DAC

[gfsanches]

@soundnews, did you test d1se2? I bought it and really liked its sound signature. Great soundstage and beautiful tone.

[devinmatteson]

Been waiting for this review from you for a while. I own both this and a Topping D70s. Both are great dacs and love them both for their own reasons. The D70s sounds more natural, but not as tight and incisive as the D1se. Both are great for their own reasons.
Both are natural sounding dacs that blend the line between delta sigma and r2r dacs, with the D70s leaning slightly closer to the r2r side and D1se leaning slight closer towards the delta sigma side.

[G-rig]

Great review, read your written review just before ;). I had to send an SMSL SU-9 back due to the old firmware problem (harmonic distortion). I was also getting a small pop powering on/off and changing inputs (connected to Yamaha HS80M monitors via XLR). Considering this D1SE or the topping D90SE. I would prefer something musical with great vocals and instrument separation but also with some authority (and listen to a lot of trance/house). Hopefully the upgraded power supply / filters would help the odd noise problems (which I don't have any issues with Cabridge DACMagic). Im planning on running straight to the monitors no pre-amp, so hopefully it's a good match - I guess i would still use the variable vol not fixed (or it may be way too loud, no volume range from the phone etc). Thanks!

[andress]

I would love to compare this one with the new SMSL DO200 newer SMSL DAC.

[foupax]

Just got this DAC paired with SMSL SH-9. The sound Color, what a great feature. I love it. 🎼 💖

[raysky]

been eager to test the SMSL recommended by my audiophile close friend...just reliving my teenage years passion in audio lately

[Flavius]

Great experience to bring together a Sabre chip with a warmer tuning Dac or class A amplifier. I know since I am the beneficiary of such a combo. Good video, Sandu! Was thinking the other day WHAT COULD BE THE ULTIMATE TEASER? Now I know: SANDU SHOWING US THE SUSVARA FROM ALL ANGLES IN EVERY VIDEO FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS... WITHOUT REVIEWING THE GOD DAMN THING! Just joking, waiting patiently 😉👍

[cisco]

How would this compare to the SU-9 Or the DO200 and the LOXJIE d40 and the LOXJIE D50 looking for a warmer less harsh Dac? I have the Ananda and the SMSL SP200.

[josellanj]

Hi Sandu, I really enjoy your channel and reviews. Keep up the great work.. Do you plan to review the SMSL VMV D2 DAC?

[mehmetcamat]

how would you compare it to Musician Draco

[cisco]

So the M400 haves more bass than the D1SE and which one would be best for Ananda headphones to bring the harsh down a bit. Out of the 2 which one would be best

[waldoyew]

For my first dac I am looking at the sed1 and the eversolo z8 the preamp I’m looking at to pair is the topping pre90 the monitors I want to pair is the focal alpha twin evo I listen to a lot of different music would the z8 or sed1 be best 1st option

[klepp]

How does D1se compare to the Gustard x26 pro?

[bruunm]

Looking to put this into my Node2i-> Rega Brio-R -> Focal Chora 826 chain. I’m sure the DAC will be better than the one in Node2i

[boubakane]

Hi
Still watching (1.5 years now 🤠) to buy a higher DAC (to replace schiit Modi 3+ and fiio Taishan d3)...
Vs gustard x16 any insight? Would be helpful 🙂. Thx 👍🏿

[MrAKISPAPAS]

great review!!i am consider buying topping d70s after reading your review, but now i want to buy D1SE too, what do you think which i should buy?

[christianblais]

Would the D1SE be a good match for the Arya Stealth? (if not, which DAC would be the best match?)

[kumpelkuerbis]

Should i choose the VMV D1se or the new released D400es? cant find many reviews about the d400es unfortunately. Reading through a few forums it looks like the d400es has a weird thing with the filters going on, so i cant really decide atm. Any input is appreciated :)

[downnoutdubin]

I'm stuck between this or the Musician Pegasus.. I can't decide.

[kitzybombflak]

Do you prefer it to the Ares? I was cross-shopping the denafrips and this and luckily you posted a video. Great timing!