SMSL SU-9 Ultra brings AK4499EX DAC to everyone

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00:00 What is ULTRA?
03:53 Sound
06:23 vs Topping E70 velvet and SMSL DO400
09:40 vs SU-9 Pro
11:28 vs Topping D70 Pro Octo
13:16 Conclusion

Room test system:

Head-Fi:

#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo

[Hakku]

Every 3 months the same boring and sterile sounding dacs in a new cases. good job topping & smsl

[sean_heisler]

It has been reported by the CDC that a new DAC is released to the market every 26 seconds.

[liegelord]

Recommendations for sub $1000 DAC with wide and deep soundstage?

[WorldView]

SMSL has lost the sense of measure with the rate of releasing new products. It's detrimental to its reputation. The rate of new product releases resembles software updates, it's ridiculous.

[claricenights]

I can't wait to hear your Gustard Audalytic AH90 Review. At under 600 isn't it better than this one? I can imagine a Gustard Audalytic AH90 vs Topping D7 Octo comparison would be mega interesting. Thanks for your efforts and insights.

[kdomster]

Analog section and power supply could have huge affect on the sound of it, rather than DAC chip itself.
I think dual chip dual mono AK4499 with better analog section and better power supply, say separate LPS section for analog and separate for Digital would make such DAC a knock out product, make it for under 900usd and use quality discrete op amps like superb Sparkos or tubes and it would be killing 5000usd DACs .

[Raymondey]

The new SMSL D400 Pro with same AKM chip looks better

[pdcragin]

Dang man! I’m so impressed with how you convey your impressions of what you hear into words (and a few hand gestures) that make me feel as if *I* have heard theses DACs. Thank you.

[JosephTongret]

I can't wait until SMSL and the other top Chinese hi-fi manufacturer's begin adding HDMI as a standard input on all DACs. Once they do it then other brands will eventually follow suit. I really don't think we're that far off from it at this point. Give us even just a few bands of basic peq filters and all my wishes will have been granted, lol.

[hi-fi-guru]

I realize you are overwhelmed with SMSL DAC's but was wondering if you have plans on reviewing the latest AKM DAC from them... the DO300EX which has been getting fairly "glowing" reviews from others. I'd be interested in seeing your take on this model. Also, what are your thoughts on using the I2S (hdmi format) cable vs USB? Thanks again for the great reviews! As a follow-up, the big box mail order company currently has it listed with $94 coupon making it $375.... which appears to be a great value.

[StimsonNguyen]

Dear iiWi please help me on selecting a DAC here. Which among these will be the best sounding in terms of warmness, depth, clarity, soundstage, spaciousness, Tight as well as clear and extented bass, Superb mids, fuller body and detailed but smooth highs? (1) Topping D70 Pro Sabre or (2)TOPPING - D70 PRO OCTOZ or (3) SMSL SU-9 Ultra DAC or (4) Topping E70 Velvet DAC. Also I wd like you to remember for reference that once you mentioned akm4499ex dac chip as the better one in comparision to Sabre ESS chips.

[jasonhilliker]

I'd like to see someone review the new VMV D2R High Resolution Desktop DAC. It's good to see more development of an alternate chip dac.

[AWEG-qubz]

After buying the D-300 I don't need another AKM DAC.
I'm just waiting for a well-supported streamer from SMSL.
But that probably won't happen.

[DN]

I like your Paul McGowan sign off😏
This one could be used to spruce op a more warm and rolled off setup.

[erikliterature]

Shouldn't you really say you're listening to it through an amplifier? You can't listen to this dac unless it's connected to an amp. I find it odd that they are selling them as separate items when one simply doesn't work without the other.

[carlsitler]

My 60 year old ears are fine with my $100 SMSL Sanskrit 2. I got the Hidizs S9 Pro for my phone and didn't hear much difference. If it ain't broke...

[chatpimooksriphasuthakul]

Base from your review, I just bought smsl d300 to my set with leak130, wharfdale linton85. Everything better than internal DAC of leak130 but the midrange vocal is biting, too much open sound. Would you please recommend a DAC with bluetooth that would give equally sound quality like D300, but warmer midrange considering these set of amp and speaker. Note:SMSL can adjust DSD filter, HPC filter i adjusted everything to warmer sound already. With bluetooth, spotify become much better sound on every aspect with D300 compare to internal DAC, JUST midrange too harsh. It nearly perfect to my ear.

[viniciusbasso]

plaese help!!! just got the s9-ultra and whats to stack you another amplifier, maybe with a combo like staking the smsl u9 ultra plus this D70 pro octo and another goood amplifier. When I got the smsl I had issues with cables and connecting to my old system. So If you could please help me (if the smsl ultra wouldn't give any sound quality, I would sell it and get the the topppings.... buuuut if it would bring it to some next level conected with the other two I prefer!

[hakan]

I dont understand. Cant you just get a warm amp and balance that neutral thin sound?

[jcgoobee]

Thanks for the awesome review as always. SMSL has a new DAC model: D400 Pro, hope you will consider reviewing it in the future. Thank you.