It Has Coax And Optical Inputs Too
The SU-1 DAC from Foshan ShuangMuSanLin technology Co. Ltd. is a bit different from the Fosi pre-amps we have reviewed here, though it does look similar. Instead of outputting via banana plugs or bare wire, the stereo outputs are RCA and plug into speakers or a headphone amp. It also supports MQA, sadly the company behind those folded master tracks has declared bankruptcy and no one is sure what the future holds for that unique streaming technology.
Inside you will find an XMOS XU316 32-bit bridge/encoder and an AKM AK4493SEQ 32-bit stereo DAC. These are not easy removable, however the SU-1 DAC lists operating voltages on the test points on the PCB so it does offer some modding options if you dare. TechPowerUp quite liked the audio output as the SU-1 DAC passes on a pure uncoloured signal to your speakers or headphones, just as you would hope.
S.M.S.L adds to its impressive audio source portfolio with the budget-friendly SU-1 DAC. It offers multiple inputs, a clean and transparent sound, good build quality, and an easily concealable form factor at a compelling price to warrant a place in your first desktop audio setup for headphones or speakers alike.
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This is one of the best ~$100 DACs currently out there based on the subjective and objective reviews out there.
Aren’t RCA/balanced connections the norm when it comes to pre-amps and DACs? If it had banana jacks or bare wire connections, wouldn’t it be considered to be an amplifier?
Yup, but I was contrasting it to the Fosi I’ve actually touched.
The Tone 2 Pro by Khadas had USB-C. That’s from 2 years ago. Where you been? And how is this SMSL powered up?
The USB-C provides power as well. Didn’t know about the Tone 2 Pro, nice that there is more than one.