S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder
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23,494 reviews
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50+ products
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Digital-to-Analog Signal Converters
Experiential insights by users
About S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder
Overall Feedback:
90% positive
84% appreciated the wide compatibility, though 16% experienced issues
The SMSL SU-1 DAC supports any audio format needed for music.
The SMSL SU-1 DAC supports all necessary audio formats for music, including MP3, FLAC, DSD, and MQA.
Despite having emails from SMSL stating that it is compatible with iPhone, the product is not compatible with my iPhone.
I faced issues with the digital-to-analog-signal-converter when plugged into my desktop system directly via USB-C. I heard pops and other noise when switching between higher/lower bandwidth recordings due to tainted power coming from my PC creating amplified noise in the circuit and how my PC switched between bitrates.
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84% liked the connectivity, but 16% found it lacking
The DAC can take input through USB from a computer, or the Coax and digital ports from a TV or CD player.
The DAC can accept audio input through USB from a computer, or the Coax and digital ports from a TV or CD player.
I experienced pops and other noise when switching between higher/lower bandwidth recordings due to tainted power coming from my PC creating amplified noise in the circuit and how my PC switched between bitrates.
I am getting no audio signal going into my amplifier despite the source-light LED still functioning on the DAC.
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88% praised the conversion accuracy, while 12% experienced distortion
I am impressed with the conversion accuracy of digital-to-analog-signal-converters. Now I can hear things that I could not hear before, even on some YouTube music recordings. The MPEG-loss is much less bad than my soundbar's cheapo D/A conversion.
I used a digital-to-analog-signal-converter with a 5 inches long USB cable and did not detect any emphasis on any specific frequency, which is typical of most DACs below 1K.
I am amazed at the ability to hear things that were not possible before, such as recording studio or room ambience, and musical clarity, even on YouTube music recordings. This was achieved through the use of a digital-to-analog-signal-converter.
I am curious to know if a DAC that measures great can perform well in real life at such a low price.
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85% appreciated the durability, although 15% found it wore out
I love the SU-1 as it is very pleasant and exciting to listen to.
I think the Benchmark performs considerably better than the SU-1 because of the analogue part of the DAC.
The DAC is built around a quality AKM chip and is completely transparent.
When I moved to a dedicated power source and connected it to a WiiM Pro as the source, the popping noise between tracks was removed and it provided a better listening experience with no interference from the PC power in the circuit.
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72% praised the heat management, but 28% faced issues
I haven't mentioned anything specific about the heat management of the digital-to-analog-signal-converter.
The resolution is like audio nirvana.
I experienced pops and noise when switching between higher/lower bandwidth recordings while connected directly to my desktop system via USB-C. This was caused by tainted power from the PC and amplified noise in the circuit.
I experienced noise and pops when switching between higher/lower bitrate recordings due to tainted power from my PC creating amplified noise in the circuit and the way my PC switched between bitrates.
75% found the led indicators helpful, while 25% didn't
The bright, white LED indicator light is very distracting.
The output of the unit became very faint and distorted.
I have criticized the bright, white LED indicator light of the SU-1 as it is more than distracting.
The LED indicator light of the SU-1 is too distracting.
My unit's output became very faint and distorted, indicating a problem with its performance.
93% liked the portability
This digital-to-analog-signal-converter is small and ideal for a desktop.
84% liked the user interface, but 16% found it confusing
I experienced pops and noise when switching between higher/lower bandwidth recordings due to tainted power from my PC creating amplified noise in the circuit and how my PC switched between bitrates.
I have to cycle through settings by pressing the switch as it controls both input selection and power.
I faced issues with pops and noise when switching between higher/lower bandwidth recordings while using the digital-to-analog-signal-converter. This was due to the tainted power coming from my PC creating amplified noise in the circuit and how my PC switched between bitrates.
