DAC SMSL SU-9

The SMSL SU-9 is a new desktop pure DAC featuring an ESS SABRE9038Pro chipset, with BT5.0 UAT and MQA capability.

Highlights

• Latest Bluetooth Codecs including LDAC, AptX, AptXHD, AAC, SBC, it also interestingly includes an even higher codec, UAT
• Single TOTL ES9038PRO DAC chipset version
• True balanced DAC around the ES9038PRO chipset
• Equipped with ES9311 regulator power supply
• MQA rendering capabilities
• Ultra-low phase noise and optimized clock processing circuits to achieve ultra-low clock jitter
• Package includes: a SU-9, remote, USB cable, a power cable, Bluetooth antenna, manual.

Product details

SMSL SU-9 DAC ES9038Pro USB XMOS Bluetooth 5.0 MQA 32bit 768kHz DSD512

Successor of the SU-8, the SMSL SU-9 takes up the excellent base of the SU-8 while bringing significant improvements to improve its sound performance. This new version of the DAC also offers support for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) files, guaranteeing faithful reproduction, as close as possible to studio recording. On the conversion chip side is the excellent and proven DAC ESS ES9038Pro, which supports high-resolution files up to 32bit 768kHz PCM and up to DSD512. The ergonomics of the device have also been reviewed. The front panel now features a rotary knob that allows you to navigate through the menus, adjust the volume level, select a source or turn the device on and off. The color screen has been greatly enlarged for improved navigation and readability. The connections remain unchanged and therefore as complete as ever. We find Toslink Optics, Coaxial and USB (XMOS) in input and unbalanced RCA as well as balanced XLR in output. However, a novelty appears here as well, with the support of Bluetooth 5.0 transmission. Particularly convenient, it is possible to broadcast your music remotely, directly from a smartphone. The SU-9’s careful and well-thought-out internal design allows it to unveil a precise, rich and dynamic sound reproduction.

MQA Support

Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) files offer the same quality as when the song is recorded in the studio, resulting in much lower distortion, a wider sound stage, and richer, more accurate playback.

The MQA uses a treatment called musical origami. This makes this high-resolution file easy to manage in order to make it compatible with all audio playback services and devices. This process consists of 3 steps.

Bluetooth UAT Reception

The SMSL SU-9 allows a Bluetooth reception, particularly practical to broadcast music from your phone. It also supports all available transmission codecs, including high-resolution protocols such as LDAC, aptX, aptX-HD, XBC and AAC. It is also compatible with the UAT (Ultra Audio Transmission) format, allowing high-quality reception at 24bit 192kHz.

Specifications: Product type: DAC · DAC Chip: ESS ES9038Pro · USB Interface: XMOS · Digital reception: cgip ESS ES9311 · Input: USB/Optical/Coaxial/Bluetooth · Output:RCA/XLR · THD+N:0.00009%(-121dB) · Dynamic range:XLR 130dB · RCA 123dB · SNR:130dB · Output impedance:XLR 207Ω · RCA 142Ω · USB transmission:Asynchronization · USB compatibility:Windows 7+,Mac OSX,Linux · Bit depth: USB 1bit,16-32bit · Optical/Coaxial 1bit,16-24bit · Sampling rate: USB PCM 44.1-768kHz · DSD 2.8224-22.5792MHZ · Optical/Coaxial PCM 44.1-192kHZ · DSD dsd64(DoP).

What’s In The Box

• 1x SMSL SU-9
• 1x Remote control
• 1x USB cable
• 1x Power cable