For reviews of the SMSL SU-8S refer to Headfonics, for audio details & measurements refer to AudioScienceReview.
At the time of this posting, Our research indicates that this is $179.99 lower (50% savings) than the next best available options with prices starting from $359.99. -SaltyOne
Refer to the forum thread for additional deal discussion.
This collaborative space allows users to contribute additional information, tips, and insights to enhance the original deal post. Feel free to share your knowledge and help fellow shoppers make informed decisions.
Additional $20 Discount Code
SUMMEROF22
Thanks to @whodiini and @jamesp66
Last Updated by sarcasmogratis on 06-22-2022 at 11:38 PM
For reviews of the SMSL SU-8S refer to Headfonics, for audio details & measurements refer to AudioScienceReview.
At the time of this posting, Our research indicates that this is $179.99 lower (50% savings) than the next best available options with prices starting from $359.99. -SaltyOne
Refer to the forum thread for additional deal discussion.
@lovelygiraffe4883 it depends on who you ask. Audiophiles typically fall into two categories, subjective reviews (people) and objective reviews (measurements).
Objectively this DAC is the best at this price ($180). Below is the audio science review's SINAD scores for all the DACs they've tested.
I checked on Amazon and everything that scored better is more money. You may find a deal, like this one, where something is on sale and beats it in the future though.
Subjectively, this has been well reviewed but you'll need to take it home and listen for yourself.
My take, I just placed an order for one to add it to the collection. This will be my highest rated DAC. If you want to play the subjective game then the one to purchase is the Schiit Modi Multibit, but it goes for ~$350/250 new/used if you can find it.
You need a ***really*** good system or headphones to be able to hear the difference in quality that this DAC provides. For those that can benefit from the quality, this is a very good price. For those who dont need the quality then I would recommend an all in one DAC/AMP unit: Loxjie A30. Its the same price as this but also includes an amp. It also has bluetooth. Sounds great, read the reviews. For most people, the Loxjie A30 would work really well as an all-in-one. I have both the Loxjie A30 for my office system and the SMSL SU-9 for my electrostatic headphones. Seems the SU-8s is a cost reduced version of the SU-9.
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Tldr; Yes, this is the best DAC for the price
@lovelygiraffe4883 it depends on who you ask. Audiophiles typically fall into two categories, subjective reviews (people) and objective reviews (measurements).
Objectively this DAC is the best at this price ($180). Below is the audio science review's SINAD scores for all the DACs they've tested.
I checked on Amazon and everything that scored better is more money. You may find a deal, like this one, where something is on sale and beats it in the future though.
Subjectively, this has been well reviewed but you'll need to take it home and listen for yourself.
My take, I just placed an order for one to add it to the collection. This will be my highest rated DAC. If you want to play the subjective game then the one to purchase is the Schiit Modi Multibit, but it goes for ~$350/250 new/used if you can find it.
@lovelygiraffe4883 it depends on who you ask. Audiophiles typically fall into two categories, subjective reviews (people) and objective reviews (measurements).
Objectively this DAC is the best at this price ($180). Below is the audio science review's SINAD scores for all the DACs they've tested.
I checked on Amazon and everything that scored better is more money. You may find a deal, like this one, where something is on sale and beats it in the future though.
Subjectively, this has been well reviewed but you'll need to take it home and listen for yourself.
My take, I just placed an order for one to add it to the collection. This will be my highest rated DAC. If you want to play the subjective game then the one to purchase is the Schiit Modi Multibit, but it goes for ~$350/250 new/used if you can find it.
Thanks for your reply, the shiit used does seem to be a good/better option but its lack of ports doesn't make it very appealing. Did the smsl su-9 ever go under 220 ? (I can't see price on drop.com because it's out of stock).
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This is just a DAC. You would still need an amp if you dont already own one. Keep that in mind if you are new to the hobby. Also $180 ish could technically get you a great dac/amp combo provided it has the inputs you need so really depends on what you're after. Otherwise, 180 is a great price for a DAC unit with these specs
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank whodiini
You need a ***really*** good system or headphones to be able to hear the difference in quality that this DAC provides. For those that can benefit from the quality, this is a very good price. For those who dont need the quality then I would recommend an all in one DAC/AMP unit: Loxjie A30. Its the same price as this but also includes an amp. It also has bluetooth. Sounds great, read the reviews. For most people, the Loxjie A30 would work really well as an all-in-one. I have both the Loxjie A30 for my office system and the SMSL SU-9 for my electrostatic headphones. Seems the SU-8s is a cost reduced version of the SU-9.
You need a ***really*** good system or headphones to be able to hear the difference in quality that this DAC provides. For those that can benefit from the quality, this is a very good price. For those who dont need the quality then I would recommend an all in one DAC/AMP unit: Loxjie A30. Its the same price as this but also includes an amp. It also has bluetooth. Sounds great, read the reviews. For most people, the Loxjie A30 would work really well as an all-in-one. I have both the Loxjie A30 for my office system and the SMSL SU-9 for my electrostatic headphones. Seems the SU-8s is a cost reduced version of the SU-9.
Would a pair of Sennheiser 6XX, a pair of Klipsch Fives and a JDS Element II amp qualify as "really good" system that would benefit from this?
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Quote
from whodiini
:
You need a ***really*** good system or headphones to be able to hear the difference in quality that this DAC provides. For those that can benefit from the quality, this is a very good price. For those who dont need the quality then I would recommend an all in one DAC/AMP unit: Loxjie A30. Its the same price as this but also includes an amp. It also has bluetooth. Sounds great, read the reviews. For most people, the Loxjie A30 would work really well as an all-in-one. I have both the Loxjie A30 for my office system and the SMSL SU-9 for my electrostatic headphones. Seems the SU-8s is a cost reduced version of the SU-9.
^ This. I also own the SU-9 and it's amazing. But a DAC is fine tuning an already good system, it's not going to make your SHP9500s sound like a Focal Clear. If you have a Clear or even an Elex or an Ananda level headphone then a good DAC is a no brainer. Even with an HD600/650/6xx/660S. But with entry level mid-fi and lower....get a cheap all in one.
Would a pair of Sennheiser 6XX, a pair of Klipsch Fives and a JDS Element II amp qualify as "really good" system that would benefit from this?
Yes. Consider an OTL or hybrid tube amp for even more goodness from your 6XX. But overall yes, you're in the world where you'd benefit from a good DAC.
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Would a pair of Sennheiser 6XX, a pair of Klipsch Fives and a JDS Element II amp qualify as "really good" system that would benefit from this?
Depends what your current DAC is, you may or may not hear the difference. This SU 8S is pretty quiet, so you may hear the better SQ thru your headphones, since you have a decent headphone amp as well. Same with the klipsch.
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@lovelygiraffe4883 it depends on who you ask. Audiophiles typically fall into two categories, subjective reviews (people) and objective reviews (measurements).
Objectively this DAC is the best at this price ($180). Below is the audio science review's SINAD scores for all the DACs they've tested.
https://www.audioscienc
I checked on Amazon and everything that scored better is more money. You may find a deal, like this one, where something is on sale and beats it in the future though.
Subjectively, this has been well reviewed but you'll need to take it home and listen for yourself.
My take, I just placed an order for one to add it to the collection. This will be my highest rated DAC. If you want to play the subjective game then the one to purchase is the Schiit Modi Multibit, but it goes for ~$350/250 new/used if you can find it.
SUMMEROF22
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank euuser1423804
@lovelygiraffe4883 it depends on who you ask. Audiophiles typically fall into two categories, subjective reviews (people) and objective reviews (measurements).
Objectively this DAC is the best at this price ($180). Below is the audio science review's SINAD scores for all the DACs they've tested.
https://www.audioscienc
I checked on Amazon and everything that scored better is more money. You may find a deal, like this one, where something is on sale and beats it in the future though.
Subjectively, this has been well reviewed but you'll need to take it home and listen for yourself.
My take, I just placed an order for one to add it to the collection. This will be my highest rated DAC. If you want to play the subjective game then the one to purchase is the Schiit Modi Multibit, but it goes for ~$350/250 new/used if you can find it.
@lovelygiraffe4883 it depends on who you ask. Audiophiles typically fall into two categories, subjective reviews (people) and objective reviews (measurements).
Objectively this DAC is the best at this price ($180). Below is the audio science review's SINAD scores for all the DACs they've tested.
https://www.audiosciencereview.co...ng.207893/ [audiosciencereview.com]
I checked on Amazon and everything that scored better is more money. You may find a deal, like this one, where something is on sale and beats it in the future though.
Subjectively, this has been well reviewed but you'll need to take it home and listen for yourself.
My take, I just placed an order for one to add it to the collection. This will be my highest rated DAC. If you want to play the subjective game then the one to purchase is the Schiit Modi Multibit, but it goes for ~$350/250 new/used if you can find it.
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Really great price
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank whodiini
SUMMEROF22
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank anort3
^ This. I also own the SU-9 and it's amazing. But a DAC is fine tuning an already good system, it's not going to make your SHP9500s sound like a Focal Clear. If you have a Clear or even an Elex or an Ananda level headphone then a good DAC is a no brainer. Even with an HD600/650/6xx/660S. But with entry level mid-fi and lower....get a cheap all in one.
Yes. Consider an OTL or hybrid tube amp for even more goodness from your 6XX. But overall yes, you're in the world where you'd benefit from a good DAC.
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