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SMSL
SMSL SU-1
~$85
Estimated price · may vary by retailer
The current undisputed king of budget DACs. It brings the AKM AK4493S chip—usually reserved for $200+ units—down to an entry-level price. It is bus-powered (via USB-C) and includes MQA decoding, making it the perfect 'hideaway' DAC for beginners who want better sound than their PC's headphone jack.
Specifications
ChipsetAKM AK4493S
InputsUSB-C, Optical, Coaxial
OutputsRCA
PCM32-bit / 768kHz
FeaturesMQA Decoding, Bus Powered, Metal Chassis
Things to Know
- ⚠No remote control or screen; input switching is a simple button on the front.
- ⚠No balanced outputs (RCA only).
- ⚠Lightweight chassis can easily be pulled off a desk by heavy cables.
Reviews
“SMSL cuts the functionality to minimum many need to have high quality conversion... Performance is superb for the cost as it provides full transparency to the source.”
— AudioScienceReview (amirm)
“ if i had a reason to own 5 of these i would!”
— vAudio Architect
Video Review
▶CheapaudiomanYouTubeBuy on AmazonBuy on AliExpress
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