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SMSL DACs

There is a multitude of these sub $1,000 DACs out there as well as many reviews. I was just wondering if any of you out there have had any hands-on, listening experience with these units, possibly comparing them to other DACs that are more commonly discussed here?
I’m also wondering how these MSML’s compare to some of the less expensive R2R ladders DACs, such as the Denafrips Ares II, which gets much praise for a sub $1,000 DAC?

high-amp
high-amp OP
508 posts
 

sbank - thanks!
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
i found the topping d90 dry and flat, if quite detailed, when i tried it

dena pontus vastly superior in imaging, tonality and timber imo
high-amp OP
508 posts
 
jjss49 - I guess you get what you pay for. It seems $1700 (dens pontus) gets you a lot better performance and it's still relatively a bargain. Lots of good press...
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
I saw a used Soekris for ~$1100. That's an another good R2R at a lower price than my Pontus. Cheers,
Spencer
high-amp OP
508 posts
 
sbank - never even heard of Soekris.
Thanks, I will research this.
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