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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
 
Excellent pinwa! This is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. Much appreciated!
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
A few months ago, I sold my Schiit Gungnir Multibit. I used an SMSL 400 for about 2 months while I waited for Denafrips Pontus II arrival. The SMSL functioned perfectly, had some convenient bell & whistles like the full color display info, but the sound was kinda dry and flat. Granted this was the lowest cost DAC I've heard in a while. It had decent amounts of detail, but tonality wasn't too impressive. Soundstage was wide, with okay depth, but instruments lacked air and their own space. 

The Pontus is miles ahead, as it should at double the cost. FWIW. I'd guess that the Ares would be a better choice if your priorities include more organic fleshed out instruments and realistic tonality. The SMSL's strengths were "studio monitor-ish" lots of detailed sounds, with a more analytical slant. Cheers,
Spencer
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...
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