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Desperately seeking some advice/tips for my S.M.S.L. SU-9 DAC

Hello All,

 

So I just upgraded (?) my DAC from my Schiit Audio Modi to the SMSL. SU-9. I had read such great reviews on this unit so decided to pull the trigger. I figured my Sonus Faber Sonetto III’s were worthy of a better DAC (not that there’s anything at all wrong with the Modi).

 

However I didn’t really realize the SMSL had so many different setting options. You know sometimes less is more :(. First question should I turn the SMSL off when not in use?

 

So now settings questions. I have the SMSL connected to an old Pioneer 101 disc cd carousel via a Voodoo Cable optical. I know I know about the cd player but I love the convenience the old carousel changers offer. As this DAC offers multiple settings any advice here on each of the settings and choices below? I truly have no idea as I have never seen settings like these and I honestly don’t even know what most of them mean and the manual is NO help:

 

PCM Filter:

Fast Linear

Slow Linear

Fast Minimum

Slow Minimum

Fast Hybrid

Apodizing

Brickwall

 

DSD Filter:

47kHz Cutoff

50kHz Cutoff

60kHz Cutoff

70kHz Cutoff

 

Sound Color:

Standard

Rich 1

Rich 2

Rich 3

Tube 1

Tube 2

Tube 3

Crystal 1

Crystal 2

Crystal 3

 

DPLL:

Range 1-15 (though the manual says lower for better de-jitter) - do I even need to play with this? Default setting is 7

 

I would sincerely appreciate any advice on any of this. Thank you so much in advance...

 

Best Regards,

Brian

 

Sorry rest of associated equipment-this is used as a second system 2 channel audio/tv/movie system:

Marantz 1510 receiver (used as pre)

Bel Canto REF 501S stereo amp

Transparent RCA's from SMSL to the Marantz

 

kingbr
lordmelton's avatar
lordmelton
877 posts
 

PCM Filter:

Slow Linear or

Slow Minimum

DSD Filter:

70kHz Cutoff

Sound Color:

Standard - Then have a play to see if you prefer another setting

DPLL:

1, move up if it doesn't work.

spenav
416 posts
 

@kingbr 

 

The DAC manufacturer is trying to give you the option to configure it to YOUR LIKING. The best way to go about it is to put on your favorite CD and try them one at a time to see which one you prefer. If you don’t hear any difference between some of them, leave them on the default setting. Take some notes as you go, describing what you hear. No one can tell you what you like or what your system as a whole sounds like. It can be fun figuring it out. Don’t despair. You can do this. 

chayro
2,931 posts
 

If you bought new, your dealer will be more than happy to help you. Customer service is part of the dealer’s margin. If you bought direct, the company should have an in-house customer service rep. Good luck. 

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