Simple device for downsampling?

I would recommend installing a sound level meter app on your phone (at least) and use that with a very consistent tone for setting levels. I do this when comparing dacs and set the levels on different channels on my preamp.

A higher output almost always sounds better in comparison to a lower one and can definitely trip up a comparison.

According to Mojo’s website the Mystique will output 2.5V single ended and 5V balanced. I don’t believe you mentioned anything about SE vs Balanced. I wasn’t able to find anything regarding the SMC unit.

I didn't mention that my system is balanced throughout so all three DACs are using the balanced outputs.

At 6V vs. 5V, the Mola Mola and Mojo DACs are pretty close in level but at (I believe) 2V, the SMc DAC is at a noticeably lower output voltage than the other two so I do increase the volume when comparing with that DAC.   Good suggestion on the phone app although the differences I am hearing are not solely related to impact/output level as I seem to notice differences in body and dimensionality between them.  Tonally, the differences are not as apparent and all three DACs are similarly resolving, with maybe the Mola Mola a slight bit better than the other two in that area.  However, I don't believe resolution will be my deciding factor. It is still early.

I am excited to see your findings especially with the SMc DAC2.  I had Patrick update a DNA.5 a few months ago and he mentioned a new DAC2 he  built and that it may not be able to process the bit rate as the new DAC's but  it was the best DAC he had listened to.  He said it just sounded good and musical.

@brbrock - Patrick and Steve do incredible work.  I have a pair of their big monos and an upgraded preamp/buffer in my system.  Their stuff is just so musical.  I looked back at some notes and realized I first asked them about their upgraded DAC in 2013, ten years ago!  I contacted them after reading the sixmoons article/review by Francis Baumli, Ph.D. who raved about his upgraded SMc Audio UltraDac. 

The DAC comparison is in full swing.  The newer units, including the SMc DAC-2, have been getting almost around the clock repeats of Ayre's full frequency sweep to help with any break-in that might be needed.  Patrick said the large Jensen output transformers may require a couple of weeks before they reach close to full potential.  

What I can say for now is that Patrick's comment, "it just sounded good and musical" is spot on.  As I said earlier in this thread, "The idea is...to hear what each of the DACs do best and then decide which sounds the most musical and enjoyable to me."  I plan to keep the one or two of them that I enjoy listening to the most.  Based on what I have heard this weekend, I suspect the SMc DAC-2 may be one of the two.

Mitch are you still using your other SMc equipment?  If you are can you tell me about it?  When you had it built and what they did"?