I like the point of view you presented here, and it’s been my experience that it’s true. One of my favorite dacs I’ve owned is the E50, the TRS outputs for balanced were great for space.
After this review I just subscribed. Once your stereo starts providing the magic you’ve been looking for any upgrades are approached more critically. I know that anything I change will be subtle at best and appreciate your honest and factual advice. An extra twenty five or fifty bucks is really peanuts but it’s nice to know if it’s going where it will make me happy. Thank you.
I can't believe I missed watching this video before! Great video Lachlan! . One of the reasons that you are the best or one of the best reviewers is that you reveal the equipment that was used in coming to your conclusions. There have been countless videos that I have watched where the reviewer is evaluating a DAC and I wonder if they are using $35 headphones and even sometimes I think that they might not be using a headphone amplifier at all. I have heard some bad interconnects that used solid copper core coaxial wire that have deadened/muffled the sound and I know that one very popular review used some of these in his videos. I love that you explained what interconnects you used. . Thank you for all of the great videos. You are one of the best at it.
It would seem that there are some features of the SMSL d-6s not being mentioned here when compared to the Modi. The first, is that for some, the d-6s can act as a preamp, with volume control. Not necessarily my cup of tea -- as I love true preamps like Schiit's Kara and I need it for my turntable and other "stuff" -- but for most, this could function as both a DAC and preamp. The Modi is just a DAC, and would need a preamp/amp to be usable -- thus at least some additional cost there, be it $119 for a Magni or more for a preamp. For some, that isn't worth it. Second, and probably the most important, are the balanced outputs. Whether it is to connect to a balanced headphone amp, a balanced preamp, or ultimately balanced amps (like monoblocks), having XLR is a big deal. The only Schiit product similar is the Modius, and it costs $229 and tests far, far worse than the d-6s. In fact, this DAC destroys the Modi in most tests conducted on ASR -- and the Modi is apparently better than the Modius. With Fosi Audio releasing the V3 mono blocks with XLR, this SMSL comes at a great time and presents a great opportunity to move to XLR. Third, is the bluetooth connectivity. Streaming or bluetooth is also not my cup-of-tea, but that the option exists -- and it doesn't with the Schiit Modi. Fourth, is that the d-6s supports the DSD format. As someone with an overflowing CD connection that includes SACD, that is awesome and again something the Modi cannot do. In the end, I think that justifies the $70 difference (without getting into sound, and I do hear a significant difference and improvement with CD and certain media through the d-6s -- which is the more analytical approach I want.). I will conclude by noting that a really good, pure, analytical dac that provides no coloration helps you find the weak chains in your system. I do not think the Modi does as good of a job of this then the d-6s; and I honestly first noticed coloration of certain CDs by the Modi when I tried the SU-1. The d-6s is a big step up from the SU-1, and I think is a step up from the Modi, absent my other discussions here. In the end, if the goal is flexibility, super clean conversion of digital to analog that does not color the source material, and that has XLR that allows you to eventually upgrade to a balanced preamp and amp system (which feels like the eventual audiophile's goal), the d-6s makes a ton of sense. It helps you get there quickly -- with volume control included -- and all you need is a decent amp and a set of transparent speakers.
Yes it has volume attenuation and will be perfect for that use. Almost all DACs below about $500-600 (maybe higher) use digital attenuation, but it's not like it used to be where they throw away bits to reduce volume. Based on a conversation I had with a DAC designer a while back, all of the new DAC chips can attenuate the signal losslessly in the digital domain.
I always include that if I find a product performing above its price so any time that I don't include that, it means that the next step up will be better. That said, with these chip based, Delta Sigma DACs, the steps up are pretty minor shifts in image separation and resolution normally.
For the XLR vs RCA follow-up video the biggest benefits I see can be distilled down to three aspects: 1) Common mode rejection for the elimination of poor grounding/overall system noise (is anything really built this poorly in 2024? Especially with measurements chasing and APx results?) 2) Getting a floating device to the same potential which may be using a DC Wall Wort via XLR to a 3 prong earthed device, eliminating RCA ground loop issues and promoting electrical safety. This also free's up the RCA connections for additional devices with the peace of mind there will be no loop as the common ground will return via XLR to the chassis and ground prong of the DAC chassis. 3) Providing additional head room to an amp with the hotter outputs. (standard 4V XLR over 2V RCA and potentially hotter these days with many units running up to 10V XLR with built in pre-amps on the units)
All good points. I probably won't do a video on the topic (although never say never) because there are so many layers to it with all the different ways "balanced" circuits are produced.
@@PassionforSound The thing that's wild though with any set-up configuration is the use of isolation transformers or those "magical" 200$ wall outlets with the earth prong floated which just lifts the entire system... If you were to use a multimeter to check between the chassis and earth you'd find something like an amplifier energized with 115/220 VAC just waiting to zap someone when they adjust a setting while making contact with a metal equipment rack or another component operating at a lower voltage i.e. 15VAC etc.
6:22 Isn't balanced connection inherently ground loop-proof though? That is a big advantage in my experience since, sadly, very few amplifiers feature ground/lift switch :/
Any plan for a shootout between Chord TT2 + M scaler vs Mola Mola Tambaqui vs DCS Lina. I think they all share the same sonic character - clear and cool side of the spectrum.
Hi Lachlan. I'm very interested in this unit due to the balanced outs to run my Xduoo MT604 headphone amp. Question is, I have a Mac Mini and both of it's usb inputs are being utilized. Could I run this off of one my unused Thunderbolt (usb-c) ports? Have been trying to find some solid info on this to no avail. Then saw your review posted. I'm very ignorant as to how Thunderbolt ports work and if they would indeed be ok to use with this SMSL. Thanks for any help or knowledge!
Unfortunately, I'm not an Apple user so I don't know the answer to that either. ☹️ You might be safer to look at a simple USB hub to give you an extra USB port.
@@PassionforSound Thanks Lachlan! I'll fish around for more info and yes I have thought about a powered usb hub. Apparently the thunderbolt connections how less latency issues. I just need to learn if it is ok to use with this device. Was glad to hear you say that you heard no performance difference using the usb connection.
Balanced XLR connections have the intrinsic benefit of common mode noise cancellation, they are not 'just different', XLR/TRS has a very real technical advantage. How much actual benefit however (subjective or objective) is case specific and significantly depends on the enviroment as well the receiving device. If you already have the option to use balanced connections you definitely should, especially if you're the type that fusses over the subjective differences of USB cables. I won't shame you like the ASR crowd if you don't, but why leave performance on the table for no good reason? As always, I appreciate the review. For myself what differentiates these chifi chips in a box DACs the most is the perceived depth and width, so like i hearing your impressions.
If it's actually pinned out differential aka true balanced. A false pin-out, which is totally possible on cheap XLR units, will simply provide a common ground, blank pin, and hots with no benefit. Even more egregious has been past examples of cheap XLR connections floating... just snake oil. However, considering this unit has a mains plug up, its safe to assume that you at LEAST get a common ground and shared potential from the XLR connections (helps with ground loops) which is bonded to the chassis of the DAC and then out the ground pin to the wall.
Noise cancellation is only really beneficial if you have long cable runs and/or lots of electrical noise around your cables. For almost every home setup, balanced is unnecessary. To be clear, I'm not saying it's worse - it's just not necessary.
@@Maver1ck911 "If it's actually pinned out differential aka true balanced. A false pin-out, which is totally possible on cheap XLR units, will simply provide a common ground, blank pin, and hots with no benefit" - Possible but very very unlikely, since it only requires a dual channel OP amp vs a single channel OP amp to drive a balanced output. Show me an example (at any price point) from Schitt, Topping, SMSL etc...good luck lol. "Even more egregious has been past examples of cheap XLR connections floating... just snake oil." - Why exactly do you think it's snake oil? Certainly a floating (properly meaning no ground reference) differential output still has the benefits of noise cancelation when presented to a differential input. A differential input is only looking for a difference in potential between the input pins, a simple but often misunderstood concept. A rare but conceptually good example of this is the Studer A80RC, it has a transformer output, the secondary is floating unreferenced, not even a center tap tied to XLR pin 1 to hard reference it to the receiving device's ground. This works brilliantly in practice, induced non-symmetrical noise (what little there may be) is shunted by the impedance of the transformer winding, the common mode noise is rejected to the level of the common noise rejection ratio of the receiving device and there is no potential (no pun intended) for ground loops due to the galvanic isolation the transformer provides. "However, considering this unit has a mains plug up, it's safe to assume that you at LEAST get a common ground and shared potential from the XLR connections (helps with ground loops) which is bonded to the chassis of the DAC and then out the ground pin to the wall." - Any ground potential difference (between devices) on the XLR ground will also exist on the RCA ground, and without any rejection of the induced noise from ground loop current flowing on the signal cables. Further, it's not a best practice to have multiple signal ground to earth ground connections in a system.
@@brettschuler5336 Your formatting is terrible. First, an XLR plug which has L+/R+ carrying a signal while the L-/R- is bonded to the chassis working (essentially dual mono) with a blank ground pin is not differential. This is snake oil when presented as "balanced" leaving the consumer believing it is differential. Devices such as the Silver Fox which run this to the load, for whatever reasons, are not consequential for this discussion. The Studer is still differential. Second, when you have a set-up with multiple devices running DC Wall adapters, a laptop with a cheap power supply with mains leakage currents you will have RCA loops over USB via the power line. If say, your amp, is connected with XLR and earthed via 3 prong the DAC and AMP will be properly grounded to a single reference, the earth of the amp chassis to the wall. **When the DAC does not come with galvanic isolation built in** I have also solved this USB power line issue for people running shitty after market cheap laptop power supplies they got off Alibaba, by suggesting they purchase relatively inexpensive ISO spec'd "medical grade" laptop chargers. These individuals were intent on buying all manner of galvanic isolators and ifi products while it was their Chinesium laptop charger, not the OEM. Virtual ground works for PCB boards but it doesn't equalize potentials across devices operating at different voltages with different virtual ground references. RCA will develop a difference of potential across floated devices. Multiple signal "virtual grounds" is exactly how you end up with performers getting shocked when eveyrthing is floating and they grab the mic or their pick-up zaps them. This is exactly why I addressed in another comment below the absurdity of companies (like the one who sell magic fuses for 200$) selling magic wall receptacles where the earth prong is floated with marketing that makes chat GPT blush. I have: Piety (floated) RCA -> Valhalla -> Earth Laptop (TB4/USBC power) -> USB -> RME ADI2 DAC (floated) -> XLR -> SA-1 (earthed) Mojo 2 (battery float/USB Micro B on charge to laptop; float with potential to loop) -> 3.5-> RCA to SA-1 to earth on the same power strip as the laptop if the components were sub par there could be an issue on charge via the same TB4 dock USBA to Micro B adapter. Not a problem for me, however, I have solved at least 5 people's issues over RCA with numerous devices sharing power with floating devices. This is obviously could never be an issue on battery. I could get a clear example of a loop running the Valhalla 2 as a pre-amp with my RME/Mojo2 (on charge*) running RCA in, RCA out to the SA-1 sharing the same power strip in series before returning to the mains.
I am so confused at the moment, I just want a stand alone dac with RCA. Could you please create a "DAC rating list" focusing solely on single endded. At the money being asked I end up considering an intergrated sterio amp as a solid option. SVS Prime for example.
It's actually very hard to find a single ended only DAC. I have my recommended DACs list linked in the description, but I haven't isolated the SE ones because there are so few of them. There's no harm buying any of those recommended and just connecting to the RCA outputs.
For me it's more of isolating where the improvement of sound output quality occurs. Is adenafrips significantly better to a modi? And then is a intergrated amp SVS prime the same or improvement over a singzer? And I am refering to DAC quality only.@@PassionforSound
The easiest way I can explain it is that I think the order of best DAC technologies goes Chord first, then Schiit Multibit DACs like the Yggdrasil and Bifrost 2 plus a few selected R2R DACs like the Gustard R26 and Denafrips Pontus II, then some of the new DACs using AK4499EX chips, then most lower level R2R DACs and all the DACs using the various other chips.
Almost seems like we've reached the limits of current designs and implementations. Unless something went terribly wrong somewhere during a product's design and or manufacture, you don't need to worry about sound quality and can instead focus on features.
At $199.00 I am not expecting the SMSL to really be fully balanced. The SMSL if it really IS Full Differential Balanced, and not using summers and phase splitters to keep the cost down which I suspect this would be at $199.00. Please be careful telling balanced isn't better. In many cases it is. Day to day for the casual, most will never know. On certain cable run applications the balanced will not be beat. My new bargain reference, the Sound Devices 702 CF recorder which sounds dreamy. It is inherently balanced. I am currently enjoying it with the Aune S9c DAC as my source. Also as above most devices that claim balanced are not full Differential Balanced at all. They are quasi balanced so more single ended in the middle of the signal process. They maybe balanced coming in, that is the use of Summers, then single ended unbalanced, and the using phase splitters coming out, balanced again. Full Differential Balanced does not use that scheme. It remains balanced from input to output. That is worth having. In that mode I would fight for. In a quasi balanced not so much. I have unbalanced stuff I enjoy too. But when given a choice Full Differential Balanced is a lovely way to go, along with of course common mode noise cancelation. You get that also with being quasi balanced too. Nothing to lose sleep over. Unfortunately for the internet. More of something for people want to argue about. Me? I'll just continue listening to music on my TEAC a-7300 reel to reel and bypass all this digital fighting anyway. Choice is a beautiful thing.
Both balanced and single ended circuits have their pros and cons so my point is that people shouldn't chase balanced just for the sake of it. You're also correct that there's "balanced" and balanced and it's hard to know which products are which without some technical deep diving.
Chord Qutest, Chord TT2 (has both) and Chord DAVE (has both) are the best I've tried, but there are many DACs with both that are still excellent via RCA.
I find this question interesting. If the DAC is working properly, you should not hear a difference. Rolling opamps and adding power filters, literally is adding color to the signal. A good DAC should make it so that you hear what the music sounds like. If you are using a poor source material, then the DAC that "sounds better" is simply rounding off the edges and not providing you an accurate representation of the source material you are using. We have seen this for years in the context of tube amps and how tube amps sound "warm and mellow." They sound warm and mellow because they are coloring the source material and you are losing clarity and precision. Therefore, when folks ask which is better between two DACs, and they both at ASR test extremely well, the answer really should be "they should sound the same." If you are buying a J2 to roll opamps, it means you want to affect the sound and color at the DAC level, rather than doing so at the preamp or amp or speakers/headphones stages. To each their own, I guess.
Every component in the signal path adds character to the sound so two DACs with the same frequency response and distortion, but different output stages will sound different. Any audio product engineer will confirm this.
I can absolutely confirm that none of my videos are sponsored by anyone unless clearly disclosed on screen as text, by me in the video, or in the description. To add to that, Schiit don't do any type of sponsorship AFAIK.
GM ❄️☕️🦘 Oh, look another DAC from a company that put a “new” model every month … I’ve personally given up the lower price Topping /SMSL DAC’s .. I settled on the latest Denafrips Ares 12-1 ..so I’m done . Great review and analysis. Take care 🍻
I picked up the D-6S because I have monoblock headphone amps that require XLR inputs, while separately the RCAs will go to a preamp for my loudspeakers. Also, i got it new for $160 on ebay. The only other SMSL that looked appealing for my price range was the DL100. I'm curious if there are any notable sound differences, because the DL100 seems to do almost all the same stuff, but also has a headphone amp.
the SMSL D6S is truly a fine device and fairly priced too. I had it for about 10 days but for my personal taste the SMSL SU-1 for $80 with AKM chips just sounded for organic to my ears while the D6S sounded more lean and dry and female voices do not congeal into one whole rounded breathing image in front of you. The D6S portrays female voices as sort of tattered images in front of you. i don't know...maybe it's me.
Yep. Balanced does nothing other than doubling the voltage, removing noise picked up by long cable runs or (possibly) ground loops. It has no other meaningful sonic benefit.
Maybe if you are hypersensitive!? To exploit xlr the source and the receiving gadget must be fully balanced! If not it is a total waste of money! I have been working with advanced analoge and digital digital gear for 30 years!
The Schiit products are much more expensive in europe, which makes other products more attractive ...
Yes, they're higher here too. The MJ3 is still worth the higher costs IMO, but some others not so much.
Very cool design! Love the display.❤
Me too! 🙂🙂
I like the point of view you presented here, and it’s been my experience that it’s true. One of my favorite dacs I’ve owned is the E50, the TRS outputs for balanced were great for space.
I'm glad you liked it. The E50 is still an excellent DAC.
After this review I just subscribed. Once your stereo starts providing the magic you’ve been looking for any upgrades are approached more critically. I know that anything I change will be subtle at best and appreciate your honest and factual advice. An extra twenty five or fifty bucks is really peanuts but it’s nice to know if it’s going where it will make me happy. Thank you.
So glad I could help! Thanks for the sub!
I can't believe I missed watching this video before! Great video Lachlan!
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One of the reasons that you are the best or one of the best reviewers is that you reveal the equipment that was used in coming to your conclusions. There have been countless videos that I have watched where the reviewer is evaluating a DAC and I wonder if they are using $35 headphones and even sometimes I think that they might not be using a headphone amplifier at all. I have heard some bad interconnects that used solid copper core coaxial wire that have deadened/muffled the sound and I know that one very popular review used some of these in his videos. I love that you explained what interconnects you used.
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Thank you for all of the great videos. You are one of the best at it.
My pleasure. I'm glad you liked the video!
The combination that stunned me and made me enjoy music again is the Questyle M15 plus Arya Organic. More enjoyable than gear at 2-3x the price.
The M15 has a certain something to its sound, doesn't it? 🙂
I am also amazed by my M15, I got the balanced cable from Fiio to a Jotenheim amp and it sounds great. So small but sounds a lot bigger.
I can second the M15 and Arya combination, absolutely amazing for the price and so convenient
I have it and it works perfectly. Zero stuttering from the optical out of my tv.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
It would seem that there are some features of the SMSL d-6s not being mentioned here when compared to the Modi. The first, is that for some, the d-6s can act as a preamp, with volume control. Not necessarily my cup of tea -- as I love true preamps like Schiit's Kara and I need it for my turntable and other "stuff" -- but for most, this could function as both a DAC and preamp. The Modi is just a DAC, and would need a preamp/amp to be usable -- thus at least some additional cost there, be it $119 for a Magni or more for a preamp. For some, that isn't worth it. Second, and probably the most important, are the balanced outputs. Whether it is to connect to a balanced headphone amp, a balanced preamp, or ultimately balanced amps (like monoblocks), having XLR is a big deal. The only Schiit product similar is the Modius, and it costs $229 and tests far, far worse than the d-6s. In fact, this DAC destroys the Modi in most tests conducted on ASR -- and the Modi is apparently better than the Modius. With Fosi Audio releasing the V3 mono blocks with XLR, this SMSL comes at a great time and presents a great opportunity to move to XLR. Third, is the bluetooth connectivity. Streaming or bluetooth is also not my cup-of-tea, but that the option exists -- and it doesn't with the Schiit Modi. Fourth, is that the d-6s supports the DSD format. As someone with an overflowing CD connection that includes SACD, that is awesome and again something the Modi cannot do. In the end, I think that justifies the $70 difference (without getting into sound, and I do hear a significant difference and improvement with CD and certain media through the d-6s -- which is the more analytical approach I want.). I will conclude by noting that a really good, pure, analytical dac that provides no coloration helps you find the weak chains in your system. I do not think the Modi does as good of a job of this then the d-6s; and I honestly first noticed coloration of certain CDs by the Modi when I tried the SU-1. The d-6s is a big step up from the SU-1, and I think is a step up from the Modi, absent my other discussions here.
In the end, if the goal is flexibility, super clean conversion of digital to analog that does not color the source material, and that has XLR that allows you to eventually upgrade to a balanced preamp and amp system (which feels like the eventual audiophile's goal), the d-6s makes a ton of sense. It helps you get there quickly -- with volume control included -- and all you need is a decent amp and a set of transparent speakers.
I completely agree that both DACs serve different purposes.
Yes it has volume attenuation and will be perfect for that use.
Almost all DACs below about $500-600 (maybe higher) use digital attenuation, but it's not like it used to be where they throw away bits to reduce volume. Based on a conversation I had with a DAC designer a while back, all of the new DAC chips can attenuate the signal losslessly in the digital domain.
The ideal link between the Wiim Pro Plus and my JBL 305p mk2. The Schitt Modius E is also an interesting alternative for balanced at the mo...
Thanks for trying to keep all the models straight as I can’t
Yeah, it's like that
I'd like it if you had a section in the reviews testing how far up the chain you have to go to beat it.
I always include that if I find a product performing above its price so any time that I don't include that, it means that the next step up will be better.
That said, with these chip based, Delta Sigma DACs, the steps up are pretty minor shifts in image separation and resolution normally.
For the XLR vs RCA follow-up video the biggest benefits I see can be distilled down to three aspects:
1) Common mode rejection for the elimination of poor grounding/overall system noise (is anything really built this poorly in 2024? Especially with measurements chasing and APx results?)
2) Getting a floating device to the same potential which may be using a DC Wall Wort via XLR to a 3 prong earthed device, eliminating RCA ground loop issues and promoting electrical safety. This also free's up the RCA connections for additional devices with the peace of mind there will be no loop as the common ground will return via XLR to the chassis and ground prong of the DAC chassis.
3) Providing additional head room to an amp with the hotter outputs. (standard 4V XLR over 2V RCA and potentially hotter these days with many units running up to 10V XLR with built in pre-amps on the units)
All good points. I probably won't do a video on the topic (although never say never) because there are so many layers to it with all the different ways "balanced" circuits are produced.
@@PassionforSound The thing that's wild though with any set-up configuration is the use of isolation transformers or those "magical" 200$ wall outlets with the earth prong floated which just lifts the entire system... If you were to use a multimeter to check between the chassis and earth you'd find something like an amplifier energized with 115/220 VAC just waiting to zap someone when they adjust a setting while making contact with a metal equipment rack or another component operating at a lower voltage i.e. 15VAC etc.
A new day, a new SMSL DAC.
Garbage DAC. Get a Denafrips or some other high end Dac and be done with it.
It's like that. I don't agree that it's garbage because it's decent for the money, but there is better out there for those with the budget.
Danke!
Bitte!
6:22 Isn't balanced connection inherently ground loop-proof though? That is a big advantage in my experience since, sadly, very few amplifiers feature ground/lift switch :/
It can definitely help with ground loops, but it's not a 100% guarantee.
Any plan for a shootout between Chord TT2 + M scaler vs Mola Mola Tambaqui vs DCS Lina. I think they all share the same sonic character - clear and cool side of the spectrum.
I'd love to, but I need to get my hands on the Mola and dcs.
Don't forget, the D6s comes with a Remote Control as well !
Oh no, not another one.
@2:12 That would be the SMSL Su-1 @ 79$ i presume , ...
Yep, that's one of them 🙂
Hi Lachlan. I'm very interested in this unit due to the balanced outs to run my Xduoo MT604 headphone amp. Question is, I have a Mac Mini and both of it's usb inputs are being utilized. Could I run this off of one my unused Thunderbolt (usb-c) ports? Have been trying to find some solid info on this to no avail. Then saw your review posted. I'm very ignorant as to how Thunderbolt ports work and if they would indeed be ok to use with this SMSL. Thanks for any help or knowledge!
Unfortunately, I'm not an Apple user so I don't know the answer to that either. ☹️
You might be safer to look at a simple USB hub to give you an extra USB port.
@@PassionforSound Thanks Lachlan! I'll fish around for more info and yes I have thought about a powered usb hub. Apparently the thunderbolt connections how less latency issues. I just need to learn if it is ok to use with this device. Was glad to hear you say that you heard no performance difference using the usb connection.
So how this dac paired with your Xduoo mt604? How good is this setup?
I haven't tried them together specifically, but that would make for a very fun, affordable system.
Balanced XLR connections have the intrinsic benefit of common mode noise cancellation, they are not 'just different', XLR/TRS has a very real technical advantage. How much actual benefit however (subjective or objective) is case specific and significantly depends on the enviroment as well the receiving device. If you already have the option to use balanced connections you definitely should, especially if you're the type that fusses over the subjective differences of USB cables. I won't shame you like the ASR crowd if you don't, but why leave performance on the table for no good reason?
As always, I appreciate the review. For myself what differentiates these chifi chips in a box DACs the most is the perceived depth and width, so like i hearing your impressions.
If it's actually pinned out differential aka true balanced. A false pin-out, which is totally possible on cheap XLR units, will simply provide a common ground, blank pin, and hots with no benefit. Even more egregious has been past examples of cheap XLR connections floating... just snake oil.
However, considering this unit has a mains plug up, its safe to assume that you at LEAST get a common ground and shared potential from the XLR connections (helps with ground loops) which is bonded to the chassis of the DAC and then out the ground pin to the wall.
Noise cancellation is only really beneficial if you have long cable runs and/or lots of electrical noise around your cables. For almost every home setup, balanced is unnecessary.
To be clear, I'm not saying it's worse - it's just not necessary.
@@Maver1ck911 "If it's actually pinned out differential aka true balanced. A false pin-out, which is totally possible on cheap XLR units, will simply provide a common ground, blank pin, and hots with no benefit" - Possible but very very unlikely, since it only requires a dual channel OP amp vs a single channel OP amp to drive a balanced output. Show me an example (at any price point) from Schitt, Topping, SMSL etc...good luck lol.
"Even more egregious has been past examples of cheap XLR connections floating... just snake oil." - Why exactly do you think it's snake oil? Certainly a floating (properly meaning no ground reference) differential output still has the benefits of noise cancelation when presented to a differential input. A differential input is only looking for a difference in potential between the input pins, a simple but often misunderstood concept. A rare but conceptually good example of this is the Studer A80RC, it has a transformer output, the secondary is floating unreferenced, not even a center tap tied to XLR pin 1 to hard reference it to the receiving device's ground. This works brilliantly in practice, induced non-symmetrical noise (what little there may be) is shunted by the impedance of the transformer winding, the common mode noise is rejected to the level of the common noise rejection ratio of the receiving device and there is no potential (no pun intended) for ground loops due to the galvanic isolation the transformer provides.
"However, considering this unit has a mains plug up, it's safe to assume that you at LEAST get a common ground and shared potential from the XLR connections (helps with ground loops) which is bonded to the chassis of the DAC and then out the ground pin to the wall." - Any ground potential difference (between devices) on the XLR ground will also exist on the RCA ground, and without any rejection of the induced noise from ground loop current flowing on the signal cables. Further, it's not a best practice to have multiple signal ground to earth ground connections in a system.
@@brettschuler5336 Your formatting is terrible.
First, an XLR plug which has L+/R+ carrying a signal while the L-/R- is bonded to the chassis working (essentially dual mono) with a blank ground pin is not differential. This is snake oil when presented as "balanced" leaving the consumer believing it is differential. Devices such as the Silver Fox which run this to the load, for whatever reasons, are not consequential for this discussion.
The Studer is still differential.
Second, when you have a set-up with multiple devices running DC Wall adapters, a laptop with a cheap power supply with mains leakage currents you will have RCA loops over USB via the power line. If say, your amp, is connected with XLR and earthed via 3 prong the DAC and AMP will be properly grounded to a single reference, the earth of the amp chassis to the wall.
**When the DAC does not come with galvanic isolation built in**
I have also solved this USB power line issue for people running shitty after market cheap laptop power supplies they got off Alibaba, by suggesting they purchase relatively inexpensive ISO spec'd "medical grade" laptop chargers. These individuals were intent on buying all manner of galvanic isolators and ifi products while it was their Chinesium laptop charger, not the OEM.
Virtual ground works for PCB boards but it doesn't equalize potentials across devices operating at different voltages with different virtual ground references. RCA will develop a difference of potential across floated devices. Multiple signal "virtual grounds" is exactly how you end up with performers getting shocked when eveyrthing is floating and they grab the mic or their pick-up zaps them. This is exactly why I addressed in another comment below the absurdity of companies (like the one who sell magic fuses for 200$) selling magic wall receptacles where the earth prong is floated with marketing that makes chat GPT blush.
I have:
Piety (floated) RCA -> Valhalla -> Earth
Laptop (TB4/USBC power) -> USB -> RME ADI2 DAC (floated) -> XLR -> SA-1 (earthed)
Mojo 2 (battery float/USB Micro B on charge to laptop; float with potential to loop) -> 3.5-> RCA to SA-1 to earth on the same power strip as the laptop if the components were sub par there could be an issue on charge via the same TB4 dock USBA to Micro B adapter. Not a problem for me, however, I have solved at least 5 people's issues over RCA with numerous devices sharing power with floating devices. This is obviously could never be an issue on battery.
I could get a clear example of a loop running the Valhalla 2 as a pre-amp with my RME/Mojo2 (on charge*) running RCA in, RCA out to the SA-1 sharing the same power strip in series before returning to the mains.
I am so confused at the moment, I just want a stand alone dac with RCA. Could you please create a "DAC rating list" focusing solely on single endded. At the money being asked I end up considering an intergrated sterio amp as a solid option. SVS Prime for example.
It's actually very hard to find a single ended only DAC. I have my recommended DACs list linked in the description, but I haven't isolated the SE ones because there are so few of them. There's no harm buying any of those recommended and just connecting to the RCA outputs.
For me it's more of isolating where the improvement of sound output quality occurs. Is adenafrips significantly better to a modi? And then is a intergrated amp SVS prime the same or improvement over a singzer? And I am refering to DAC quality only.@@PassionforSound
The easiest way I can explain it is that I think the order of best DAC technologies goes Chord first, then Schiit Multibit DACs like the Yggdrasil and Bifrost 2 plus a few selected R2R DACs like the Gustard R26 and Denafrips Pontus II, then some of the new DACs using AK4499EX chips, then most lower level R2R DACs and all the DACs using the various other chips.
Almost seems like we've reached the limits of current designs and implementations. Unless something went terribly wrong somewhere during a product's design and or manufacture, you don't need to worry about sound quality and can instead focus on features.
That's mostly true, but the higher priced equivalents to this will sound a bit better thanks to improved components, more power filtering, etc.
Vote here....................... A: Low price, Many features & low quality
OR
B: Low price, Core features & higher quality ?
I'd go for B 🙂
At $199.00 I am not expecting the SMSL to really be fully balanced. The SMSL if it really IS Full Differential Balanced, and not using summers and phase splitters to keep the cost down which I suspect this would be at $199.00. Please be careful telling balanced isn't better. In many cases it is. Day to day for the casual, most will never know. On certain cable run applications the balanced will not be beat. My new bargain reference, the Sound Devices 702 CF recorder which sounds dreamy. It is inherently balanced. I am currently enjoying it with the Aune S9c DAC as my source. Also as above most devices that claim balanced are not full Differential Balanced at all. They are quasi balanced so more single ended in the middle of the signal process. They maybe balanced coming in, that is the use of Summers, then single ended unbalanced, and the using phase splitters coming out, balanced again. Full Differential Balanced does not use that scheme. It remains balanced from input to output. That is worth having. In that mode I would fight for. In a quasi balanced not so much. I have unbalanced stuff I enjoy too. But when given a choice Full Differential Balanced is a lovely way to go, along with of course common mode noise cancelation. You get that also with being quasi balanced too. Nothing to lose sleep over. Unfortunately for the internet. More of something for people want to argue about. Me? I'll just continue listening to music on my TEAC a-7300 reel to reel and bypass all this digital fighting anyway. Choice is a beautiful thing.
Both balanced and single ended circuits have their pros and cons so my point is that people shouldn't chase balanced just for the sake of it. You're also correct that there's "balanced" and balanced and it's hard to know which products are which without some technical deep diving.
The balanced outputs..makes up 10% of components that can accept them...what's the best single ended output only dac?
Chord Qutest, Chord TT2 (has both) and Chord DAVE (has both) are the best I've tried, but there are many DACs with both that are still excellent via RCA.
Do you think I will notice a difference going from D6s to j2s 4493 with sparkos?
A slight difference, perhaps. The AK4499 is where the bigger gains can be had, even if you don't get the Sparkos straight away.
Sherri upgraded it for me. Such awesome customer service over there!@@PassionforSound
I find this question interesting. If the DAC is working properly, you should not hear a difference. Rolling opamps and adding power filters, literally is adding color to the signal. A good DAC should make it so that you hear what the music sounds like. If you are using a poor source material, then the DAC that "sounds better" is simply rounding off the edges and not providing you an accurate representation of the source material you are using. We have seen this for years in the context of tube amps and how tube amps sound "warm and mellow." They sound warm and mellow because they are coloring the source material and you are losing clarity and precision. Therefore, when folks ask which is better between two DACs, and they both at ASR test extremely well, the answer really should be "they should sound the same." If you are buying a J2 to roll opamps, it means you want to affect the sound and color at the DAC level, rather than doing so at the preamp or amp or speakers/headphones stages. To each their own, I guess.
Every component in the signal path adds character to the sound so two DACs with the same frequency response and distortion, but different output stages will sound different. Any audio product engineer will confirm this.
you can order the smsl from china with free shipping....the Schiit with shipping works out the same in price
Good point
Can it receive wireless lossless signals?
Lossless? No. I believe BT5.4 is the minimum level for lossless, but the new lossless codec is also needed.
is it worth the upgrade from a smsl SU1
I haven't tried the SU-1, but I suspect it might be based on some of what I've heard/read
I guess volume control is also a main difference between those two DACs.
Yes, the Modi+ has no volume, no filter controls, no balanced outputs, etc.
@@PassionforSoundand no remote?
Correct 🙂
Can you disclose If this video is sponsored by Schiit?
I can absolutely confirm that none of my videos are sponsored by anyone unless clearly disclosed on screen as text, by me in the video, or in the description. To add to that, Schiit don't do any type of sponsorship AFAIK.
No remote on the modi is a deal-killer for me. I'd rather pay for the extra features.
Yep. That's totally reasonable. I certainly wasn't saying people shouldn't get the D-6S because features matter too! 🙂
Here we go again...
It's like that!
GM ❄️☕️🦘
Oh, look another DAC from a company that put a “new” model every month …
I’ve personally given up the lower price Topping /SMSL DAC’s ..
I settled on the latest
Denafrips Ares 12-1 ..so I’m done .
Great review and analysis.
Take care 🍻
I picked up the D-6S because I have monoblock headphone amps that require XLR inputs, while separately the RCAs will go to a preamp for my loudspeakers. Also, i got it new for $160 on ebay. The only other SMSL that looked appealing for my price range was the DL100. I'm curious if there are any notable sound differences, because the DL100 seems to do almost all the same stuff, but also has a headphone amp.
I haven't tried the DL100. Sorry.
I suspect they'll be quite comparable.
Buy the SU-1 and be done. Save $100.
I haven't tried the SU-1 to know if they're actually comparable.
@PassionforSound It's a great sounding dac for it's price.
the SMSL D6S is truly a fine device and fairly priced too. I had it for about 10 days but for my personal taste the SMSL SU-1 for $80 with AKM chips just sounded for organic to my ears while the D6S sounded more lean and dry and female voices do not congeal into one whole rounded breathing image in front of you. The D6S portrays female voices as sort of tattered images in front of you. i don't know...maybe it's me.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I haven't tried the SU-1.
XLR Balanced IS better than RCA....if you have a revealing system.
Truly revealing of what? Poor grounding? A lack of head room in your power amps?
Yep. Balanced does nothing other than doubling the voltage, removing noise picked up by long cable runs or (possibly) ground loops. It has no other meaningful sonic benefit.
Maybe if you are hypersensitive!? To exploit xlr the source and the receiving gadget must be fully balanced! If not it is a total waste of money! I have been working with advanced analoge and digital digital gear for 30 years!
@@GeirRssaak I only use XLR cables in my single ended non-hardware balanced equipment 😉
@@Maver1ck911 sorry! I did not understand!?