Hemi-Demon
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2019
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Hi new on here and looking for some advice. Just got a SMSL SU9 it's currently feeding a Pi4 into and the DAC feeds s Schiit Magni 3 Heresy obviously single ended.
I am finding the sound quality of the DAC extremely bass bloated, vocals are distant in the mix overall t's really not very neutral at all, it also seems to be distorting a little too in the low frequencies. I have not had any issues with previous DAC Ifi Nano iDSD BL feeding the same amp.
I am using the SU9 in fixed mode and I have tried lowering it by not using fixed but it still sounds off. Comparing it with the Ifi Nano iDSD BL it's replacing this device really sounds dreadful. Is there something I need to do or is this unit likely faulty? I tried changing the sound colour and to my ears I can hear no difference between any of the modes.I read the are subtle but surely I should detect some change? This makes me think this unit is not right it's not getting my toes tapping any more.
The ifi products are pretty warm (ie high distortion by design), some people just prefer inaccuracy. No attack, this is a fun hobby. The one you have is pretty low down on their product list, and yes I have owned and used both. I mean its probably a less engineered device than even the zen dac. Some LOVE that Zen dac device (check all the awards it has won), even though it measures poorly.
The Su9 is pretty exact, meaning you "should" be hearing exactly what the recording should be, and mainly the amplifier is the determining factor on what you personally do no enjoy. Also the SU9 rca outputs are higher voltage that the ifi you are using, so that also may be impacting what you are hearing. What amp are you using, what is musical preference, are you using the drivers, mac or windows and of course how are you going back in forth between dacs?
If you enjoy the ifi sound, I would recommend the micro IDSD black, or better yet the latest signature limited edition version they just released, its a far better overall device, and you get an capable portable amp.
It is pretty impossible for the nano to perform "better" than the SU9, I mean look at the data. Not everyone enjoys accurate audio playback, and that is fine. Do hope you stick around ASR, and this first post isn't another hit job, that keep popping up, every week.