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

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.

@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. 

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. 

Thank you @spenav and @lordmelton for taking the time to reply. Your time and advice is truly appreciated :)

I'll start with @lordmelton's suggestions and then play around from there. I know the manufacturer is just giving options-which is a good thing I do know this but damn that's a lot of options, LOL! But thanks for the encouragement @spenav :)

Leave unit on or power off when not listening?

Most have a stand by option, that is the preferred state. If not, turn it off. 

i personally found the pcm and dsd filters to have  little audible effect (which may be a function of my dwindling hearing). wrt the sound colors, i though the standard setting sounded very close to the tube setting, while the crystal setting sounds a little edgier/brighter and the rich mode had a bit of warmth and sounded the most natural. ergo, i keep mine on the rich mode, with everything else on default settings; @lordmelton may well have more discerning ears.

@loomisjohnson 

i keep mine on the rich mode, with everything else on default settings; @lordmelton may well have more discerning ears.

Not necessarily. This is the nature of the beast. We all are different and have different taste. That’s why it’s difficult to choose settings for others. 

Filter,   Fast Linear

DSD cutoff doesn't matter

Sound color, Standard which actually by-passes 

That’s a lot of options!

I would start with The ones recommended by @djones51  above me. Standard for sure… turn everything off that you can. Listen for a couple to few months. Get to really know the sound. Then make one change. If not good or no difference go back to your initial settings. Then listen for a couple weeks. Then try something else. Flipping around is just confusing… at least to me. Long term listening sets a reference point.

Ultimately you have to try.

Thank you for all who have taken your time to reply. Great advice and I sincerely appreciate it...First things first and I’m running this puppy for a few days to break in before I play with the different settings...It does not have a standby mode so I’ll take your advice @spenav and turn it off when not in use - thanks again:)

You know I know the manufacturer did a good thing by giving options, but I find as I’ve gotten older and the world has gotten crazier and everything has seemingly become so complicated and complex, I yearn for the good ole days when everything seemed much simpler. Sometimes less is more :)

You’re all great for being here and for taking the time to reply to those in need-like myself. So thank you again!

OP,

I would make sure you have a good 200+ hours before starting experimentation. That’s at least 8 days X 24 hours. My equipment takes over 600 hours to breakin… although to fully breakin 1,000. But 80% by 250 hours.