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

Showing 2 responses by kingbr

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?

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!