Successor of the SU-8, the SMSL SU-9 takes up the excellent base of the SU-8 while bringing significant improvements to improve its sound performance. This new version of the DAC also offers support for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) files, guaranteeing faithful reproduction, as close as possible to studio recording. On the conversion chip side is the excellent and proven DAC ESS ES9038Pro, which supports high-resolution files up to 32bit 768kHz PCM and up to DSD512.

The ergonomics of the device has also been reviewed. The front panel now features a rotary knob that allows you to navigate through the menus, adjust the volume level, select a source or turn the device on and off. The color screen has been greatly enlarged for improved navigation and readability.

The connections remain unchanged and therefore as complete as ever. We find Toslink Optics, Coaxial and USB (XMOS) in input and unbalanced RCA as well as balanced XLR in output. However, a novelty appears here as well, with the support of Bluetooth 5.0 transmission. Particularly convenient, it is possible to broadcast your music remotely, directly from a smartphone.

The SU-9's careful and well thought-out internal design allows it to unveil a precise, rich and dynamic sound reproduction.

MQA Support

Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) files offer the same quality as when the song is recorded in the studio, resulting in much lower distortion, a wider sound stage, and richer, more accurate playback.

The MQA uses a treatment called "musical origami". This makes this high-resolution file easy to manage in order to make it compatible with all audio playback services and devices. This process consists of 3 steps.

Bluetooth UAT Reception

The SMSL SU-9 allows a Bluetooth reception, particularly practical to broadcast music from your phone. It also supports all available transmission codecs, including high-resolution protocols such as LDAC, aptX, aptX-HD, XBC and AAC. It is also compatible with the UAT (Ultra Audio Transmission) format, allowing high quality reception at 24bit 192kHz.

SMSL SU-9 Review by Audio Science Review

" Looks like we started a trend to achieve perfection in desktop DACs and the SMSL SU-9 is yet another example of that. We have another great "instrument grade" DAC on our hands providing absolute transparency to the source beyond any threshold of human hearing. "

Included in this product

Jitter (Coaxial)

Intermodulation distortion

Frequency response