SMSL SU-9From real comments

Verdict distilled from 33 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment71%
PROS 71%
CONS 29%

Rank based on 33 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a feature-rich DAC with Bluetooth and MQA under $500
  • You're upgrading from an older/cheaper DAC like the SU-8 or D30/D50
  • You plan to pair it carefully with a good amp for best results

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need premium build quality with solid knobs and connectors
  • You want a perfectly neutral, unflavored sound out of the box
  • You're on a tight budget and $400+ feels too expensive

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
SMSL VMV D2
Natural, non-fatiguing soundMQA and AK4499 chip appealClear upgrade over harsher rivalsUncertain heat outputHigh priceNo sharper sound signature option
SMSL VMV D2
Natural, non-fatiguing sound
MQA and AK4499 chip appeal
Clear upgrade over harsher rivals
Uncertain heat output
High price
No sharper sound signature option
2Premium
SMSL H400
Strong power deliveryReliable alternative to competitorsSound-tuning flexibilityCosts more than cheaper alternativesHigh price
SMSL H400
Strong power delivery
Reliable alternative to competitors
Sound-tuning flexibility
Costs more than cheaper alternatives
High price
3
HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10
Fully Balanced ArchitecturePremium, Understated BuildRich Tube Sound
HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10
Fully Balanced Architecture
Premium, Understated Build
Rich Tube Sound
4Premium
iFi iCAN
Drives almost any headphoneUnique xBass and 3D tuning controlsMusical, layered, engaging soundHigh price questionedOverdamped decay / odd dynamics reportedCannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently
iFi iCAN
Drives almost any headphone
Unique xBass and 3D tuning controls
Musical, layered, engaging sound
High price questioned
Overdamped decay / odd dynamics reported
Cannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently
5Budget
SMSL VMV SAP1
Excellent value for moneyDrives demanding headphones with easeExceeds initial expectationsInconsistent regional pricingCheap-feeling volume knobLimited availability at some retailers
SMSL VMV SAP1
Excellent value for money
Drives demanding headphones with ease
Exceeds initial expectations
Inconsistent regional pricing
Cheap-feeling volume knob
Limited availability at some retailers
6Premium
iFi Pro iCAN
Extremely versatile tuning options
iFi Pro iCAN
Extremely versatile tuning options
7Mid
Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887
Balanced XLR ConnectivitySought for Driving Hard-to-Drive HeadphonesSolid Metal Volume Knob
Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887
Balanced XLR Connectivity
Sought for Driving Hard-to-Drive Headphones
Solid Metal Volume Knob
8Mid
Creative Sound Blaster E3
Strong Value on SaleGaming Software FeaturesImproved Dynamic RangeFull Price Feels HighUncertain Value vs E5
Creative Sound Blaster E3
Strong Value on Sale
Gaming Software Features
Improved Dynamic Range
Full Price Feels High
Uncertain Value vs E5
9Budget
SMSL RAW-HA1
Strong speaker amp performance
SMSL RAW-HA1
Strong speaker amp performance
10Mid
iFi Hip-DAC
Detailed, engaging sound
iFi Hip-DAC
Detailed, engaging sound
Best valueYou are here
21Mid
SMSL SU-9
Strong value for the pricePunchy, detailed sound with good bassBluetooth and MQA convenienceConsidered pricey by someMidrange can sound thin or harshSound-color feature seen as ineffective by some
SMSL SU-9
Strong value for the price
Punchy, detailed sound with good bass
Bluetooth and MQA convenience
Considered pricey by some
Midrange can sound thin or harsh
Sound-color feature seen as ineffective by some

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Many users find the SU-9 a big step up in sound quality from older or cheaper DACs. Commenters compared the SU-9 favorably to the Topping D50, SMSL D50s, SU-8, D30, and even pricier gear like the RME ADI-2 and Chord Mojo. They cite noticeable improvements in bass, detail, soundstage, and overall clarity. Several people upgraded from the SU-8 and reported cleaner sound with more detail, calling it a worthwhile investment despite the added cost over entry-level options.

Build quality and small usability quirks draw consistent criticism. One long-term owner described the knobs and switches as raw and cheap, RCA ports that wiggle, and a small screen with an odd menu system, plus a generic shared remote. Another buyer reported a clicking/popping sound when starting or stopping Bluetooth playback, and returned the unit citing thin midrange warmth, feeling the Redesign was needed despite good highs and lows.

Filter and sound-color settings spark mixed reactions, with some hearing real differences and others none. Several commenters noted the default minimum-phase filter can sound slightly forward in the midrange, but switching to linear-phase slow roll-off or minimum-slow filters gave a more musical result. Others, however, said the sound-color feature had no audible effect at all, or that comparisons against other DACs showed no real difference, suggesting synergy with the rest of the audio chain matters most.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?