SMSL SU-9 ProFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 22 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment50%
PROS 50%
CONS 50%

Rank based on 22 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a big step up from the original SU-9 without spending SU-10 money
  • You value adjustable digital filters to tune the sound signature
  • You want strong bass and a warm, full-bodied midrange for headphones or monitors

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need rock-solid reliability and zero risk of USB noise or playback glitches
  • You want R2R-level soundstage and imaging found in pricier DACs like the Gustard X26 Pro/R26
  • You're chasing the absolute top tier and can stretch to the SU-10

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
You are here
31Mid
SMSL SU-9 Pro
Strong value near $500Flexible digital filtersMajor upgrade over SU-9Quality control complaintsDifficult returns processMidrange can sound forward or thin
SMSL SU-9 Pro
Strong value near $500
Flexible digital filters
Major upgrade over SU-9
Quality control complaints
Difficult returns process
Midrange can sound forward or thin

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A clear, well-regarded upgrade over the SU-9. Multiple owners who moved from the SU-9 describe the Pro as a huge sonic improvement, with one calling it their 'end-game DAC' and a 'Su-10 Jr.' They cite lush, full-bodied, balanced sound replacing thin mids, strong punch and bass slam when gaming or watching movies, and value that keeps improving relative to price, making it a benchmark contender under $1K despite costing roughly $500.

Filter behavior needs a bit of experimentation. Owners note the standard minimum-phase filter can sound slightly forward in the midrange, while other filter settings sound smoother and more musical, with preferences varying by listener. Several also report that engaging any PCM filter noticeably drops the output level compared to leaving filters off, which surprised users unfamiliar with delta-sigma filter switching, and some found turning filters off gave a higher, preferred output.

Falls short of pricier R2R and flagship DACs, and QC can be inconsistent. Compared to the Gustard X26 Pro and R26, listeners found the SU-9 Pro has a smaller soundstage and less emotional presentation, though bass felt warmer and more comfortable for long sessions. Separately, a handful of buyers experienced serious defects: audible whine over USB, random 2x-speed playback glitches, and unwarm/thin midrange on one unit, along with frustrating return processes through sellers.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?