SMSL SU-9 Vs Topping D90 MQA DAC Comparison

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SMSL SU-9 DAC
bit.ly/3kyy0Rs
Price: $440 (Nov.2020)
TBR Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¾
Topping D90 MQA
bit.ly/2VvQJD8
Price: $800
TBR Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Associated Equipments,
Music by Grace Mahya: ebay.us/5WV1Ny
SMSL SU-9: amzn.to/2UYiLqx
Topping D90 MQA: amzn.to/33K7wXE
ELAC UniFi UF52: amzn.to/3lq9B1s
Wharfedale Evo 4.2: amzn.to/32A27lc
KEF LS50 Meta: amzn.to/3jDLknd
KEF R11: amzn.to/3acMlB8, ebay.us/nXCI8d
Denon PMA-SX11 Integrated Amplifier: ebay.us/NllM5G
PS Audio AC-12 Power Cable: amzn.to/2YQo2Tx
Sony HAP-Z1ES: amzn.to/3ckCZ5w ,
Denon DP-47F Turntable: ebay.us/rh226Z
Denon DL-301 MK II MC Cart: ebay.us/HUjGpv
AudioQuest King Cobra RCA Cables: amzn.to/33bDQlF
AudioQuest Big Sur RCA Cables: amzn.to/3aab3in
Belden 8402 XLR Cables: ebay.us/49fKT5
Oyaide Black Mamba Alpha AC Power Cord: ebay.us/5T2uZP
TBR-DS Custom Speaker Cables.
Hey!
Only Option To Listen RU-vid Sound Demo is with good headphones, not your favorite sound system because listening to two rooms at once is not a good thing, no matter how good your sound system is.
My Preferred Headphones For RU-vid Sound Demos: amzn.to/2wAkk54
If you use these links to purchase any items from Amazon or eBay(No Extra Cost To You), I get a small percentage which help support my work and helps me keep going.
Video Timeline
0:00 Quick Comparison
4:00 SU-9 Sound Sample
5:47 D90 MQA Sound Sample
7:34 SU-9 Sound Sample
10:05 D90 MQA Sound Sample
12:37 SU-9 Sound Sample
14:24 D90 MQA Sound Sample

Опубликовано:

15 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 234

@sunnyboner676 Год назад

“Audiophiles don’t use their equipment to listen to music. Audiophiles use your music to listen to their equipment” - Alan Parsons. To my ears, both sound great.

@kopczas 3 года назад

I`m waiting for Topping, getting more exited after this comparison! Thanks!

@paifiruz 3 года назад

Nice...I have the SU-9 too and I love it. Thanks for the nice vid.

@algwiji 3 года назад

@tharbamar you have really good taste of music I have been a subscriber for a year now and am amazed by your music selection

@easymike7176 3 года назад

The SMSL SU-9 is an awesome DAC! Mine gives me hours of listening pleasure.

@Constantin1020 3 года назад

Tharbamar, your new listening room is your best investment so far in my opinion! Greetings from Austria

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

Thank you.

@davidnewboult6887 3 года назад

I do prefer the Topping but at nearly double the price the SMSL has to be the winner Thank you for your time in doing this video

@shawnpwatsons1 3 года назад

Really appreciated this review. Extremely informative and allowed my ears to hear the differences. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this review!

@danebronson9147 2 года назад

I know Im asking randomly but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account?? I was dumb lost my login password. I love any assistance you can offer me.

@hayescolby786 2 года назад

@Dane Bronson Instablaster =)

@annelouisemendoza394 3 года назад

Wow! Great comparison video of 2 bang for the buck DACS

@matthewallan7595 3 года назад

Great video thanks for posting it. Have to say though no one sings "Kiss of Life" better than Sade.

@cillyede 3 года назад

Very good vid , dankeschön.

@JustinPhillipsScuba 3 года назад

Those Wharfedales are beautiful.

@Xochiteotzin 3 года назад

Thank you for the comparison, i do also prefer the sound of the S.M.S.L. greetings.

@edmundgil6008 3 года назад

I would add, I love your journey from your very first system and speakers.

@akramhossain1931 3 года назад

For me smsl su 9 sounds great , and I am considering to buy this one.

@cybergod77 3 года назад

The difference was particularly evident on the 3rd track. The SMSL SU-9 DAC sounded way more rhythmic. Thks for your review and I really appreciate your sound demos comparisons

@MichaelAmster 3 года назад

Another SMSL SU-9 fan here. The D90 just felt a bit to distant while the SU-9 felt more alive. I have been a fan of the SMSL products for a while and own the SU-8, M-500 and the D1

@rangsitsupinta8177 3 года назад

Thank. Both are great, but i prefer smsl su-9.

@hawkins55 3 года назад

I can't tell any difference. But then this was played back from speakers that was recorded by with a microphone, processed, uploaded and then youtube compressed and streamed to my phone and then played back via my earbuds. I don't expect to hear anything near what was heard in person,let alone what came out from the dacs before they went through the amplification and speakers, etc. BTW, the Denon PMA SX-11's orange halo around the volume knob looks awesome!

@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038 3 года назад

Dear Tharbamar, thanks to your clear demonstration I acquired the SMSL SU9 and it is extraordinary, with a body, timbre and dynamic range above AKM and Burr Brown that I have. Thanks for your review. Greetings!.

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

I’m glad you enjoying it, thank you for the comment.

@cisco150 2 года назад

I have 3 Dac I can choose from the SU-9N for $340 and the SU-9 for $460 and the D1SE for $152 more then the SU-9 or the M400

@cisco150 2 года назад

@luis and everyone. How are the highs and treble, is it bright. I'm looking at the SU-9 or the D1SE and did anyone know if the SU-9N and SU-9 sound the same looking for more bass and less harsh.

@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038 2 года назад

@@cisco150 Hello, the treble is not aggressive, because I would have noticed it immediately since my speakers are the EVO 4.4 with Air Motion Tweeter. I think SU-9 is Neutral, which is why I chose it. I haven't heard the model without MQA, but if I were you I wouldn't spend on it unless I listened to TIDAL. I personally don't like MQA, I prefer yes or yes 44.1 in 16 or 24. I think the only jump you have left after SU9 is DENAFRIPS Pontus.

@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038 2 года назад

@Linnjazzy-93 3 года назад

Su9 .... thanks u , good review!

@Boundless2k10 3 года назад

listening to the tests with my SMSL SU 9 and KEF LS 50 lol

@user-ot7qd1di3f 3 года назад

The volumes should be exactly adjusted. SMS SU-9 has a higher volume, so you like it more. In fact, you can't hear the objective difference on RU-vid.

@benoitdugas745 3 года назад

we have the same taste in sound quality great video. I would like your opinion on the Mojo as a headphone amp and dac?

@dougmorato 3 года назад

Great video. SU-9 for me as well. I wonder how SU-9 would perform against Gustard X16...

@ruigrilo5786 3 года назад

Can you compare SMSL SU-9 with GUSTARD X16. Thanks for your greats job.

@soulshinobi 3 года назад

It's great to see a real audiophile giving some attention to these new high end, high value products.

@stefanof.j.982 3 года назад

Thank you for your review, I have just ordered the SU-9, look forward to receive it soon. :-) Just one question: why am I not able to find Grace Mahya on Tidal?!?

@ienatopman4686 3 года назад

Complements for the review, in your opinion which of the two connected to the stereo via rca and with the music sent via bluetooth (from my ipad with spotify) you liked the most (or better the bluetooth performance). Thank you

@zweer13 2 года назад

D90 instruments, bass and vocals are competing, su-9 all elements integrate better and reveal the emotion. Su-9 the voice is delicate, even though it comes more from hiding than from revealing the texture as in best DACs. D90 shines in the separate instrument detail, and not in the overall picture of multiple instruments. D90 the voice is more dynamic, even though it loses in delicacy. Su-9 the voice is flatter, even though more agreeable and timid. D90 gives more about the timing of the voice. D90 is more active and su-9 is a bit like recording. Because of this activity d90 is always breaking the balance or the harmony of the stage. With Su-9 a harmony can better be heard but it is more passive at the same time. With different headphone su-9 is more alive.

@shuckylad 3 года назад

D90 for me. Both great for the money

@SpikeoutBattleStreet 3 года назад

How hope there will be chances to compare some budget dac from Fostex in the future.

@dmitriijustnow770 3 года назад

set the volume level with the help of hearing or measuring equipment? for some reason I want to tell the drummer that he would hit the drum harder - at the moment when D90 mqa is playing

@pjo1964 3 года назад

I can feel the drum beats hit my chest better on the su9 than the d90 on my phone speaker. 😎

@Francrev489 3 года назад

@xzp-lab 🖖

@Astro-ck6mh 3 года назад

the level is noticeably higher on the su9. That's probably why...

@cap893x 3 года назад

Really? On your phone speaker?

@pjo1964 3 года назад

@@cap893x yes!!! 😂

@hansiangng2808 3 года назад

Prefer the SU9, but could not confirm if it sounds abit louder.

@steven2809 3 года назад

Definitely sounds louder to me! Very nice though.....

@mcrthai 3 года назад

SMSL definitely!!!!

@andjeyvolikov3508 3 года назад

Thank you for review, im currently own D90 and use it in dac mode, connected to dell laptop using Supra usb cable. Is it worth to buy Singxer SU-2 digital interface for D90, there will be 10% sound improvement at least? Thank you:)

@UtkuTrumpet 3 года назад

Thanks for the comparison, it would be really helpful if you have opportunity to do a comparison between su-9 and m400.

@PPongPong 3 года назад

That casing design reminds me of Aurender...

@dixter1652 3 года назад

D90 MQA matched to the A90.... very nice..

@user-wl4dx6qw8w 2 года назад

su9 better

@eugenefudge1883 3 года назад

What about comparing gustard x16 to the smsl su-9. They are about the same price . I would like to hear the difference between the two

@stevenconnectingtogether6703 2 года назад

I preferred Gus x16 .. since I owned both of them .. x16 is more natural, fine tune and details with separate sounding. Instead, Su-9 is more warm tone, energetic more options menu 😀 . However, for comfort hearing such 40s of age and over Gus x16 is more better choice ..

@eugenefudge1883 2 года назад

Good to know. It looks like I made the right choice. There's always a better mouse trap 🪤

@marcusm5127 3 года назад

Roon volume control, do audiophiles just accept using the remote or is there something I am missing?

@billyleungkt 3 года назад

SU-9 has more dynamic, engaging and fuller sound I can really tell from your recording with my HD800s headphones :P. I love it. I love your speakers too!! very good pairing!

@newton5954 3 года назад

Great video what are you using as volume control or are you using this unit with its built-in preamplifier as well? From the video it sounds like it has more details and overall better sound but the bigger soundstage and more smooth compared to the D 90 if it was your choice which one in person sounded better to you with details in person it’s always better since microphone do not really capture dynamic range 100% like it would in person. It would really be awesome if you can do a review comparison of the denafrips ares 2 dac not the 1 That would be awesome I’d love to see how that compares to the D 90 in a very sample test just like this back-and-forth I think that’s the best since no other RU-vidrs are doing it quite as good as you I’d love to see videos like this where are you go back-and-forth and you’re comparing it sound quality wise in a video

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

Personally I like SU-9 more than D90, I tried as pre amp but not as good as I would like. I may be trying a few different DAC in the future, thanks

@newton5954 3 года назад

@@Tharbamar you tried the sU-9 as a preamp and it wasn’t as good as a preamp as the topping d90 ? So what do you do do you turn the topping d90 and su9 in only dac mode and use a separate volume control? I’m surprised you liked the su9 more that’s awesome. Cause topping d90 is amazing. You gotta try the denafrips ares 2 dac it’s beautiful I personally like it in oversampling mode. You can compare that to the topping d90 and su9 maybe ? I like when you make a video and each part of the video has a different dac playing so we get to hear the differences. No youtuber really does that. 👍 Topping is going to release the d90se in March April coming up if all goes well ess chip inside. They said it’s going to have better sound quality and detail then the d90 and perhaps a lil bit cheaper on the price or exactly the same but I’m gonna go with a little bit cheaper I bet. That would be another great review when you get. Topping has a pre90 preamp as well I tried and to be honest a few people already on RU-vid said it sounds better but I don’t think so I think the preamp inside the typing by itself sounded better and more fast more detail and cleaner then using the pre90 with d90. Great work on this like all your videos 👍

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

@@newton5954 I like the sound of SMSL DACs more compare to Topping DACs in general. I did not like any of pre amp features in these DACs, it's just to have it there, I will have a few more DAC comparison in the future, thank you.

@antonioantequeracid6005 3 года назад

su-9 love

@cybergod77 3 года назад

hope u can review the Soncoz LA-QXD1 & Soncoz SGD1 DAC

@CriPPleR_HD 3 года назад

SU-9 is on sale at APOS Audio for $469 tax and express shipping included. Just pulled the trigger.

@CriPPleR_HD 3 года назад

Oops! I purchased the SU-9 thinking it was the M400! Thought I was saving $400 bucks! 🤣 Just canceled. 🤦🏽‍♂️

@oleksandrhedz 3 года назад

With this setup, the SU 9 sounds amazing. It has a more "analog" presentation, very engaging, groovy, and emotional. Topping on the other hand was not as interesting in this particular situation.

@CyberBeep_kenshi 3 года назад

Anyone have experience with the musical fidelity M6sR? Its about 1700, and a good amount of inputs. Was thinking of maby using it as a preamp. No more analog inputs anyways

@miquifaye 3 года назад

Topping sounds a little brighter. i have the SU-9 , Topping D50S and SMSL sanskrit10th anniversary. Su-9 edges them all out. Sound fuller and analog characteristics are more noticeable. very musical.

@IronHorsey3 3 года назад

A Schitt Modi 3 crushes a Sanskrit easily. The highs are heard not muffled.

@sc0or 3 года назад

As a DAC is the very first in a chain, imho it must produce neutral, clear sound with a very good dynamic range, and THD+N -130dB or better. This is why some FR measurement examples would be helpful when we talk about a DAC. The rest is under a responsibility of a pre-amp, crossovers board, tone correction/compensation, an amplifier. No muses, bbs, stacatos in DAC. Only a good power source, and as honest I/U and filters as possible.

@BestKiteboardingOfficial Год назад

They're both utterly ruler flat in FR so that'll tell you nothing. Thetes a very slight difference in a 32 tone imd test though.

@Shoaibexpert 3 года назад

Nice comparison. What would you recommend... SU-9 or going all the way and buying $2000+ DAC? Would there be noticeable difference? I have the KEF R7s like your R11s. Thanks

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

My favorite under 3k is Loxjie D50, Thanks

@jayman3575 2 года назад

I wonder if the D90 has more "opportunity" to adjust the sound with its settings whereas the SU-9 might already be somewhat optimized? Or if the settings adjustments on both are still consistent with the sound demo in this video?

@Tharbamar 2 года назад

Sorry I no longer have them to give you right answer, thanks

@rajasankar1245 3 года назад

I was big fan of AKM, but this SU 9, ESS has changed my impressions. I have listened to different versions AKM chips and it has own taste, but ESS chips bit more musical feel than AKM. Hope in the future AKM chips will beat ESS in terms of warm, feeling and dynamics

@Shaiy007 2 года назад

Not sure what the future holds for AKM after the factory burned down.....

@LAGSSTUDIO 3 года назад

Please provide info about the room treatment. Great panels and bass traps.

@PiriyaSambandaraksa 2 года назад

The difference is minuscule, but it does sound like the SU-9 is slightly livelier and the D90 sounds a bit more relaxed. But I guess I wouldn't be able to tell the difference in real life. I'm listening from the SU-9/SH-9

@muddy31 3 года назад

D90 sounds fuller and more enjoyable

@Ed-sh8jt 3 года назад

Tharbamar do you run optical cable from computer to DSAC or do you use Tidal connect in this applciation?

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

USB only.

@awakeningtube5404 3 года назад

Would this go well with Navis ARB51 active?

@DonutsReview Год назад

SU9 seems to have better separation. I'd be happy with a cheaper SU-9.

@yukio32 3 года назад

i think this is not a fair comparison because su-9's volume is slightly louder. volume matching should be done 1st before any meaningful comparison

@nelsongracia Год назад

Thank you for test, very easy that the dac smsl su9 sound much better, the other one is out of tempo , slow , not detail , not envolving ,

@toycelica185 3 года назад

👍🏻

@TomlynAdvisors Год назад

Beautiful setup . . . you should be VERY proud ! ! ! I would give you several "thumbs-up" if YT would let me . . .

@veristaconvicto9881 2 года назад

I liked the D90 best. More natural sound, but with less treble. I think it would be the ideal match for tube preamps. The SU9 plays louder, which can be confusing. To better hear the differences, lower the volume a little when the SU9 is playing.

@edmundgil6008 3 года назад

As you said, choice is, 1) definitely system dependent, (as well as source;), and 2) do to Personal taste. What I am hearing is that the D 90 is more open, higher clarity, and more detailed. Bass is present but very linear. Extended, but not full. The SU-9 was excellent because it went first... against the D90, however, the SU-9 sounded more vocal present, not as airy, or wide.... not as detailed, with a slightly better mid-bass response. I think with speakers with more bass extension and emphasis, one would have an amazing system with the Topping D 90. So my choice would easily be the Topping because of sound, and form factor, as I run a 2.1 system with an svs sealed sub.

@piotrcofro9591 2 года назад

Which one has a better sound stage. Thanks for the comparison

@Tharbamar 2 года назад

It’s about the same in my system but SMSL is slightly deeper, thanks

@Naesun1 3 года назад

Can't tell if the smsl it's larger than the D90?? Want to stack it with my Top A90

@quadfuland 3 года назад

SU-9 more warm voice

@drewabe1410 3 года назад

I have the D90 in my main system. I'm putting together a second system. Looking at the Su9 will it work with a power amp and I use volume control from the su9?

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

Yes you can use as pre.

@drewabe1410 3 года назад

@@Tharbamar thanks my main is all tube pre and amp with D90, makes for a nice pairing. Thinking a warmer DAC with a digital amp might work as well.

@Harvester88 3 года назад

Okay is MQA really worth it ? I keeping hearing conflicting things about in especially in regards to Tidal. Some say it’s a scam and rip off.

@1jhnpennington 2 года назад

If you're streaming through Tidal then it makes sense to use an MQA enabled dac.

@ah.l 2 года назад

D90 is smooth su9 is edgy in a good way.

@curtlizzi3167 3 года назад

What do you use to connect laptop to DAC?

@pofke1 3 года назад

Maybe someone know gustard x16, and how it sounds compared with these dacs?:)

@nathan7265 3 года назад

SMSL has better dynamics but has offending upper-mid frequencies that the Topping does not have, at least in this setup.

@r423sdex 3 года назад

Both dacs have a flat frequency response.

@nhguapo 2 года назад

Not sure I'd call it offending, but the SU-9 is definitely brighter. I like the D90 a little better.

@newton5954 3 года назад

Can you do a review comparison just like this video with the SMSL m 400 versus toppping D 90?

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

I no longer have D90 but I will have a few comparisons with some DACs.

@kimwong2053 3 года назад

@@Tharbamar smsl m400 vs su-9 would be fantastic!

@andreaspapandreu5717 3 года назад

For me...with S8+ headphone...SMSL SU9 is the best...

@newton5954 3 года назад

Topping d90 for sure!! Beautiful sound Close though.

@saedamad 3 года назад

Good morning

@michaelnyansafo7343 2 года назад

bluesound node 2i vs topping d90 which one is the best plz?

@Linnjazzy-93 3 года назад

Can you tell us what usb cable do you use and with cable you use from the dac to the amp please!

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

I’m using old Audio-Technica USB cable, thanks

@REX4340 3 года назад

@@Tharbamar Grace Mehya is not on Tidal??

@buttonman1831 3 года назад

Prefer the tone of the SMSL

@manardh7387 3 года назад

I like the D90 for the ability to pull away from the "forceful reproduction" of the SU-9. I heard the individual music elements better on the D90. Thanks much for the effort here again in the comparison.

@meesmo4 3 года назад

Exactly this. If you are not an experienced audiophile, it is easy to be impressed by the SU-9, with its warmer presentation and more upfront presence. The D90 however, sounds like a league above with much more refined and relaxed highs, deeper and wider soundstage, and lets you hear the subtle gradations in music. This is very obvious during the vocals. In comparison the SU-9 is much more homogeneous. Any audiophile who has dealt with ultra high end equipment knows that these qualities inherent to the d90 are much harder to achieve and more desirable. And i say this as an owner of the SU-9.

@vlax12 3 года назад

@@meesmo4 It is not important that someone is experienced audiophile or audiophile at all. Only thing important is that you love the sound from DAC and that you enjoy music that it reproduces. I personally don't care about accuracy of reproduction. I've heard D90 against SU-9 and I prefer later since it produces sound that I associate with small live concerts that I really like. I have SU-9, D90 and D50s at my place and I like SU-9 the most. D90 is a precise tool, SU-9 is device for fun times and D50s is there because it looks nice :D

@shuckylad 3 года назад

Exactly my impression. Good ears my friend. I much prefer the d90

@landosazo7506 3 года назад

hi...i read the topping d70s sounds like an r to r dac and even better than topping d90...have you done a comparison or review on the topping d70s? thanks

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

I have no experience with D70 yet, thanks

@rumcoffee3067 3 года назад

Have it, and sold it. Its good, liniar, neutral, but i feel it lacks emotions. I have su 9 and the slow minimum+tube 1 its sound superb. Even on bt(ldac)

@Sky-8646 2 года назад

What speaker you using?

@robertlangdon7482 3 года назад

Hello, is It possible to connect smsl su9 directly to a power amplifier without a pre amplifier using the volume ajustment of the dac ?

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

Yes you can use it as DAC/Pre.

@robertlangdon7482 3 года назад

@@Tharbamar thanks i tried this evening directly connected to my rotel amplifier 😍😍😍. Perfection ! I re discover my Loud speakers ( wharfedale evo 30)! With mqa Tidal

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

@@robertlangdon7482 Glad to hear that.

@JE-tn5tc 3 года назад

What settings are you using on the SU-9 (e.g. PCM Filter, Sound Color, etc.)? Thanks.

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

Standard setting.

@deputy3690 3 года назад

So is the laptop connected directly to the DAC? And the DAC connected to Amp, and if so what type of cable?

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

USB cable from Laptop to DAC, XLR from DAC to Amp.

@deputy3690 3 года назад

@@Tharbamar My Musical Fidelity does not have XLR input, is RCA, optical, or Coaxial better? Thanks!

@cristhian6166 3 года назад

NuPrime IDA 8 ??

@Inflator82 3 года назад

I liked SU-9 better. Topping sounded too lean to me.

@hakuuna_matata 3 года назад

Definitely more airy and body to the su9

@kirilkirilov7236 2 года назад

I hear more Air in Topping D90.

@fabiodenardi9049 3 года назад

inaccurate comparison as the volume between the two devices is different... there is more volume for SMSL SU-9 DAC so it seems more dynamic

@ThePalle44 3 года назад

Agree just listening on my mobile speaker, and it's louder on SU-9

@BillyKueekSG 2 года назад

Is the D90se significantly better?

@peterkarabinos 3 года назад

SU-9 :)

@Francrev489 3 года назад

Are you using the biwiring method in your Wharfedales? If yes, is positive or not?

@Tharbamar 3 года назад

No Bi-Wiring for me.

@Francrev489 3 года назад

@@Tharbamar Excuse me again, and do you have installed the original bridges or not?

@vukiss-su7hn 2 года назад

SMSL for mee

@wim1983 3 года назад

Omg, the price difference is so big, anything labelled with DSD, MQA is so much more expensive, I'll just stick to my Fostex HP-A3 (USB powered DAC/preamp/headamp).