A streamlined SU-9 experience
The SMSL SU-9n is a balanced desktop DAC and an alternative to the super popular SU-9 DAC. This is a streamlined version of the original, offering a simpler (and less expensive) experience that will appeal to audiophiles seeking a benchmark DAC without all of the bells and whistles.
So what’s different about this model? First of all, SMSL has gotten rid of MQA support. They’ve also foregone UAT support, replaced the sixteen-core XU216 processor for an eight-core XU208 processor, and replaced the double low-noise crystal oscillator clock for a CK-02 clock processing unit. While the SU-9n pares down the original's list of features, it actually performs better than it in certain key areas, such as THD+N: 0.00006% in the SU-9n vs 0.00008% in the original.
A new benchmark has been set
The SU-9n uses an ESS SABRE ES9038PRO DAC chip. This is a premium audiophile-grade DAC that sets a new benchmark in high-end audio by offering the industry’s highest dynamic range and extremely low THD+N in a 32-bit, 8-channel DAC. Paired with an eight-core processor, it can handle PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 native.
Ditch the wires, not the quality
A Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.0 chip gives you effortless transmission of lossless codecs like LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, SBC, and AAC. Whether you want to play Spotify from your phone, Apple Music from your iPad, or local files from your Android, you can stream them all to the SU-9n.
Sturdy style
The SU-9n is housed in a precision CNC’d aluminum alloy shell--the perfect protection against bumps and bruises. The outer finish is anodized and chamfered, which means that it’s been coated with a protective oxide layer and its edges have been smoothed for easy handling.
Upgraded remote control
Control the SU-9n’s brightness, volume, and other features from the comfort of your couch via the included remote control. With a higher sensitivity than the original, this remote can be used up to 32 feet away from the SU-9n.
Product highlights
- ESS ES9038PRO DAC chip
- DSD512 support
- PCM 32-bit/768kHz support
- Qualcomm aptX
- XMOS XU208 eight-core processor
- Bluetooth 5.0
- LDAC audio support
- Precise aluminum alloy shell
- Upgraded remote control
Specs
- Inputs: USB, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth
- Output: RCA, XLR
- Output level
- Pre mode
- XLR: 4.8Vrms
- RCA: 2.3Vrms
- Fixed mode
- XLR: 4.3Vrms
- RCA: 2Vrms
- THD+N:
- 0.000065% (-123.5dB)
- 0.000055% (-125dB)(A-wt)
- Dynamic range
- XLR: 130dB
- RCA: 123dB
- SNR: 130dB
- Output impedance
- XLR: 207Ω
- RCA: 142Ω
- USB transmission: Asynchronous
- USB compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, Mac OSX, Linus
- Bit depth
- USB: 1bit, 16-32bit
- Optical/coaxial: 1bit, 16-24bit
- Sampling rate
- USB
- PCM: 44.1-768kHz
- DSD: 2.8224-22.5792MHz
- Optical/coaxial
- PCM: 44.1-192kHz
- DSD: DSD64(DoP)
- Bluetooth specs
- LDAC: 24bit/96kHz (990kbps/660kbps/330kbps)
- aptX-HD: 24bit/48kHz_576kbps
- aptX: 16bit/44.1kHz_352kbps
- SBC: 16bit/44.1kHz_328kbps
- AAC: 16bit/44.1kHz_320kbps
- Consumption: 5W
- Power: 0.5W
- Dimensions: 7.38” x 6” x 1.5” (187.5 x 154 x 40mm)
- Weight: 1.7lbs (0.79kg)
What’s Included
- SMSL SU-9n
- Power cord
- USB cable
- Remote control
- Bluetooth antenna
- User manual