SMSL
SMSL SU9 PRO DAC
Best high-resolution DAC for audiophiles seeking precise, studio-quality sound reproduction.
Experience superior audio with the SMSL SU9 PRO, a high-performance DAC featuring dual ES9039MPRO chips for exceptional sound clarity. It supports MQA and DSD formats, offering a maximum sample rate of 768kHz and 32-bit depth. Connectivity includes USB and Bluetooth 5.0, with balanced XLR and RCA outputs. This desktop DAC is designed for audiophiles seeking precise sound reproduction and advanced features, ensuring a premium listening experience for your music collection.
$434.99
More SU Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
297
/ 489
#297 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-90%
Below average
DAC Chipset
9039
/ Dual ESMPRO
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking transparent and highly detailed sound reproduction
- Digital music collectors with extensive high-resolution file libraries
- System builders needing flexible connectivity for diverse audio sources
Who should skip it
- Listeners who prefer a warmer, more colored musical presentation
- Users who prioritize a premium, highly intuitive interface experience
- Headphone enthusiasts wanting an all-in-one desktop solution
Performance breakdown
Decoding Precision
Dual ES9039MPRO chips deliver industry-leading clarity and near-perfect signal reproduction.
Format Versatility
Comprehensive support for MQA, DSD, and high-res PCM covers every audiophile base.
Connectivity Options
Balanced XLR and RCA outputs ensure seamless integration into any high-end system.
Jitter Performance
Advanced internal clocking effectively eliminates digital artifacts for a pristine soundstage.
Wireless Fidelity
Bluetooth 5.0 offers convenient streaming without sacrificing significant sonic detail.
System Longevity
User-updatable firmware ensures the device remains relevant as audio standards evolve.
Key Specs
DAC Chipset
Dual ES9039MPRO
Supported Formats
MQA, DSD, PCM
Max Sample Rate
768kHz / 32bit
Inputs
USB, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth 5.0
Outputs
Balanced XLR, RCA
Jitter Reduction
Yes
Driver Support
Windows, macOS
Features
- Dual ES9039MPRO DAC chips for superior audio decoding
- Full MQA and DSD support for high-resolution audio playback
- Advanced jitter reduction technology for pristine sound
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for wireless audio streaming
- Balanced XLR and RCA outputs for versatile system integration
- Includes a remote control for convenient operation
- Firmware updatable for future enhancements
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the SMSL SU9 PRO DAC for its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Many highlight the clear, detailed audio reproduction and the solid, premium feel of the device. Users frequently commend its straightforward setup and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking high fidelity audio without complexity. The consensus points to a strong value proposition, delivering a sophisticated listening experience that often exceeds expectations for its price point.
Know before you buy
Using dual chips allows the SU9 PRO to process audio channels independently, which significantly improves channel separation and dynamic range. This results in a cleaner, more precise soundstage compared to single-chip designs.
If you are using a Mac, it is plug-and-play. For Windows users, you will need to download the latest USB driver from the SMSL website to ensure full compatibility with high-resolution formats like DSD and MQA.
Yes, the unit features a built-in volume control, allowing you to connect it directly to powered monitors or a power amplifier. You can choose between the balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA outputs depending on your speaker's input requirements.
While Bluetooth 5.0 is convenient for casual listening and streaming from mobile devices, a wired USB connection remains the superior choice for audiophile-grade playback. USB supports the full 768kHz/32-bit resolution, whereas Bluetooth is limited by the bandwidth of wireless codecs.
The SU9 PRO supports full MQA decoding across its digital inputs, including USB, optical, and coaxial. This ensures you can enjoy high-resolution MQA files from various digital sources.
Yes, the device is designed to be firmware-upgradable. This allows SMSL to push updates that can improve performance or add compatibility for future audio enhancements.
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$435