S.M.S.L - SU-1

Desktop Digital To Analog Converter (DAC)

₹ 6,999
Usual Price: ₹ 7,699 ₹ 7,999
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DELIVERY
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7 Day Replacement Guarantee

In case you receive the S.M.S.L - SU-1 with a manufacturing defect, please raise a return request within 7 days of delivery.

However, if you receive an incorrect / damaged / different product or one with missing accessories, please raise a return request within 24 hours of delivery. In case you receive a product with a missing, incorrect, or faulty accessory, you will be given a replacement accessory instead of the entire product.

Please make sure that the product is in the original packaging with all the accessories it came with. We'll also need an unboxing video and images of the parcel to investigate about the discrepancy. You may be asked to share images of the product and the packaging received for us to determine the damage or defect prior to approving the return request. The free replacement will be shipped only once the original order is returned.

A replacement will be issued only if:

- It is found to be defective
- It is determined that the product was not damaged while in your possession
- The product is not different from what was shipped to you
- The product is returned in original condition (with brand’s/manufacturer's box, MRP tag intact, user manual, warranty card and all the accessories therein)

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Warranty & Services

Don't sweat it, this S.M.S.L - SU-1 comes with a 1 Year warranty from S.M.S.L that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about S.M.S.L's warranty in India.

Club Audiophile

Join Club Audiophile to begin your pursuit of great sound. Earn points and save on every purchase.

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Why S.M.S.L is Special

🇨🇳

Designed in China

Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation in the audio world speaks for itself!


This headphone or gear comes from a well-respected brand known for its high-quality audio equipment, so you can be confident in your purchase.


If you see a product marked as “🎖️ Established & Reputed”, it means you're getting a top-tier device from a brand that's earned its stripes in the audio industry.

Specialist

A masterpiece from the experts who know audio inside and out!


This headphone or gear is crafted by specialists who know their stuff, ensuring every detail is perfect.


If you see a product marked as “🌟 Specialist”, it means you're choosing a device designed by experts who specialize in creating this specific category of device.

🐣

Born in 2009

Why we love this DAC/Amp

Value for Money

Great sound always doesn't have to come with a fancy price tag.


Every once in a while we come across a product that give you a lot more value for the price.


If you see products marked as "🥜 Value For Money" you can be sure you're getting a great bang for your buck.

Ideal for Beginners

Lost in the Audio Maze? Let Us Guide Your Beginner Audiophile Journey!


If you are a newcomer in the audio world, this headphone or gear is a stepping stone for those overwhelmed by the plethora of options available.


If you see a product marked with “🌱 Ideal for Beginners," it indicates that this device is perfect for starting your audiophile journey.

Incredibly Popular

Some things deserve all the attention.


This headphone or gear is a crowd favourite, winning over fans everywhere with its undeniable audio quality.


If you see products marked as “🥇 Incredibly Popular”, you’re opting for a tried-and-true choice that’s loved by many, ensuring you're getting something that’s proven to be awesome and widely acclaimed.

For Audiophiles at Home

Cause music hit differently when you are in your own space.


This headphone or gear is perfect for those who demand exceptional sound quality in their personal sanctuary.


If you see products marked as “🏠 For Audiophiles at Home”, get ready to transform your living space into an audiophile's paradise, with rich, immersive sound that makes every listening session a masterpiece.

Connect With Cable

This device comes with multiple connectivity options. Be sure to check if your source and output support these input and output options.

Built like a Tank

No need to worry about durability.


If you're seeking a headphone or gear with a strong, rugged build, this snapshot indicates that this is the one for you.


If you see a product marked with “🪖 Built like a Tank", it means this product is crafted with metal in its design, ensuring exceptional robustness and durability.

Why it Sounds Amazing

DAC Chip

Know the secret to your pristine audio.


This headphone or gear reveals the secret sauce behind superior audio quality, highlighting the presence of a high-performance DAC chip for pristine sound reproduction.


If you see products marked as “⚙️ DAC Chip”, expect to experience your music with unparalleled clarity, detail, and fidelity, ensuring that every note and nuance is faithfully reproduced for your listening pleasure.

Sampling Rate And Bit Depth

Ever wonder how those ones and zeros on your computer magically transform into the rich melodies that fill your room?


The secret lies in a tiny device called a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Think of it as a translator, taking the digital code of your music and meticulously sculpting it back into a smooth, analog wave that your speakers can understand. But just like a sculptor needs the right tools, achieving audio nirvana with a DAC depends on two key factors: sampling rate and bit depth.


Sampling Rate:

Imagine your favourite song as a complex rollercoaster track. The sampling rate refers to how often the DAC takes measurements of this digital track, measured in kHz (kilohertz) or thousands of times per second. A higher sampling rate, like 96 kHz, is like taking a ton of pictures of the track, capturing every twist and turn with incredible detail. Lower rates, like the standard 44.1 kHz used in CDs, are like taking snapshots at a theme park – fun, but you might miss some of the subtler details that make the ride truly exhilarating.


Bit Depth:

Now, think about the sculptor's tools. Bit depth refers to the precision of each measurement the DAC takes. Imagine the number of colours available to the sculptor. With higher bit depth (e.g., 24 bits compared to 16 bits), each measurement can capture a wider range of values. This allows the DAC to recreate subtler variations in the sound wave, resulting in richer and more nuanced audio. It's like having a broader colour palette for building a more detailed and lifelike sculpture of the sound.


S.M.S.L INTRODUCES THEIR LATEST DESKTOP DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER - THE SU-1

The All-New S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA Audio DAC is a compact yet powerful digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that delivers exceptional audio quality, MQA technology, and a wide range of connectivity options for an immersive listening experience. The S.M.S.L SU-1 is a desktop DAC designed for high-resolution audio, featuring built-in MQA decoding support. It incorporates the latest AK4493S DAC chipset from AKM and utilises the XMOS XU-316 USB processor for precise decoding of high-resolution audio signals. With its support for Hi-Res PCM, DSD, and MQA audio signals, the SU-1 enables you to enjoy a diverse range of music formats. Whether you choose to connect via USB, optical, or coaxial, the SU-1 ensures seamless MQA decoding. Upgrade your audio setup today with the S.M.S.L SU-1 and immerse yourself in a rich and authentic sound experience.
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FEATURING AKM DAC CHIP AND 3RD GENERATION XMOS CHIP FOR PRISTINE AUDIO

To deliver a luxurious sound experience characterised by smoothness and richness, the SU-1 from S.M.S.L is equipped with AK4493S, the latest DAC chipset from AKM. This advanced chipset enables precise and high-quality decoding of high-resolution audio signals, resulting in an exceptionally low distortion performance of less than 0.00013%. The SU-1 also features the XMOS XU-316, a third-generation 16-core chip, working in conjunction with the AK4493S decoding chip to achieve outstanding audio fidelity. With this powerful combination, the SU-1 can handle PCM signals up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, ensuring exceptional audio reproduction.
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MQA-ENABLED DESKTOP DAC WITH MULTIPLE INPUT OPTIONS FOR EASY CONNECTIVITY

The S.M.S.L SU-1 stands out as one of the most cost-effective desktop DACs available today that supports Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) technology. MQA is a cutting-edge technology that enables high-resolution audio to be compressed into smaller file sizes, making it convenient for storage and streaming. With its MQA and MQA-CD decoding support, the S.M.S.L SU-1 ensures that you can fully unlock and enjoy the exceptional audio quality of MQA files. This makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles who seek true-to-life sound reproduction. The SU-1 offers versatile connectivity options, allowing you to connect it to various sources such as CD players, televisions, and USB devices. It features three input options, including USB, optical, and coaxial ports. Moreover, the SU-1 is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices, making it highly versatile and user-friendly.
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DESIGNED WITH ALUMINIUM ALLOY HOUSING FOR ADDED DURABILITY

The S.M.S.L SU-1 showcases exceptional craftsmanship, as evidenced by its meticulous design and construction. It features a robust housing made from high-quality aluminium alloy, crafted using advanced CNC machining techniques, anodizing technology, and precise chamfering processes. This not only ensures its durability but also promotes effective heat dissipation. With its premium textured finish, the SU-1 exudes a sense of sophistication. Its compact design makes it an ideal choice for those who desire a high-quality DAC without occupying excessive space.

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1 Year Warranty

Don't sweat it, this S.M.S.L - SU-1 comes with a 1 Year warranty from S.M.S.L that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about S.M.S.L's warranty in India.

Unveiling Cutting-Edge Audio Technology

Established in 2009, Foshan ShuangMuSanLin Technology Co. Ltd. is based in Shenzhen, China. S.M.S.L specializes in audio equipment including DACs, stereo headphone amplifiers, and power amplifiers. With an in-house R&D, manufacturing, and marketing team, S.M.S.L has built an extensive sales network covering 33 cities in China. Additionally, S.M.S.L has developed strategic partnerships with several countries, including Japan, Britain, Germany, Portugal, and Singapore. Their products are exported to over 30 countries worldwide and have garnered high customer satisfaction.

Explore Collection
Headfonics

"Considering its input flexibility, clean implementation of the AKAK4493S dac, and good dynamics, this could be a perfect upgrade or starter DAC for audiophiles assembling their first desktop audio stack."

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Head-Fi

"SU-1 in my opinion is well built, sounds good when paired with a good amp, depending on your preference. For the price and the features that come alongside with SU-1, I think it is a no-brainer and easy recommendation."

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Moonstar

"The SMSL SU-1 is a quite compact and highly capable desktop type of Digital to Analog Converter that shows good technical capability and just a very low amount of sonic coloration, which makes it to an ideal source for amplifiers."

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Have a question? Get in touch!

Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.

Our customer support is available Monday to Saturday: 10am-6:30pm.Average answer time: 2-3 hours

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
83%
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11%
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A
Ashok A (Chennai)
Excellent DAC in this price range

Pros:
Recommended for who is looking CD quality audio in DAC.
Very enjoyable and smooth sound.

Cons:
Input via android device is not able to power on this dac.
You must need laptop or computer for USB input.

Thanks to headphonezone.

We really appreciate the genuine feedback, we'll share your thoughts with the brand as well!

V
V.S. (Chennai)
SMSL SU 1 - My 3 week experience

SU-1 is my first DAC only product, i have tested various dac-amps but none of them are purely DAC. SU-1 in my opinion is well built, sounds good when paired with a good amp, depending on your preference.

For the price and the features that come alongside with SU-1, I think it is a no-brainer and easy recommendation. If SMSL is able to release another model without the MQA rendering, I believe the cost can be brought down a little, with all that being said, i’d still recommend this dac without any doubt!
Listening Impression using Home Theatre 5.1 system set up:

• Bass is presented with good texture, nice and decent sub bass rumble
• Punchy bass with good slams.
• Soundstage is widely spreaded.
• Sounds a little bit more musical overall to my ears when paired with SU-1
• Bass has good controlled and focus to the point - sounds a little fuller.
• Mids are being brought forward a little bit so Zero.
• Treble remains smooth while still being a little energetic.

If you’re interested in getting this unit, head over to Headphonezone’s store and get one now:

Hey there! Thank you for the review and sharing your detailed experience with the SMSL SU-1 DAC. We're delighted to know you found it to be a solid performer in your setup. Just a quick note, we don't have a physical store, but you can easily purchase the SMSL SU-1 directly from our website. Your insights are valuable, and we're glad to hear the positive impressions! Thanks again for recommending it. Cheers!

J
Jay (Chennai)
Wonderful little gizmo this is !!

I didn't expect too much from it given the rather low-end price but it punches way, way above its weight. I was pleasantly surprised by the details it brought out and the clear separation of instruments. Some reviewers elsewhere suggested that the sound was too bright and mids were too exaggerated. I didn't find that to be the case at all. It sounded quite neutral to my ears. I couldn't be happier with this purchase !!

Hey there,

This makes us really happy and we really appreciate the genuine feedback! Your review will definitely help fellow audiophiles to make an informed decision.

D
Dipanjan ROY CHOWDHURY (Kolkata)
Value for money...decent soundstage

Very clear sounding dac...decent soundstage

Hey there, thank you for the great review and ratings! So delighted that you are loving your purchase.

P
Philip Thomas (Bengaluru)
excellant value for money

I am still in the process of evaluating as I received the unit very recently . The performance is better than expected. I felt that it has an edge over the ifi zen air that i was using earlier in terms of musicality, sharper vocals and highs and cleaner bass. Would prefer some indication of the sampling rates , DSD, using LEDs as in the IFI unit. Yet under evaluation.

Hey Customer, thank you so much for the amazing feedback! It means a lot to us. We are so happy to hear that you are loving our products and services.

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