I promised you some more detailed thoughts about my new DAC.
The overall feeling is naturalness, but with more detail than the Young. Vocals are particularly impressive.
I was concerned that the AKM chip might mess up the system's timing - I've read many times how ESS chips are better with PRaT and that stuff - but absolutely not. I've built my systems over the years, so they play jazz immaculately, so this is a major relief.
Going back to the detail point, I've been listening to the system for hours with my wife over the last couple of days. We've both noticed things we haven't heard before.
Downsides? Maybe just a little too smooth on the wailingest (if that's not a word, it should be) of jazz. And the SMSL doesn't have the front-to-back soundstage that the M2Tech DAC has. I think I can live with both of them.
I haven't yet played with the PCM filters, the Sound Color (sic) settings or High Sound (whatever that is). Maybe I'll find some more of what I'd want, ideally, in there.
I've left them until I'm happy any burn-in period is over - I'm not even sure there has been any burn-in. Cheaper components? Good design?
But, the thing is amazing. Just £239.99 on Amazon. I bought it there because I can return it if I don't like it.
My existing DAC is great on detail, sound staging and has soul. It is a little limited on file handling via coax but the USB section can handle that, although differently.
I did manage to borrow a Hugo 2 and a Dacmagic but was unimpressed by both.
The Hugo was super detailed but flat and cold. The Dacmagic was a non starter, seriously out of its league.
From your write up I'm still not sure if I'd have been happy with the 500ii if purchased.
The interesting thing I'm experiencing with the SMSL is that, although it gives fewer cues about the recording studio or performance environment, the performers and their instruments are more believable or more alive. More real, I suppose, put more simply.
So, it's good on soul and disappointing on sound staging, in your preferred terms?
You know - and getting back on topic - I think the M300/2 is getting a bit better over time.
I really like it. Even though I'm sitting here supposedly deciding its strengths and weaknesses, and, ultimately, if Mr Bezos is going to have to give me my money back, I'm just listening to the music. Very persuasive, it is.
Comments
I'll write at greater length later.
But I went for the 300/2 because I didn't need the headphone amp, and I wanted to try the AKM chip. So I saved a few quid.
Can I recommend Curtis Mayfield?
Sorry. Bad joke.
Is it soul? Or soundstaging? Or both?
The interesting thing I'm experiencing with the SMSL is that, although it gives fewer cues about the recording studio or performance environment, the performers and their instruments are more believable or more alive. More real, I suppose, put more simply.
So, it's good on soul and disappointing on sound staging, in your preferred terms?
I made the Sam and Dave joke not long after we met, and she hadn't heard of them!
I really like it. Even though I'm sitting here supposedly deciding its strengths and weaknesses, and, ultimately, if Mr Bezos is going to have to give me my money back, I'm just listening to the music. Very persuasive, it is.