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Need help with my SMSL SU-1 DAC

Hello, After getting these intermittent buzz or static noises in my audio, I came to the conclusion that sending data and power to the SMSL SU-1 DAC from my computer on the same cable was probably the cause. I’m trying to figure out what is the best way to seperate the data input and power supply to the DAC without using a streamer. So far I think I would use the USB-C port from the DAC to a wall outlet, then I would connect a seperate cable from my computer’s USB-A port to either the Coaxial or Optical port on the DAC. Not sure which would be the better choice for sound quality. It was also suggested by AI to a USB Isolator which I’m not familiar with. Thanks for any help. 

phays245
lanx0003
2,021 posts
 

Schiit’s recently released EITR 2 will most likely be your best bet.  You could also try those Chinese USB to Coaxial cable like this or this but I think EITR 2 would deliver the best SQ.

phays245 OP
8 posts
 

That looks like that could work nicely having a built in seperate power supply. I would still like to know what cables I need to get for my SMSL SU-1 DAC. They should work if they are high definition cables response to reference chinese made cables. I will give this Schiit EITR 2 a try if I can't come up with a solution, Thanks! 

nogaps
182 posts
 

I went through this same issue a few months ago on a headphone-office system.  The computer USB port doesn’t have the power to run the SMSL DAC.  I discussed the issues I was having with Ai and it came up with a solution that works very well. 

You need two items, a USB hub and a higher wattage power source. I use a tablet as the streamer-music source.  The tablet(or your computer) plugs into the hub via a USB-(A or C) to USB-C cable. A 45W charger plugs into the hub. The hub connects to your SMSL DAC via a USB-C to USB-C cable. 

The hub is a Small Rig Hub on Amazon "SmallRig 4-in-1 USB-C Hub with a Cold Shoe Mount, Type- C Multiport Hub", about $28.   The charger, also on Amazon,  is "Samsung Super Fast Charger Type C 45W GaN Power USB C Charger PPS/PD Charging Block & 6.6FT Cable", about $13.  Search Amazon for the text inside the quotes and you’ll find them. 

Since installing these items, my issues went away. I run a Samsung tablet into the hub, the hub into the SMSL DAC, the DAC into a McIntosh MA6100 integrated amp, and the amp speaker taps into a Hifiman HE-Adapter, then the Adapter into a pair of HE6se headphones..sounds REALLY good.  I was surprised how well it works. Good solution for an office setup.  The HE6se phones can be had at a screaming price off the Hifiman open box website. They need lots of clean power, but they sound wonderful.

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