Comments on: SMSL SU-10 Review

By: Anatoly Panchenko

Anatoly Panchenko — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 20:42:11 +0000

Temperature below 85 Celsius, is safe for most of known modern semiconductors, including ultra thin technology CPU and MCU. The only a thing, that can be affected, is electrolytic caps. But still, 85C rated caps, will serve you longer, than specified, because life of cap, affected by temp, and the ripple current passing through the cap. In DAC no such ripples. So if you can place your hand on enclosure, and hold it 2-3 minutes, -all ok with the temperature

By: Aldous

Aldous — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 11:57:18 +0000

In reply to John K. Hi John, I appreciate your comment. I try to remove bias as much as possible with my reviews but I understand your point that things can get confusing reading reviews since we all have different tastes. What I can tell from the many DACs I've reviewed is that the detail and dynamics are the first thing to improve with the price you are willing to pay. The next thing to consider is the musicality which you should think about in combination with your system as a whole. This is why I rarely say that "you should buy this" or "you should buy that". What I value more is if the DAC has the chops for the price you are paying for it. How it fits your system is totally up to you to decide.

By: John K

John K — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:26:55 +0000

Have not seen many reviews of this dac.
My problem — I’ve been in this hobby for 20 years. I’ve a had a system for most of that time, a digital-based system, that I was quite happy with but the ‘transport’ of the duo finally conked out, leaving me little choice but to learn about and start using streaming methods. So anyway long story short, I’m auditioning some dacs. The problem with this hobby has always been that it’s not very practical to audition every component on the planet.
Companies like SMSL or whatever it really is, at least have the policy to allow returns. They seem to understand that you don’t just buy on blind faith, paying 7, 8, 900 dollars and not have that option.
Okay fine. But still — is this Dac really all that? Is it MUSICAL? I read professional reviews like this and the reviewers seem concerned to describe sound effects, but not give you the real dirt. Is this a Dac you really like and will keep? Another reviewer labels his review “The one to beat below 1000”. That’s not the same as waxing enthusiastically about a great musical experience. I need to know, without auditioning every single thing out there, which Dacs sound musical and rich and satisfying. That after all is what it should be all about.

By: Aldous

Aldous — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:52:24 +0000

In reply to William Jobes.

Hi William, you’re on the right track that extreme heat may have an impact on the components. But, when designed properly, such cases should be rare if you also think of Class-A amplifiers that similarly runs hot if not hotter.

To go back to your question, yes the SU-10 we reviewed here also runs warm after a while. It’s probably coming from the linear power supplies running at full power. However, I don’t think it is warm enough to be an issue. I’d be concerned though if yours seem overheating.

By: William Jobes

William Jobes — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:24:29 +0000

How Hot is Too Hot for the SU-10 chassis ?

I received my SU-10 yesterday and was immediately impressed with packaging., build quality and sonic performance.

But my main concern is how hot the chassis gets after a few hours on. It is extremely warm to the touch, and I am concerned both from the impact of what may be excess heat on the components, the SU-10 longevity and sound.

I’ve read elsewhere of heat concerns with SMSL products.

Is this extremely warm chassis ‘normal’? And if so, how hot is too hot?

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