SMSL SU-9 Balanced Desktop DAC – Packaging and Remote

SMSL SU-9 Balanced Desktop DAC – Complete with Box, Manual, and Remote, Fully Tested

Experience cutting-edge digital audio engineering with the SMSL SU-9—a compact yet extraordinarily capable balanced desktop DAC built around the legendary ESS ES9038PRO chipset. This high-end converter delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and musicality with virtually inaudible noise floor and harmonic distortion. Fully tested and working perfectly, this unit arrives complete with original box, manual, and SMSL remote control.

ESS ES9038PRO Mastery:
The SU-9 leverages the flagship ES9038PRO DAC chip—the same converter found in professional mastering studios and high-end $5,000+ audiophile systems. This sophisticated chipset delivers <0.0008% THD+N and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 130dB—metrics that render digital artifacts utterly inaudible, even through reference-grade headphones or loudspeakers.

Exceptional Connectivity & Format Support:
The SU-9 accepts audio from virtually any source:

Wired Inputs:

USB-B (asynchronous, galvanically isolated) – Direct computer/streamer connection

Optical (Toslink) – CD transports, optical DACs, or AES/EBU-to-optical converters

Coaxial (S/PDIF) – RCA connection for digital sources

Wireless:

Bluetooth 5.0 with premium codecs: LDAC (990kbps Hi-Res), aptX HD (576kbps), UAT, AAC, SBC

Range: 10+ meters with line-of-sight

Format Support:

PCM: Up to 32-bit / 768kHz (native USB, optical, coaxial support)

DSD: Native DSD512 (24.576MHz)

MQA: Full Master Quality Authenticated decoding

Sample Rate: 44.1kHz – 768kHz supported

Premium Analog Outputs:
The SU-9 provides both RCA and fully balanced XLR analog outputs simultaneously—a premium feature that allows you to:**

✅ Connect to both RCA and XLR preamps/amplifiers without switching cables
✅ Use balanced XLR for longer cable runs with superior noise rejection
✅ Connect headphone amplifiers via RCA while feeding a speaker amplifier via XLR
✅ Maximize system flexibility without compromise

Advanced DSP & Customization:
The front OLED color display and included remote provide convenient access to:

Digital Filter Selection – Choose from multiple filter algorithms for fine-tuned sound character

Sound Color Modes – Rich (enhanced bass/midrange warmth), Tube (natural, musical character), Crystal (analytical clarity)

Brightness Control – Adjustable display intensity for different lighting conditions

Phase Inversion – Polarity reversal for system integration

Output Level Control – Digital volume adjustment with optional remote control

Input Selection – Instant switching between USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth

This level of customization allows you to tailor the sonic presentation to match your system, room, and personal preferences.

Specifications:
Type: Balanced Desktop Digital-to-Analog Converter

DAC Chipset: ESS ES9038PRO (flagship reference-grade)

PCM Resolution: 32-bit / 768kHz maximum (USB, optical, coaxial native support)

DSD Support: Native DSD512 (24.576MHz)

MQA Support: Full Master Quality Authenticated decoding

THD+N: <0.0008% (A-weighted, 20Hz–20kHz)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >130dB (A-weighted)

Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.5dB)

Output Level: RCA 2.1V RMS; XLR 4.2V RMS (balanced)

Digital Inputs: USB Type-B (asynchronous, galvanically isolated), Toslink optical, S/PDIF coaxial

Analog Outputs: RCA stereo (unbalanced), XLR stereo (balanced)

Bluetooth 5.0: LDAC, aptX HD, UAT, AAC, SBC codecs supported

Display: OLED color screen with customizable brightness

Remote Control: SMSL IR remote included

Dimensions: Compact desktop format (approximately 150mm × 90mm × 45mm)

Power: USB bus-powered or external USB adapter

Included Accessories: Original box, comprehensive manual, SMSL remote control, USB cable, documentation

Why the SU-9 Stands Out:
The SMSL SU-9 has earned widespread critical acclaim for delivering professional-grade audio quality at desktop-friendly scale and price. Reviewers consistently praise its exceptional technical performance, flexibility, and musical coherence. One respected reviewer noted: “The SU-9 is exceptionally clean with minimal artifacts,” while another emphasized its “surprising musicality and refinement for the price category.”

The combination of the flagship ES9038PRO chipset, extensive connectivity options, advanced DSP customization, and balanced/unbalanced outputs makes the SU-9 an ideal hub for:

Desktop audio systems (speakers or headphones)

Headphone amplifier integration (RCA input to dedicated headphone amp)

Full-size loudspeaker systems (balanced XLR output to preamp or receiver)

Streaming workflows (native Bluetooth with premium codecs)

Professional monitoring (MQA-capable mastering-grade conversion)

Condition & Accessories:
This unit is in very good condition, fully tested and verified to perform excellently across all inputs and outputs. It arrives complete with original box, comprehensive manual, and SMSL remote control—everything needed for immediate setup and customization.

Summary:
The SMSL SU-9 represents a remarkable achievement in desktop audio engineering—professional-grade digital conversion in a compact, flexible format with exceptional connectivity and customization options. Whether you’re upgrading a computer audio system, seeking a reference-grade DAC for headphone listening, or integrating high-resolution streaming into a full-size speaker system, the SU-9 delivers sonic purity and technical excellence that far exceeds its modest footprint.

Purchase with Confidence
Includes Radique Audio “Bumper to Bumper” Warranty

Perpetual Trade-Back Policy—upgrade or swap with peace of mind

Complete with original box, manual, and remote

A masterpiece of modern digital audio engineering—fully tested and ready to transform your listening experience; asking $345.