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DACs — SMSL D-6S
Description, images, technical data and specifications
SMSL D-6S
Image source — © SMSL
The D-6S is a desktop DAC from SMSL built around the 32-bit ESS ES9039Q2M converter chip. SMSL presented it on 24 September 2023 at USD 199.99 as the second generation of its D6 converter. Four digital inputs are provided - USB-C, coaxial, optical and Bluetooth. The unit is certified for MQA and MQA-CD decoding and holds Hi-Res certification from the Japan Audio Society. The housing is made of metal, finished in black, and the package includes a full-function remote.
Key specs that matter
On its USB port the D-6S decodes PCM up to 32-bit and 768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512 natively or DSD256 via DoP. Via the coaxial and optical sockets the limit is PCM of 24-bit and 192 kHz and DSD64 via DoP. The Bluetooth 5.1 receiver handles LDAC at 24-bit and 96 kHz, aptX, aptX HD, SBC and AAC. Output level is 5 Vrms from the balanced XLR sockets and 2.5 Vrms from the RCA sockets, and the XLR output impedance is 100 ohm. THD+N is 0.00006%, or -123 dB. SMSL gives 129 dB for both dynamic range and SNR on the XLR side, and 126 dB for each on the RCA side. Power consumption is below 10 W in operation and below 0.5 W in standby. The case measures 150 x 128.5 x 42 mm and the unit weighs 0.59 kg.
Engineering and use context
USB data passes through a third-generation 16-core XMOS XU316 interface. After conversion, the analogue stage uses four OPA1612 dual op-amps together with audio-grade components. A dedicated audio clock processing circuit is included to reduce clock jitter. The Bluetooth section is based on a Qualcomm receiver chip. Power comes from a low-noise switching supply feeding several separate analogue circuits, and the connectors are gold plated. SMSL offers a USB audio driver for download alongside the manual. MQA and DSD are accepted on every input except Bluetooth. A volume knob and a display are provided, and the screen can be turned off by remote.
Pairing
Balanced XLR cables link the D-6S to amplifiers and headphone amplifiers equipped with XLR inputs, and unbalanced RCA cables serve any other line-level input found on integrated amplifiers or receivers. Because the level is adjustable, the D-6S can connect directly to active monitors or to a stereo power amp, with no preamp needed. A computer, a disc transport with a digital output, a network streamer and a Bluetooth phone may remain hooked up simultaneously.
Alternatives
The SMSL D200 is another standalone audio DAC in the current SMSL range, sold alongside the D-6S.
Key specs that matter
On its USB port the D-6S decodes PCM up to 32-bit and 768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512 natively or DSD256 via DoP. Via the coaxial and optical sockets the limit is PCM of 24-bit and 192 kHz and DSD64 via DoP. The Bluetooth 5.1 receiver handles LDAC at 24-bit and 96 kHz, aptX, aptX HD, SBC and AAC. Output level is 5 Vrms from the balanced XLR sockets and 2.5 Vrms from the RCA sockets, and the XLR output impedance is 100 ohm. THD+N is 0.00006%, or -123 dB. SMSL gives 129 dB for both dynamic range and SNR on the XLR side, and 126 dB for each on the RCA side. Power consumption is below 10 W in operation and below 0.5 W in standby. The case measures 150 x 128.5 x 42 mm and the unit weighs 0.59 kg.
Engineering and use context
USB data passes through a third-generation 16-core XMOS XU316 interface. After conversion, the analogue stage uses four OPA1612 dual op-amps together with audio-grade components. A dedicated audio clock processing circuit is included to reduce clock jitter. The Bluetooth section is based on a Qualcomm receiver chip. Power comes from a low-noise switching supply feeding several separate analogue circuits, and the connectors are gold plated. SMSL offers a USB audio driver for download alongside the manual. MQA and DSD are accepted on every input except Bluetooth. A volume knob and a display are provided, and the screen can be turned off by remote.
Pairing
Balanced XLR cables link the D-6S to amplifiers and headphone amplifiers equipped with XLR inputs, and unbalanced RCA cables serve any other line-level input found on integrated amplifiers or receivers. Because the level is adjustable, the D-6S can connect directly to active monitors or to a stereo power amp, with no preamp needed. A computer, a disc transport with a digital output, a network streamer and a Bluetooth phone may remain hooked up simultaneously.
Alternatives
The SMSL D200 is another standalone audio DAC in the current SMSL range, sold alongside the D-6S.
Specifications
Model name
D-6S
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ES9039Q2M
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD512
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
40 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
150 x 128.5 x 42
Weight (kg)
0.59
Official link
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