SMSL VMV D1se MQA USB DAC DSD512 768kHz 32Bit Bluetooth 5.0 Desktop Stereo Decoder Hi-Res Audio HiFi DAC ES9038PRO with XLR Output

I am moving up from a Outlaw Audio Receiver with a built-in Burr-Brown DAC that's already pretty good. I was skeptical of how much better a separate DAC could be.I did A/B (the D1se running into the receiver's main inputs... going straight into amp section and bypassing the internal preamp).Results: The D1se was noticeably sharper and more focused on sound staging and separation. The best way to describe it was like viewing a beautiful painting, but then someone hands you your glasses and you suddenly realize how much more beautiful it is.If I had to give a number, I would say that the D1se is 20-30% better clarity, separation, and sound stage than my built in DAC.Is $600 worth a 30% improvement? I'm not sure, but I'm not returning this DAC. I'm going to build a new system around it.The only negatives I have are 1 - I hate how fussy the feet are. I wish it had a non-spike option for the feet. 2 - Trying to hit the tiny front power button at with the lights low is annoying.

When I bought this DAC, the USB connection clipped or cut out every 8 to 15 seconds. However, I resolved this issue by resetting the DPLL from the lowest possible level to the default value. After this adjustment, I was impressed with the sound quality, and I am giving it four stars.

I received my VMV D1se dac on 1/29/2022. The battery cover on the remote had been cross threaded at the factory. It couldn't be removed to install the battery. I reached out to Judy at Aoshida and expected immediate replacement. I was told that I must submit pictures of the remote but that because it was the Chinese New Year, I must wait until 2/08/2022. I waited and submitted pictures. Aoshida took the position that the remote wasn't defective but that I didn't understand how to operate it. They sent video after video of proper usage. They required a second set of pictures. Their phrase was that they needed my cooperation to solve this problem. What they meant was that I, the customer must prove to their satisfaction that the remote was truly defective. On 2/11/2022 they shipped the replacement. It took almost 2 weeks to arrive. The replacement wouldn't work. Because they had tested the remote before shipment, I didn't know how to use it. They sent more operational videos. I was forced to submit 2 sets of videos proving the remote wouldn't work. Then the factory was out of remotes and finally on 3/20/2022 the second replacement was sent. This one took almost 3 weeks to arrive. This replacement did work. I love this dac but if I experience a major defective will Aoshida replace it. They placed roadblock after roadblock before they would replacement simething as inexpensive as a remote. When you order this product be aware of my actual experience with their customer service.

short version: It's my favorite living room DAC. For reference, I've also had the SMSL M400 and ADI2FS. Both fine DACs as well, but I'll focus in the D1SE here. In default configuration for me, with Elac Debut Reference speakers and a SMSL DA-9 amp, the sound is beautiful yet somewhat small in depth and width. However, after changing the sound color to Tube 3, and adjusting the DPLL (jitter) setting to be more strict, things got even better. I would agree that this sounds more natural and musical than most ESS based DACs I've heard. An upgraded power cable and of course clean power will also bring out the best in this DAC. I've found the coax input to be slightly better sounding than USB, but not by much. Balanced and RCA outputs can run simultaneously or one at a time. The bluetooth is there, but meh sounding.This may be only important to music producers, but this DAC is capable of running as the playback/mix monitor device for DAWS. Most audiophile DACs (RME DACs excluded) don't have the processing power to handle music production without lots of latency or cutouts. With the D1SE, there's a Windows setting which allows the DAC to handle more of the processing.

SMSL hit a home run with the VMV D1se. Out of the park! I’m simply amazed by the clarity, openness, dynamics, and details this little DAC can pull out of the music. The background is pitch black, and micro details are exposed that I’ve never heard from my music. It’s as if I purchased $5K+ speakers. The music is so open and detailed, I’m hearing small musical notes within the song I never knew existed before.I’ve tried each of the 9 possibly filters, and I keep coming back to the standard setting. Open, and very vivid.For the money, I’ve not heard a better DAC, even compared to the Bifrost, or Aries II. I suspect one could double the cost, and purchase the Gustard X26 Pro, yet I doubt the improvement would be minuscule.For the money, this is hands down the best sounding DAC I’ve heard. Highly recommend……

love unit sound quality for the money some one who purchase the unit had a problem with the Usb connection they may want to try à différent cable that one might be bad

A poor implementation of a DAC. Deep male vocals are distorted (Leonard Cohen sounded like someone else), female vocals will pierce your ears. Expect fatigue if you plan to listen for more than half an hour. I realize it's subjective but be warned. You will read stuff like it'll sound better after many many hours of burn-in, please don't waste your time and money trying to magically resolve something that's designed wrong. Also, the optical/toslink input in is a joke. So is the remote, the device turns ON right back when you turn it Off using it.

I wanted to like this DAC but before i even got it hooked up I noticed the volume control literally felt like it was going to fall apart when i rotated it. A large degree of side to side rocking, and back and forth play. Just a very cheap overall feel. Not something i expect at this price point. Completely disappointing.