Review： SMSL D-6s MQA DAC and DA-1 Mini Amp! Make It A COMBO!
United States of Analog | January 24, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video reviews the SMSL D-6s MQA DAC ($199) and DA-1 Mini Amp ($49) as individual components and as a combined system. The host Bob starts with an unboxing [00:00:01] and plans to evaluate both products across three categories: overview, performance, and “lifestyle fit” – determining if they would work in viewers’ homes or offices [00:01:57].
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
SMSL DA-1 Power Amplifier [00:02:17]
- Price: $49
- Power: 65 watts per channel into 4 ohms, estimated 25-30 watts into 8 ohms
- Features: TI-3118 amp chip, 19-volt separate power supply
- Size: 4″ x 4″ x 1.25″, weighs 0.5 pounds
- Performance: Works reasonably well with various speakers, best with Klipsch Fortes, sound thins out at high volumes (90+ dB)
SMSL D-6s MQA DAC [00:02:47]
- Price: $199
- Features: MQA ready for streaming and CD, Sabre ES9039Q2M chip (released 2023), four “high-end” op amps, Bluetooth 5.1, balanced inputs, full array of digital inputs
Speakers tested with the system [00:03:33]:
- Klipsch Fortes (host’s “beloved,” best performance)
- Klipsch 600Ms (first generation)
- KEF LS50 Metas
- Sony SSCS5
Other equipment mentioned:
- Technics amplifier (used as platform) [00:03:25]
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Categorizes these as “FunFi” products – smaller, less expensive components “from a land far, far away” [00:01:11]
- Impressed that the tiny DA-1 amp actually works despite not understanding how [00:04:04]
- The DA-1 performs best with efficient Klipsch Fortes speakers [00:03:54]
- Sound quality is adequate at comfortable listening levels but degrades at high volumes [00:04:17]
- Considers the D-6s DAC “very handsome” and “smart looking” [00:01:44, 00:03:10]
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The host doesn’t take hi-fi too seriously and likes to “have fun with HiFi” [00:01:03]
- He’s genuinely surprised the tiny DA-1 amplifier works at all, expressing amazement at its functionality [00:04:04]
- At $49 for the amplifier, he’s not overly concerned about exact power specifications [00:02:27]
- He believes shorter signal paths in amplifiers are beneficial [00:04:44]
Summary
In this opening portion of the review, host Bob from United States of Analog unboxes two SMSL components that arrived together: the compact DA-1 amplifier ($49) and the D-6s MQA DAC ($199). He categorizes these as “FunFi” products – smaller, affordable components that he approaches with a fun, not-too-serious attitude. The DA-1 is genuinely palm-sized and features a TI-3118 chip with an external power supply, while the D-6s offers modern features like MQA decoding and the latest Sabre DAC chip.
Bob conducted listening tests by pairing these components and testing them with various speakers including his beloved Klipsch Fortes, KEF LS50 Metas, and Sony bookshelf speakers. He expresses genuine surprise that something so small actually works, with the DA-1 performing best when paired with efficient Klipsch speakers. The sound quality holds up well at normal listening levels but begins to thin out and become irritating at very high volumes around 90 decibels.
The host plans to evaluate both products across three categories: overview (completed), performance, and “lifestyle fit” to help viewers determine if these components would work in their specific situations. His overall tone is positive but realistic about the limitations of budget gear, emphasizing that these products could work well for the right applications and listening habits.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- SMSL D6S MQA Ready DAC ($199) [00:05:59]
- SMSL DA-1 Mini Amp ($49) [00:05:19]
- 9039Q2M DAC chip [00:06:44]
- Weem amp (previously reviewed) [00:06:54]
- Historical class T amps from Sonic Impact and LaPie brands [00:05:31]
- Parts Express (retailer) [00:05:35]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- The DA-1 Mini Amp offers excellent value at $49, representing significant improvement over class T amps from decades ago [00:05:19]
- Pop reduction circuitry in the DA-1 works well [00:05:51]
- The D6S has a transparent, clean, bright sound signature [00:06:58]
- At $199, the D6S is “a very good DAC for that price” [00:07:35]
- SMSL’s extensive product line (29 DACs) makes choosing difficult [00:07:13]
- The host doesn’t often hear differences between balanced and single-ended connections [00:07:46]
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- D6S sounds “a lot more transparent, a lot cleaner, a lot brighter than the Weem” [00:06:58]
- During testing with Dire Straits “You and Your Friend,” setting digital phase to 4 and PCM filter to 3 produced the best sound [00:08:53]
- Host admits he couldn’t explain why those filter settings sounded better under oath [00:09:06]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- DA-1 Mini Amp at $49 represents good value, especially compared to historical class T amps [00:05:19]
- D6S at $199 praised as “very good DAC for that price” [00:07:35]
- FunFi products don’t cost much, so “you’re not taking a huge risk” [00:07:27]
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- Dire Straits “You and Your Friend” used as test track [00:08:46]
- Dire Straits “Private Investigations” mentioned as test track with specific reference to footsteps and Mark Knopfler’s guitar sounding “like a cat screeching” toward the end [00:09:30]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Shorter signal paths theoretically reduce signal loss and potential problems [00:04:50]
- For digital filter settings, host recommends setting both DP and FL to “one and let her rip” for most users [00:09:25]
- Advanced users can experiment with the numerous digital filter combinations if they understand how to use them [00:09:17]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “When that comes on, I get a little warm feeling inside because I know I’m getting some value added” (about MQA indicator light) [00:06:23]
- “When we start talking about digital clocks and jitter and all that stuff, I get a little loopy… I don’t have an engineer kind of brain. I have a creative brain.” [00:08:31]
- “If I was in a court of law in front of a judge under oath, I could not explain why that sounded better.” [00:09:06]
Summary
In this portion, the host transitions from discussing the SMSL DA-1 Mini Amp to the main focus: the SMSL D6S MQA DAC. He positions the $49 amplifier as excellent value compared to the plastic class T amps that dominated the budget market decades ago, noting its compact 4×4 inch form factor and effective pop reduction circuitry. The host emphasizes that while the small size offers theoretical advantages in signal path length, it may not suit everyone’s needs or preferences.
The bulk of this section focuses on the $199 SMSL D6S DAC, which the host clearly favors, particularly for its MQA capability that works with his Tidal subscription. He describes getting “a little warm feeling inside” when the purple MQA indicator light activates, showing his enthusiasm for the format. The DAC features the newer 9039Q2M chip and offers a sound signature that’s “transparent, clean, and bright” – distinctly different from the warmer-sounding Weem amp he previously reviewed. He notes SMSL’s overwhelming product lineup of 29 DACs while positioning this model as good value in the FunFi category.
During his listening tests with Dire Straits tracks, particularly “You and Your Friend,” the host experimented with the DAC’s numerous digital filter options, finding that specific settings (DP at 4, FL at 3) produced the best sound to his ears. However, he candidly admits his limitations in understanding the technical aspects, describing himself as having “a creative brain” rather than “an engineer kind of brain.” He recommends that most users stick with basic filter settings while acknowledging that advanced users can explore the many available combinations if they understand how to utilize them effectively.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- SMSL D-6s DAC ($199) and DA-1 Mini Amp ($49) – main products being reviewed
- Weem amp (mentioned as comparison – all-in-one solution with streamer)
- AL200 DAC amp (mentioned as comparison)
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[13:59] – [14:15] The host concludes that SMSL is “a very good brand” for hi-fi, stating “all of the products that I’ve listened to so far have been very good, especially when you consider the price points that they come in at.”
[12:27] – [12:31] Overall performance verdict: “But I got a lot of benefits using this” combo.
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[13:12] – [13:21] For the DAC: “Well, it’s pretty much for everyone. A lot of great features, a good value, good look, and why not?”
[13:41] – [13:54] For the amp: Recommended for “Garages, bedrooms, offices, maybe some kind of soundbar replacement, vacation home” – acknowledges it’s more specialized due to its compact size.
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
[10:39] – [10:45] Volume warning: “But if you keep your levels at a reasonable volume, I think you’re going to do very well with this little makeshift system”
[10:26] – [10:33] Noted the system is “right on the cusp of being a little crispy, especially at high volume”
[10:49] – [11:25] Recommended test track: “Zulu Voodoo” – described as “like an amusement park for your system”
How did the video wrap up?
[14:15] – [14:20] Standard channel sign-off: “Thanks for being here in the United States of analog. We’ll see you next time.”
[14:22] – [14:39] Humorous post-credit moment where he mentions forgetting a line about “picking DACs is like picking wallpaper”
Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[13:59] – [14:06] “I think what’s important here is that I’m learning that SMSL is a very good brand. For FunFi, you’re buying into a good brand.”
[14:30] – [14:39] “I forgot that line that I had about how picking DACs is like picking wallpaper. You ever try to pick out wallpaper?” (humorous closing analogy)
Summary
In this final portion, the host completes his listening tests using various reference tracks including Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks” and Bob Dylan’s “I Contain Multitudes,” praising the combo’s ability to reproduce vocal texture and detail from artists with characteristically raspy voices. He emphasizes the system’s excellent separation, center imaging, and clarity, though warns that it can become “crispy” at high volumes and recommends keeping levels reasonable.
The host provides his final assessment, comparing the $248 SMSL combo to competitors like the Weem amp and AL200, noting they’re all within $50 of each other and leaving the choice up to individual preferences for separate components versus all-in-one solutions. He recommends the DAC for virtually everyone due to its features and value, while positioning the mini amp as more specialized for space-constrained applications like bedrooms, offices, or vacation homes.
The video concludes with the host’s key takeaway that SMSL has proven itself as a reliable brand in the affordable hi-fi space, consistently delivering good performance relative to their price points. He wraps up with the channel’s standard sign-off, followed by a humorous moment where he mentions forgetting to include an analogy about choosing DACs being like picking wallpaper, adding a lighthearted end to the technical review.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
