S.M.S.L SU-9 User Manual

Safety Notes

• Install this unit in a well ventilated, cool, dry, clean place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, vibration, dust, moisture, or cold.
• Use only the voltage specified on this unit. Using this unit with a higher voltage than specified is dangerous and may cause fire, damage to this unit, or personal injury. S.M.S.L will not be held responsible for any damage resulting from the use of this unit with a voltage other than that specified.
• Do not attempt to modify or fix this unit by yourself. Contact a salesperson or customer service when any service is needed. The cabinet should never be opened for any reason.
• When not planning to use this unit for long periods of time (e.g., when going on vacation), disconnect the power cable from the AC wall outlet.

Important note: The product specifications and information mentioned in this manual are for reference only. The content of this manual is subject to change without notice.

Warranty Terms

1. The Term of Service Foshan Shuangmusanlin Technology Co., Ltd. promises to offer good-quality products. If the product is broken within 7 days after purchasing when used normally, you can choose to send it back for return, replacement, or repairing (only products that do not affect second sales can be returned). Repairing is free for one year if used normally.

2. Date of purchase is in accordance with the date on the invoice or receipt used by the seller. If you buy it online, you can show the screenshot of the transaction.

3. If an inappropriate usage causes the unit damaged, the warranty will be void. This includes:

• All damages from inappropriate use, including use under non-normal working environments or without following the instructions.
• Dismantling, refitting, or repairing by the user privately.
• Causing damage by using fittings other than the designated or accredited ones.
• Inability to provide credible proof of purchase.

4. Sending it back to S.M.S.L. for repairing.

5. Contact your S.M.S.L Audio reseller for a return or replacement.

Features

• Supports MQA decoding.
• The newly developed intelligent temperature compensation system (ITS) ensures the product is always in the best performance state.
• Features the top-performance D/A chip ES9038PRO from ESS Technology.
• Includes the high-performance power supply chip ES9311, with ES9311 noise as low as 1uVrms, to push ES9038PRO to its limit.
• Equipped with XMOS XU-216 for true 32-bit audio processing, supporting DoP and Native DSD, and reaching 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512.
• Utilizes an ultra-low phase noise and optimized clock processing circuit to achieve ultra-low clock jitter.
• All inputs support DSD streaming, including coaxial and optical (DoP64).
• Features a tempered glass display panel for higher light transmission and longer service life.
• Built-in shielded, low-noise power supply processing improves power efficiency and lowers power consumption.
• Specially designed discrete component linear regulated power supply and multiple low-noise regulated power supplies provide low-noise power for analog circuits.
• The latest Bluetooth supports LDAC, APTX/HD, SBC, AAC, and the industry's highest specification 24-bit/192kHz UAT format.
• High-quality gold-plated input and output jacks.
• Uses 3 high-end dual op-amps OPA1612 and many audio-grade components.
• Features a 1.9-inch TFT LCD display.
• JAS Hi-Res certification.
• Equipped with a remote control and full-function remote control.

Specifications

Note: Firmware and driver download: http://www.smsl-audio.com/cn/download.asp

Remote Control

Install 2 x AAA batteries as instructed. When using the remote control, point it toward the remote control signal receiver on the main unit from a distance of 5 m (16 ft) or less. Do not place obstructions between the main unit and the remote control.

The remote control might not work if the remote control signal receiver on the unit is exposed to direct sunlight or bright light. If this occurs, try moving the unit. Beware that use of this remote control could cause unintentional operation of other devices that can be controlled by infra-red signals.

Operating the remote control

• [Power ON/OFF]
• [Mute]
• [Volume + / up]
• [MENU/OK]
• [Next level menu]
• [Return]
• [Volume - / down]
• [Bluetooth]
• [Input select]

Note: 1. This remote controller uses 2 x R03/AAA batteries. 2. When you first operate SU-9, press the C key first.

Display Interface and Instructions

Physical Connections:

[Warning Symbol] RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

Back Panel Layout:

• 1 Knob: Knob: Volume/Menu up or down; Button: Press to Menu/Enter; Hold to Return or Power ON/OFF.
• 2 Display: 1.9 inch TFT LCD display.
• 3 Remote window
• 4 Bluetooth antenna
• 5 Optical input
• 6 RCA output
• 7 Balanced output
• 8 Coaxial input
• 9 USB input
• 10 AC IN

Bluetooth Operating Instructions

Connection:

• Step 1: Switch the input source in the SETTING MENU or press the Bluetooth button of the remote.
• Step 2: Turn on the Bluetooth function of your mobile phone, search for "SMSL SU-9", and tap to pair. When the mobile phone displays "connected", it has been successfully connected.

Re-connection:

When connection is lost, for example, after going out and returning home, some phones may not re-connect the SU-9 if it has not been rebooted. Press the Bluetooth button on the remote to re-connect.

Clear Pairing:

Long press the "Bluetooth" button on the remote control. After clearing the pairing, some phones may no longer be able to search for "SMSL SU-9". In this case, delete the Bluetooth device "SMSL SU-9" saved in your phone, and then search and pair again.

User Interface

1. Main Display

The main display shows:

• 1. Audio format: e.g., MQA
• 2. Volume Level: e.g., 99
• 3. Sampling rate: e.g., 352.8kHz

Menu Tree

The SU-9 offers various settings accessible through its menu:

• INPUT: USB AUDIO, OPTICAL, COAXIAL, BLUETOOTH
• PCM FILTER: Fast Linear, Slow Linear, Fast Minimum, Slow Minimum, Fast Hybrid, Apodizing, Brickwall.
• DSD FILTER: 47kHz Cutoff, 50kHz Cutoff, 60kHz Cutoff, 70kHz Cutoff.
• SOUND COLOR: Rich1, Rich2, Rich3, Tube1, Tube2, Tube3, Crystal1, Crystal2, Crystal3. (Note: These settings use the DSP of ES9038PRO to alter sound color without changing the frequency response curve. The "Standard" setting bypasses these effects.)
• PRE MODE: VOL VARIABLE (volume adjustable, acts as pre-amplifier), VOL FIXED (volume fixed at max output).
• DPLL: Range 1-15 (default 7). Higher numbers increase adaptability to jitter; smaller numbers improve performance against clock jitter.
• BRIGHTNESS: LEVEL 1 ~ LEVEL 6.
• RESET: Hold button to RESET all settings, including Bluetooth pairing status.
• VERSIONS: HW VERSION, SW VERSION, USB VERSION.

About MQA

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. The SU-9 includes MQA technology, which enables playback of MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.

For more information, visit https://www.mqa.co.uk/how-it-works.

MQA Files Playback

• The SU-9 supports MQA decoding on the USB interface.
• SU-9's MQA playback does not require additional software. You can use players like foobar2000 or Audirvana for MQA playback as they support ASIO or WASAPI audio output. When playing MQA audio, it is suggested to adjust the computer's volume to the maximum for the best audio output.
• The SU-9 LED next to the [MQA Logo] indicates MQA status: glows green or blue to indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. It glows blue to indicate it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner. The SU-9 LED next to the [MQA Logo] glows magenta to indicate that the unit is rendering an MQA stream or file, delivering the final unfold of the MQA file.
• When playing an MQA file, the sampling rate of the original master recording is displayed.

[MQA Logo] and the Sound Wave Device are registered trademarks of MQA Limited. © 2016

Instructions

INPUT

• USB
• OPTICAL
• COAXIAL
• BLUETOOTH

FILTER

(This setup is only valid for non-MQA PCM format. Products with a full MQA Decoder unfold the file to deliver the highest possible sound quality. At this level of playback you are hearing what the artists created in the studio – with precise file and platform-specific DAC compensation and management.)

PCM Filters:

• Fast Linear
• Slow Linear
• Fast Minimum
• Slow Minimum
• Fast Hybrid
• Apodizing
• Brickwall

Filter Response Plots: The following describes the frequency response characteristics of the PCM filters:

• Fast R-off Linear: Shows a steep rolloff.
• Slow R-off Linear: Shows a gentler rolloff.
• Fast R-off Minimum: Shows a very steep rolloff with minimal pre-ringing.
• Slow R-off Minimum: Shows a very steep rolloff with minimal pre-ringing.
• Fast R-off Hybrid: A balance between steepness and minimal ringing.
• Apodizing: A filter designed to minimize aliasing artifacts.
• Brickwall: An extremely steep filter, often used to prevent aliasing.

DSD FILTER

There are 4 kinds of digital filtering for DSD: 47kHz Cutoff, 50kHz Cutoff, 60kHz Cutoff, 70kHz Cutoff. These filters manage digital operation clutter outside the audio signal.

SOUND COLOR

There are 9 sound color settings: Rich1, Rich2, Rich3, Tube1, Tube2, Tube3, Crystal1, Crystal2, Crystal3. These settings utilize the ES9038PRO DSP to alter the sound color without changing the frequency response curve. The "Standard" setting bypasses these effects.

PRE MODE

Controls volume operation: Vol Fixed: Volume is fixed at maximum output, ignoring volume commands. Vol Variable: Volume is adjustable via remote control, allowing the SU-9 to function as a pre-amplifier.

DPLL

Adjustable range from MIN to MAX (15 kinds, default is 7). Higher numbers increase adaptability to jitter; smaller numbers improve performance against clock jitter.

BRIGHTNESS

Adjustable from LEVEL 1 to LEVEL 6.

RESET

In this interface, press and hold the knob button to reset all system settings, including Bluetooth pairing status.

SYSTEM

This section displays system information, model name, version, etc.