Introduction

S.M.S.L is short for Foshan ShuangMuSanLin technology Co. Ltd., and is an audio brand founded in 2009 in China, with another branch (VMV) based out of Hong Kong since 2013. Between the two, S.M.S.L has put out a long line of audio sources including DACs, power/integrated amplifiers, and headphone amplifiers with internal R&D and manufacturing. The company has always been compared to the likes of TOPPING and yet more people today seem to agree that S.M.S.L is the first to come out with new features and chipsets alike. Soon after my TOPPING E30 II/L30 II stack review, I had the opportunity to test the S.M.S.L offering at the same overall price point thanks to SHENZHENAUDIO.


Today we take take a closer look at the S.M.S.L SU-6 DAC and SH-6 headphone amplifier that are meant to be used alongside each other as a stack. This does not mean you are forced to do so, as each item works individually of course, just that the form factor and features work synergistically and accordingly make sense to be paired up. I will also refer to S.M.S.L as SMSL going forward, for convenience, so please keep that in mind. The SU-6 and SH-6 both come in black or silver color options, with the thumbnail showing the silver version to contrast with the black versions I have here. SMSL refers to both of these as "desktop mini" products in its extensive lineup, aiming to offer a lot of value in not only the price point, but also the footprint occupied on your desk. Let's put these claims to the test in this review, beginning with a look at the product specifications, which I have taken directly from the respective SMSL product pages, since there is much to report. Click on the respective thumbnail twice for the full-size image.

Specifications

S.M.S.L SU-6 DAC:


S.M.S.L SH-6 Amplifier:

S.M.S.L SU-6 DAC: Packaging and Accessories

SMSL uses a predominantly white cardboard box for the SU-6 DAC, with black accents to call out the product name in addition to the company logo, the now-expected Hi-Res Audio logo, and a render of the product on the front. Product certification and contact information for SMSL is seen on the box too, in addition to a sticker confirming the exact color of the unit inside. The box has side flaps which open up to reveal a thick foam sheet, and an even thicker foam lining with compartments to fit and protect the various items included with the SU-6.


SMSL includes a warranty card with the SU-6, as well as a multi-language user manual (online copy found here) that walks you through initial setup and use of the DAC. As with most standalone DAC units, the SMSL SU-6 takes external power from AC mains and no doubt has a transformer inside, given the absence of an external power supply brick. This is different from the TOPPING E30 II we saw recently that instead relied on a 5 V plug going to a USB Type-A port instead. SMSL also provides a white USB Type-C to Type-A cable for USB data connectivity, it would have been nice to rather see this in black to better match the unit. Another thing to see here is the optional Bluetooth antenna indicating Bluetooth input as a connectivity mode on the SU-6 in addition to wired connections. There is also a handy remote control to help navigate through the various functions easily and to make the most of the DAC. It has dedicated buttons for a lot of things, including shortcuts and navigation between the various inputs, changing the unit output volume, and so on. The remote is predominantly plastic and won't win any build quality awards, taking two AAA batteries that SMSL does not provide in the box.