[wushuliu]

The Sabaj has 2 sabre chips; the smsl has built in battery. Will be interesting to see a comparison.

The SMSL IQ looks to have less power on the headamp, however it does have selectable DSD filters. I don't think the DA3 has that. Can't seem to find any info on battery life. Otherwise looks like the same design as the DA3, but with better portability. Looks like they read the feedback on the DA3.

Wonder what the difference is with the new XMOS driver vs 4.11.

[Triplefun]

the da3 has 3 dsd filters selected from the menu - Fast and slow rolloff as well as minimum phase.

[o0o]

Wow, it seems to be exactly the Sabaj!  I'd probably just get that one...and save $40.

Not exactly. Sabaj Da3 has no battery and has a different body-shape. + IQ has selectable transmission mode (USB 1.1 or USB 2.0) which should help to avoid Android/Linux issues at a cost of high sample rates that USB1.1 cannot handle.

The Sabaj has 2 sabre chips; the smsl has built in battery. Will be interesting to see a comparison.

Both have 2 Sabre chips. It's not stated in SMSL IQ's specs for some reason but can be seen on a board pic.

The SMSL IQ looks to have less power on the headamp, however it does have selectable DSD filters. I don't think the DA3 has that.

Indeed on a paper Da3 seem more powerful than IQ which is strange since SABRE9018Q2C is a DAC+Amp solution which should lead to the same output characteristics in both cases. Da3 has selectable DSD filters as well, not sure if these are similar to IQ though + IQ has PCM filters.

Can't seem to find any info on battery life. Otherwise looks like the same design as the DA3, but with better portability. Looks like they read the feedback on the DA3.

We all would like to know the exact type, capacity, etc about the built-in battery... Unfortunately no info available at this moment. To me SMSL IQ looks like a more well thought out solution for portable use, primarily because of the battery and also the ability to easily switch between USB1.1 and USB2.0

Wonder what the difference is with the new XMOS driver vs 4.11.

Seem like it has a better auto buffer management in ASIO mode. Also the control panel is a bit more informative but nothing dramatic.

[Triplefun]

Could someone please explain with links to the identified components how to add an external linear power supply to suppott the da3. Also confirm that the increase in sound quality justifies the investment.

[karnana]

Could someone please explain with links to the identified components how to add an external linear power supply to suppott the da3. Also confirm that the increase in sound quality justifies the investment.

"iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator" seems to be the wisest and easiest way to power it. If you think it as a big investment I think you should just wait and buy a chord mojo. I don't think you can confirm it without trying it yourself, you might find it a little bit bright. Using it with Shure se846 with red knowles filters and loving it.

[Triplefun]

"iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator" seems to be the wisest and easiest way to power it. If you think it as a big investment I think you should just wait and buy a chord mojo. I don't think you can confirm it without trying it yourself, you might find it a little bit bright. Using it with Shure se846 with red knowles filters and loving it.

Thanks. Bought the ipower with idefender. I have a gustard x20u for my main system and smsl m8a for lounge. The Sabaj da3 replaces the smsl m8 in my office.

[JDUBS]

"iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator" seems to be the wisest and easiest way to power it. If you think it as a big investment I think you should just wait and buy a chord mojo. I don't think you can confirm it without trying it yourself, you might find it a little bit bright. Using it with Shure se846 with red knowles filters and loving it.

The iDefender doesn't power anything by itself.  It just allows you to provide your own power to a device normally powered by USB.

-Jim

[Triplefun]

"iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator" seems to be the wisest and easiest way to power it. If you think it as a big investment I think you should just wait and buy a chord mojo. I don't think you can confirm it without trying it yourself, you might find it a little bit bright. Using it with Shure se846 with red knowles filters and loving it.

Hopefully the combination of the idefender, ipower and sabaj da3 with DSD512 will not be far off the Mojo DSD256 at 40% of the cost..

[ksbruce]

Hopefully the combination of the idefender, ipower and sabaj da3 with DSD512 will not be far off the Mojo DSD256 at 40% of the cost..

From what I understand the Mojo does down convert DSD to high bit rate pcm.....

[biriken0915]

Wow, it seems to be exactly the Sabaj!  I'd probably just get that one...and save $40.

-Jim

I've just received. actual weight is 80g. USB is microUSB(not type-c).
It took 2.5 hours to full charge (6/6), now it is running for 3 hours and the gauge is 4/6.
Accessories are as follows
manual
microUSB f - microUSB f (10cmm), microUSB f - type-c f (10cmm),  microUSB f - USB f

Even if an amateur like me, the sound quality is higher than sabaj da3.
(At least the built-in power supply did not adversely affect.)

My equipment is [DAP]shanling M1 - [CBL]included USB - [DAC]SMSL IQ - [EP]SE - CH5BL.

[zek]

Even if an amateur like me, the sound quality is higher than sabaj da3.
(At least the built-in power supply did not adversely affect.)

What files did you compare?
Did you compare some DSD files?

[biriken0915]

What files did you compare?
Did you compare some DSD files?

Yes, some DSD64,128. 256 pop and classical package, and upconverted DSD512.
Actually, sound's resolution clearly improved for my amateur ears. (It is just a my personal opinion ^^))

After 5 hours, the indicator is 1/6. Battery holding may be a problem depending on the usage form. There is no problem in my use.

[karnana]

Even if an amateur like me, the sound quality is higher than sabaj da3.
(At least the built-in power supply did not adversely affect.)

Any difference with sound signature, detail and noise level?

[wushuliu]

Don't get too comfortable with that new SMSL. Look what's within striking distance of that price:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPPING-Takumi-NX4-DSD-fever-HiFi-portable-decoding-amp-ES9038-USB-DAC/272972594580?hash

even cheaper here:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Upgrade-Version-Topping-NX4-DSD512-ES9038Q2M-XMOS-XU208-chip-Portable-USB-DAC-Decoder-32bit-768kHZ-Headphone/32843177203.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_3_10152_10151_10065_10130_10068_10344_10324_10547_10342_10325_10546_10343_10340_10548_10341_10545_10084_10083_10307_10059_10314_10534_100031_10604_10103_10142,searchweb201603_40,ppcSwitch_5&algo_expid=a0fa8564-3f04-4c4d-9638-5cf774dda487-0&algo_pvid=a0fa8564-3f04-4c4d-9638-5cf774dda487&transAbTest=ae803_4&priceBeautifyAB=0

Like I said earlier, the upgrade cycle on DACs is now 6mo. or less. I'll wait another cycle then maybe get one of these es9038s once the price comes down.

[biriken0915]

Don't get too comfortable with that new SMSL. Look what's within striking distance of that price:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPPING-Takumi-NX4-DSD-fever-HiFi-portable-decoding-amp-ES9038-USB-DAC/272972594580?hash

even cheaper here:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Upgrade-Version-Topping-NX4-DSD512-ES9038Q2M-XMOS-XU208-chip-Portable-USB-DAC-Decoder-32bit-768kHZ-Headphone/32843177203.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_3_10152_10151_10065_10130_10068_10344_10324_10547_10342_10325_10546_10343_10340_10548_10341_10545_10084_10083_10307_10059_10314_10534_100031_10604_10103_10142,searchweb201603_40,ppcSwitch_5&algo_expid=a0fa8564-3f04-4c4d-9638-5cf774dda487-0&algo_pvid=a0fa8564-3f04-4c4d-9638-5cf774dda487&transAbTest=ae803_4&priceBeautifyAB=0

Like I said earlier, the upgrade cycle on DACs is now 6mo. or less. I'll wait another cycle then maybe get one of these es9038s once the price comes down.

Wow, excellent!!(I missed new NX4 information). I agree you opinion exactly.

>>Any difference with sound signature, detail and noise level?
I am sorry, since I'm a beginner, I can only say it to the general but I feel that the noise level is particularly improved. (Please forgive me because I don't have a measurement equipments.)

The battery lasted six hours after all. (Of course it is a reference value to the last because it is the result of the first time and only once.)

[restrav]

is it just me or the siler version of nx4 seems 10 times better looking than the black?

[flavo]

Wushuliu
Back on page 7 or so. You mentioned this was on your headphone rig and you planned on setting it up on your 2 channel rig I believe. Did you get this done and do you have any thoughts on it?

Does anyone have any experience with this on a mac mini or similar? Something other then PC or phone/tablet? Any reason to believe why it would give me an issue on my Mac?

I see there is a balanced XLR  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gotham-Astell-Kern-Opus-DP-X1-2-5mm-TRRS-Balanced-XLR-Output-Cable-1-0M/112579597019?hash=item1a364452db:g:A3UAAOSwM6ZZy6Qs

I couldn't find something similar for an RCA. Would it matter if I just used a 3.5mm to rca connector to my preamp?


Thanks all

[otto802]

.

[otto802]

Wushuliu
Back on page 7 or so. You mentioned this was on your headphone rig and you planned on setting it up on your 2 channel rig I believe. Did you get this done and do you have any thoughts on it?

Does anyone have any experience with this on a mac mini or similar? Something other then PC or phone/tablet? Any reason to believe why it would give me an issue on my Mac?

I see there is a balanced XLR  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gotham-Astell-Kern-Opus-DP-X1-2-5mm-TRRS-Balanced-XLR-Output-Cable-1-0M/112579597019?hash=item1a364452db:g:A3UAAOSwM6ZZy6Qs

I couldn't find something similar for an RCA. Would it matter if I just used a 3.5mm to rca connector to my preamp?


Thanks all

On a mac mini, isn't your headphone out also an optical out? You could run a Toslink to 3.5 cable like this? https://www.amazon.com/FosPower-Toslink-Digital-Connectors-Strain-Relief/dp/B00T8HWUVS/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_23_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NH7HG9WXVDK5G74V4BTF

[wushuliu]

Wushuliu
Back on page 7 or so. You mentioned this was on your headphone rig and you planned on setting it up on your 2 channel rig I believe. Did you get this done and do you have any thoughts on it?

Does anyone have any experience with this on a mac mini or similar? Something other then PC or phone/tablet? Any reason to believe why it would give me an issue on my Mac?

I see there is a balanced XLR  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gotham-Astell-Kern-Opus-DP-X1-2-5mm-TRRS-Balanced-XLR-Output-Cable-1-0M/112579597019?hash=item1a364452db:g:A3UAAOSwM6ZZy6Qs

I couldn't find something similar for an RCA. Would it matter if I just used a 3.5mm to rca connector to my preamp?


Thanks all

Yes the DA3 excels on 2 channel out of my main speakers. I think that's how you have to really appreciate its performance. It's sound quality is kind of wasted on portable use (IMO). I think some people have had issues with Mac and DSD playback. Non-PC DSD playback seems to work fine for some and not others.

3.5mm unbalanced to your preamp should be fine...