SMSL SU-2 Decoder ES9039Q2M Support AES/EBU input andXLR output DAC

SMSL SU-2 Desktop DAC with ES9039Q2M Chip

Professional-grade digital-to-analog conversion meets versatile connectivity—experience studio-quality audio with exceptional clarity and precision.

The SMSL SU-2 is a high-performance desktop DAC featuring the flagship ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chip, delivering reference-grade audio conversion with ultra-low distortion and exceptional dynamic range. Designed for audiophiles and audio professionals, the SU-2 offers comprehensive connectivity including AES/EBU, optical, and coaxial digital inputs, plus both RCA and balanced XLR outputs for maximum flexibility. With support for PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD64, premium metal construction, and SMSL's proven engineering excellence, the SU-2 transforms any digital source into pristine analog audio that reveals every detail in your music.

Key Features

• ESS ES9039Q2M Flagship DAC Chip: Premium ESS Sabre DAC delivers exceptional audio performance with ultra-low THD+N, wide dynamic range, and pristine signal conversion. This flagship chip ensures your music is reproduced with reference-grade accuracy and detail.
• Professional AES/EBU Input: Industry-standard AES/EBU digital input provides professional-grade connectivity for studio equipment, high-end CD transports, and digital audio workstations—ensuring bit-perfect signal transmission.
• Balanced XLR Outputs: True balanced XLR outputs deliver superior noise rejection and signal integrity, perfect for connecting to professional monitors, studio amplifiers, and high-end audio systems.
• Comprehensive Digital Inputs: Multiple input options including AES/EBU, optical (TOSLINK), and coaxial (SPDIF) ensure compatibility with virtually any digital source—from computers and streamers to CD players and TVs.
• Hi-Res Audio Support: Handles PCM audio up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD64 (2.8224MHz), ensuring full compatibility with high-resolution audio formats and lossless streaming services.
• Premium Metal Construction: Solid metal chassis provides excellent electromagnetic shielding, superior heat dissipation, and long-lasting durability while maintaining a compact desktop footprint (150 x 42.5 x 133.1mm).
• Dual Output Options: Both RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) outputs allow flexible connection to any audio system, from desktop setups to professional studio monitors.
• Clean Power Design: Advanced power supply and circuit design minimize noise and interference, ensuring the cleanest possible signal path from digital input to analog output.

Technical Specifications

What's in the Box

• SMSL SU-2 Desktop DAC (1 Unit)
• DC 12V Power Adapter (1 Piece)
• User Manual (1 Copy)
• Warranty Card (1 Copy)

Sound Performance & Quality

The SMSL SU-2 delivers reference-grade audio performance that reveals every nuance in your music:

• Exceptional Clarity: The ES9039Q2M DAC chip provides ultra-low distortion (< 0.0003% THD+N) and wide dynamic range (> 120dB), ensuring your music is reproduced with pristine clarity and zero coloration.
• Natural Tonality: Advanced digital filtering and precision analog output stages deliver natural, musical sound that's faithful to the original recording—no harshness, no artificial enhancement.
• Detail Retrieval: The flagship ESS Sabre architecture reveals micro-details and subtle textures that lesser DACs miss, from the decay of acoustic instruments to the ambience of recording spaces.
• Black Background: Superior power supply design and circuit layout eliminate noise and interference, creating a perfectly silent background that allows even the quietest musical passages to emerge with clarity.
• Balanced Output Advantage: XLR balanced outputs provide superior noise rejection and signal integrity, especially beneficial for longer cable runs and professional studio environments.

ESS ES9039Q2M DAC Chip Advantages

The ES9039Q2M represents ESS Technology's flagship DAC architecture:

• HyperStream II Architecture: Advanced modulator design delivers industry-leading dynamic range and ultra-low distortion across the entire audio spectrum.
• Time Domain Jitter Eliminator: Proprietary jitter reduction technology ensures perfect timing accuracy, eliminating digital artifacts and improving soundstage precision.
• 32-bit Processing: Internal 32-bit processing maintains signal integrity throughout the conversion process, preserving every bit of musical information.
• Proven Performance: The ES9039Q2M is trusted by professional studios and audiophile manufacturers worldwide for its exceptional transparency and accuracy.

Connectivity & Integration

The SU-2 offers professional-grade connectivity for any audio system:

• AES/EBU Input: Professional balanced digital input (XLR) for studio equipment, high-end CD transports, and digital audio workstations. Provides superior noise immunity and longer cable run capability compared to consumer formats.
• Optical Input (TOSLINK): Perfect for connecting TVs, game consoles, CD players, and computers. Provides electrical isolation to eliminate ground loop noise.
• Coaxial Input (SPDIF): High-quality digital connection for audiophile sources and CD transports. Supports all PCM and DSD formats up to the DAC's maximum specifications.
• RCA Outputs: Standard unbalanced outputs (2.0Vrms) for connecting to integrated amplifiers, preamps, and powered speakers.
• XLR Outputs: Professional balanced outputs (4.0Vrms) for studio monitors, balanced amplifiers, and high-end audio systems requiring maximum signal integrity.

Ideal Use Cases

• Desktop Audio Systems: Compact size and comprehensive connectivity make the SU-2 perfect for desktop setups with active monitors or headphone amplifiers.
• Home Hi-Fi Systems: Upgrade your CD player, streamer, or TV audio with reference-grade DAC performance and balanced XLR connectivity.
• Studio Monitoring: Professional AES/EBU input and balanced XLR outputs make the SU-2 ideal for studio monitoring and audio production work.
• Digital Source Upgrade: Transform any digital source—from budget CD players to streaming devices—into a high-performance audio component.
• Multi-Source Systems: Three digital inputs allow easy switching between multiple sources without cable swapping.

Setup Recommendations

• Cable Quality: Use quality digital cables (AES/EBU, optical, or coaxial) to ensure optimal signal transmission. For balanced outputs, use quality XLR cables to maximize noise rejection benefits.
• Power Considerations: Use the included power adapter and consider a quality power conditioner to minimize electrical noise in your system.
• Placement: Position the SU-2 away from sources of electromagnetic interference (routers, power supplies, etc.) for cleanest performance.
• Break-In Period: Allow 50-100 hours of playback for the analog output stages to fully settle and deliver optimal performance.
• Source Selection: Use the front panel input selector to switch between sources. The SU-2 automatically detects and locks to the incoming sample rate.