S.M.S.L - SU-9

Desktop Digital To Analog Converter (DAC)

Sale price₹ 44,999 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 45,999
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DELIVERY

1. What is a Pre-Order product?
A Pre-order product is a product that we especially order for you from the brand. Once you place an order with us, we will order it from the brand for you.

2. How do I know when the product will be delivered?
There is a rough timeline on the product availability and once it has been confirmed with the brand, we will inform you.

3. Do you order the product from the brand as soon as I place the order?
We do not immediately order the product but add it in the upcoming order.

4. Will you be giving me updates?
Once we have ordered the product and have a confirmed timeline, we will give you an update.

5. I’d like to make changes to/cancel my order?
You can only cancel/make changes to your order until we place the order with the brand. Since the product is specifically being ordered for you, we will be unable to cancel/make changes once we order the product from the brand.

Free Shipping
7 Day Replacement Guarantee

In case you receive the S.M.S.L - SU-9 with a manufacturing defect, please raise a return request within 7 days of delivery.

However, if you receive an incorrect / damaged / different product or one with missing accessories, please raise a return request within 24 hours of delivery. In case you receive a product with a missing, incorrect, or faulty accessory, you will be given a replacement accessory instead of the entire product.

Please make sure that the product is in the original packaging with all the accessories it came with. We'll also need an unboxing video and images of the parcel to investigate about the discrepancy. You may be asked to share images of the product and the packaging received for us to determine the damage or defect prior to approving the return request. The free replacement will be shipped only once the original order is returned.

A replacement will be issued only if:

- It is found to be defective
- It is determined that the product was not damaged while in your possession
- The product is not different from what was shipped to you
- The product is returned in original condition (with brand’s/manufacturer's box, MRP tag intact, user manual, warranty card and all the accessories therein)

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Warranty & Services

Don't sweat it, this S.M.S.L - SU-9 comes with a 1 Year warranty from S.M.S.L that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about S.M.S.L's warranty in India.

Club Audiophile

Join Club Audiophile to begin your pursuit of great sound. Earn points and save on every purchase.

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Why S.M.S.L is Special

🇨🇳

Designed in China

Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!


I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.


With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.


When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.

Specialist

A masterpiece from experts who know audio inside and out 🔧!


I tend to describe specialist manufacturers as "audio artisans" who focus exclusively on perfecting specific categories of equipment. These products are meticulously crafted by dedicated experts who possess deep knowledge of sound reproduction, ensuring every technical aspect is refined to perfection. Think of them like master craftsmen who spend their entire careers perfecting one specific skill - their focused expertise shows in every detail.


These dedicated experts bring years of specialised knowledge to the design process, resulting in products that consistently achieve exceptional performance standards through focused engineering excellence 🎯.


When you see "🌟 Specialist" products, expect focused expertise from manufacturers who dedicate their entire efforts to perfecting specific audio equipment categories.

🐣

Born in 2009

Why we love this DAC/Amp

Value for Money

I've found that the best gear isn’t always the most expensive. Some products punch well above their weight and deliver performance that rivals higher-priced alternatives. That’s what we mean with the "Value for Money" badge. It’s our way of telling you that you’re getting something special without breaking the bank. 🥜


These products are all about maximum returns for minimal investment. You’re not just saving money — you’re gaining an audio experience that exceeds expectations. Whether it’s build quality, tuning, or bundled accessories, these picks overdeliver.


When you see '🥜 Value for Money' products, expect impressive performance at an affordable price, making them a smart pick for budget-conscious buyers or first-time audiophiles.

For Budding Enthusiasts

In my experience, discovering good audio gear early on is a bit like tasting great coffee for the first time — once you've had a sip, you're hooked. "For Budding Enthusiasts" is a badge we use for products that are perfect gateways into the audiophile world. They're easy to use, not overly expensive, and give you a real taste of what good sound can be — without needing a degree in audio engineering. 🎧


These are the IEMs, headphones, and DACs that let you dip your toes into premium sound without drowning in choices. They balance performance, price, and practicality beautifully. Whether you're buying your first serious pair or helping someone else start their journey, these picks deliver satisfaction straight out of the box.


When you see '🪴 For Budding Enthusiasts' products, expect simple setups, solid sound quality, and an easy upgrade path — perfect for your first foray into better audio.


Incredibly Popular

Some things deserve all the attention ⭐!


I've found that when something becomes incredibly popular in the audio world, it's usually for very good reasons. This exceptional audio gear has earned widespread popularity by consistently delivering outstanding performance that resonates with listeners across diverse preferences and experiences. Think of it like that blockbuster movie that everyone loves - sometimes, universal appeal indicates genuine quality rather than just marketing hype.


The widespread acclaim isn't just about trend or marketing - it's a testament to genuine quality and performance that has been consistently demonstrated through real-world usage. This popularity has been earned through merit, delivering reliable satisfaction to countless users 📈.


When you encounter "🥇 Incredibly Popular" products, expect proven excellence validated by the collective experience of satisfied users who've made these their go-to choice.

For Audiophiles at Home

I’ve always loved the ritual of coming home, settling into my favourite chair, and firing up a dedicated setup. Gear labelled For Audiophiles at Home is made for those moments — when you can really sit back and appreciate music in its purest form 🛋️. These products tend to be more powerful, larger, and often require wall power — perfect for a stationary rig.


Here’s the trade-off: these setups often involve external DACs, amps, or full-size headphones, which means more space, more power, but also more immersive listening. They shine when used in quiet environments, where detail, depth, and dynamics can truly be appreciated.


When you see '🏠 For Audiophiles at Home' products, expect: exceptional fidelity, stronger output, and the kind of soundstage that makes you never want to leave your listening chair.

Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth

I tend to describe Bluetooth audio as wireless freedom with fewer strings attached — literally. When you see Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth, it means you can pair your headphones or IEMs with phones, laptops, or even TVs — all without reaching for a cable 🎶. It’s convenient, clutter-free, and great for everyday listening.


What’s happening behind the scenes is your gear is using Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, LDAC, or aptX to compress and transmit your music wirelessly. Better codecs mean higher quality and lower latency. Of course, there’s a trade-off — Bluetooth won’t match the quality of wired gear, but today’s advancements have made the gap much smaller than before.


When you see '✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth' products, expect: tangle-free convenience and solid sound quality — great for commuting, workouts, or casual listening.


Connect With Cable

In my experience, there’s still nothing like the dependability of a wired connection when it comes to audio 🎧. I love describing it as the direct flight of music — no delays, no turbulence. When a product says “Connect with Cable,” it means you’re getting the most reliable signal path, with zero wireless compression and minimal interference.


Here’s what’s actually happening: a physical cable transmits uncompressed analog or digital signals directly from your source to your gear. This results in lower latency, no signal drops, and consistently better sound — especially when paired with a good DAC or amp. It’s ideal for critical listening, gaming, and professional use. The trade-off? You’re tethered — but for a lot of audiophiles, that’s a small price to pay for sonic purity.


When you see '🔗 Connect With Cable' products, expect: pure, uninterrupted sound quality that lets your gear perform at its full potential — perfect for focused, high-fidelity listening.

Why it Sounds Amazing

DAC Chip

I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.


Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.


When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.

Balanced Output

I often say balanced output is like using both hands to carry something heavy — it distributes power evenly and keeps things stable. In audio gear, balanced output helps reduce unwanted noise and interference, especially over longer cables. Think of it as a cleaner, more efficient way to transmit your music, ideal for anyone using high-end DACs, amps, or studio-grade headphones 🎧. You’ll typically find it on gear with XLR or 4.4mm connectors, and it's a must-have if you’re chasing that ultra-clean signal path.


Here’s what’s actually happening: a balanced output uses two separate signals, one inverted, so when interference is picked up along the cable, it gets cancelled out when the signals are recombined. The result? Cleaner audio, better dynamic range, and more power output — especially when paired with balanced headphones. The trade-off? You’ll need gear that supports balanced connections on both ends to really enjoy the benefits.


When you see '⚖️ Balanced Output' products, expect: ultra-low noise, more headroom, and better synergy with high-impedance headphones or sensitive IEMs — ideal for serious listening setups.

Decodes Upto

When I see "Decodes up to" listed in product specs, I think of it like a music translator that speaks more languages than you’ll ever need. It tells you how far a DAC or audio device can go in handling hi-res formats—think PCM, DSD, or MQA—and at what resolution. 🧠🎶


Technically, this refers to the maximum bit depth and sample rate a DAC can process—like 32-bit/768kHz PCM or DSD512. The higher these numbers, the more detailed and lifelike the audio can potentially sound. But remember, real-world improvements depend on the recording quality and your headphones, not just specs alone.

EQUIPPED WITH FLAGSHIP ES9038 DAC & ES9311 POWER CHIP FOR PREMIUM HIGH-QUALITY SOUND

Powered with the flagship ES9038 DAC chip, the SMSL SU-9 also comes with an ES9311 power chip that encourages the ES9038 to realise its full potential covering a frequency range of 20 to 40kHz. Every digital audio input on the SU-9 supports DSD decoding while the DoP64 is supported using coaxial and optical only.
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EXPERIENCE A REMARKABLY DETAILED SOUND WITH FULL MQA SUPPORT

Analogue to digital audio conversion causes blurring transient response that reduces audio clarity. MQA eliminates this distortion to create a true 3D sound field that makes all the difference. MQA uses 24/192 recording to remove those distortions at the beginning and the end of the transient response.
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MQA DECODER & MQA RENDERER ROLLED IN ONE FOR FULL-FLEDGED MQA DELIGHT

Post distortion removal, MQA adapts large-sized music files to adapt according to the playback device using a process called 'musical origami'. The MQA decoder upgrades sound way beyond the CD quality and supports Bluesound, Pioneer, Onkyo's player along with the ROON streaming service. The MQA renderer completes the setup turning SMSL SU-9 into a full-blown MQA enabled device allowing you to enjoy sound in its purest studio quality just like the artist intended.

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WITH STUNNING ANODISED ALUMINIUM ALLOY BODY AND UAT COMPATIBILITY

Made out of precise CNC milled Aluminium Alloy, the body of the SMSL SU-9 sports an anodized and chamfered finish that not only adds to the charm but also makes the SU-9 durable. This incredible DAC supports SBC, AAC, APTX, APTX HD, LDAC and an incredibly detailed Ultra Audio Transmission (UAT) format developed by HiBy. UAT is compatible with up to 192kHz sampling frequency or 1.2 Mbps bit rate. It offers three settings—1.2Mbps, medium 900 kbps and low 600kbps.
Note: Kindly note that both transmitter and receiver are needed to support UAT which can be accessed using the HiByMusic app on Android devices.
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SUPER LOW JITTER AND THD+N FOR INTERFERENCE-FREE AUDIO

The jitter levels of the coaxial are ultra-low at 27ps while the Thd+N and intermodulation distortion are very low. The power source of the SU-9 has a low noise conditioner that enhances sound quality and power efficiency.

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EASE IN WITH A VOLUME KNOB, REMOTE & FULL-FLEDGED CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS

Paired with a volume knob, display and a remote the SMSL SU-9 makes it easy for you to manage your music. It also takes care of connection needs with a range of audio inputs including Bluetooth, USB, AC IN, Coaxial and Optical inputs. It also has an RCA output and a 3-Pin XLR balanced output.

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ViewingHeadphone-Zone-S.M.S.L-SU-9
S.M.S.L - SU-9 Desktop Digital To Analog Converter (DAC) Sale price₹ 44,999 Regular price₹ 45,999
Headphone-Zone-SMSL-SU-9n
S.M.S.L - SU-9n Desktop Digital To Analog Converter (DAC) Sale price₹ 38,999 Regular price₹ 39,999
S.M.S.L - SU-9 Pro
S.M.S.L - SU-9 Pro Desktop Digital To Analog Converter (DAC) Sale price₹ 47,999 Regular price₹ 49,999
DAC Chip

ESS ES9038PRO

ESS ES9038PRO

ESS Sabre ES9039MPRO

Other Outputs

RCA, XLR

RCA, XLR

RCA, XLR

Bluetooth Codecs

UAT, LDAC & AptX HD

LDAC, AptX HD, SBC & AAC

LDAC, AptX HD, SBC & AAC

Input

USB, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth

USB, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth

USB, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth

Sampling Rate

USB PCM 44.1-768kHz
DSD 2.8224-22.5792MHZ
Optical/Coaxial PCM 44.1-192kHZ
DSD Dsd64(DoP)

USB PCM 44.1 ~ 768kHz
DSD 2.8224 ~ 22.5792MHz
Optical/Coaxial PCM 44.1 ~ 192kHz
DSD DSD64(DoP)

USB PCM - 44.1 ~ 768kHz(32bit)
DSD - 2.8224 ~ 22.5792MHz(1bit)
Optical / Coaxial - 44.1 ~ 192kHz(24bit)
DoP - DoP256(USB),DoP64(Optical / Coaxial)



1 Year Warranty

Don't sweat it, this S.M.S.L - SU-9 comes with a 1 Year warranty from S.M.S.L that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about S.M.S.L's warranty in India.

Unveiling Cutting-Edge Audio Technology

Established in 2009, Foshan ShuangMuSanLin Technology Co. Ltd. is based in Shenzhen, China. S.M.S.L specializes in audio equipment including DACs, stereo headphone amplifiers, and power amplifiers. With an in-house R&D, manufacturing, and marketing team, S.M.S.L has built an extensive sales network covering 33 cities in China. Additionally, S.M.S.L has developed strategic partnerships with several countries, including Japan, Britain, Germany, Portugal, and Singapore. Their products are exported to over 30 countries worldwide and have garnered high customer satisfaction.

Explore Collection
Headfonics

"The SMSL SU-9 is a DAC with a great selection of inputs and outputs that would look great on any desktop setup. At its core, the SU-9 is a great DAC with a thick and smooth sound signature."

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Major HiFi

"They make good, value-for-money products, and this one, in particular, is a performer. You can get an SH-9 for a perfect match and go fully balanced to utilize their maximum potential."

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HiFi+

"If you are in the market for an ESS-based DAC, and your budget allows, there are very few reasons you should be considering anything else than the SU-9. Clear and bright screen, Included remote."

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Headfonics

"Linear sound with dead neutral tone, Coherent and layered presentation, Outstanding resolution, Intuitive UI with remote, Effective sound colour modes, High-quality BT implementation."

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Major HiFi

"I think that SMSL did an excellent job with their new SU-9. It’s a very natural and pleasant sounding DAC loaded with functions. On top of that, it is built to last, has a great choice of inputs/outputs."

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Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
67%
(2)
0%
(0)
33%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
R
Rajesh kumar Rajesh (Thrissur)
Design and Comfort:
Great
Poor
Sound Quality:
Awesome
Awful
Value for Money:
Bang On!
Not at all

S.M.S.L - SU-9

S
Sasha Masand (Pune)
Sound Quality:
I don't hear a difference
Absolute game changer
Value for Money:
Not even close
Totally worth it

S.M.S.L - SU-9

R
Ragavasenthyil A M (Coimbatore)
Design and Comfort:
Great
Poor
Sound Quality:
Awesome
Awful
Value for Money:
Bang On!
Not at all
Ok.... Good

Ok.... Basic model. Not great

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