Audiophiles, get ready to put your tongue back in your mouth, as Apos has just launched three brand new SMSL devices at prices that won’t shock your wallet.
Introducing Apos’ New Audio Modules
Looking to improve your Hi-Fi setup? It can be an expensive process, but Apos Audio is on hand with three new devices from SMSL to bring your audio rig up to speed.
So what has Apos got for us? Well, first we have the SMSL SU-8s DAC module, which retails at $359.99. This is a black digital-to-analog converter, with high resolution sound in mind.
Next is the $229.99 SMSL SH-8s Headphone Amplifier, again in black. This allows you to listen to your music via wired headphones, with an almost noiseless audio quality.
It is worth noting that you can buy both SU-8s devices together as a bundle if you wanted to make a saving.
The third device to launch is the SMSL SD-9 Hi-Fi Network Music Player, which allows you to stream from a wide range of external sources. It comes with a price tag of $399.99.
So, there we have it, three new audio devices without an unreasonable financial commitment. All devices have a small footprint, so won’t take up too much prime real estate on your desk or shelf.
What Can Apos’ New Audio Devices Do?
Let’s look at all three in order.
Regarding the SU-8s DAC, Apos says:
The world of hi-res is yours to explore, whether through a streaming service like TIDAL or Spotify, a digital library, or a collection of CDs. The SU-8s can decode virtually everything with class-leading dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio thanks to an ESS ES9068AS chip and a 16-core XMOS processor.
It also supports HD Bluetooth, alongside having three inputs and two outputs. This allows you to connect the DAC to an amp via XLR or RCA, or you could go directly to a powered (AKA active) speaker.
In steps the SH8-s Headphone Amp. Apos says:
The SH-8s is the radically simple new headphone amp from SMSL. Its feature set is slim, its user interface simple. Boasting nothing more than a few toggles and a volume knob, it shines most brightly where the light doesn’t: inside its chassis. Its internal components achieve massive output and ultra-pure noiselessness for a less-is-more experience.
So, if you want to listen to the SU-8s DAC or the Network Music Player, you can use this amp with your headphones.
On to the SD-9 Network Music Player, then. This works in harmony with DLNA and Apple AirPlay, as well as over Wi-Fi. So you can play music from a variety of sources wired, or wirelessly from compatible devices, and then route it through your amp or headphones.
SMSL: Making High-Quality Audio Affordable
These modules all sound pretty cool on paper, and the price tag is certainly attractive. As with all things, though, the proof will be in the pudding. We’re excited to see if SMSL’s devices match up to its claims.