Short answer: the SMSL SU-9n. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#14 and #5 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL SU-9n costs $399.99 against $719.99 for the SMSL VMV D1se2, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
Why pick the SMSL SU-9n: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp.
Why pick the SMSL VMV D1se2: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, comfortably in the range where noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
Buy the SMSL SU-9n. Both are rated the same, and it costs $320 less than the SMSL VMV D1se2.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-9n | SMSL VMV D1se2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 | $719.99 |
| Ranked | #14 of 30 in DACs | #5 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, I2S, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO | ES9039MSPRO |
| Volume Control | Digital (remote, pre/fixed modes) | Remote |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.6” x 6.1” (187.5 x 40 x 154 mm) | 8.3” x 1.5” x 6.7” (210 x 39 x 170 mm) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (790 g) | 3.6 lbs (1,630 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL VMV D1se2 compares with other leading options:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL VMV D1se2 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL VMV D1se2 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- Gustard X18 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL VMV D1se2
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
SMSL SU-9n: $399.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It takes USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, and feeds an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR, with a remote and switchable preamp or fixed output.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE rates the same with slightly higher measured SINAD, though it costs more.
Full SMSL SU-9n review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.6” x 6.1” (187.5 x 40 x 154 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (remote, pre/fixed modes) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (790 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL VMV D1se2: $719.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, comfortably in the range where noise and distortion are inaudible. Inputs cover USB, I2S, coaxial, optical and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and it feeds amps or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs. A remote is included for volume control.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers. The SMSL D-6S earns the same rating with nearly identical measurements for far less, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its SINAD and also costs less.
Full SMSL VMV D1se2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.5” x 6.7” (210 x 39 x 170 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, I2S, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Remote |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,630 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons