DAC · NOVA
Custom DAC «NOVA» SMSL SU-1 (AK4493S)
Base device — SMSL SU-1. You source the donor yourself — I return it upgraded, under warranty.
Why SMSL SU-1?
An absolute hit among compact desktop DACs, achieving legendary status while still on the production line. The heart of the device is a high-quality, latest-generation AK4493S converter. Its digital stage is built upon the very same canonical logic found in significantly more expensive modern models. This charming little unit is so superbly designed that its sonic performance post-upgrade easily defies even the boldest expectations.
Specification
- Chip
- AK4493S · AKM
- Base unit
- SMSL SU-1
- Type
- Quality Oriented Delta-Sigma
- Audio Performance
- up to ~$500–600
- Warranty
- 3 mo
- Turnaround
- 2–3 days
Full upgrade$129
This is the final cost for a complete turn-key upgrade. Budget adjustments are only possible when ordering additional exclusive options.
What will be done
- Full replacement of all electrolytic capacitors with high-quality "For Audio" components
- Upgrade of core power lines by installing low-noise regulators
- Total overhaul of the analog stage utilizing proprietary custom designs
- Installation of a specialized, high-grade op-amp [model classified]
- Transition to a separate external power delivery system with the addition of a high-quality PSU
What you get
The absolute bestseller of my custom upgrades. The comprehensive re-engineering of even such a tiny device will amaze you from the very first notes. Fine customization and the integration of a proprietary output stage circuit completely break the mass-production shackles holding back the modern Asahi Kasei chip. The musical canvas instantly gains a mature tangibility, deep layering of the soundstage, and absolutely stunning elegance in micro-details, especially for this price bracket. This is exactly how the first step into the world of true Hi-Fi should feel.
What do my clients say?
I want to thank the master for his work, for his skill, for his intuition and experience! This DAC out of the box sounds very, very cool, but it wasn't fully revealed — thanks to the master, its true potential has been unlocked.
Regarding the sound, I'll say this: the characteristic sound signature of the AKM chip is noticeable right out of the box, but after the upgrade, the soundstage changed dramatically — it became much more three-dimensional, the detail level increased, and the bass became powerful yet remained articulate, without any muddiness or booming. The highs are soft and crisp. I listened to it on ADAM T7V monitors. I definitely recommend this DAC and its upgrade. The impressions are nothing short of spectacular!
Owner of an SMSL SU-1 “NOVA” DACYouTube Thank you very much! Excellent work, fair pricing — it is that rare case when you get way more than you pay for!
The DAC has improved across all parameters: resolution has increased, the bass registers boom significantly less, and the highs are pristine without causing any listener fatigue, making music a true pleasure to listen to. What's more, all these improvements are clearly audible even if you are in another room down the hallway.
Owner of an SMSL SU-1 “NOVA” DACOLX I used to blame my speakers, the amplifier, or its dying capacitors… But no, everything is fine — it turned out to be an issue with the primary sound processing stage.
For the sake of a clean experiment, I turned on Spotify via an optical connection from the TV. Even with such a terrible source configuration, the sound was balanced, without any frequency tilt or bloat, and fully saturated. And the icing on the cake — I got actual goosebumps from tracks I know by heart! Bottom line — massive respect and thank you!
Owner of an SMSL SU-1 “NOVA” DACOLX
Video
Technical reviews, upgrades, sound comparisons, and live client feedback — on my channel and in the YouTube community