SMSL SU-1 or FiiO BTA30 PRO as a DAC

[DAB]

Hi
With the help of esteemed d memebers, I was able to select FiiO BTA30 PRO pro for my music needs last year..
I primarily stream FLAC files over wifi through my Google chromecast audio to fosi amp.

Just to take it a notch up I am thinking of getting a DAC (a simple lower end one tbh).
I was wondering which one of smsl su1 and fiio bta30 pro would perform better as a DAC with noticeable enough difference as these two are the ones that I might be able to arrange.

I am aware fiio has BT function with lots of BT codec support but as I stream over wifi hence that function might not prove that beneficial to me.

Kindly share your experience and observations
Thanks

 

[DAB]

Anyone?

 

[PTP]

Anyone?

I have used Smsl SU-1. It is neutral sounding dac with good extension in highs and a decent sound stage. I have no experience with fiio bta30 pro. Su1 comes with AK chip if that matters to you. However there won't be much difference between su1 and bta30 pro in terms of SQ.

You may also consider pre-owned Schiit Modi 3+ in that budget. Modi 3+ had more emphasis on mids and hence I like it more than su1. Sound stage was also wider in modi 3+ than su1.

But all these entry level dacs will need a good external power supply to shine. If you can up you budget a bit you can find pre-owned chord mojo from 15k onwards. Mojo comes with inbuilt battery thereby eliminating the need for upgraded power supply and sound quality will also be far better than all these entry level dacs.

 

[DAB]

I have used Smsl SU-1. It is neutral sounding dac with good extension in highs and a decent sound stage. I have no experience with fiio bta30 pro. Su1 comes with AK chip if that matters to you. However there won't be much difference between su1 and bta30 pro in terms of SQ.

You may also consider pre-owned Schiit Modi 3+ in that budget. Modi 3+ had more emphasis on mids and hence I like it more than su1. Sound stage was also wider in modi 3+ than su1.

But all these entry level dacs will need a good external power supply to shine. If you can up you budget a bit you can find pre-owned chord mojo from 15k onwards. Mojo comes with inbuilt battery thereby eliminating the need for upgraded power supply and sound quality will also be far better than all these entry level dacs.

Thanks a lot for the feedback and suggestions dear mate..
Suppose it's smsl su1, then would I be noticing a discernable chnage in audio quality if used in my chain?
I mean chromecast audio to smsl su1 via optical cable and then from smsl to fosi bt20a pro?
Thaks in advance

 

[PTP]

Thanks a lot for the feedback and suggestions dear mate..
Suppose it's smsl su1, then would I be noticing a discernable chnage in audio quality if used in my chain?
I mean chromecast audio to smsl su1 via optical cable and then from smsl to fosi bt20a pro?
Thaks in advance

If your music source is going to be only chrome cast audio then use it as it is. Adding su1 in your chain will definitely make your system more resolving but it may not sound musical. Adding more devices down the line without upgrading the source device is not recommended.

 

[DAB]

If your music source is going to be only chrome cast audio then use it as it is. Adding su1 in your chain will definitely make your system more resolving but it may not sound musical. Adding more devices down the line without upgrading the source device is not recommended.

Thanks again dear...
I stream my music via UPnP from my external hdd plugged into my router to Google chromecast over wifi...
I Beleive (I may be wrong in my assumption as I am not a specialist) that once the dac of cca isn't used the rest of the streaming structure seems pretty capable, I felt if instead of dac of cca, a dedicated one could be added then may be the audio could be further refined and Improved ... I use flac files converted from my cds that are stored in thr external hdd.

I have tried purchasing 2 or 3 simple budget equipments to play cds (a dvd player, a mini hifi system and even a car cd player) directly but all failed within a span of 3 months otherwise would have used a dedicated cd player, but not willing g to burn anymore money for 1 hr listening a day at max now.

 

[PTP]

Thanks again dear...
I stream my music via UPnP from my external hdd plugged into my router to Google chromecast over wifi...
I Beleive (I may be wrong in my assumption as I am not a specialist) that once the dac of cca isn't used the rest of the streaming structure seems pretty capable, I felt if instead of dac of cca, a dedicated one could be added then may be the audio could be further refined and Improved ... I use flac files converted from my cds that are stored in thr external hdd.

I have tried purchasing 2 or 3 simple budget equipments to play cds (a dvd player, a mini hifi system and even a car cd player) directly but all failed within a span of 3 months otherwise would have used a dedicated cd player, but not willing g to burn anymore money for 1 hr listening a day at max now.

BTA30pro would be a better option as it is a more versatile device with DAC, Preamp and BT functions. SQ wise there wont be much difference between SU-1 and this.

Remember to add a linear power supply like allo shanti(available with fabtolab) or topping P50(available with hpz). With either shanti or p50 you can power both your CCA and any 5v DAC.

BTA30pro with lps is going to cost you not less than 20k. Instead you may also consider a pre-owned chord mojo1 which will have better sound quality than this combo at a similar or even lesser price.

If you could loan a DAC from any of your friends, try it before going for this upgrade.