SMSL SU-1 Desktop USB DAC Review

The SMSL SU-1 is a desktop USB DAC listed at $79.99. It pairs AKM's AK4493S chip with an XMOS XU-316 USB processor, and the page says it takes PCM up to 32-Bit/768kHz and DSD512 over USB. Inputs are USB, optical and coaxial, and the only output the page names is RCA analog. The page also lists an output level of 2.0 Vrms and says MQA decoding works through all three inputs, with MQA-CD also named.

Specifications

Options and pricing

The store lists a single option, SU-1, at $79.99, and it showed as orderable when the page was read. No color, plug or cable choice is shown, and the page does not describe the box contents, so a USB cable is not confirmed. A note on the page says the SU-1 has no remote control by default and that the volume can be adjusted with a computer.

How it compares

The TOPPING D10s USB DAC costs $109.99 against $79.99 here, and its page gives up to 32-bit 384 kHz PCM and native DSD256 over USB where the SU-1 page gives 32-Bit/768kHz and DSD512. The SMSL SU-6 costs $169.99; its title adds Bluetooth 5.0 and LDAC, and its spec line repeats the 32-Bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512 decoding. The SU-1 fits a wired desk setup on a small budget, while the SU-6 is the one to look at if wireless input matters.

Shipping, returns and warranty

HiFiGO sells from hifigo.com and says every order leaves its warehouse in China, usually 1-3 business days after it is placed, and says its delivery times are estimates, not promises. Its shipping policy gives the United States 1-2 weeks (about 10 days on average) by Priority and 6-10 days by Premium, both with duties and taxes prepaid by the store; Canada 2-3 weeks; the United Kingdom 1-2 weeks; and Australia 10-15 days. Express couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx) take 3-7 days, but then the buyer pays any duties and taxes. No shipping page names New Zealand, PO boxes are not accepted, and the free-shipping thresholds differ between the store's own pages, so check the cart. One of its two shipping pages adds that a lost parcel on an order above $50 gets only a 50% refund. A US buyer reported a $40 tariff charge in August 2025, after which HiFiGO said it had added a customs notice at checkout.

Read the return terms before you order. The homepage advertises 7-day returns. Both of HiFiGO's policy pages offer a 7-day dead-on-arrival cover (a replacement or a full refund, with the return postage refunded) and also describe 30-day returns, but a request made 7 to 30 days after delivery loses 30% of the MSRP as a restocking fee (10% more if the packaging is incomplete), plus shipping both ways and duties, and the FAQ on the same pages says there is no refund or exchange once 7 days have passed. One version recommends reselling an opened product locally. Custom IEMs and custom cables cannot be returned, no return address is published, and buyers describe sending items back to China.

HiFiGO's warranty runs one year from the order date for parts and labor; its policy names desktop DACs and amps, IEMs and dongles at one year and gives cables and adapters three months. HiFiGO decides between repair and replacement, the buyer pays the shipping, and faulty items go back for service, not for a refund. Claims go to [email protected], the only contact the store lists: its pages name no company, street address or phone, and its terms are governed by the laws of China.

On Trustpilot, HiFiGO had 4.6 out of 5 from 378 reviews when we checked on 2026-10-28 (91% five-star, 5% one-star), and it had replied to about 75% of negative reviews; Trustpilot notes the store has not invited customers to review recently. The one-star reviews mostly concern the short return window and the deductions on returns, items listed in stock that turned out back-ordered, slow email support and a tariff charge on a US delivery in 2025. HiFiGO says its products are genuine and come in the brands' retail packaging; it does not claim to be an authorized dealer.