Review on 🎧 SMSL M500 DAC Headphone Amplifier MQA Decoding Audio Decoder LME4972 ES9038PRO DSD512 768kHz XMOS XU-216 with Remote Control - Black by Justin Webb

So this will be my 4th DAC as I add the built in DAC to my Sony receiver. I've tried a few entry-level DACs, including the Topping D10 for DSD. Also, I have quite an extensive collection of high definition movies. Lots of 24/96 and up Flac and lots of DSD. Thought I could hear it all when I hooked up HDMI to my competent Sony STR DN1050 receiver, which seems built for consumer-grade high-definition audio. This DAC proved the opposite. This thing reveals every detail and micro-detail in everything you see. My speaker setup includes a full range of audiophile Sony APM surround speakers from the 80's, APM 55 and APM 33 for center and surround. Of course I need a receiver for surround decoding, but this DAC does such a fantastic job that I've become more interested in stereo lately. The 55s, each at around 150 watts per channel via analog input, that the M500 offers are amazing. As a result, the receiver's DAC sounds comparatively compressed and two-dimensional. With the M500 I hear things on 35 year old CDs that I hadn't noticed before. I would be really shocked if the DAC had a better value and now consider it my most valuable audio asset. Good source material like high-resolution files is great, but it's really amazing when you have a piece that can take full advantage of dense material. This DAC leaves nothing on the table, everything goes to you without leaving a crumb. Amazing car!