SMSL VMV D1
HIGH-END DESKTOP D/A CONVERTER
The D1 is a high-quality DAC that combines proven, high-quality components (dual 9038OPRO, XMOS, CPLD ALTERA) in an ambitious design. Its isolated power supply gives it a unique and instantly recognisable form factor, while facilitating signal processing with high precision and clarity.
DUAL ES9038PRRO DAC CHIP
At the heart of the D1 are ES9038PRO chips. This chip is renowned for its excellent ability to handle high-resolution, advanced audio formats and extreme frequencies (DSD512, 768kHz PCM), with the unit alone handling up to 8 audio channels. In the case of the stereo D1, the DAC chips deal exclusively with one channel at a time, creating a soundstage with astonishing clarity and depth.
This configuration does not limit the use of features built into the 9038PRO chip, such as Hyperstream-II technology, which further refines conversion accuracy by selectively handling signals, increasing detail and reducing distortion. The high performance of the DAC chip also enhances the accuracy of the digital filters, which refine signal processing but also allow the sound to be tailored to the user's needs. Each DAC chip has its own ES9311 voltage regulator designed specifically for this converter chip. This solution significantly stabilises the analogue output stage.
XMOS USB INTERFACE
To achieve audiophile formats and very high sampling rates, the D1 uses a second generation XMOS interface that also provides audio OTG support, so it works with any mobile device (smartphone, tablet) equipped with this technology. The XMOS USB interface features highly efficient digital circuitry, with the clock signal generated by three very low phase oscillators and an ALTERA CPLD logic circuit. This carefully designed construction has reduced the clock timing error and jitter to a remarkably low 5ps and allows the XMOS USB interface to make the most of the DAC chips' capabilities in asynchronous data communication.
PRECISION POWER
SMSL has paid great attention to the D1 power supply. At first glance, a switching power supply in a device like this may seem surprising, but thanks to careful design and high quality construction, it rivals any linear power supply.
Unlike almost all High Fidelity units that use a switching power supply, the D1 is built in a separate enclosure, but the power supply is also connected to the converter, so only one power cable is required for operation.
The power supply and converter sections are also housed in separate enclosures, giving the D1 a distinctive and original form, while the insulation and electromagnetic shielding effectively reduces interference between the two stages, often caused by the power supply.
EFFICIENT CONNECTION
The output stage has conventional gold-plated RCA and balanced XLR NEUTRIK connectors. Input flexibility is provided by USB, optical, coaxial and AES/EBU XLR inputs. Therefore, the D1 can be connected to a wide range of devices from simple network players to complex, high-precision DAP devices.
CAREFULLY SELECTED ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
The SMSL D1 converter incorporates high precision regulators and Panasonic EHCU capacitors. These components are renowned for their high quality and ensure stable operation while producing extremely low interference. The NORATEL transformer operates at ultra-low noise levels.
