This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:17:36
The video reflects on advancements and notable products in digital audio converters (DACs) and streamers over the past year. Key highlights include awards for various DACs and streamers based on budget, functionality, and audio quality. The SMSL SU1, praised for its affordability and sound quality, wins the best budget DAC award. Other notable mentions include the SMSL M300 SE, SMSL DL200 DAC/Headphone Amp, and the Weam Pro Plus streamer, recognized for their versatility and high-performance features. High-end products like the Emotiva XDA-3 and Ever Solo DMP A6 are also discussed for their advanced capabilities and connectivity options. The Jelli Labs J2 is named the DAC of the year for 2023 due to its exceptional sound quality. The video also features recurring sponsorships, such as Harry's shaving products, and encourages viewer support through subscriptions and affiliate links.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the host reflects on the passage of a year since the last awards show and introduces the DXs (digital audio converters) and streamers that stood out, acknowledging Harry’s for sponsoring the video. The host explains what a DAC is and emphasizes its importance for improving digital music quality, even for beginners. The award for the best budget DAC of the year goes to the SMSL SU1, a compact and affordable device priced around $80, sometimes on sale for $70. It features an AKM 4493 chip, various input options (USBC, optical, coax), and delivers excellent sound quality, comparable to more expensive models. The host uses this DAC regularly and highly recommends it. The segment concludes with the host starting to talk about Harry’s products as great gifts.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the content creator discusses a sponsorship by Harry’s, praising their shaving products that have been a staple in his bathroom for years. He highlights a special offer on their starter set, which includes a five-blade German-engineered razor, foaming shave gel, and a travel cover for just $5, down from its $13 value. Additionally, Harry’s has launched a sleek holiday gift set in a matte black box, requiring no extra wrapping. The video then shifts focus to the SMSL M300 SE, a DAC and headphone amplifier using a Cirrus Logic chipset, featuring built-in op amps. Priced around $130, this device offers significant capabilities, including XLR outputs for connecting to amplifiers and an RCA output for versatile connectivity options.
00:06:00
In this segment, the video discusses two main products: the SMSL DL200 DAC/Headphone Amp and the Weam Pro Plus streamer. The SMSL DL200, priced at $190, is highlighted for its high-quality sound and versatile input options including Bluetooth, coaxial, optical, and USB-C. It also features several outputs for headphones and other devices. The presenter praises its form factor and value, suggesting it could be mistaken for a much more expensive product.
The Weam Pro Plus streamer, which includes an AKM 4493 DAC, wins streamer/SL DAC of the year. It comes with a remote control, digital inputs, and an analog input, making it versatile for connecting various sources like a phono preamp. The key selling point is its better DAC compared to its predecessor, offering superior audio quality.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker highlights several audio streaming and amplification products. First, they discuss the Weam Pro Plus, priced at about $200, praising its extensive streaming capabilities, including Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. It’s deemed the best value streamer/preamp of the year. Next, the F R7 is reviewed, noted for its versatility and features like a headphone amplifier and streaming capability on the Google Android platform, despite its imperfect headphone amplifier. Another notable mention is the Ever Solo DMP A6, priced at $860, which includes a high-quality DAC chip and a variety of inputs and outputs. It is recognized for its convenience and versatility but does not win any awards.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the Emotiva XDA-3, a versatile $700 preamp with a range of inputs like HDMI ARC, two Optical, two coaxial, USB, and balanced outputs. It also has a headphone output and RCA input, allowing wide functionality for setting up a robust two-channel or 2.1 channel system. The XDA-3 includes the 9038 Q2M DAC chip and possesses features that support ample input and output options, including the ability to connect to a subwoofer. Additionally, the speaker mentions the Skit Sin, a multi-channel decoder, DAC, and headphone amplifier combo, priced at around $400, highlighting its versatility despite not being the best in audio quality. An honorable mention is given to the Aun S9c reference DAC headphone amplifier, noted for its solid build and excellent sound quality.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the linear power supply, highlighting its heavy-duty build and multiple inputs/outputs, but notes its high price of around $600-$700. The segment also introduces the DAC of the year for 2023, the Jelli Labs J2 with the AKM 44.99 version and Sparkos opamps upgrade. Priced at $700 in wood and approximately $666 in aluminum, the DAC is praised for its immersive sound stage and high-quality audio, despite its basic interface and lack of volume control. The speaker encourages viewers to subscribe and support the channel through various affiliate links and platforms.