SMSL SANSKRIT 10Th MKII DAC 32bit / 768kHz DSD512 USB XMOS AK4493 Black

High quality audio components

The digital / analog decoding is made possible by a chip AK4493 AKM. This advanced audio component preserves transparency, finesse and details in the sound reproduction.

The AK4490 operates together with a XMOS asynchronous USB interface thant is famous for its native support of DSD streams. These chips are integrated in Sanskrit with a procession of proven electronic components from the power-supply units to NDK ultra low phase noise clocks.

With this choice of ambitious components (especially in this price range), DAC Sanskrit delivers crystal clear sound with extremely low distortion (THD + N 0.0002%), wide dynamic range of 119dB and comfortable SNR of 120dB.

Volume hardware and remote control

Finally, Sanskrit has two features that are found usually in larger, more complex and more expensive devices:

- A hardware volume control (does not damage the resolution in digital audio stream). This feature allows to connect Sanskrit directly to a power amplifier without necessarily having to go through a volume controller preamplifier.

- A remote control support. Every function can be driven remotely such as : raise / lower the volume, alternate sources ...

Double USB input

Sanskrit is USB-powered via a Micro-USB input on its back cover.

To isolate the audio signal from the noise coming along the power supply, two USB entries are present: one dedicated to data only and the other dedicated exclusively to the power supply. Thanks to this configuration, the audio source is not in charge of powering the DAC - which is generally poor in this function - and it is quite possible to connect this USB input to a real regulated linear power supply that meets the audiophile standards to maximize your listening experience.

Specifications
Type	DAC
Volume Control	Yes
Output Level	2.2Vrms
THD + N	0.0002%
Dynamic range	119dB
Signal / N ratio	120dB
USB compatibility	Windows 7/8 / 8.1 / 10 Mac OS X10.6 and higher Linux
BIT Depth	USB: 1-32bit Coaxial / Optical: 1-24bit
Sample rate	USB PCM: 44.1 - 768kHz USB DSD: DSD512 Optical / Coaxial: 32-192kHz
Power supply	Micro-USB 5VDC (NOT INCLUDED)
Power consumption	1.5W
Quiescent current	Less than 0.1W
Dimensions	75 x 45 x 144mm (width / height / depth)
Weight	300g

Specifications

Type

DAC

Volume Control

Yes

Output Level

2.2Vrms

THD + N

0.0002%

Dynamic range

119dB

Signal / N ratio

120dB

USB compatibility

Windows 7/8 / 8.1 / 10
Mac OS X10.6 and higher
Linux

BIT Depth

USB: 1-32bit
Coaxial / Optical: 1-24bit

Sample rate

USB PCM: 44.1 - 768kHz
USB DSD: DSD512
Optical / Coaxial: 32-192kHz

Power supply

Micro-USB 5VDC (NOT INCLUDED)

Power consumption

1.5W

Quiescent current

Less than 0.1W

Dimensions

75 x 45 x 144mm (width / height / depth)

Weight

300g

Package Contents
1x	DAC Sanskrit 10th anniversary MKII
1x	Remote control (Press "C" to activate the remote control)
1x	USB-A to Micro-USB cable 1.1m
8x	silicone feet

Package Contents

DAC Sanskrit 10th anniversary MKII

Remote control (Press "C" to activate the remote control)

USB-A to Micro-USB cable 1.1m

silicone feet

Input	Optical
Input	SPDIF
Input	USB
Output	RCA
DAC / ADC Chip	AK4493EQ
Max sampling rate	768kHz
Color	Black
Networking	No
Remote Control	Yes

Surprisingly good
It sounded too good when reading the specs and all comments around the web, but I couldn´t resist although I already have a good dac from Nuforce. The main reason was to be able to play DSD-files. From start I was convinced that it did sound as good as my old dac (did cost about ten times the price of Sanskrit 10th, several years ago) and it does play all DSD up to 256 without problems. Playing 512 is not possible yet, but it is a MacOS issue. And it does it great! I had a few questions and got prompt answers from audiophonics, cudos! I did change the tiny USB-cable to something mor sturdy and a bit longer. I use external power although it worked well without it. I made a blind-test to the Nuforce DAC-9 and it was impossible to hear any difference playing 24/192 or lower resolutions (DAC-9 doesn´t handle DSD). Really great sound for peanuts!

Do I recommend it? Yes
Do I recommend Audiophonics? Yes

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