SMSL Goes R2R
SMSL continues to roll out its high-end VMV desktop audio lineup with the VMV D3 R2R DAC. Unlike most modern-day DACs, which use delta sigma chips to handle D/A conversion, the D3 uses four discontinued Texas Instruments R2R chips in a two-chip-per-channel fully balanced design.
4 Discontinued Texas Instruments R2R chips
The SMSL VMV D3 uses four discontinued PCM1704U-J Texas Instrument R2R chips for digital-to-analog conversion. Featuring two chips per channel in a fully balanced design, the D3 uses a series of resistor ladders totally unlike the modern-day delta sigma chips found in most DACs.
Top-of-the-line NPC SM5847 digital filter chip
An NPC SM5847 digital filter chip works in tandem with the R2R chips for a truly high-performance audio experience. A 4/8-times oversampling filter, it features independent left and right channel digital deemphasis filters and soft muting function.
16-core USB processor
The VMV D3 implements the XMOS XU216 chip. This 16-core flagship chip enables bit-perfect audio from multiple inputs at sampling rates up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512.
Isolated power supply
The D3’s power supply is isolated in a partially partitioned chassis of its own. This effectively reduces interference and results in an overall cleaner system.
2 ultra-low phase noise crystal oscillators
The D3 uses two Accusilicon ultra-low phase noise crystal oscillators. Offering more precision than regular TCXO clocks, they’re prized for their low power consumption, high resistance to thermal stress, and extremely low jitter.
7 Texas Instruments OPA1612 op amps
Seven dual bipolar-input Texas Instruments op amps help the D3 achieve low noise density with extremely low distortion. Total harmonic distortion + noise for the entire DAC is 0.001%.
All-aluminum remote control
The SMSL VMV D3’s fully functional remote lets you sit back, relax, and have full control over the DAC’s functionality. Buttons for menu, input selection, bluetooth mode, and more let you operate the DAC with the style and convenience of an all-aluminum remote.
Product highlights
4 legendary Texas Instruments R2R chips
NPC SM5847 digital filter chip
2nd generation XMOS XU216
Native DSD512
PCM 32-bit/768kHz
2 ultra-low phase noise crystal oscillators
7 Texas Instruments op amps
Color LCD display screen
High-end all-aluminum remote control
Low-noise discrete component power supply regulator circuit
Specs
Inputs: USB/optical/coaxial/AES(EBU)
Outputs: RCA/XLR
THD+N: 0.001%
Dynamic range: 112dB
SNR: 112dB
USB transmission: Asynchronization
USB compatibility: Windows 7/ 8/ 8.1/ 10, Mac OSC, Linus
Bit depth
USB/ I2S: 1bit, 16-32bit
Optical/coaxial/AES: 1bit, 16-24bit
Sampling rate
USB/I2S: PCM 44.1-768kHz, DSD: 2.8224 – 22.57923MHz
Optical/coax/AES: PCM 44.1-192kHz
Power consumption: 10W
Standby power: <0.8W
Size: 280x240x51mm
Weight: 3.96kg
What’s included
SMSL VMV D3 DAC
USB cable
Power cord
User manual
Remote control
E-Storz 