IMO/FWIW
I've been listening to the SMSL for about 2 weeks. Highly recommend MPD 0.22~git (test), which is a major improvement in SQ. Also discovered, that when you are doing testing and making a lot of system changes (e.g. adding and removing the Linux Audio Adjustments), it's best to reflash Moode, and then set up the desired components. See below. I didn't need the USB fix after the reflash, as there were no pops without it. The SQ was significantly improved, so apparently Moode had become adulterated in some way. SQ now is the highest I have experienced in my system.
I went back to the Allo Boss with the system/setup in the signature below. SQ is really nice and it was very enjoyable. Compared to the SMSL, though, image and definition is not as sharply defined, bass is slightly bloated. IMO the SMSL is a very noticeable and worthwhile upgrade.
But, in the following ways, I prefer the I2S DAC, since it seems there is less to go wrong. There never was an issue with pops with Hifiberry or Boss. I needed to reflash Moode, because I couldn't get the USB DAC to connect after an in-place update to 6.7.0 . I also prefer the on screen volume control over the remote control volume of the SMSL USB DAC, which is flimsy and very directional. In the end, it's about sound quality, and that moves the SMSL ahead of the Boss.
I've been listening to the SMSL for about 2 weeks. Highly recommend MPD 0.22~git (test), which is a major improvement in SQ. Also discovered, that when you are doing testing and making a lot of system changes (e.g. adding and removing the Linux Audio Adjustments), it's best to reflash Moode, and then set up the desired components. See below. I didn't need the USB fix after the reflash, as there were no pops without it. The SQ was significantly improved, so apparently Moode had become adulterated in some way. SQ now is the highest I have experienced in my system.
I went back to the Allo Boss with the system/setup in the signature below. SQ is really nice and it was very enjoyable. Compared to the SMSL, though, image and definition is not as sharply defined, bass is slightly bloated. IMO the SMSL is a very noticeable and worthwhile upgrade.
But, in the following ways, I prefer the I2S DAC, since it seems there is less to go wrong. There never was an issue with pops with Hifiberry or Boss. I needed to reflash Moode, because I couldn't get the USB DAC to connect after an in-place update to 6.7.0 . I also prefer the on screen volume control over the remote control volume of the SMSL USB DAC, which is flimsy and very directional. In the end, it's about sound quality, and that moves the SMSL ahead of the Boss.
