Audio Monthly, Sep 2018
It is not just a Bluetooth receiver that allows you to listen to music conveniently, but it is an impressive tool that plays a role as another hi-fi component, providing your music with a sound upgrade. When connected with a high-quality sound source, the capability of this product stands out even further. It clearly reproduces the detailed sounds of an instrument and the subtle tone of vocals without the disturbance of unwarranted sounds. Simply, it allows you to hear music as if you were listening with your naked ears. With your eyes closed, it will feel as if you were sitting at a live concert.
It is not easy to find a product with a similar concept that exceeds the specifications of the SLASH 6. If you look inside the product, you will be amazed on how this small product is amazingly packed with high-end components. The PCB layout itself displays the engineering knowledge and experience of our skilled engineers.
Specifications were significantly upgraded for our Slash models. All of the core parts have been replaced to make it a completely new product. Among the core parts, Qualcomm CSR8675 and ESS Quad DAC ES9218P were the primary upgrades This has been applied to all SLASH 3, 4, 5, and 6 models. In addition, the new Slash series are equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.0, apt-X HD codec and 32-bit quad DAC that provides excellent sound quality. The upgrades can be easily noticeable, especially in our flagship Slash 6 model. Through the feedback of our music community, we have made tremendous efforts to block noises that will disturb the quality of sound.
An LDO was actively introduced to remove ultra-low noise on the PCB board and an isolated DC/DC converter from Bur Brown was applied to block the source of power noise. Thanks to these revisions, a very clean sound is at the center, and it gives you a pleasant sense of what a refreshing sound with high purity is. In addition, high-performance and high-quality LPF OPA1642 was adopted, which showed good results in our previous testing. There are also changes in the input and output terminals. New optical input/output has been introduced, finally allowing support of headphone output. It can also be used as a headphone amplifier. When paired, the sound will truly be music to your ears. Also, since it supports optical, it can be utilized as a standalone DAC, but pairing with other devices will be exceptionally more fun.
You will notice the output level of the analog RCA has increased to 2.7V. When compared to the existing 2V, you will notice the difference in sound efficiency.
Connect the SLASH 6 to the hi-fi amplifier's analog input. Any input terminal with a 14mm terminal is compatible. You will only need to use a separate cable for a tube amplifier. Power is supplied with USB C type. For reference, you can check what codec is currently applied with the corresponding LED color. It can be classified into blue (SBC), light green (apt-X), green (apt-X HD), and pink (AAC). Play multiple songs with a smartphone that supports apt-X HD. From the first sound, the true value of SLASH 6 is revealed. If the ordinary Bluetooth connection has significantly reduced the taste of listening to music due to the narrow band, fine noise, and dry sound, the sound passing through SLASH 6 changes the music in the opposite direction. When connected to a high-quality DAC, a refreshing and clear sound can be heard without noise interruption. The time spent on listening to music will lengthen because of the quality of the sound. You’ll be immersed in a treasure hunt, finding the treasures of sound that were hidden before Slash 6. Recordings and signals from moments that were missed before can be heard now through this amazing compact device. The higher the grade of the matching system, the more the SLASH 6's true value is revealed. It accomplishes a great sound that makes you forget for a moment that it's powered by Bluetooth. If you want to add Bluetooth to your hi-fi system in the simplest and highest quality, you should keep SLASH 6 in mind.
(Excerpted from Audio Monthly, Sep 2018)