Aiyiama A80 vs SMSL RAW-HA1

[ArchDevil]

Basically looking for something to power Wharfedale 12.2 used as stereo connected to a TV with Optical.
found these two that are within my budget , Aiyima A80 155$ and SMSL RAW-HA1 176$ i can also get the Aiyima D03 for a little cheaper.
I've checked both reviews and have a difficult time deciding which one to get.

 

[Xebec]

Good question. I’ve been looking into this too—have you found the answer yet?

 

[ArchDevil]

Good question. I’ve been looking into this too—have you found the answer yet?

I picked up the A80 since I've read that the HDMI ARC on the RAW-HA1 is clunky and doesn't let control the volume with the TV remote while connected to ARC.
Also the SMSL went up a little bit in price so i just got the A80. Works pretty well and i have 0 complaints.

 

[Talisman]

Basically looking for something to power Wharfedale 12.2 used as stereo connected to a TV with Optical.
found these two that are within my budget , Aiyima A80 155$ and SMSL RAW-HA1 176$ i can also get the Aiyima D03 for a little cheaper.
I've checked both reviews and have a difficult time deciding which one to get.

The answer seems simple: the SMSL has a load-dependent frequency response. The Aiyima 80, while not perfect, tries to manage this phenomenon better. This alone would be a determining factor in my choice.

 

[Paradoxxx]

I picked up the A80 since I've read that the HDMI ARC on the RAW-HA1 is clunky and doesn't let control the volume with the TV remote while connected to ARC.
Also the SMSL went up a little bit in price so i just got the A80. Works pretty well and i have 0 complaints.

I have smsl raw-ha1, yes the firmware needs some polishing, but in general it works good enough. It is connected to LG TV via HDMI ARC, and volume is controlled from TV remote, however some times if TV is not used, the connection is lost, and SMSL need to be cycled.