S.M.S.L RAW-MDA1

[staticV3]

Offtop in this thread, but, WOW!!!!!!! I hope I read the graph correctly
After the modification, your old JVC has SINAD of 110, with a potential to below 115dB, if 50Hz noise is taken care of? Incredible!

( 20*log(.0024/100)=-92.4dB THD+N )

 

[catch22]

View attachment 380246

( 20*log(.0024/100)=-92.4dB THD+N )

Thanks for explaining!
Still very good, though

 

[Dawsoo]

catch22:
Thank you, you are the only one who noticed it, the connection is original in topology, the modifications consist in completely cleaning the signal path and adjusting the values and certain selected parts to key positions ... PSU (still a work in progress here) Snubbering,Grounding,NFB, etc.). Nothing expensive,but you need to know exactly what to do.

I sent it just for SiR to see that the audio equipment was adequate for similar DACs comparation tests. It's about the fact that SOTA amplifiers were made already in the 80s of the last century for a low consumer price, I like them, and collect them and modify them for the next 30 years of trouble-free operation and good sound quality.


end of offtopic ... sorry guys

 

[john100a]

-it is point No. 1, with the fact that in the main menu you can select another options than XLR only,like RCA, RCA+XLR or All outputs variant combinations. The fn button switches between what is set in the setup - and pure headphones only.

-the hp amplifier has a low and hi gain option, which solves a lot of things with different sensitivity of headphones and an amplifier on line out in preamp mode

-for toyboys there is a sound color function where different spectra of THD tubes transistors etc. are DSP emulated like Topping D90LE

-DPLL setting optimatizations for crappy or perfect digital sources etc...

I consider six digital inputs options 1xUSB-2xSPDIF-2xToslink-1xBT, and the possibility to switch to legacy UAC1 compatible mode in the menu as the main currency. the only one minor thing missing is a 4/5V output level switch.

So in here with point 1 you meant the button on the remote.. right?

I'm still contemplating on purchasing this on the Topping DX5. What is crucial for me is a easy switch between headphone out and XLR pre-out, without the use of the remote, only by 1-2 clicks of the knob.

 

[OK1]

Not bad. For an all in one device, that supports all the predominant inputs and outputs we have in 2024, most would want in a desktop device (including good enough headphone amps). Not cheap. Not exorbitant either.

All things considered - not bad at all. Support is an important issue. Where does one download the drivers? When there is no product page on SMSL's web site?

I already have a headphone amp I'm satisfied with. So wondering what is the least expensive DAC, that would match the specs of this? Just wondering..

 

[catch22]

Support is an important issue. Where does one download the drivers? When there is no product page on SMSL's web site?

earlier in this thread:

At last I got a response from SMSL Mandy

He wrote " This model is customized by the dealer, the dealer will sell it, please rest assured "

Same as many in this thread, I like this model a lot (on paper), but you basically have to make a decision - you buy it cheap, but must accept upfront there will be no support in issue resolution. Unless you buy from a reputable dealer with hassle free returns, like amazon, but it is not there. This is a more or less common with all SMSL/Topping, but this one is worse, abandoned by its own vendor.

 

[OK1]

earlier in this thread:

Same as many in this thread, I like this model a lot (on paper), but you basically have to make a decision - you buy it cheap, but must accept upfront there will be no support in issue resolution. Unless you buy from a reputable dealer with hassle free returns, like amazon, but it is not there. This is a more or less common with all SMSL/Topping, but this one is worse, abandoned by its own vendor.

Apologies I searched and searched, but could not find the guidance that would lead me to the drivers.

 

[SiR]

Apologies I searched and searched, but could not find the guidance that would lead me to the drivers.

@SMSL-Mandy

As per Mandy, support will be provided by the authorized dealer

@OK1 did you check with SMSL Dealer, if any, in your place ?

 

[OK1]

@SMSL-Mandy

As per Mandy, support will be provided by the authorized dealer

@OK1 did you check with SMSL Dealer, if any, in your place ?

Thanks.

I'll pass on this one. I am so familiar with purchasing audio interfaces, and dongles, and never having to "speak" to anyone at the manufacturer or dealer, cos all the information I need is in the manual or on their web site (drivers included). Done that for almost 3 decades (since 1997). Never had any cause to call a dealer for such devices.

Kind of strange that one has to go through such a hoop. One thing I always check is the availability of downloadable drivers, before I buy DAC's or audio interfaces.

 

[john100a]

earlier in this thread:

Same as many in this thread, I like this model a lot (on paper), but you basically have to make a decision - you buy it cheap, but must accept upfront there will be no support in issue resolution. Unless you buy from a reputable dealer with hassle free returns, like amazon, but it is not there. This is a more or less common with all SMSL/Topping, but this one is worse, abandoned by its own vendor.

If I'm not mistaken this is the best DAC/AMP combo out there in terms of specs (on paper at least)

We have balances outputs, plethora of inputs, the newest ESS chip, and a beefy amp, all packaged in a neat chassis.

Such a shame that it's not more documented and also lacks a proper way to switch between outputs easily

I'm seriously contemplating on just getting the DX5 from topping at this point..

 

[aravaioli]

If I'm not mistaken this is the best DAC/AMP combo out there in terms of specs (on paper at least)

We have balances outputs, plethora of inputs, the newest ESS chip, and a beefy amp, all packaged in a neat chassis.

Such a shame that it's not more documented and also lacks a proper way to switch between outputs easily

I'm seriously contemplating on just getting the DX5 from topping at this point..

I don't think it lacks a proper way to switch output: with the remote it is just a breeze, if you configure the Fn button that way.

 

[john100a]

I don't think it lacks a proper way to switch output: with the remote it is just a breeze, if you configure the Fn button that way.

I really prefer to not rely on a remote for easy switching.

Btw, when you switch outputs, is the volume remembered on each output?

 

[mocenigo]

I think they need to stop and reflect. Where they want to go?
What's the point in continuing to churn out a DAC every month with the same characteristics, with one more or less output or input and with different boxes?
They no longer have a clear line.

VMV is visually better than the rest of the range, then measures less well than the rest of the cheaper range.
Then there are the D, SU, DO, DL, M, DS, C series. All practically identical and within twenty dollars/euros of each other.

On the other hand, it lacks:

a good, well-made line preamplifier,
a phono preamplifier,
a HT preamplifier,
a stereo or mono power amp
a top-notch streamer.

Actually, I'm having a hard time understanding SMSL…

SMSL has a few power amps, like the VMV A2, A 200, A 300, SA 400, and integrates like the AO 300, which I own. Some of their headamps are actually combined headamp/preamp with a good output stage.

 

[aravaioli]

I really prefer to not rely on a remote for easy switching.

Btw, when you switch outputs, is the volume remembered on each output?

Yes

 

[Mikig]

SMSL has a few power amps, like the VMV A2, A 200, A 300, SA 400, and integrates like the AO 300, which I own. Some of their headamps are actually combined headamp/preamp with a good output stage.

yes, you're right, but we're always talking about devices that I would define as more integrated with the power amp function...they are not pure power amps: the classic, without volume, without Bluetooth, without display...you already have those functions in the preamp or in the DAC…

 

[nice-n-easy]

Are there any drawbacks or compromises in quality if I use the SMSL RAW-MDA1 as a pre-amp?

 

[staticV3]

Are there any drawbacks or compromises in quality if I use the SMSL RAW-MDA1 as a pre-amp?

If you can't hear the DAC's noise floor through your speaker, then there are no drawbacks or compromises. Only advantages.

 

[john100a]

If you can't hear the DAC's noise floor through your speaker, then there are no drawbacks or compromises. Only advantages.

Question.. based on on-paper specs, this unit compares to the DX7 from topping, right? (among other options)

 

[staticV3]

Question.. based on on-paper specs, this unit compares to the DX7 from topping, right? (among other options)

Both are DAC+Headphone Amp combo units with transparency as their primary focus.

 

[john100a]

Both are DAC+Headphone Amp combo units with transparency as their primary focus.

Thanks.

I have Yamaha HS5 monitors, will the RAW-MDA1's 5.2V output of XLR be a problem? I noticed that usually all DAC/AMPs are at ~4