S.M.S.L RAW-MDA1

[staticV3]

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

Yamaha do not specify max input voltage, so I don't know.

If 5.2V is too much, then you can always enable Pre mode and reduce the volume some.

 

[SiR]

Can any SMSL RAW MDA 1 users, send this to @amirm to review it ?

 

[Bleib]

Can any SMSL RAW MDA 1 users, send this to @amirm to review it ?

I'd expect almost the same as D6-s. Safe purchase other words

 

[Toku]

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

The maximum input of the YAMAHA HS5 is 24dBu. (The same meaning as 24dBv) 0dBu is 0.775V.

The input sensitivity is -10dBu (level position: maximum), +4dBu (level position: center)

 

[SiR]

New review from iiWi

 

[troyn]

I have no sound on my bluetooth headphones - the devices see each other, but there is no sound. I checked on three headphones via ipad and android. Can someone check it out?

 

[Bleib]

I have no sound on my bluetooth headphones - the devices see each other, but there is no sound. I checked on three headphones via ipad and android. Can someone check it out?

BT on the DAC receives only, it doesn't send to other units

 

[troyn]

Up-S... Thanks!

 

[john100a]

The unit is now on SMSL's official website, at last!

https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/887.html

 

[SiR]

The unit is now on SMSL's official website, at last!

https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/887.html

Thanks @john100a for the info, which I wished to see

 

[amirm]

It doesn't seem SMSL are sending current units to Amir... either that or they're on "the shelf", but I'd say SMSL stopped.

It is the opposite. I must have a dozen SMSL devices here! Just so far behind. Review of this product will be out tomorrow.

 

[Dawsoo]

That is very good news Amir, I am very curious and will look forward to your measurements to see if they will be as nice as they appeared to me.

 

[SiR]

Can any SMSL RAW MDA 1 users, send this to @amirm to review it ?

Didn't expect from @amirm to review it soo soon

Thanks a lot Dear !!

 

[kajori]

It is the opposite. I must have a dozen SMSL devices here! Just so far behind. Review of this product will be out tomorrow.

After following ASR for years, I finally registered an account here to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt and genuine gratitude. Your work is immeasurable and a true blessing to the community. Thank you!

 

[JSmith]

@amirm's review is up for this;

SMSL RAW-MDA 1 DAC & Headphone Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL RAW-MDA 1 stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by SMSL and it is a collaboration with Shenzehenaudio (available elsewhere as well) and is on sale for $246. The first thing I noticed was the much more polished display. It is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[RoA]

Its clearly a re-hashed/old design if they still include MQA. Pass. Good thing is the next one will be out in two weeks.

 

[Firedancer0341]

I'm interested in this, but I don't know a ton about this stuff. I'm only looking for something for headphones and IEMs. I'm considering the Sennheiser HD600 or Hifiman Edition XS. I have the Performer 8 IEM. I don't have a desktop DAC or amp so I would be using this for both. This appears to perform better through the XLR output. If I buy a different cable with an XLR connector, would I benefit from that? Could it damage the headphones or IEMs? Some people seem to be making a big deal about the 5.2 Vrms power of the XLR out. Would this product be a good value for someone only using it for headphones and IEMs?

 

[staticV3]

I'm considering the Sennheiser HD600 or Hifiman Edition XS.

Both are fairly sensitive headphones that don't really need am Amp of the RAW-MDA1's caliber.
Something like the Topping DX1 would suffice.

This appears to perform better through the XLR output. If I buy a different cable with an XLR connector, would I benefit from that? Could it damage the headphones or IEMs?

The XLR output is a Line output and cannot be connected straight to a headphone.

It's purely for connecting external Amps and the like.

 

[Firedancer0341]

Both are fairly sensitive headphones that don't really need am Amp of the RAW-MDA1's caliber.
Something like the Topping DX1 would suffice.


The XLR output is a Line output and cannot be connected straight to a headphone.

It's purely for connecting external Amps

Thanks for your response. It doesn't look like the DX1 is balanced. Some people make it seem like the only way to get the most out of your headphones is through a true balanced output.

I do have an Ibasso DC07 pro. Would that power those headphones to their full potential?

Balanced:

510mW+510mW @16Ω
430mW+430mW @32Ω

Single ended:

210mW+210mW @16Ω
118mW+118mW @32Ω

I just want to make sure I would get the best performance from the headphones and IEMs: soundstage, detail, dynamics etc. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[staticV3]

It doesn't look like the DX1 is balanced. Some people make it seem like the only way to get the most out of your headphones is through a true balanced output.

That's not based on reality.

I do have an Ibasso DC07 pro. Would that power those headphones to their full potential?

If they play loud enough for you with no obvious distortion, then yes.