Shenzhen/SMSL RAW-HA1 Amplifier Review

[AnonYmous129]

Topping MX5 might be an option. It has a powerful headphone amp.

This is a great alternative - any idea there is an option from Topping or others with a subout as well. That would be the one additional component im looking for.

 

[AnonYmous129]

You've described everything pretty accurately, but the 2/5 rating is grossly understated.
Take all the things you listed and compare them to the prices of individual units (that cover your needs) or other all-in-one combines. You'll see that you need to increase your budget by 2.5-4 times.
So I totally agree with your impression, but considering the price of the RAW-HA1, it's at least a 4/5.

P.S. SMSL, for some reason unknown to me, uses a Type-C connector that is non-sprung and “split” (i.e. the screen is not one piece). Also the quality of this connector leaves much to be desired. Bend the connector blades between the housing and the connector itself by 0.2mm and my problem with this is solved (I have a not cheap cable YYTCG Hifi DAC A-C Alpha 6N OCC 3m), if I do not use the complete SMSL cable. This is also true for the SU-1 units and for the PS200, same problem there.
You do everything at your own risk, I am not responsible!

Came across this video that I think is worth a quick watch.

 

[Doodski]

Came across this video that I think is worth a quick watch.

Can you please define and provide more details about the video so that those that do not have the time to view the video can get a bit of details?

 

[Markus925]

I wanted to pick this amp for my desktop setup but I've heard that the built in DAC sucks. How much better sound would I get out of my Q Acoustics 3010c's with something that has a better DAC, like Eversolo Play or Wiim amp ultra?

 

[Ismapics]

I wanted to pick this amp for my desktop setup but I've heard that the built in DAC sucks. How much better sound would I get out of my Q Acoustics 3010c's with something that has a better DAC, like Eversolo Play or Wiim amp ultra?

Can any human actually tell one DAC from another these days?

 

[Markus925]

Can any human actually tell one DAC from another these days?

I don't know. I'm using Denon home 150 speaker atm and want to build my first decent hi-fi system for my desk. And it's hard to get honest information these days, especially on Youtube, because 90% of them are paid shills.

 

[staticV3]

I wanted to pick this amp for my desktop setup but I've heard that the built in DAC sucks.

See Amir's review:

 

[Markus925]

See Amir's review:
View attachment 458330

The problem is that I don't understand the graphs.

I'm not looking for anything top of the line, just want a good dac/amp for my Q Acoustics 3010c's.

 

[staticV3]

The problem is that I don't understand the graphs.

The RAW-HA1's output is identical whether you use Analog in or Digital in:

See how the graph doesn't change at all?

That means that the built-in DAC is indistinguishable from using purely analog in.

The RAW-HA1 as a whole is certainly not without flaws, but I'd be sceptical of claims that the integrated DAC is not up to snuff.

If the claimant didn't bring receipts, any kind of data to back up their words, then you can safely dismiss then altogether.

 

[Markus925]

The RAW-HA1's output is identical whether you use Analog in or Digital in:
View attachment 458337

See how the graph doesn't change at all?

That means that the built-in DAC is indistinguishable from using purely analog in.

The RAW-HA1 as a whole is certainly not without flaws, but I'd be sceptical of claims that the integrated DAC is not up to snuff.

If the claimant didn't bring receipts, any kind of data to back up their words, then you can safely dismiss then altogether.

Thank you.

It was the video below and then iiWi did a review on SMSL AO200 mkii that has the same hardware and said that DAC is not the best.

 

[Ismapics]

I don't know. I'm using Denon home 150 speaker atm and want to build my first decent hi-fi system for my desk. And it's hard to get honest information these days, especially on Youtube, because 90% of them are paid shills.

Agree they are all paid, I'll go further and say they are consciously and unconsciously (YT reviewers) being paid media. All the money that used to go to magazines and the traveling rep, is now bing directed to samples they send these so called reviewers. If disparage and say the truth too often the train of gear will spot and no content will follow.

 

[ThsM]

Thank you.

It was the video below and then iiWi did a review on SMSL AO200 mkii that has the same hardware and said that DAC is not the best.

I used to watch iiWi's "reviews" as well. But after some videos I had the impression, that every new product he reviewed was another new best thing. And the Amp/DAC/speaker he reviewed before was not even mentioned in comparison. So I stopped watching, as it made no sense to me.

 

[Markus925]

I used to watch iiWi's "reviews" as well. But after some videos I had the impression, that every new product he reviewed was another new best thing. And the Amp/DAC/speaker he reviewed before was not even mentioned in comparison. So I stopped watching, as it made no sense to me.

That's what they all do, every new product is the best thing since sliced bread. And those few cons are mentioned briefly ar the beginning so by the end of the video you forget about it.

 

[Roland68]

I wanted to pick this amp for my desktop setup but I've heard that the built in DAC sucks. How much better sound would I get out of my Q Acoustics 3010c's with something that has a better DAC, like Eversolo Play or Wiim amp ultra?

The problem is that I don't understand the graphs.

I'm not looking for anything top of the line, just want a good dac/amp for my Q Acoustics 3010c's.

As @staticV3 already wrote, the measured values don't change, regardless of whether they're coming through the RAW-HA1's analog input or the DAC.
How could it be otherwise? No matter how good the DAC in the RAW-HA1 is, it's completely limited by the Infinion amplifier circuit.
So if someone says the DAC in the RAW-HA1 is bad, they either have no idea what's going on, or they've disassembled the RAW-HA1 and taken a measurement inside the device, directly between the DAC output and the NJW1194 chip.
You can't upgrade anything with that device, since you can't access the DAC output, and a different DAC wouldn't change anything.


However, I personally wouldn't buy a RAW-HA1 either; the price/performance ratio of the SMSL Infinion amplifier isn't good enough for me in terms of the measured values.
For example, with an SU-1 or C100 and a Fosi V3 Stereo, PA5 II, 3E Audio A5se, A5, A7se, A7 etc. you get something cheaper and/or something with significantly better measured values.

 

[Markus925]

As @staticV3 already wrote, the measured values don't change, regardless of whether they're coming through the RAW-HA1's analog input or the DAC.
How could it be otherwise? No matter how good the DAC in the RAW-HA1 is, it's completely limited by the Infinion amplifier circuit.
So if someone says the DAC in the RAW-HA1 is bad, they either have no idea what's going on, or they've disassembled the RAW-HA1 and taken a measurement inside the device, directly between the DAC output and the NJW1194 chip.
You can't upgrade anything with that device, since you can't access the DAC output, and a different DAC wouldn't change anything.


However, I personally wouldn't buy a RAW-HA1 either; the price/performance ratio of the SMSL Infinion amplifier isn't good enough for me in terms of the measured values.
For example, with an SU-1 or C100 and a Fosi V3 Stereo, PA5 II, 3E Audio A5se, A5, A7se, A7 etc. you get something cheaper and/or something with significantly better measured values.

The problem is that I want an AIO device because my desk isn't very big. What would you suggest instead of Raw HA1 (which is 175 euros on Hifigo atm)?

My speakers are Q Acoustics 3010c.

 

[Roland68]

The problem is that I want an AIO device because my desk isn't very big. What would you suggest instead of Raw HA1 (which is 175 euros on Hifigo atm)?

My speakers are Q Acoustics 3010c.

Unfortunately, there aren't any really good all-in-one devices in this price range. I'd say goodbye to them.
For example, the Fosi V3 Stereo and the SU-1/C100 are much smaller than the RAW-HA1, especially because you can stack them on top of each other, and the power supply has somewhere to go. But that also applies to the other devices.
You also have more flexibility because you can upgrade them individually, and it's also an advantage in the event of a defect.

But the RAW-HA1 isn't a bad device and is reasonably priced for the price.
The choice is yours.

 

[MacP]

I have this amplifier, is great, but the only thing I don't like about it is the significantly lower volume level achieved from the coaxial input. I also have its "twin" amplifier, the AO300, and the volume from the coaxial and RCA analog inputs is very similar.

A bit mysterious firmware update for this model also appeared on the SMSL website, but without any instructions on how to perform the update and what it's for. Does anyone know anything about this?

https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/downlist/id/13.html

 

[Tweeter2016]

Hello everyone!

What would you choose, which SMSL AMP with Infineon chip and quality DAC:
- SMSL AO300
- SMSL AO200 MK2
- SMSL AL200
or this one - SMSL HA1
???

If possible, write few sentences - why would you choose particular AMP. Thanks!

For me DAC is most important, I want to connect AMP to Wiim Ultra streamer and USHER S520 speakers or Bowers&&Wilkins 607 S3.

Thank you for your time and help!

 

[Roland68]

Hello everyone!

What would you choose, which SMSL AMP with Infineon chip and quality DAC:
- SMSL AO300
- SMSL AO200 MK2
- SMSL AL200
or this one - SMSL HA1
???

If possible, write few sentences - why would you choose particular AMP. Thanks!

For me DAC is most important, I want to connect AMP to Wiim Ultra streamer and USHER S520 speakers or Bowers&&Wilkins 607 S3.

Thank you for your time and help!

I wouldn't buy any of these amplifiers again, except for very specific reasons.
I had the AO300, AO200, AO200 MK II, and A300.
The other amplifiers are also very similar in terms of their amplifier components, and they are otherwise very similar devices in different package designs and with different distribution channels.
These Infineon amplifiers have, among other things, significant weaknesses in their load dependence. Well-implanted TPA325Xs, such as the 3E Audio A5/A7 series or Topping's PA5 II, are significantly superior. The same applies to measured values and noise, which can be particularly noticeable in a desktop setup.
An SU-1, an E30 (II), or even the D1 Rohm DAC are slightly better, although perhaps only in terms of measured values.
If an HPA is also desired, a combination of the DX5 II and one of the above amplifiers is a killer combination.
If you need a bit more power, I highly recommend the A30a, which also saves you the DAC.

The AO300 wasn't a bad device for me, but the better is the enemy of the good. This probably applies to the other relatively similar devices as well.
If you don't have impedance-critical speakers, the other factors aren't so important, and you absolutely have to have an all-in-one desktop, it's not a bad choice.

I just read that you have a WiiM Ultra as a source. The DAC in these amplifiers won't be any better, and with the Infineon, you're neutering the WiiU Ultra, in my opinion.
One of the amplifiers listed above or the WiiM Vibelink Amp would be a much better fit.

 

[Tweeter2016]

Thank you for your comprehensive reply.

I was unaware of this load dependency. I was originally considering two Fosi V3 mono amplifiers or one Fosi ZA-3. However, colleagues on a local forum directed me towards amplifiers based on Infineon chips. I am quite familiar with the Audiophonics website, but the 3E Audio A5 and 3E Audio A7 amplifiers are new to me, and I was not familiar with this Topping model (PA5) either. I need to read up on them and learn more.
I am very familiar with the SABAJ A30A, which is recommended by most of my colleagues on the forum. It is an amplifier based on (and basically a clone of) the Harman Kardon Citation model, which the Chinese have copied to a large extent. Interestingly, the HK is cheaper than the SABAJ.

Which is likely to sound better:

-Topping DX5 II DAC with one of the aforementioned amplifiers based on Texas Instruments
or
- SABAJ A30A or HK Citation??

I do not have a WiiM Ultra, but it is potentially the most interesting streamer for me due to its good functionality/price ratio.