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.