Shenzhen/SMSL RAW-HA1 Amplifier Review

[totti1965]

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.

What about also considering a WiiM Amp Ultra?
A Killer all-in-one solution.
To expensive?

'Wiim announce WiiM Amp Ultra'

May 14, 2025

Wiim amp ultra

Looks like wiim have announced the obvious next stage in their extensive lineup, a streamer/amp combo. Just one high performing device sounds good to me, though some of you may require higher power. I certainly don't in my small lounge. Amazed they've essentially merged an ultra, and an amp into the same dimensions. Hope it has vents.

• holbob
• Replies: 398
• Forum: Home Music Servers, Computers and Streamers

• 

thw

 

[Tweeter2016]

I'm not saying it's too expensive. I might consider it, and I also like the Eversolo Play. Both have everything I need (in terms of features).
I've always been a bit wary of All-In-One equipment. They have many features in a small package, but doesn't that negatively affect the sound quality? (To ensure good sound, you usually need several separate components, which together cost a lot more).

I don't know much about the Wiim Ultra Amp or the Eversolo Play, how do they compare in terms of sound quality to the Infineon and TI amplifiers mentioned above?
I can see that they have decent DACs.

For me, the most important thing is the sound. How does it compare to the SABAJ A30A / HK Citation AMP?

I also care about:

- compatibility with music streaming services: Qobuz and Tidal in particular
- playback of FLAC and other files from USB (flash drive)
- it would be nice to have a Room Correction option
- the equipment should have firmware updates, so that in 2 years' time there aren't newer toys available and they've forgotten about it

I see you have LS50 Metas with this WiiM - very good and demanding speakers (I have heard).

Thanks!

 

[Roland68]

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.

The Sabaj A30a is definitely not a copy or knockoff of the Citation. Aside from the Axign chip, the two devices have nothing in common. The A30a has a completely different design and uses completely different components and circuitry in all key areas.
The A30a is more powerful and can handle much more power than the Citation.
The Citation also has a streaming amplifier with a completely different design than the A30a.

The A30a's design is also completely different from any other device. Other users and I have written a lot about the design in the A30a thread.

The DX5 II is only interesting if you need a good and powerful headphone amplifier, or the PEQ function.
If you buy a WiiM Ultra, the DAC and PEQ would be superfluous, as they are already well integrated.
The DX5 II wouldn't make any sense with the A30a.

 

[Tweeter2016]

Thank you for the information about SABAJ and HK. I have read some incorrect information; it is sometimes difficult to verify what people write on the Internet.

In your opinion, which would be a better solution:
SABAJ A30A + WiiM Ultra
or AIO sets:
WiiM Ultra Amp or Eversolo Play
??

To be honest, I like both solutions. While I know almost nothing about these AIOs, I have heard a lot of good things about SABAJ.

Thanks!

 

[totti1965]

I'm not saying it's too expensive. I might consider it, and I also like the Eversolo Play. Both have everything I need (in terms of features).
I've always been a bit wary of All-In-One equipment. They have many features in a small package, but doesn't that negatively affect the sound quality? (To ensure good sound, you usually need several separate components, which together cost a lot more).

I don't know much about the Wiim Ultra Amp or the Eversolo Play, how do they compare in terms of sound quality to the Infineon and TI amplifiers mentioned above?
I can see that they have decent DACs.

For me, the most important thing is the sound. How does it compare to the SABAJ A30A / HK Citation AMP?

I also care about:

- compatibility with music streaming services: Qobuz and Tidal in particular
- playback of FLAC and other files from USB (flash drive)
- it would be nice to have a Room Correction option
- the equipment should have firmware updates, so that in 2 years' time there aren't newer toys available and they've forgotten about it

I see you have LS50 Metas with this WiiM - very good and demanding speakers (I have heard).

Thanks!

The foto is from RyanwithWiiM - WiiM admin.

WiiM is a bit like Sonos was 10 years ago: The market leader - best price to performance ratio and a huuuuuge team of engineers in the background (many worked for google before).

Updates are on a monthly base.

And yes, the Sabaji A30a is a serious amp and has not much to to with the Citation.

What about combining a WiiM Pro Plus with a Sabaji A30a?

I am using a WiiMPro Plus and roon and combine it with a pair of Topping B100 -but:
2x40 Watts or so will perhaps not be enough power for you…

I can tell you, I can’t be more satisfied as I am with roon and my beloved WiiM Pro plus!
It surprises me day after day with its possibilities!

I don’t need much power, so the Topping B100 is also as perfect for me as an amp as the WiiM Pro Plus is as an streamer AND DAC!

 

[Roland68]

Thank you for the information about SABAJ and HK. I have read some incorrect information; it is sometimes difficult to verify what people write on the Internet.

In your opinion, which would be a better solution:
SABAJ A30A + WiiM Ultra
or AIO sets:
WiiM Ultra Amp or Eversolo Play
??

To be honest, I like both solutions. While I know almost nothing about these AIOs, I have heard a lot of good things about SABAJ.

Thanks!

Ask three people and you'll get five opinions.
That's a personal decision you have to make and live with.

I'm personally not a fan of AIOs, as they always have, or can have, limitations. But that is just a personal opinion that no one has to follow.

 

[Tweeter2016]

@Roland68 - you are completely right and you have made good summary.

I also prefer to have everything in several parts (it has its advantages) rather than AIO devices. I will probably go for the SABAJ A30A, but I will look for an interesting streamer (I will probably end up with the WiiM Ultra, but I want to learn more about the competition). Ultimately, I will try the A30A – I have heard too many good reviews about it not to give it a go.

Thanks, have a great rest of the weekend!

 

[Tweeter2016]

What about combining a WiiM Pro Plus with a Sabaji A30a?

Not bad idea of course, but I prefer to have LCD display.
Do your WiiM Pro Plus play FLAC/ MP3/ M4A audio files from NAS / external hard drives or pen-drives (USB)?

 

[totti1965]

Not bad idea of course, but I prefer to have LCD display.
Do your WiiM Pro Plus play FLAC/ MP3/ M4A audio files from NAS / external hard drives or pen-drives (USB)?

I don’t know anything about M4A. The WiiM Pro Plus is a Streamer with a very very good AKM 4493EQ DAC inside. So it has a network / Internet connection (RJ45).
I only use Tidal so far. Streaming Service. If a NAS would be part of the network, Roon would found it and would play pretty much everything you throw (in stereo) at the WiiM.
USB would only work via USB (A) to S/PDif adaptor. Not the best choice. Maybe the Bandwith would drop.
Maybe the WiiM Ultra Devices are -for these usecases- the better option: I need the USB-C input for giving the WiiM Pro plus its connection to the powersupply.
So: Better use LAN or WLAN. Or Google connect!

For navigating in Roon I use my iPad. So I don’t need a screen.
The WiiM is hiding under a cupboard.

In this moment I am looking also at YouTube videos and the sound is perfectly streamed via WiiM to the Amps.
Modern Times!
With Sonos this was a mess.