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SMSL DO100 Pro vs. RAW-MDA1

Different opamps and hdmi arc on DO100pro, no headphone amp on DO100pro
 
As a fun hair pulling exercise ask Gemini to list differences between models.... :D
 
Hmm, I can't seem to find the difference between OPA1612 and OPA1612A.
Meta AI says

The OPA1612 and OPA1612A are both high-performance, audio-grade operational amplifiers (op-amps) manufactured by Texas Instruments. While they share many similarities, there are key differences:

*OPA1612:*

1. Original version, released in 2014
2. High-speed, low-noise, and low-distortion op-amp
3. Gain Bandwidth Product (GBW): 20 MHz
4. Slew Rate: 20 V/μs
5. Noise: 4.5 nV/√Hz
6. THD+N: -120 dB

*OPA1612A:*

1. Enhanced version, released in 2019
2. Improved noise performance and lower distortion
3. GBW: 20 MHz (same as OPA1612)
4. Slew Rate: 25 V/μs (slightly faster)
5. Noise: 3.5 nV/√Hz (30% reduction)
6. THD+N: -130 dB (10 dB improvement)

Key differences:

1. *Noise performance*: OPA1612A has lower noise (3.5 nV/√Hz) compared to OPA1612 (4.5 nV/√Hz).
2. *Distortion*: OPA1612A has lower THD+N (-130 dB) compared to OPA1612 (-120 dB).
3. *Slew Rate*: OPA1612A is slightly faster (25 V/μs) than OPA1612 (20 V/μs).

The OPA1612A is considered a "drop-in" replacement for the OPA1612, with improved performance. However, the original OPA1612 remains a popular choice for many audio applications.

*When to choose OPA1612A:*

1. Critical audio applications requiring ultra-low noise and distortion.
2. High-end audio equipment, such as professional audio gear or audiophile-grade equipment.
3. Applications requiring improved slew rate.

*When to choose OPA1612:*

1. Less demanding audio applications where noise and distortion are not as critical.
2. Cost-sensitive designs where the original OPA1612 is sufficient.
3. Existing designs already using OPA1612, where a replacement with OPA1612A is not necessary.

Would you like more information on op-amps or audio design considerations?
 
Hmm, I can't seem to find the difference between OPA1612 and OPA1612A.
Both devices were developed and manufactured for other distributors. You can tell this from the fact that none of the devices are listed on HiFi-Express. For example, you won't find a single device from the DO series.

Both devices probably have the same development basis (as is often the case with SMSL, Sabaj and Loxjie) and only differ in their obvious features. Basically, you have to decide between HDMI ARC or more digital interfaces.

There is only OPA1612A, and the descriptions of the equipment and components are unfortunately often incorrect and incomplete
 
Meta AI says

The OPA1612 and OPA1612A are both high-performance, audio-grade operational amplifiers (op-amps) manufactured by Texas Instruments. While they share many similarities, there are key differences:

*OPA1612:*

1. Original version, released in 2014
2. High-speed, low-noise, and low-distortion op-amp
3. Gain Bandwidth Product (GBW): 20 MHz
4. Slew Rate: 20 V/μs
5. Noise: 4.5 nV/√Hz
6. THD+N: -120 dB

*OPA1612A:*

1. Enhanced version, released in 2019
2. Improved noise performance and lower distortion
3. GBW: 20 MHz (same as OPA1612)
4. Slew Rate: 25 V/μs (slightly faster)
5. Noise: 3.5 nV/√Hz (30% reduction)
6. THD+N: -130 dB (10 dB improvement)

Key differences:

1. *Noise performance*: OPA1612A has lower noise (3.5 nV/√Hz) compared to OPA1612 (4.5 nV/√Hz).
2. *Distortion*: OPA1612A has lower THD+N (-130 dB) compared to OPA1612 (-120 dB).
3. *Slew Rate*: OPA1612A is slightly faster (25 V/μs) than OPA1612 (20 V/μs).

The OPA1612A is considered a "drop-in" replacement for the OPA1612, with improved performance. However, the original OPA1612 remains a popular choice for many audio applications.

*When to choose OPA1612A:*

1. Critical audio applications requiring ultra-low noise and distortion.
2. High-end audio equipment, such as professional audio gear or audiophile-grade equipment.
3. Applications requiring improved slew rate.

*When to choose OPA1612:*

1. Less demanding audio applications where noise and distortion are not as critical.
2. Cost-sensitive designs where the original OPA1612 is sufficient.
3. Existing designs already using OPA1612, where a replacement with OPA1612A is not necessary.

Would you like more information on op-amps or audio design considerations?
The information from Meta AI is super reliable. Maybe TI should also use Meta AI to update their data.

I still have the original data sheet for the OPA1612 from 2009 on my Mac and even then there was only the OPA1612A, and, what a surprise, the same technical data as in the current data sheet.
TI must have made a few mistakes in their information, at least according to Meta AI. (And if anyone doesn't understand, that was pure and evil sarcasm)

@RedeemerOfSouls
The OPA1612A is in both devices.

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[Apologies, I meant DO100 Pro instead of the D100]

Is the SMSL DO100 Pro just a RAW-MDA1 w/o the color display and the dual optical and coaxial inputs?
You can also look for returns on Amazon for Loxjie D40Pro and SMSL DO400 (identical devices). Significantly better and higher quality with very good and powerful HPA, than returns on Amazon for €300 - €380.
If the device doesn't work properly, you can send it back.

If you're looking for something else with a powerful speaker amplifier, SMSL AO300 and Loxjie A40, also identical and with HDMI ARC.
 
You can also look for returns on Amazon for Loxjie D40Pro and SMSL DO400 (identical devices). Significantly better and higher quality with very good and powerful HPA, than returns on Amazon for €300 - €380.
If the device doesn't work properly, you can send it back.

If you're looking for something else with a powerful speaker amplifier, SMSL AO300 and Loxjie A40, also identical and with HDMI ARC.
Thanks. I’m trying to keep things under $150, but I’d happily make an exception for the RAW-MDA1 if it drops under $200. Let’s hope this upcoming Black Friday holds some nice surprises in this regard. And the D40Pro/DO400 are really overkill for me. Maybe even the RAW-MDA1 too—hence I’d pro’lly be happiest with the DO100 Pro for anywhere under $150.
 
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