SMSL RAW-MDA 1 DAC & Headphone Amp Review

[sonci99]

Honestly we don't know that the problem is our home wiring, this is not my first dac.
To those who use this dac with a pc, and if it's a pc used only for music, you can install windows 7.
With windows 7 this dac has been pretty much flawless, apart from touching issue.

 

[Burns]

Is SMSL RAW-MDA 1 set only in the DAC mode.

After switching to headphone mode, will the front outputs automatically have volume control available or do I also have to go into the menu and change the setting from DAC only to pre-amp mode?

By the opposite reasoning, I want to avoid a situation where I stop listening to headphones. I do not use the RAW-MDA 1 Menu because I forget to change pre-amp to dac only and my stationary amplifier will roar with great power and cause noise or damage to the speakers

To simplify.
Connecting headphones I want to have the volume control on the front.
Unplugging the headphones DAC remains in DAC only mode and has a fixed volume on the XLR outputs, I can only change the output mode, I do not want to use other menu variables.

Fixed volume for headphones will be useless to me!

From what I see topping dx3 pro+ and dx9 can work as headphone amp + line out simultaneously
Other devices like topping L70 on Line/XLR output work with variable voltage as pre-amp
So what about this SMSL RAW-MDA1?

Can someone check this and answer? Please.

 

[escalibur]

Is anyone having an issue with no sound? USB in and 4.4 headphone out. The device wroks perfectly (no noise issue, popping sounds etc..) but so far I had no sound issue about 3 times aready. I tried to disable and enable device in Windows 11 Device Manager -> no luck. Also re-plugging the USB cable makes no difference. I have updated the firware a few weeks ago, so it should be the latest one?

Now I'm starting to have 'right channel issue' where there is no sound on the right channel after the device has been idling for some time. Rebooting the device fixes the problem until this happens again.

 

[frgmnt]

Can someone check this and answer? Please.

Don't have my RAW-MDA1 anymore, but from what I remember, the fixed volume is only for the outputs in the back. You can just leave the outputs for all outputs to be on, and the volume wheel controls only the front outputs.

Now I'm starting to have 'right channel issue' where there is no sound on the right channel after the device has been idling for some time. Rebooting the device fixes the problem until this happens again.

It sounds like the issue that I was having with my units, which was probably due to ESD discharge. Not sure if it is possible for a firmware update to fix this, and they have yet to provide any updates for this device. Only real way to "fix" this is to just get a different DAC/amp. You can do some things that could probably make this happen less often, such as running a humidifier in the room, or use an anti-static spray on your chair/carpet.

 

[Totemis]

@frgmnt please, could you tell me where i can check in the smsl menu, the firmware version installed ?​

thanks

 

[frgmnt]

I don't have the RAW-MDA1 anymore, but it should be the same as my Topping D50 III. Go into the SMSL audio control panel and go into the "Info" tab. The revision should be the firmware version. Your driver version will be under the "About" tab.

 

[Totemis]

@frgmnt issue solved : in fact, you have to go in the smsl menu, press Reset, and you can see the firmware version installed in the Raw MDA 1

 

[Totemis]

I found a problem with one of the two coax input of the SMSL Raw Mda-1.
With the same player (Hiby R6 III) , the same Hiby (usb-c to rca coax) , Smsl input in coax 1 play OK,
With Smsl input coax 2 the sound is harsh and cut - impossible to use -
I try all the check-up parameters in the Hiby (gain, volume, usb), no change... trying to modify the jitter in the Smsl... No change...
I test the Hiby cable with coax input on Fosi MC351 > it's OK.
Something strange, the Hiby cable is about 1 meter long, i notice if the Hiby player is near the Smsl the sound cut much more with coax 2.
With coax input 1 no problem on the top of the Smsl !
I don't try yet with an other player, coax to coax, i have to found one...
I don't try yet Smsl optical input.
it's really sad, because the sound is really great with my Macbook pro output Usb-c and Smsl usb-c input. Great also with bluetooth Aptx-HD and Ldac.
No problem with headphone output, sound excellent ! Better than the Hiby headphone output or Dac output...
Let me know if you have some explanations... and if i have to return it quickly and buy an other model with similar characteristics...

 

[Burns]

- I received my device
- it works as I intended, there is a volume control for headphones when the outputs are locked to constant voltage
- the device plays and sings very well
- it provides good amplification for headphones
- the knob was made from a Coca-Cola bottle cap = plastic!
- the display is the same as in most SMSL products
- you can see and feel the savings, the device's casing is thinner and lighter than in DO200 / DO300 / SU9pro
- dual digital inputs are an advantage
- there is no analogue line input / bypass
- there is no 12V trigger - too bad
- the remote control is cheap
- the USB input is only active when it is selected in the MDA1 menu. Switching the device to standby mode disconnects the device from the computer. The computer can handle this, but Wiim ultra does not, in order for USB to be detected again you have to click through all sources. In general, the current-hardware implementation of SMLS is different than Topping, SMSL works a bit strangely, more from the dinosaur era. I have the impression that changing the SMSL source works on some relays, you can hear clicking when changing. Probably in Topping it is handled by some chip - microprocessor. It is faster, probably all of them are active all the time, maybe with some residual voltage
Generally, the product can be fitted between: Topping DX3pro+ >>>RAW-MDA1>>>Topping E70.
Topping products have a better implementation for me, they are better made. The sheet metal in appearance and touch gives a more premium impression. The implementation is better.

RAW-MDA1 - apart from the stupid current implementation for USB for me, I did not discover any problems with ambient electrostatics, no cutting off and skipping in Tidal played from a computer and Wiim. I have to check all inputs after the colleague's entry above. Before the update I had the same software version as after the update. (I do not have the device in front of me now - I will check later)

I will either keep RAW-MDA1 or replace it with Topping L70amp (I already have DAC E70)

 

[sonci99]

- I received my device
- it works as I intended, there is a volume control for headphones when the outputs are locked to constant voltage
- the device plays and sings very well
- it provides good amplification for headphones
- the knob was made from a Coca-Cola bottle cap = plastic!
- the display is the same as in most SMSL products
- you can see and feel the savings, the device's casing is thinner and lighter than in DO200 / DO300 / SU9pro
- dual digital inputs are an advantage
- there is no analogue line input / bypass
- there is no 12V trigger - too bad
- the remote control is cheap
- the USB input is only active when it is selected in the MDA1 mwnu. Switching the device to standby mode disconnects the device from the computer. The computer can handle this, but Wiim ultra does not, in order for USB to be detected again you have to click through all sources. In general, the current-hardware implementation of SMLS is different than Topping, SMSL works a bit strangely, more from the dinosaur era. I have the impression that changing the SMSL source works on some relays, you can hear clicking when changing. Probably in Topping it is handled by some chip - microprocessor. It is faster, probably all of them are active all the time, maybe with some residual voltage
Generally, the product can be fitted between: Topping DX3pro+ >>>RAW-MDA1>>>Topping E70.
Topping products have a better implementation for me, they are better made. The sheet metal in appearance and touch gives a more premium impression. The implementation is better.

RAW-MDA1 - apart from the stupid current implementation for USB for me, I did not discover any problems with ambient electrostatics, no cutting off and skipping in Tidal played from a computer and Wiim. I have to check all inputs after the colleague's entry above. Before the update I had the same software version as after the update. (I do not have the device in front of me now - I will check later)

I will either keep RAW-MDA1 or replace it with Topping L70amp (I already have DAC E70)

I hope you won't have any issues, but I really doubt it.
As for the built quality, I think it's ok for the price. I have another chinese dac Sabaj 2023, which is probably the same company, and is much better built but also a bit more expensive.

 

[JinX11]

Ok, I think one of the things causing audio not working is simply idle time. Connected to USB input from my PC. If I have no audio for 30 minutes or so, then when I try to play something, nothing comes out. Some faint popping/clicking is all. Have to restart device.

Gonna send this thing back.

 

[Bleib]

That might be down to energy saving features on the source.

I've tested a lot of DACs and only SMSL B200 has a longer delay before audio turns on.
Currently SMSL DL200, SMSL RAW-MDA1 and PS200 all work fine

 

[JinX11]

That might be down to energy saving features on the source.

I've tested a lot of DACs and only SMSL B200 has a longer delay before audio turns on.
Currently SMSL DL200, SMSL RAW-MDA1 and PS200 all work fine

Had the same thought - power settings were the first thing I checked. Everything is off.

 

[delta76]

I found a problem with one of the two coax input of the SMSL Raw Mda-1.
With the same player (Hiby R6 III) , the same Hiby (usb-c to rca coax) , Smsl input in coax 1 play OK,
With Smsl input coax 2 the sound is harsh and cut - impossible to use -
I try all the check-up parameters in the Hiby (gain, volume, usb), no change... trying to modify the jitter in the Smsl... No change...
I test the Hiby cable with coax input on Fosi MC351 > it's OK.
Something strange, the Hiby cable is about 1 meter long, i notice if the Hiby player is near the Smsl the sound cut much more with coax 2.
With coax input 1 no problem on the top of the Smsl !
I don't try yet with an other player, coax to coax, i have to found one...
I don't try yet Smsl optical input.
it's really sad, because the sound is really great with my Macbook pro output Usb-c and Smsl usb-c input. Great also with bluetooth Aptx-HD and Ldac.
No problem with headphone output, sound excellent ! Better than the Hiby headphone output or Dac output...
Let me know if you have some explanations... and if i have to return it quickly and buy an other model with similar characteristics...

have had a C200 I'm not surprised. performance wise they can't be beaten for the price, but stability is a real issue. The next DAC/HP amp I buy would be from JDS Labs

 

[Burns]

Unfortunately, I found the first problem! When I connect headphones and the device is set to headphone output mode, the device restarts. Even through the included 6.3 to 3.5mm adapter and any other. I wonder if this can irreversibly damage the device? I even tried with rubber gloves to ensure electrostatic isolation. It restarts every time.
The device will not restart when headphones are connected in rear output mode.
Can anyone check this on their own?

 

[flint350]

Just yesterday I was doing a bunch of A-B testing btwn the SMSL and my Topping DX9. I was quickly plugging and unplugging to/from the headphone amp using the 4.4mm jack. Not once did it fail, restart, snap-crackle-or-pop. Very smooth operation. I was mostly just trying to hear the difference btwn the ESS 9039 in the SMSL and AKM 4499EQ in the Topping. Neither machine so much as hissed during all this plugging and unplugging. So far I've had no issue whatever with either device and specifically none of the reported issues others in this thread are reporting on the SMSL. Maybe I'm just lucky (usually not.)

 

[Burns]

Just yesterday I was doing a bunch of A-B testing btwn the SMSL and my Topping DX9. I was quickly plugging and unplugging to/from the headphone amp using the 4.4mm jack. Not once did it fail, restart, snap-crackle-or-pop. Very smooth operation. I was mostly just trying to hear the difference btwn the ESS 9039 in the SMSL and AKM 4499EQ in the Topping. Neither machine so much as hissed during all this plugging and unplugging. So far I've had no issue whatever with either device and specifically none of the reported issues others in this thread are reporting on the SMSL. Maybe I'm just lucky (usually not.)

my previous post also believed in luck, despite the fact that the condition of the Amazon packaging indicates that the equipment may come from a return. we are on the ASR forum. I don't believe this forum either. Unfortunately, they are right. I have a dozen or so DACs connected in parallel, at least three at a time. DO200, DO300, RAWMDA2, E70, E70Velvet, Dx3Pro+. They all measure identically to my ears. I connected them through speakers, through headphones, it is always the same. Returning to Rawmda1. If these were products, the successor to DO300 had dual digital inputs. if I had HDMI ARC, if it had an aluminum housing, a metal knob, if it had a 12v trigger (apparently Topping has a patent), I would give the office $500-750 for it. I can spend a little and a lot of money on a complete product. A prosthesis of a good device is not worth $1. RawMda1 is a Chinese saving made from Chinese Coca-Cola cans because someone was in a hurry and tried to get a low price. If someone doesn't understand what I mean, I suggest you combine the RAW-MDW1 review with the DL100 and draw your own conclusions. It could have been a good product but it turned out to be an elephant's poop.

Topping E70 eats RAW-MDA1 for breakfast without drinking anything. On sale they cost similarly, less than $300. Unfortunately, the L70&E70 combo costs twice as much, i.e. about $600.

The device(RAW-MDA1) that creates a current short circuit is worth -1

 

[Burns]

The device again performed a series of restarts when connecting the 3.5mm extension cable. I wanted to do evening listening on headphones. I am returning RAW-MDA1 in fear for my life and the health of my ears. It clearly accumulates electrostatic charges and has a problem with grounding.

it's a pity that this happened, because the device plays and sings great. I have the impression that two processors play better than one regular processor. It seems to me that they play just as well as one PRO processor.

Secondly, I do not recognize and do not need MQA, but I decided to test it. Tidal has the rest of MQA tracks. RAW-MDA1 detects mqa only in 3 seconds of the track. In the 4th second there is a break in sound playback because the processor switches from 44.1 encoding to e.g. 384kHz...
(I can't check it now, I have no way to do it, but it seems to me that the 9039M_PRO processor had no delay and did it from the beginning of the song....)

 

[JIW]

The device again performed a series of restarts when connecting the 3.5mm extension cable. I wanted to do evening listening on headphones. I am returning RAW-MDA1 in fear for my life and the health of my ears. It clearly accumulates electrostatic charges and has a problem with grounding.

it's a pity that this happened, because the device plays and sings great. I have the impression that two processors play better than one regular processor. It seems to me that they play just as well as one PRO processor.

Secondly, I do not recognize and do not need MQA, but I decided to test it. Tidal has the rest of MQA tracks. RAW-MDA1 detects mqa only in 3 seconds of the track. In the 4th second there is a break in sound playback because the processor switches from 44.1 encoding to e.g. 384kHz...
(I can't check it now, I have no way to do it, but it seems to me that the 9039M_PRO processor had no delay and did it from the beginning of the song....)

My DL200 using one 9039Q2M recognises MQA from Qobuz instantly.

 

[Burns]

My DL200 using one 9039Q2M recognises MQA from Qobuz instantly.

it's possible that it's the fault of the song or the mqa being sewn into the song. it's true that some are smooth and some with a skip in about 4s https://tidal.com/track/165535576?u

this maq is not important to me. The problem of electrostatic charge accumulation and device restarts under their influence is a real problem!