Does that indicate not updated, or not showing as updated?
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SMSL RAW-MDA 1 DAC & Headphone Amp Review
- Thread starter amirm
- Start date
ziggurcat
Major Contributor
I have no idea. It could really be either of those things. I don't have the MDA-1 anymore because of a few other reasons, but I definitely went through the update process a few times, and there was no indication that it failed.
Roland68
Master Contributor
Does the flash software not provide feedback as to whether the process was successful?
Unfortunately, SMSL often has this problem: the firmware isn't properly maintained, and the version numbers aren't correct.
Often, a single version number even contains multiple firmware versions with different changes.
Unfortunately, SMSL's business model doesn't include maintaining devices and fixing problems after their release; there are plenty of examples of this. Only when too many returns are threatened or occur do they address this issue half-heartedly at best.
ziggurcat
Major Contributor
It said that it installed successfully in the two times I went through the update process, but the version never changed in the menu, so there's no actual way of knowing whether it stuck
I tried both on Mac, and PC via VM. At the very least, they changed the updating process so that it is platform-independent, but it was the same result on either one.
It doesn't.
During the firmware update, the screen displays 2 loading bars, an orange one at the top and a blue one at the bottom.
The blue one at the bottom reaches 100% several times and on the last time it fills with orange instead of blue, like the one at the top.
After this final "orange loading", the unit automatically reboots with no indication of whether the update was successful.
As I reported before the reset menu shows version 1.00 and it's the only menu that reports the version number.
I tried to contact SMSL about it via their website and they asked me to direct the question to 2 other email addresses.
I will post again here if they respond.
Roland68
Master Contributor
It's truly disastrous to burden ordinary users with such poor update procedures
.You were presumably redirected to shenzhenaudio?
FYI, you didn't actually purchase a device from SMSL, but rather one from shenzhenaudio that SMSL produces for them (and perhaps even developed for them, at least in part).
You can always tell who a device is assigned to by the purchase link on the SMSL homepage. If the purchase link only points to a retailer, e.g., shenzhenaudio or aoshida, then it's not an SMSL device, but one from those retailers. They are then also responsible for any support and warranty services.
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It's truly disastrous to burden ordinary users with such poor update procedures
You were presumably redirected to shenzhenaudio?
Yes, they asked me to contact shenzhenaudio support plus another email that looks personal so I won't share it here.
Frankly speaking, I don't mind going through loops as long as they provide the support requested, we'll see.
I have also noticed another issue which is much more problematic.
There is clipping if I play music/sounds close to -0 dBFS while the DAC is set to Pre mode -> fixed -> -0.00 db -> unbalanced output.
I realized there was clipping while I was editing a sound file that didn't show any clipping in the editor, I normalized the file to -0.5 dBFS but my speakers kept clipping with sparkle like sounds coming out of the tweeters.
I can't test the headphone output for the same issue because with my Sundara headphones the volume is too high at -0 db and would likely damage my hearing.
Even the test sound played by the speaker test in the Windows audio configuration panel clips.
I didn't realize there was clipping because I use replaygain in foobar.
After disabling it, nearly all my music collection has clipping issues, I don't think files under 0dBFS should clip.
The clipping appears to stop if I set the DAC output to -5 db .
I still have no idea if it's a Windows issue, the XMOS drivers installed are version 5.70
There is clipping if I play music/sounds close to -0 dBFS while the DAC is set to Pre mode -> fixed -> -0.00 db -> unbalanced output.
I realized there was clipping while I was editing a sound file that didn't show any clipping in the editor, I normalized the file to -0.5 dBFS but my speakers kept clipping with sparkle like sounds coming out of the tweeters.
I can't test the headphone output for the same issue because with my Sundara headphones the volume is too high at -0 db and would likely damage my hearing.
Even the test sound played by the speaker test in the Windows audio configuration panel clips.
I didn't realize there was clipping because I use replaygain in foobar.
After disabling it, nearly all my music collection has clipping issues, I don't think files under 0dBFS should clip.
The clipping appears to stop if I set the DAC output to -5 db .
I still have no idea if it's a Windows issue, the XMOS drivers installed are version 5.70
I have had one of these units for around a couple of months now.
It’s begun to emit a low sort of high frequency buzzing noise when in standby mode.
The volume of the buzz isn’t high, but it’s definitely there. Makes me want to turn it off when not in use.
Should I be worried about this? Wondering if this can be expected, or if I should return the product as faulty?
It’s begun to emit a low sort of high frequency buzzing noise when in standby mode.
The volume of the buzz isn’t high, but it’s definitely there. Makes me want to turn it off when not in use.
Should I be worried about this? Wondering if this can be expected, or if I should return the product as faulty?
Is there anyone who has not suffered any issues with this unit? Possibly someone who has owned and used it already for several months.
I'm considering buying it, but I'm concerned about the issues explained in this thread.
As an alternative, I could consider buying the SMSL C200 PRO LDAC instead (hopefully with fewer issues).
I'm considering buying it, but I'm concerned about the issues explained in this thread.
As an alternative, I could consider buying the SMSL C200 PRO LDAC instead (hopefully with fewer issues).
Roland68
Master Contributor
The noise comes from the cheap switching power supply in the SMSL RAW-MDA 1.
You might have better luck with the next device, but it may only appear after some time, and it may also get louder.
Personally, I would not support such nonsensical austerity measures. Buy a device with an encapsulated power supply from Mean Well, Monsun, etc., or a transformer. Or a device with an external power supply that can be easily replaced.
Holdegron
Member
Hi
I have recently been testing this DAC.
Everything is ok, but I think the volume control scale could be a little better done.
For me, with Hifiman Ananda, a useful part of the regulation is from -40. You can't hear anything below.
For now, without defects described in this thread.
Sound is clearly better than K11 R2r.
Rob
I have recently been testing this DAC.
Everything is ok, but I think the volume control scale could be a little better done.
For me, with Hifiman Ananda, a useful part of the regulation is from -40. You can't hear anything below.
For now, without defects described in this thread.
Sound is clearly better than K11 R2r.
Rob
I wasn't expecting this but their support is quite lacking:
DAC output: unbalanced
DAC output volume: -0.0dB
Play a -1dBFS 1khz tone (any audio close to -0dBFS would work) with windows volume and the audio player/editor volume at 100%.
On my system, in the above conditions, the speakers crackle due to clipping.
If I lower the DAC volume to -2.0db the crackling of the speakers stops but the 1khz tone is incorrect.
If I lower the DAC volume further to -3.5db/-4.0db the tone plays correctly.
The clipping happens under the same conditions (volume 100%, DAC set to -0.0db) even if I play the Windows sound options "test" tone:
The test sound has clipping and doesn't sound clear until I lower the DAC volume to -4.0db.
I had a Topping E30 before and it never clipped with audio files close to -0dBFS.
All I did was installing the SMSL 5.70 drivers after removing the Topping drivers, nothing else has changed on Windows.
I didn't notice this issue at first because I use Replaygain in Foobar and it lowers the level of the audio further down, hiding the issue.
- I initially contacted [email protected] (address available on the official SMSL website) who asked me to direct the issues to SHENZHEN Audio ([email protected]).
- SHENZHEN Audio asked me to provide them a proof of purchase, after I provided them the invoice they responded that they don't provide support for units that have not been bought directly from their store and they added that "If you only need to ask technical questions, you can directly contact SMSL engineers ([email protected]) who will provide you with more detailed answers".
- I sent another email to [email protected] but after a week of waiting I haven't received any reply.
- 4 days ago I tried to contact [email protected] again, informing them of the emails I exchanged with SHENZHEN Audio and that [email protected] is not replying to my emails. I am still waiting for a reply from [email protected] , I will try to contact them again next week if they don't reply.
If you are using the DAC with a Windows system via USB, could you kindly check if you have audio clipping in the following conditions:
DAC output: unbalanced
DAC output volume: -0.0dB
Play a -1dBFS 1khz tone (any audio close to -0dBFS would work) with windows volume and the audio player/editor volume at 100%.
On my system, in the above conditions, the speakers crackle due to clipping.
If I lower the DAC volume to -2.0db the crackling of the speakers stops but the 1khz tone is incorrect.
If I lower the DAC volume further to -3.5db/-4.0db the tone plays correctly.
The clipping happens under the same conditions (volume 100%, DAC set to -0.0db) even if I play the Windows sound options "test" tone:
The test sound has clipping and doesn't sound clear until I lower the DAC volume to -4.0db.
I had a Topping E30 before and it never clipped with audio files close to -0dBFS.
All I did was installing the SMSL 5.70 drivers after removing the Topping drivers, nothing else has changed on Windows.
I didn't notice this issue at first because I use Replaygain in Foobar and it lowers the level of the audio further down, hiding the issue.
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Holdegron
Member
Unfortunately, I use as a source of Android. The player is a fiio music.
After the tests I decided to return this dac. Unfortunately, the headphone amplifier did not meet my expectations, it has poor dynamics and stage. SU-1 and the amplifier of my production (DIY) beat MD1 in almost every aspect. By the way, I found out what potential Ananda have.
After the tests I decided to return this dac. Unfortunately, the headphone amplifier did not meet my expectations, it has poor dynamics and stage. SU-1 and the amplifier of my production (DIY) beat MD1 in almost every aspect. By the way, I found out what potential Ananda have.
I sent to 2 more emails to [email protected] but I didn't receive any reply.
I guess I am out of luck, I wasn't expecting them to ignore emails from customers.
I am past the return period and the retailer can only provide legal warranty, which wouldn't solve anything because the issues would likely require a firmware update.
If you decide to buy this DAC, make sure you buy it only through the official SHENZHEN Audio store, otherwise you will be on your own if you require technical support.
I guess I am out of luck, I wasn't expecting them to ignore emails from customers.
I am past the return period and the retailer can only provide legal warranty, which wouldn't solve anything because the issues would likely require a firmware update.
If you decide to buy this DAC, make sure you buy it only through the official SHENZHEN Audio store, otherwise you will be on your own if you require technical support.
Bleib
Major Contributor
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Set the volume to -3dB or 4dB to prevent this
I did, I just find it strange that the default behavior of the unit doesn't account for clipping when it is set to -0.0db.
Clipping appears to disappear at -3.5db, judging using my ears and a 1khz tone.
I don't have the equipment to test if all the clipping distortion is actually gone at -3.5db, so I am keeping it at -4db to be safe.
Roland68
Master Contributor
You have to set the dimmer in the setup to 5-60 seconds, after which the display switches off.
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