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SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 Balanced DAC Review

Rate this DAC:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 2 1.0%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 8 4.0%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 51 25.8%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 137 69.2%

  • Total voters
    198
Not speaking for anyone else but for ME what make the RME better are:
PEQ
Excellent automatic loudness feature
Very good headphone amp
A LOT of features and flexibility (actually this is a double-edged sword as the manual is huge and daunting and the menus aren't very intuitive but you can do a lot)
Proven track record of support both in servicing and software updates even for older models
Very high quality construction

Adding to why you might want an RME ADI FS 2, even at about twice the price:
  1. You can create, store, and bring up nine PEQ presets. Some files in my digital library were engineered in the modern manner of too much emphasis on the bass, some sound like almost direct vinyl captures, some are just right. It's nice to have compensating PEQ curves.
  2. The SMSL volume control is not documented in any detail in the user manual. And there is a so-called PRE mode toggle for fixed volume versus volume control. What's going on that you want that?
  3. The RME volume control can be set across a really wide range. It is documented in detail. If you have another volume control in a subsequent box (preamp, amp), you have great latitude to find which you like to set and forget - at what specific level - while using the other control during listening.
  4. Last and least, the RME has a documented clipping indicator. Does the SMSL?
 
the usual excellent Dac from SMSL….

I counted 41 on their website. Who knows if in addition to the SINAD record they want to make the record of devices on sale at the same time…

Can I say something? I would do a few less and start focusing on: assistance, manuals, “soul” of the brand, materials and construction….
in short the hardware is now excellent but these products lack that pinch of desirability that we enthusiasts often like….
don't get me wrong: I'm not looking for the boutique device that doesn't work, but I would like to see excellent devices like this, from an objective point of view, with a little more “personality”.
SMSL does not have an “iconic” product, which instead has WIIM, has Fosi, has Eversolo, has Topping….

thanks Amirm as always for the test and your time that you dedicate!
 
One thing SMSL seem to do consistently is an internal power supply, which definitely has its appeal. I agree that their design language, while it can be consistent within a product line (see the PA200 and matching CD player and DAC) is a bit all over the place in general though.
 
the usual excellent Dac from SMSL….

I counted 41 on their website. Who knows if in addition to the SINAD record they want to make the record of devices on sale at the same time…

Can I say something? I would do a few less and start focusing on: assistance, manuals, “soul” of the brand, materials and construction….
in short the hardware is now excellent but these products lack that pinch of desirability that we enthusiasts often like….
don't get me wrong: I'm not looking for the boutique device that doesn't work, but I would like to see excellent devices like this, from an objective point of view, with a little more “personality”.
SMSL does not have an “iconic” product, which instead has WIIM, has Fosi, has Eversolo, has Topping….

thanks Amirm as always for the test and your time that you dedicate!
That is their strategy. Something for everyone. Fill or double fill or triple fill every price racket with products with so much overlap, because why not. If average Joe 1 buy something for 300 then average Joe 2 could buy something almost identical in features and performance for 350. And we will have new versions of both in 6 months so they can upgrade

Apparently it works for them but we should not encourage it
 
Apparently it works for them but we should not encourage it
You mean an ice cream shop should only have 3 or 4 flavors?
 
It's like
SU1 1 scoop
DO200 2 scoop
Raw Pro DAC 1 3 scoops

All satisfying, but yes vanilla with food colouring.
 
There are studies about the effect of assortment size and new are made all the time.

From 2022:
- Some categories like niche products (HiFi audio) react particularly well to large assortments.
- Online stores make large assortments easier to process with search and filter options.
- There are differences depending on the type of customer. Experts usually like more choice.


I'm sure it's a benefit for the manufacturer overall.
 
Anyone who buy this or more expensive SMSL/Topping/etc. DAC over RME is fooling themselves. Not worth chasing a few dB in SINAD in exchange for features/support/customer service that really matter
At 400-500€ more, I must admit the ADI-2 must start to look worth considering in comparison to this, for certain people.
 
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At first I thought this was a review about SMSL RAW DAC 1 but this is the SMSL RAW PRO DAC 1 . Hopefully the former is also on the list of review too.
 
That is their strategy. Something for everyone. Fill or double fill or triple fill every price racket with products with so much overlap, because why not. If average Joe 1 buy something for 300 then average Joe 2 could buy something almost identical in features and performance for 350. And we will have new versions of both in 6 months so they can upgrade

Apparently it works for them but we should not encourage it

this strategy frankly leaves me with some doubts: - the first is that the value on the used market is generally low, since normally if you have one, as happened to me, and you want to sell it, you have to compete with the super offers that you find online on the new one, sold on sale after just a few months. - the second is subjective: it always seems like you are buying a device that is not definitive, but something that is born and is already old, because then you go and look and in the meantime other models have come out - the third is general: I don't think the market needs all these devices that are presented every week. I understand Amirm's speech on ice cream flavors: 4 flavors are few, but 41 are of no use to anyone... in our country we say few but good!!!
 
There are studies about the effect of assortment size and new are made all the time.

From 2022:
- Some categories like niche products (HiFi audio) react particularly well to large assortments.
- Online stores make large assortments easier to process with search and filter options.
- There are differences depending on the type of customer. Experts usually like more choice.


I'm sure it's a benefit for the manufacturer overall.
think, you made a list of some of the aspects that I like least about the world of modern commerce…..
 
this strategy frankly leaves me with some doubts: - the first is that the value on the used market is generally low, since normally if you have one, as happened to me, and you want to sell it, you have to compete with the super offers that you find online on the new one, sold on sale after just a few months. - the second is subjective: it always seems like you are buying a device that is not definitive, but something that is born and is already old, because then you go and look and in the meantime other models have come out - the third is general: I don't think the market needs all these devices that are presented every week. I understand Amirm's speech on ice cream flavors: 4 flavors are few, but 41 are of no use to anyone... in our country we say few but good!!!
As I said really bad analogy on ice creams. Only if you come back one week later (if not tomorrow) to buy a new DAC. A freedom of choice is good for consumers, but only if the selections make sense.

SMSL and Topping etc. have very small little second market because their durability is questionable. You can be sure the product is no longer support after 2 years, and repairability is close to none. Even if you buy new you will have hard time getting support, good luck with buying an old product that was dropped by the manufacturer and was replaced at least twice by two new product lines.

Their product lines do not make sense but their strategy works in a way. You might have a working DAC that is one year old but now you have a new shiny DAC that is marginally better which is the same price as you paid, which is, not a lot. Even though your rational mind says that you don't need it, but after a glowing review you can't help yourself. See where this is going?
 
For a DAC with Pro in the name, it is curious that it does not output the typical professional level of 24 dBu at 0 dBFS (12.28 V RMS) but only 16.59 dBu (5.23 V RMS) at 0 dBFS at maximum volume.

The RME DAC does not either but the Pro models do.

From the product pages and manuals, it seems very similar to the DL400 and the DO400 which both have headphone amplifiers but much lower prices. The DO400 does not seem to have the newer optimised clocking circuit but the DL400 does.
 
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