The SMSL RAW-MDA1 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the SMSL RAW-MDA1 is $279.99 and you can order it from Shenzhen Audio.
SMSL RAW-MDA1 / Technical highlights
The SMSL RAW-MDA1 is a new generation desktop DAC/amp that utilizes two of the latest ES9039Q2M DAC chips by ESS to handle audio decoding. The device has a separate USB receiver, the XMOS XU-316, that supports sampling rates up to 32bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512 and MQA decoding while an audio clock processing circuit helps reduce jitter. The analog stage uses 6 high-end OPA1612A op-amps and numerous audio-grade components plus a self-developed low-noise switching power supply.
Design and build quality
The RAW-MDA1 is distinguished by its brand new design that is aesthetically superior and more premium looking than previous generation models by SMSL. The device has a full-fit color display screen with tempered glass outer surface that occupies ⅔ of the faceplate and seamlessly integrates with the multifunction knob.
The chassis is made from CNC machined aluminum with a black matte finish. The SMSL RAW-MDA1 is well made and the color display adds a touch of sophisticated elegance as well as ease of use. The RAW-MDA1 measures 189x45x179mm so it is compact and ideal for desktop use but you can also place it in a HiFi rack and use the full featured remote control.
Connectivity and operation
The SMSL RAW-MDA1 is equipped with two coaxial, two optical and one USB type-C digital inputs. Bluetooth connectivity up to LDAC level is also supported while analog outputs include both RCA and XLR options. The headphone amplifier has two outputs, 6.35mm and 4.4mm but it is not a balanced design and the latter is just an adapter for convenience.
Operating the device is simple, you can use either the multifunction knob or the remote control to access the menus and do your adjustments with the aid of the color display. You can select input, output, headphone amplifier gain, PCM filter, sound color, screen brightness, UI style etc. The menu is well structured and easy to understand while it includes two display modes, universal and graphics. The screen has vibrant colors and is easy to read as long as you are not too far away from it.
The sound color is the DSP function of the DAC chip that slightly alters the sound color but doesn’t affect the frequency response curve. There are 9 sound color settings that you can choose from while standard bypasses this function.
The line outputs can be set as fixed or variable so you can use the RAW-MDA1 either as a pure DAC or a preamplifier. A standby mode is also available so you don’t have to reach for the power button every time you want to switch the device off.
Accessories
The package includes the remote control, a Bluetooth antenna that attaches to the back, a power cord and a USB type-C cable.
The headphone amplifier
The single ended headphone amplifier is powerful and can do 2.5Wx2/16Ω and 1.7Wx2/32Ω with a near zero output impedance. Plenty of power to drive various headphones, even difficult ones, while the extremely low output impedance and the lack of background noise makes it ideal for use with sensitive earphones. To check the headphone amplifier performance I have used the Focal Clear Mg, the Hifiman HE1000 Stealth and a couple of earphones like the FiiO FA19.
Listening impressions
The sonic performance of the SMSL RAW-MDA1 is quite similar with that of the previous generation models that utilized the older ES9038Q2M DAC chip but with a couple of substantial differences.
The frequency response is absolutely flat and the sound is crystal clear and transparent with great extension to both ends of the frequency range. The RAW-MDA1 is achromatic and perfectly neutral without imposing a character of its own, making sure that you are listening to your transducers without any further coloring of the sound. The silent background allows for the finest details to emerge from the depths of the recording while the DAC impresses with its resolution and overall definition, especially when taking into consideration the asking price.
The bass is tactile, fast and impactful with excellent layering and strong dynamics. The mid-range shows fine articulation and crystalline clarity while it sounds neutral and balanced without tonal shifts. This is not the most colorful or harmonious sounding DAC, don’t expect analog or organic-like characteristics, however the timbre is rather natural without much artificiality or digital glare on the treble. The higher frequencies are vibrant and energetic with some extra luminosity but they don’t sound too bright or sharp.
More listening impressions
Comparing the RAW-MDA1 with previously released models by SMSL, is safe to conclude that the ES9039Q2M DAC chip has a smoother and less aggressive character than the ES9038Q2M while it behaves better in the time domain. It produces less digital artificiality and a sound profile that is more weighty, a bit warmer and not that dry or sterile.
Still, the SMSL RAW-MDA1 is a DAC without any “special” timbral qualities or sound character, however it doesn’t sound too clinical or lifeless and has satisfying tonal accuracy. Considering all these, it can be suggested that the RAW-MDA1 is a worthy upgrade for owners of older models that would like to keep the same kind of sound transparency and neutrality and add a touch of smoothness and warmth.
Instrument separation and imaging are class-leading for the category but the soundstage is almost flat and horizontal without significant depth or any kind of holography. The scene is wide and spacious but the performers are arranged in a rather straight line from the left to the right side. Despite lacking in depth, the RAW-MDA1 can handle all kinds of music and sound uncongested and realistic enough even with the most demanding and large scale works.
The prefect all-in-one device
The RAW-MDA1 carries the same sound signature and sonic qualities from all its outputs but the XLR is just marginally better and should be the one used when possible. The device is equally competent both as a DAC and preamp while the headphone amplifier is capable of driving various loads without adding any sound coloration. Whether you have active monitors, a speakers system or headphones, the SMSL RAW-MDA1 is a great option for anyone seeking an affordable, all-in-one audio solution that has great neutrality, transparency and technical prowess.
In the end
The SMSL RAW-MDA1 doesn’t break new ground but it distinguishes itself from older generation SMSL DAC/amps thanks to its fresher design and the better sonic performance. It carries the same kind of neutrality and technical prowess, offering exceptional transparency and lack of coloration – within its category – but now it sounds smoother, more polite and less artificial than its older brothers.
With plenty of connectivity options, small footprint and great ease of use, the SMSL RAW-MDA1 represents an excellent all-in-one solution for anyone who values neutrality and fidelity without veering into monitoring sterility. Rightfully priced and affordable, the RAW-MDA1 represents excellent value for money and gets easily recommended.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Exceptional neutrality and lack of coloration
+ Crystal clear and transparent
+ Not too artificial or clinical timbre
+ Good tonal precision and resolution
+ Excellent imaging and separation
+ No background noise
+ Powerful headphone amplifier
+ Plenty of digital inputs
+ Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
+ LDAC Bluetooth connectivity
+ Fresh design with a color display
+ Fully functional remote control
+ Excellent build quality
+ Value for money
- Doesn't have any “special” sound characteristics
- Not that harmonious or euphonic
- Mostly flat and horizontal soundstage
- The headphone amplifier is not really balanced
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