SMSL RAW-DAC1 Review

SMSL RAW-DAC1 review featured

SMSL recently launched a new ‘RAW’ product series and in this article, I’m looking at the SMSL RAW-DAC1. The RAW-DAC1 is equipped with AKM’s AK4191 and AK449EX DAC chips and it’s priced at $499.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Shenzhen Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

SMSL RAW-DAC1 Review
Verdict
The SMSL RAW-DAC1 is one of the finest mid-tier DACs on the market right now. It has fantastic audio quality and connectivity out the wahoo.
How would you rate this product?0 Votes
Pros
Black background and excellent instrument separation
Vibrant, energetic sound
Extremely versatile connectivity options
Transparent yet organic character
Great display and overall user experience
Cons
Hard to find any downsides at this price
4.6
Our Score
WHERE TO BUY

SMSL RAW-DAC1

RAW-DAC1 front view

Functionality

The RAW-DAC1 is built around the AK4191+AK4499EX, the same DAC setup we saw in the SMSL SU-9 Ultra. In fact, there are many similarities with the SU-9 Ultra, but we’ll talk about those later in this review. The RAW-DAC1 also boasts the XMOS XU-316, which supports up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. In addition, it has full support for MQA and MQA-CD (although frankly, I’m surprised they’re persisting with MQA due to its waning support).

All of the other usual goodies are present, including Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptXHD. One interesting addition is an I²S input, which reduces jitter and utilizes a direct digital connection for more precise and transparent audio.

There’s a specially designed built-in shielded power supply which means there’s no ugly external power brick to deal with. Furthermore, this enhances power efficiency and lowers power consumption.

Once again, we find the new dual UI design that gives you 2 distinct display styles to choose from and the same clear and easy-to-use settings menu underneath.

SMSL RAW-DAC1 I/O panel

Design

Regarding the physical design, the SMSL RAW-DAC1 boasts a familiar aesthetic; It’s an unassuming black box that can easily integrate into any system. A tempered glass panel on the front houses the 2.33-inch display. To the right of the display is the function knob used to adjust the volume and navigate the system menu.

The rear panel offers a comprehensive range of inputs and outputs, including both XLR and RCA connections. It also features dual coaxial, dual optical, USB-C, I2S, and Bluetooth inputs. Additionally, a small power switch is positioned beside the power socket.

The SMSL RAW-DAC1 includes a fully-featured remote control, allowing convenient access to all settings when the device is out of reach.

Sound

The RAW-DAC1 is essentially the SMSL SU-9 Ultra with a facelift – and that’s a good thing because it has been one of my favourite mid-tier DACs since I reviewed it in December last year.

I paired the RAW-DAC1 with the same Topping L70 I used to test the SU-9 Ultra and to my surprise, I found the sound was practically the same. That is to say, it’s uncoloured and transparent yet dynamic and organic.

The separation between instruments and vocals isn’t merely wide; it feels like an expanse of pitch-black emptiness, where every note stands out with flawless clarity. This DAC masterfully handles silence, making the quiet moments as integral to the experience as the music itself.

One thing I noticed that differs from the SU-9 Ultra is the RAW-DAC1’s heightened sense of energy and enthusiasm. It has more drive and adds a liveliness to the music, making each track feel more dynamic. The bass hits with greater impact and authority, giving low-end notes more depth and presence, while still maintaining control and clarity.

I treated myself by pairing the RAW-DAC1 with my Feliks Audio Elise tube amplifier, and this is where the DAC truly shined. The soundstage expanded noticeably, with an increased sense of height and depth. Using the excellent and budget-friendly FiiO FT1 Pro headphones, it was hard to believe that such an affordable DAC and headphones could deliver this level of audio quality—though the incredible Elise certainly played a part.

RAW-DAC1 with Feliks Audio Elise amp and FiiO FT1 Pro

Verdict

In conclusion, the SMSL RAW-DAC1 is an outstanding and affordable DAC that delivers fantastic audio quality for the money. It is essentially the SU-9 Ultra with the new and improved UI and richer connectivity options.

The RAW-DAC1’s transparent, dynamic, and punchy sound rivals anything I’ve heard in its price range. Combine that with its solid build quality and smooth user experience, and it easily stands out as one of the top contenders in its class.

If you already own the SMSL SU-9 Ultra, upgrading to the RAW-DAC1 isn’t necessary unless you specifically need the additional connectivity or are eager for the updated UI. In terms of audio performance, the difference is minimal. But for anyone else looking for a great DAC, I highly recommend the RAW-DAC1.

Product Highlights
  • Supports MQA and MQA-CD via USB, optical, and coaxial inputs
  • AK4191 + AK449EX DAC chips for precise sound
  • 32-bit USB XMOS XU-316 processor for DOP and Native DSD
  • CK-03 Clock Processing Unit for jitter reduction
  • Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, aptX/HD, SBC, and AAC support
  • Distortion as low as 0.00006% (-124dB)
  • Dynamic range of 132dB
  • Tempered glass display panel
  • Full-function remote control
  • Dual UI design
Specifications
  • Inputs: USB, Optical 1, Optical 2, Coaxial 1, Coaxial 2, IIS, Bluetooth
  • Output:
    • XLR
    • RCA
  • Output Amplitude:
    • XLR: 5 Vrms
    • RCA: 2.5 Vrms
  • THD+N: 0.000006% (-124dB) (UN-WTD)
  • Dynamic Range:
    • XLR: 132 dB
    • RCA: 127 dB
  • SNR:
    • XLR: 132 dB
    • RCA: 127 dB
  • USB Transmission: USB 2.0 (asynchronization)
  • USB Compatibility:
    • Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 (Needs Driver)
    • Mac OSX 10.6 or above
    • Linux (Driverless)
  • MQA Decoder:
    • USB
    • Optical
    • Coaxial
  • Sampling Rate & Bit Width:
  • USB:
    • PCM: 44.1 ~ 768 kHz (32 bit)
    • DSD: 2.8224 ~ 22.5792 MHz (1 bit)
    • DoP: 2.8224 ~ 11.2896 MHz (1 bit)
  • Optical/Coaxial:
    • PCM: 44.1 ~ 192 kHz (24 bit)
    • DoP: 2.8224 MHz (1 bit)
  • Bluetooth Specification:
  • Version 5.1 (Supports SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
  • Power Consumption:
  • <10W
  • Standby Power:
  • <0.5W
  • Size: 219 x 180 x 45 mm (WxHxD)
  • Weight: 1.33 kg / 2.93 lbs

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