In this article, I review the SMSL RAW-HA1 all-in-one DAC, amplifier and headphone amplifier. The RAW-HA1 features a Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chip and Bluetooth 5.1. It’s priced at 249 USD.
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-HA1
Features
At the heart of the RAW-HA1 lies a CS43131 DAC chip, paired with an XMOS XU-316 for support of up to PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD256. A Qualcomm QCC5126 provides Bluetooth 5.1 with support for LDAC, aptX HD, SBC and AAC wireless audio codecs. In addition, the RAW-HA1 supports MQA decoding and MQA-CD.
A German Infineon high-power amplification chip provides amplification, while a Japanese NJW1194 chip provides accurate digital volume control and low distortion. The speaker output power is 165Wx2 @ 4Ω and 85Wx2 @ 8Ω.
The RAW-HA1 features SMSL’s intuitive dual UI system, making it easy to navigate and adjust all the settings. You can choose between the classic text-based display or the new graphical mode.
Design
Design-wise, the RAW-HA1 is your typical SMSL black box. It has a matte black aluminium chassis that feels solid in the hands. The front has a colour LCD behind a tempered glass screen, along with the multi-function volume knob plus the 6.35mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs.
The RAW-HA1 offers a wide range of input options, including line in, coaxial, Bluetooth, optical, USB-C, and HDMI (ARC). For outputs, it includes 4 speaker binding posts and the 2 headphone jacks.
Sound
The SMSL RAW-HA1 delivers a punchy, detailed performance that’s hard to ignore, especially at this price point. The tonality leans towards the brighter side, but it’s by no means unpleasant. The highs are crisp and extended, giving plenty of sparkle and air to cymbals and strings. While it may lack a bit of snap and reverberation on drums, there’s still a good amount of detail and energy in the upper frequencies, providing an engaging listen.
Bass performance is surprisingly deep and well-controlled for a compact Class D amplifier. It digs into the low frequencies with authority, without becoming bloated or overwhelming. Tracks with bass-heavy content maintain a solid foundation, allowing the rest of the sound spectrum to breathe. The soundstage is impressively wide and immersive, with no noticeable congestion—every instrument and performer is placed in their own space with a nice sense of depth.
When paired with speakers, the RAW-HA1 delivers clean, distortion-free sound even at higher volumes. My 4-ohm bookshelf speakers were driven without issue, with no signs of clipping or distortion. This makes it a versatile choice for a range of speaker setups, especially for those looking for a compact, no-fuss amplifier that punches above its weight.
However, the headphone output is somewhat underwhelming. While fine for lower-impedance headphones, it struggles to drive higher-impedance cans like the FiiO FT3, leaving them sounding a bit thin and lacking in bass impact. For headphone enthusiasts, it might fall short compared to more dedicated headphone amps, but as a speaker amplifier, the RAW-HA1 remains a solid performer with plenty of power and control.
Verdict
The SMSL RAW-HA1 offers a ton of features for the price, including versatile inputs, tone controls, and solid speaker-driving power. Its audio quality is commendable, with a bright, detailed sound and deep, controlled bass. However, its headphone output lacks the power to properly drive high-impedance headphones, so if that’s your main use case, you may want to look elsewhere. For speaker setups, though, it’s a great budget-friendly option that delivers strong performance.
Specifications
