Just catching up on one I missed which is amazing because I have quit my job and cut down my circle of friends waiting for the notification bell to go off .Another fabulous review showing that one can match a $1200 DAC that comes with a NASA level manual and that I would rate as satisfying greasy Bratwurst do to it's country or origin to a some lighter Asian fare.But here with the rating I would have kept in Continental with a Steak Tartare rating.I suspect that Helmholz had some influence or editorial sway with the raw fish theme
Amazing the type of features & performance we can get these days for what I consider to be cheap in price vs days past. I moved my RME into my main living room system a little over a year ago. I literally love that device. Plus it has just enough PEQ tabs to dial in my speakers.. allowing me to let go of my Dirac & minidsp boxes. Great review & chat about the SMSL
One of your better reviews so thank you for that It is nice to see the shoutouts to other TH-cam channels you are kind to do so I was hoping for another IME review but not disappointed in the least 🤔 BTW PFS did drop an IME review at the same time this dropped so burn 🔥
@ smsl su9, dac in my audiolab 6000a. The sound is much cleaner, and the energy to my preamp (Valhalla 2) is more controlled. My hearing is not the best but there is more separation, clarity, and a little more soundstage.
would you buy the smsl RAW-HA1 over yamaha a-s501( or maybe Yamaha R-N600A)? i have wiim amp and elac debut 3.0 db6.3 speakers and the sound produced is somehow to harsh for my ears. i'm searching for some warmer sound and fuller midranges ... thanks
Yeah, but I really want that Sith Audio power cable. I love spending money on useless things that I can't appreciate, but only get to brag about to my buddies. Not sure if this enough of an upgrade from my SMSL DL200 in my office rig to warrant picking this up, but definitely considering. Great review and thanks!
To go deaf by Bish - heaven indeed. Wonderful review, hilarious as usual, but also a very effective analysis of the unit with a beautiful conclusion (surprised to hear you say it's remarkable!). LOVE the raw rating! I could not have imagined a better one. Yummy FunFi!
Ive read many comments that this system is plagued with consistent popping sounds. Did you hear any of this? I guess the dac chip is known to have this problem across several products.
Hi friend, I watched some videos on your channel and loved them, I already subscribed hahah! One question, how does it compare to the DX3 Pro+? I have the DX3 but I find it very sterile/fine midrange, do you think it would be good to exchange it for the MDA1?
@ I saw the other video already I’m just wondering if you had a choice of the smsl or the wiim pro which would you choose as a simple upgrade to my rubbish pc 2.1 speakers I really don’t know what is best once I. Jose the amp then I can get my tannoy dual concentrics and rel sub back again I only have a small living room. So please 🙏 which amp would you choose for yourself given price and value as I can’t afford more than these two amps please
@ thank you for replying to me I just want a simple amp with dab tuner with hdmi to my tv and sub out I take it this wiim amp is ok for a small living room
Hey, I've been looking a bit more into subwoofers lately, and stumbled upon the existence of HSU VTF-NT1. It seems like a "sounds too good to be true" subwoofer, so would be awesome to get an unbiased review of it!
i think i'm gonna order the RAW-MDA 1 for my first introduction to modern desktop/computer hifi equipment . i just turned 63 and want to treat myself to something better than my 30ish year old slowly dying pioneer 5.1 receiver that only the headphone output has worked right on for the past year or so .......
Absolutely correct. What I wouldn’t give to hear the difference between two power cables or usb cables, that throughout the human hearing range can not be measured by our latest test equipment! Those reviewers are Gods! Pray at their 🦶 ! Yes, I am very jealous as they can do what no one else can. If they could do it in a blind test, now that would make me even more jealous than I already am.
I used to think Passion for Sound was a well meaning innocent, and felt bad that you were being mean to the lad. But then he started making videos while driving his car on the school run and using meaningless evidence free justifications for doing it, and I decided he was a dangerous psychopath who probably needs locked up in an impenetrable dungeon deep in the outback. So have at him.
@@scientificaudiophile I see all the poetic, flowery language, golden eared reviewers as just repeating learned behavior. Fortunately in the last five years or so the audiophile community has trended toward more educated consumers and vast amounts of data being made available to them. I think Amir creating ASR has likely been the biggest driving force to bring about the change so love him or hate him he's done a great deal to push the hobby and community forward.
@@JosephTongret Agree; I would like to see more open mindedness while on the quest for objectivity. Scientists should be constantly testing and questioning with camaraderie …something I do see in the community….but rarely.
I use bluetooth really lets you know how good dac is ! If the bluetooth is killer like ifi gryphon n smsl su_x you know your jaw drop and mind blown and su x best delta sigma ess ive ever heard. 😮😮😊
Bluetooth by definition is not a good quality, no matter what people say. Telling that does not like RME anymore for the lack of Bluetooth is ridiculous
Comparing a $279 SMSL with RME? Really? Only that comment says everything that I need from you. A true professional does not use Bluetooth. What of joke of comparison
I gave up. I canceled the order for the same power cable that the shark in Jaws 2 bit on at the cable junction. 🦈 Happy now? 🤣🤣 Other than that, great review, as always. Life's a Bish, and then you die. 😁
Stuff that SMSL, get this = Audio GD, R-27HE. Take a look.... And if that is out of your budget which it probably is have a look at the Audio GD, R-28 NOS..
Well you get two weeks pride of ownership. Worth it if you are, for example, a Replicant with two weeks till retiral. I've seen DACs you wouldn't believe.
Just catching up on one I missed which is amazing because I have quit my job and cut down my circle of friends waiting for the notification bell to go off .Another fabulous review showing that one can match a $1200 DAC that comes with a NASA level manual and that I would rate as satisfying greasy Bratwurst do to it's country or origin to a some lighter Asian fare.But here with the rating I would have kept in Continental with a Steak Tartare rating.I suspect that Helmholz had some influence or editorial sway with the raw fish theme
Helmholtz pushes fish on every rating. For bad ratings he pushes "spider crabs", but no product has gotten that bad a review yet.
Amazing the type of features & performance we can get these days for what I consider to be cheap in price vs days past.
I moved my RME into my main living room system a little over a year ago. I literally love that device. Plus it has just enough PEQ tabs to dial in my speakers.. allowing me to let go of my Dirac & minidsp boxes.
Great review & chat about the SMSL
The RME Windows app is a life saver for the EQ
One of your better reviews so thank you for that
It is nice to see the shoutouts to other TH-cam channels you are kind to do so
I was hoping for another IME review but not disappointed in the least 🤔
BTW PFS did drop an IME review at the same time this dropped so burn 🔥
Like your style brah, recieved my RAW today from Apos. Really like how the DAC sounds, thanks
What how were you using prior to the smsl and what are the differences that you've noticed? 🙂
@ smsl su9, dac in my audiolab 6000a. The sound is much cleaner, and the energy to my preamp (Valhalla 2) is more controlled. My hearing is not the best but there is more separation, clarity, and a little more soundstage.
Excellent as always!
Thank you! Cheers!
would you buy the smsl RAW-HA1 over yamaha a-s501( or maybe Yamaha R-N600A)? i have wiim amp and elac debut 3.0 db6.3 speakers and the sound produced is somehow to harsh for my ears. i'm searching for some warmer sound and fuller midranges ... thanks
No idea if that would reduce the harshness. Have you thought about miniDSP?
Which has the best sound quality between this one and the Fiio Q15 (in desktop mode)? Also considering the Fosi Audio zd3 dac with sparkos opamps.
This is a completely transparent DAC. I only chose the Aune because it had more headphone amplification.
Yeah, but I really want that Sith Audio power cable. I love spending money on useless things that I can't appreciate, but only get to brag about to my buddies. Not sure if this enough of an upgrade from my SMSL DL200 in my office rig to warrant picking this up, but definitely considering. Great review and thanks!
To go deaf by Bish - heaven indeed. Wonderful review, hilarious as usual, but also a very effective analysis of the unit with a beautiful conclusion (surprised to hear you say it's remarkable!). LOVE the raw rating! I could not have imagined a better one. Yummy FunFi!
Glad you enjoyed it
damn it boy ! luv your sarcasm . keep the good schiit coming .
Ive read many comments that this system is plagued with consistent popping sounds. Did you hear any of this? I guess the dac chip is known to have this problem across several products.
I never heard any sound that wasn't from the music.
How does this actually compared to RME ADI 2 DAC besides the bluetooth feature? TIA
RME, with its PEQ, is a better product. At the RAW’s price point, it’s a bargain.
04:09 what happened sound cuts, I missed the background noise, scared me for a bit.
So sorry I didn't put a warning during the intro.
Raw is always best!
Nice review.
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi friend, I watched some videos on your channel and loved them, I already subscribed hahah! One question, how does it compare to the DX3 Pro+? I have the DX3 but I find it very sterile/fine midrange, do you think it would be good to exchange it for the MDA1?
I like the RAW better than the Topping DX3 Pro+.
How is it compared to the topping DX5?
Haven 't heard the Topping.
The FUnction button on the remote is mislabeled.
AES XLR input and balanced XLR headphone amp would be the killer
Very true!
Apart from streaming is this similar to the wiim amp would this be a better choice
There two different products. See my WiiM Amp review:
th-cam.com/video/wmeQTOEL0oo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=nF32qjBVVWqmZzek
@ I saw the other video already I’m just wondering if you had a choice of the smsl or the wiim pro which would you choose as a simple upgrade to my rubbish pc 2.1 speakers I really don’t know what is best once I. Jose the amp then I can get my tannoy dual concentrics and rel sub back again I only have a small living room. So please 🙏 which amp would you choose for yourself given price and value as I can’t afford more than these two amps please
Which SMSL? The RAW isn’t a speaker amp. If you need a speaker amp, get the WiiM Amp, if you have powered speakers, get the RAW.
@ thank you for replying to me I just want a simple amp with dab tuner with hdmi to my tv and sub out I take it this wiim amp is ok for a small living room
Hey, I've been looking a bit more into subwoofers lately, and stumbled upon the existence of HSU VTF-NT1. It seems like a "sounds too good to be true" subwoofer, so would be awesome to get an unbiased review of it!
I’ll look into it.
i think i'm gonna order the RAW-MDA 1 for my first introduction to modern desktop/computer hifi equipment .
i just turned 63 and want to treat myself to something better than my 30ish year old slowly dying pioneer 5.1 receiver that only the headphone output has worked right on for the past year or so .......
It really is a bargain. One of the best.
Is the Bluetooth just receiving or transmit/receive?
I don’t know that. SMSL has excellent support if you put in a support request.
only receiver
Does this have a crossfeed implementation?
I don’t know that. SMSL has excellent support if you put in a support request.
SML: The Gazpacho of DAC-AMPs. Put that on a box.
Every time you take a dig at Passion for Sound or Cheapo the would becomes slightly better
Really, better sounding than the RMI?
No, as good as, without the EQ capabilities.
I doubt it
On sale now $246 😮
Bashing other reviewers because of jealousy. 😂
Absolutely correct. What I wouldn’t give to hear the difference between two power cables or usb cables, that throughout the human hearing range can not be measured by our latest test equipment! Those reviewers are Gods! Pray at their 🦶 ! Yes, I am very jealous as they can do what no one else can. If they could do it in a blind test, now that would make me even more jealous than I already am.
I used to think Passion for Sound was a well meaning innocent, and felt bad that you were being mean to the lad.
But then he started making videos while driving his car on the school run and using meaningless evidence free justifications for doing it, and I decided he was a dangerous psychopath who probably needs locked up in an impenetrable dungeon deep in the outback. So have at him.
@@scientificaudiophile I see all the poetic, flowery language, golden eared reviewers as just repeating learned behavior. Fortunately in the last five years or so the audiophile community has trended toward more educated consumers and vast amounts of data being made available to them. I think Amir creating ASR has likely been the biggest driving force to bring about the change so love him or hate him he's done a great deal to push the hobby and community forward.
@@JosephTongret
Agree; I would like to see more open mindedness while on the quest for objectivity. Scientists should be constantly testing and questioning with camaraderie …something I do see in the community….but rarely.
He is doing it for the clicks and views and engagement and you’re falling for it.
I use bluetooth really lets you know how good dac is ! If the bluetooth is killer like ifi gryphon n smsl su_x you know your jaw drop and mind blown and su x best delta sigma ess ive ever heard. 😮😮😊
Ifi Gryphon best bluetooth ive ever heard
Bluetooth by definition is not a good quality, no matter what people say. Telling that does not like RME anymore for the lack of Bluetooth is ridiculous
2:51 really? After your remarks on other YTs I stopped the video. You are definately not a reviewer for me.
Comparing a $279 SMSL with RME? Really? Only that comment says everything that I need from you. A true professional does not use Bluetooth. What of joke of comparison
I wasn’t trying to make a joke, but glad you found the humor in the video.
Oh Lord, please help @laguasa1968. It’s too much…..
I gave up. I canceled the order for the same power cable that the shark in Jaws 2 bit on at the cable junction. 🦈
Happy now? 🤣🤣
Other than that, great review, as always. Life's a Bish, and then you die. 😁
RAW, but it does MQA.
Stuff that SMSL, get this = Audio GD, R-27HE. Take a look....
And if that is out of your budget which it probably is have
a look at the Audio GD, R-28 NOS..
Zero pride of ownership because in two weeks there will be a successor. At least the display is done tastefully, not a given with chi-fi … .
Well you get two weeks pride of ownership. Worth it if you are, for example, a Replicant with two weeks till retiral.
I've seen DACs you wouldn't believe.
@@jimfarrell4635 All those dacs will be lost in time.
🤣👌🏼
you are not scientific at all
Correct. I’m Scientific Audiophile.
Hey S/A , your style sell off 😅👍🏿 remind me of the great Cheapaudioman 😂
🤭
Really, better sounding than the RMI?
No, but close. I believe I mentioned that in the video.
I doubt it