I had basically decided on this DAC/Amp for some time but after seeing your review it confirmed my decision. Seriously, you're becoming one of my favorite reviewers on here!
Thanks! It's viewers like you that help shape future content, so I really appreciate it. I'm not trying to chase the most click/buzzworthy content. I'd rather focus on gear I think the world should/needs to know about, and help people decide what's best for them. I hope you like it!
this DAC/amp and the Fiio T1 headphones are the best new devices of this last few months for those who want to enjoy music and get high quality in everything, without spending like crazy! thanks for the reveiw
This has been on my radar for a little while. Thank you for your helpful and in-depth review. I recently got the FiiO R2R and SMSL SP200 to test the HP outputs, which is my primary goal. Early phase of testing, but neither are as good for me as my Loxjie D40Pro or Monolith THX AAA 887. These new DAC controls are really fiddly, and I'm not a fan. Looking at an SMSL SP400 to test the ladder volume adjustment. But I think I need to stop chasing the dragon and enjoy what I have. Thank you as always for your time, efforts, and sharing this with us all. Take care.
Nice concise review. I have two setups that use headphone amps; one in my office downstairs and one in my bedroom. The old headphone amp in my office is giving issues now, so I think the Topping setup down in the office will go up to the bedroom and I'm considering an MDA-1 for my office. Having a fixed option for the line-out is great - I use both headphones and also a receiver driving a very nice pair of speakers. This is perfect! Thank you for the demo of the controls and display. Great stuff!
There is apparantely a firmware update for the RAW-MDA1 that fixes the filter ordering to be in line with the manual (the manual was also updated to reflect this). There are currently no tests that confirm this claim but they did this for other devices with the ESS 9039Q2M chip as well. Updating the manual from their side to change the PCM filter order probably means that it is now correct after the FW update. Fast Linear Roll-Off should now correspond to the 3rd item on the menu which should be labeled properly now.
Thanks man! Yeah at $250 it's a smoking deal. I usually stick to MSRP pricing for reviews now because they all seem to fluctuate so much, so I can never keep up. It's a great option at either price for sure
@@GadgetryTech bro I have the RME DAC and and I'm even thinking of selling it and getting this for $249 and putting money back in my pocket for other gear... But I'm still a little hesitant.... But I'm definitely considering it.
I wouldn't buy that big block . it doesn't even have a bass booster. I just ordered the fiio k11 r2r dac amp and it's even cheaper than this big block. Stay safe and happy gaming to all
A similar quality DAC/AMP for those on a tighter budget is the DL200. However, you do get a bit more features (primariliy a nicer screen) for slightly more money in the RAW-MDA1. For Joe, the PCM Filters are a bit mixed up from SMSL side so fast roll off does not correspond to the proper one. This is discussed in a bit more detail at audiosciencereview so you can check it out. I think the 4th item on the menu should be the proper Linear Fast Roll Off but it is better documented in the ASR topic.
Thanks for the info! I'll pin up a comment soon, suggesting everyone use the 4th one. I don't have a way to actually measure this particular issue, so thanks for pointing that out
@@GadgetryTech Yeah, no worries nice video still. Usually SMSL correctly labels them (for example the C200 with the 9038Q2M had correct filter order) but this time around all SMSL DACs that have the ESS 9039Q2M chip (D6S, DL200, RAW-MDA1) have incorrect labeling for PCM filters. Good thing is that a lot of people can not hear a difference between these filters so it’s not that a big of an issue, just something to be aware of if chasing perfection (and linear fast roll-off is the way to go unless a DAC has one that is more adherent to Nyquist). EDIT: I double checked - the 4th one is definitely the fast linear roll off in the RAW-MDA1 it's labeled as LINEAR SLOW ROFF by mistake.
@@cryptok9185 Didn’t listen to it and don’t have any measurements on hand but from what I could find on the internet, looks like a good device. To clarify the Magni Unity does have some advantages (a bit more power overall), however both SMSL devices (DL200 and RAW-MDA1) have a screen, have bluetooth, have both 4.4mm and 6.35mm (even though it’s not balanced). The RAW-MDA1 also has an extra set of inputs. So if you don’t need all tha functionality I guess the Magni Unity is fine as well (looked into some measurements by schiit, they are mostly fine nothing to be really concerned about).
Joe, great review of SMSL RAW-MD1. I think it would be tremendous if you could do a comparison video on HD490 Pro vs DT 1990 Pro since they are the flagship studio headphones from their respective German companies. Very interested in how they especially compare in the mid-ranges, among other sonic categories. I really dig your subjective and objective audiophile reviews/comparisons. Keep up the good work.
@@GadgetryTech that would be great. I've been debating between these two. And, these being the flagship studio offerings from the two established and rival German companies, I've found it rather strange that no one has done a dedicated comparison on them yet. Also, now that I have you here, I'd like to directly thank you for your responses to my HD490 Pro vs AR5000 questions in the stream a while back. Upon contemplating your thorough responses, I realized that I have to get AR5000 as my midrange-forward headphones at some point in the near future. (I don't have a pair of midrange forward headphones yet.) Thanks for all your work, man.
For FPS gaming how much better or worse is this then the DX3 pro+, SMSL C200 and ifi zen Dac v2/v3? Currently using the Fiio K5 pro ess and wondering if it’s worth the upgrade
@@lute_cg i dont like the dx3 pro+, highs sound to harsh for me and the bass is to dark imo, i like the k11 more and looking to upgrade to the mda1 or smsl do300ex
Sorry if I missed a video but I’ve combed through multiple videos trying to find mics compatible with my IEMs. I was able to get one from your amazing videos. Problem is finding a mic I can use with it.
Joe, comparing S.M.S.L RAW-MDA 1 vs Schiit HEL plus, for gaming audio which one would you pick? I dont know if this a right comparison but I am trying to buy myself a nice DAC/Amp for gaming and music listening
I own both, and would very confidently say that you should only buy the Hel (or Gunnr) if you need a dedicated mic input. And in the Hel’s case, want a dedicated mic gain knob. The MDA 1 is superior in almost every other way to the Hel. In the real world, I mainly run the Hel or Fulla for PS5 specifically, and only when I want to use my mic. Most of the time I’m running the MDA 1 with a set of HD490s for gaming.
I'm in the market for an all in one but there's so many options. Fiio K7, SMSL M500 MK3, Topping DX5 and now this. Find it difficult to make a decision.
Thanks for sharing @gabrielrojas2635 . I should have mentioned it but intentionally left it out, as I don't think the chip itself will guarantee any particular sound profile
Hi, I'm wondering what DAC amp to buy that's transparent / precise / accurate and reliable for daily studio use under £400 (preferably under £300). Reliability / longevity matters. I mostly want USB and would buy the DX3 Pro+ but I want balanced outs for my studio monitors. I'm thinking of the DX5 / DX5 Lite for the money - I can't see many alternatives that have balanced outs and specs as good as this. Last time I tried line in I got hum on my monitors.. I see a lot of postive talk about the S.M.S.L products particularly the RAW-MDA1 - there's also the DO200 / DO400 / SU9 Pro around the £400 mark and the 500 mkIII at £529. Filo K9 non-pro is £450. I'm not sure. Could get a used Topping DX7 Pro (not plus) for £300 but then no warranty and who knows. AES would be a bonus if I ever get dsp speakers but not necessary.
In case the amazing Gadgetry Tech missed this comment. Just thought I'd help a fellow audiophile out. It would boil down to features and sound. Zen Dac is warmer sounding but this combo is clean and linear. It's also got a nice screen, remote, bluetooth and has proper dual XLR outs for line out/pre out as opposed to the 4.4 line out on the zen dac(it is a cleaner solution) but most folks would probably need to buy a very niche and more expensive adaptor like dual XLR to 4.4 for interconnects.
@@avedgy I would say doe. Obviously not everyone has the luxury to demo things but I always advise this to everyone. Nothing beats being able to demo stuff and if you can't demo, I'd highly recommend atleast looking into the return policy of the website you buy it from so atleast you can return it if you don't like the sound. I'd also rec trying to always purchase through paypal incase there's any return disputes.
At least you can choose 1 output instead of having to pull out the headphones each time you want to listen to your monitors only. But would hav prefered just a physical button for that. It is mind-boggling how few there are that makes something like this with a good interface for easy use when it's ment to be on a desktop near a computer. With all of that said, still looks like one if not the best alternatives out there for that price!
I have a few dac/amps all connected to my gaming pc and I'd like to know is there any type of usb powered conditioner that all my devices can plug into and then into my pc?
Love your work. Any idea which dac amps support Bluetooth mixing with USB c audio? I got the creative x5 after watching your review, works amazingly when it works, but often a buggy mess. Thank you
Have you thought about taking a look at the Topping E2x2? It’s an audio interface with what seems to be a very good headphone amp. I’d be interested in seeing a review on this! Especially bc it seems like a good all-in-one amp/dac w/ mic input
Hey bro when you mean all outputs enabled at once. Do you mean simultaneously? Can I listen to two headphones at the same time? or headphones and speakers at the same time?
I want a Dac that has analog output and optical output. Do you recommend one ? I can't get rid of my prodigy black cube because is a jack of all trades.
His comment is correct. The unit has dual stereo DACs. Full differential (balanced) output is possible using one stereo DAC per channel. While the XLR outputs may be balanced, other reviewers have found that the 6.25 and 4.4 mm outputs sound the same, i.e. DACs in bridged, unbalanced mode. Very disappointing at this price point. They omitted the extra switching required. My $100 Ear Studio pocket unit has it.
Try the Douk U8. I don't have one, but the specs claim balanced headphone outputs on its 4.4 and XLR4 jacks. The max output voltage on the balanaced jacks is twice the unbalanced, and that's the clue.
I see your Home Theater in the background of some videos. I have been into HT for over 30 years. Will you ever do any reviews in that space? Would love to see you review the Marantz M1 or Cinema Series.
@@mcaik77What makes it better to you than the K11? Games or music or both? And I’m curious if you bothered to install the recommended driver they advertise?
I'm not big on digital screens where all the functions are buried. I have an Xduoo TA-22 and man I wish most options were just analog switches or even discreet buttons, the way Schiit does. The knob and usage on it is a bit rough. This SMSL unit does look nice, and really, there's no replacement for all in one units. I'm over the days of separate units for dac and amp duties. Just wish there was a company that would make a serious amp/dac device with a mic input and mic gain like the Schiit Hel, but... beefier. Been asking for a Helius or Helheim forever 😂.
Pro+ has the advantage of power output vs price. It's also a great sounding DAC/amp with essentially zero noise floor. I like the RAW-MDA1 more only because of the screen, and the 6.3mm + 4.4mm outputs up front, along with RCA+XLR rear outputs. This is just a LOT more versatile for me.
So if you say the dx3 pro+ is slightly better performance wise would that mean the magni unity is still slightly better in raw performance than these to
@@GadgetryTech Do those who have headphone output generally not need the XLR output device at the back? DAC&HEADHONE AMP are generally used for desktops.
How does this compare with the creative x5? Currently looking at this, the x5, or the gunnr for lcd-gx’s. Was looking at the gsx 1000 but looks like they stopped making them.
I just want a combo DAC/amp for headphones and my smallish desktop powered 2.1 system (presonus eris4.5 and sub8). The key here that it seems everything is missing is a dedicated sub out. I have the fiio K11 and have my monitors plugged into my sub and sub into k11. Problem there is there isn't a dedicated channel for the sub now. So can't really do a separate eq on sub/monitors. Was hopeful when you said this does it all that it would solve for this without having to spend big bucks.
DT 770 Pro X LE or MMX 300 Pro, currently debating in my autistic mind about what to get. Is the price hike from the 770 to the 300 worth it? That's more up to me wanting a mic or not, but still
This would be perfect if it had RCA line-ins. I still use my GSX1000 for gaming but that thing can't drive a lot of my gear so I have to connect it to an amp, currently my old SMSL SP200.
I have this product. Getting weird crackle sounds on certain tracks and certain low notes that i don't get with same headphones (Elex) connected via other products. Using usb-C input to smsl. Also sound via optical in is really muffled and bad, unusable, but i ordered a new toslink cable to see if that could explain it. Unlikely but who knows. Kind of a bummer that basic stuff doesn't work perfectly. Getting better sound out of just the headphone-out jack on pc and monitor...
Something is definitely wrong the. I’ve actually used this a lot and it’s been a wonderful product. Have you tried a different USB cable or changing the sample rate in Windows to see if it’s improved? There’s a chance yours is defective unfortunately
Pretty much! K11 with the right filter sounds almost the same. This just has a much better selection of inputs and outputs, and the balanced output has a lower output impedance on the MDA1, so your gear will all sound the same regardless of which output you use. K11 has slightly higher output impedance on balanced, but it's not bad
I’m was in the same boat to, ended up going for a Topping e2x2. Julian krause found in his objective review that they have a very good Dac/amp for a mixer device
Hi joey i was waiting for your review on the filo k11 r2r dac amp i have the fiio k11 but i just ordered the fiio k11 r2r on Amazon one review said it has better bass i hope i made a good decision i have the sound blaster Gc7 but it has no output for balance cables do you think i made a good decision buying the fiio k11 r2r when i already have the fiio k11 original what's your opinion stay safe and happy gaming to all
Hey, I have an off topic question if you happen to see this. Have you tried the beyerdynamic dt 770 pro (not pro x)? I was considering getting them for gaming on the PlayStation and I was wondering what you thought about them. I haven’t ever gotten a super nice set of headphones before, just gaming labeled ones so I haven’t had to worry and don’t even know anything about ohms or stuff like that. I just see that most people recommend 32 ohms if I’m just going to be using it for games and have no plans to get a dac and amp which I don’t (because I have no idea what those really are lol). The one downside is no mic but I’ll just use my old headset if I need one until I can get a modmic or something later on, but do you think they will work nice on the PS5, and the controller can power them? I saw you made a video on the pro x version but not the pro, and there are a lot of other reviews of course but I just like yours the most so I was hoping you could help. Thanks in advance if you see this
I also have this DAC. I was used to a certain standard, but the headphone output is too bad for me. The sound is artificial and flat with poor dynamics. At the moment I only use the MDA RAW as a DAC and for headphones the latest headphone amplifier from SMSL H400. The dynamics have improved tremendously. I'm still waiting for symmetrical cabling. My headphones are Denon AH-D7200.
I had basically decided on this DAC/Amp for some time but after seeing your review it confirmed my decision. Seriously, you're becoming one of my favorite reviewers on here!
Thanks! It's viewers like you that help shape future content, so I really appreciate it. I'm not trying to chase the most click/buzzworthy content. I'd rather focus on gear I think the world should/needs to know about, and help people decide what's best for them. I hope you like it!
@@GadgetryTech That is awesome to know and I think it shows in your content! Also, yes! Love it man, keep it up for sure!
this DAC/amp and the Fiio T1 headphones are the best new devices of this last few months for those who want to enjoy music and get high quality in everything, without spending like crazy! thanks for the reveiw
T1 feels like a steal.. that price, that sound! Fiio have set a new standard for the closedback HP market!
Just picked this up. Thanks for going through the menus and explaining the settings 🤘
This has been on my radar for a little while. Thank you for your helpful and in-depth review. I recently got the FiiO R2R and SMSL SP200 to test the HP outputs, which is my primary goal. Early phase of testing, but neither are as good for me as my Loxjie D40Pro or Monolith THX AAA 887. These new DAC controls are really fiddly, and I'm not a fan. Looking at an SMSL SP400 to test the ladder volume adjustment. But I think I need to stop chasing the dragon and enjoy what I have. Thank you as always for your time, efforts, and sharing this with us all. Take care.
Nice concise review. I have two setups that use headphone amps; one in my office downstairs and one in my bedroom. The old headphone amp in my office is giving issues now, so I think the Topping setup down in the office will go up to the bedroom and I'm considering an MDA-1 for my office. Having a fixed option for the line-out is great - I use both headphones and also a receiver driving a very nice pair of speakers. This is perfect! Thank you for the demo of the controls and display. Great stuff!
There is apparantely a firmware update for the RAW-MDA1 that fixes the filter ordering to be in line with the manual (the manual was also updated to reflect this). There are currently no tests that confirm this claim but they did this for other devices with the ESS 9039Q2M chip as well. Updating the manual from their side to change the PCM filter order probably means that it is now correct after the FW update. Fast Linear Roll-Off should now correspond to the 3rd item on the menu which should be labeled properly now.
Great review bro... Love what you doing....btw it's like $249 now and that makes it even a better deal.
Thanks man! Yeah at $250 it's a smoking deal. I usually stick to MSRP pricing for reviews now because they all seem to fluctuate so much, so I can never keep up. It's a great option at either price for sure
@@GadgetryTech bro I have the RME DAC and and I'm even thinking of selling it and getting this for $249 and putting money back in my pocket for other gear... But I'm still a little hesitant.... But I'm definitely considering it.
I wouldn't buy that big block . it doesn't even have a bass booster. I just ordered the fiio k11 r2r dac amp and it's even cheaper than this big block. Stay safe and happy gaming to all
I just wish manufacturers would think outside the box when it comes to colour, black black or black .
Looks a good unit ..
Great review, thanks for putting in the work 👍
A similar quality DAC/AMP for those on a tighter budget is the DL200. However, you do get a bit more features (primariliy a nicer screen) for slightly more money in the RAW-MDA1.
For Joe, the PCM Filters are a bit mixed up from SMSL side so fast roll off does not correspond to the proper one. This is discussed in a bit more detail at audiosciencereview so you can check it out. I think the 4th item on the menu should be the proper Linear Fast Roll Off but it is better documented in the ASR topic.
The schiit magni unity would still be better out of these 3 right?
Thanks for the info! I'll pin up a comment soon, suggesting everyone use the 4th one. I don't have a way to actually measure this particular issue, so thanks for pointing that out
@@GadgetryTech Yeah, no worries nice video still.
Usually SMSL correctly labels them (for example the C200 with the 9038Q2M had correct filter order) but this time around all SMSL DACs that have the ESS 9039Q2M chip (D6S, DL200, RAW-MDA1) have incorrect labeling for PCM filters.
Good thing is that a lot of people can not hear a difference between these filters so it’s not that a big of an issue, just something to be aware of if chasing perfection (and linear fast roll-off is the way to go unless a DAC has one that is more adherent to Nyquist).
EDIT: I double checked - the 4th one is definitely the fast linear roll off in the RAW-MDA1 it's labeled as LINEAR SLOW ROFF by mistake.
@@cryptok9185 Didn’t listen to it and don’t have any measurements on hand but from what I could find on the internet, looks like a good device.
To clarify the Magni Unity does have some advantages (a bit more power overall), however both SMSL devices (DL200 and RAW-MDA1) have a screen, have bluetooth, have both 4.4mm and 6.35mm (even though it’s not balanced). The RAW-MDA1 also has an extra set of inputs.
So if you don’t need all tha functionality I guess the Magni Unity is fine as well (looked into some measurements by schiit, they are mostly fine nothing to be really concerned about).
Joe, great review of SMSL RAW-MD1.
I think it would be tremendous if you could do a comparison video on HD490 Pro vs DT 1990 Pro since they are the flagship studio headphones from their respective German companies. Very interested in how they especially compare in the mid-ranges, among other sonic categories.
I really dig your subjective and objective audiophile reviews/comparisons.
Keep up the good work.
I could consider doing that comparison soon. I have both of those here at my studio. Thanks so much for the support!
@@GadgetryTech that would be great. I've been debating between these two. And, these being the flagship studio offerings from the two established and rival German companies, I've found it rather strange that no one has done a dedicated comparison on them yet.
Also, now that I have you here, I'd like to directly thank you for your responses to my HD490 Pro vs AR5000 questions in the stream a while back. Upon contemplating your thorough responses, I realized that I have to get AR5000 as my midrange-forward headphones at some point in the near future. (I don't have a pair of midrange forward headphones yet.)
Thanks for all your work, man.
I'm thinking of getting the HD 490 Pro as well. Iirc, Joe had problems with the headphone, but DMS on The Headphone Show liked it more.
I loved my Su-8s stack but sold it and got the DX9. I loved it, but I have no regrets.
How is the sound better than Fiiok11??
For FPS gaming how much better or worse is this then the DX3 pro+, SMSL C200 and ifi zen Dac v2/v3?
Currently using the Fiio K5 pro ess and wondering if it’s worth the upgrade
I'm on the k5 pro and I'm thinking on this dac or the Dx3 pro
@@lute_cg i dont like the dx3 pro+, highs sound to harsh for me and the bass is to dark imo, i like the k11 more and looking to upgrade to the mda1 or smsl do300ex
Sorry if I missed a video but I’ve combed through multiple videos trying to find mics compatible with my IEMs. I was able to get one from your amazing videos. Problem is finding a mic I can use with it.
from a fps gaming perspective do you think there is a difference to consider between the MDA 1 and the Topping DX3pro+ ?
Joe, comparing S.M.S.L RAW-MDA 1 vs Schiit HEL plus, for gaming audio which one would you pick? I dont know if this a right comparison but I am trying to buy myself a nice DAC/Amp for gaming and music listening
Gud question. I'm thinking bout buying a schiit gunnr
I own both, and would very confidently say that you should only buy the Hel (or Gunnr) if you need a dedicated mic input. And in the Hel’s case, want a dedicated mic gain knob. The MDA 1 is superior in almost every other way to the Hel.
In the real world, I mainly run the Hel or Fulla for PS5 specifically, and only when I want to use my mic. Most of the time I’m running the MDA 1 with a set of HD490s for gaming.
No mic input is annoying for headset users so keep that in mind.
I'm in the market for an all in one but there's so many options. Fiio K7, SMSL M500 MK3, Topping DX5 and now this. Find it difficult to make a decision.
Just get whatever provides the most features for you all of the devices listed are great. I would also add to this list the SMSL DL200 as well.
The interface works so crisp because they are finally using Bluetooth in the remote instead of standard infrared remote.
Solid review as always 🫡
Is the USB input galvanically isolated?
What dac chip(s) does it have? Sorry if I missed it in the video.
Sabre ESS 9039Q2M.
@@gabrielrojas2635 Thx for the info. 🍻
Thanks for sharing @gabrielrojas2635 . I should have mentioned it but intentionally left it out, as I don't think the chip itself will guarantee any particular sound profile
Oh man…
This or K11?? So difficult to choose. I just want something to live on my PS5. Mic pass through isn’t necessary.
Hi, I'm wondering what DAC amp to buy that's transparent / precise / accurate and reliable for daily studio use under £400 (preferably under £300). Reliability / longevity matters. I mostly want USB and would buy the DX3 Pro+ but I want balanced outs for my studio monitors. I'm thinking of the DX5 / DX5 Lite for the money - I can't see many alternatives that have balanced outs and specs as good as this. Last time I tried line in I got hum on my monitors.. I see a lot of postive talk about the S.M.S.L products particularly the RAW-MDA1 - there's also the DO200 / DO400 / SU9 Pro around the £400 mark and the 500 mkIII at £529. Filo K9 non-pro is £450. I'm not sure. Could get a used Topping DX7 Pro (not plus) for £300 but then no warranty and who knows. AES would be a bonus if I ever get dsp speakers but not necessary.
How does it compare to the Fio k9 AKM ?
Any reason to get this over the zen dac v2?
In case the amazing Gadgetry Tech missed this comment. Just thought I'd help a fellow audiophile out. It would boil down to features and sound. Zen Dac is warmer sounding but this combo is clean and linear. It's also got a nice screen, remote, bluetooth and has proper dual XLR outs for line out/pre out as opposed to the 4.4 line out on the zen dac(it is a cleaner solution) but most folks would probably need to buy a very niche and more expensive adaptor like dual XLR to 4.4 for interconnects.
@@sensoryexpanse I might sell my v2 for this. Always wanted an ampdac with a screen for a reasonable price and this is it.
@@avedgy I would say doe. Obviously not everyone has the luxury to demo things but I always advise this to everyone. Nothing beats being able to demo stuff and if you can't demo, I'd highly recommend atleast looking into the return policy of the website you buy it from so atleast you can return it if you don't like the sound. I'd also rec trying to always purchase through paypal incase there's any return disputes.
3:55 the legend is bad. top shows linear fast rolloff but the graph is color and number
Also why not the green filter? It is flatter looking
At least you can choose 1 output instead of having to pull out the headphones each time you want to listen to your monitors only. But would hav prefered just a physical button for that. It is mind-boggling how few there are that makes something like this with a good interface for easy use when it's ment to be on a desktop near a computer. With all of that said, still looks like one if not the best alternatives out there for that price!
Nice man, i always wanted something like this that i can also use on ps5
I have a few dac/amps all connected to my gaming pc and I'd like to know is there any type of usb powered conditioner that all my devices can plug into and then into my pc?
Love your work. Any idea which dac amps support Bluetooth mixing with USB c audio? I got the creative x5 after watching your review, works amazingly when it works, but often a buggy mess. Thank you
Have you thought about taking a look at the Topping E2x2? It’s an audio interface with what seems to be a very good headphone amp. I’d be interested in seeing a review on this! Especially bc it seems like a good all-in-one amp/dac w/ mic input
I need help man I bought this fav for my hd490 pros and nothing comes out of the thing
Hey bro when you mean all outputs enabled at once. Do you mean simultaneously? Can I listen to two headphones at the same time? or headphones and speakers at the same time?
I want a Dac that has analog output and optical output. Do you recommend one ? I can't get rid of my prodigy black cube because is a jack of all trades.
Hi Joe @gagetrytech I was hoping to confirm 💯 it isnt a balanced 4.4 output given it has dual sabre dac chops. Or chips?
His comment is correct. The unit has dual stereo DACs. Full differential (balanced) output is possible using one stereo DAC per channel. While the XLR outputs may be balanced, other reviewers have found that the 6.25 and 4.4 mm outputs sound the same, i.e. DACs in bridged, unbalanced mode. Very disappointing at this price point. They omitted the extra switching required. My $100 Ear Studio pocket unit has it.
Try the Douk U8. I don't have one, but the specs claim balanced headphone outputs on its 4.4 and XLR4 jacks. The max output voltage on the balanaced jacks is twice the unbalanced, and that's the clue.
What would I need to use this as a streamer? Something like the WiiM Mini via Optical and then headphones into this unit?
I see your Home Theater in the background of some videos. I have been into HT for over 30 years. Will you ever do any reviews in that space? Would love to see you review the Marantz M1 or Cinema Series.
Hey Joe, would love to see a comparison between these and the Fiio K11 or maybe even a tier list for desktop amp/dacs. Thanks for all your hard work!
I have both, confirmed is better tahn Fiio K11 in every aspect. But I never tried the newer K11R2R
@@mcaik77What makes it better to you than the K11? Games or music or both? And I’m curious if you bothered to install the recommended driver they advertise?
Hello Joe. Would this dac serve well as a 2 channel stereo Dac to replace my source dac which is inside the cd player? Thank you.
I'm not big on digital screens where all the functions are buried. I have an Xduoo TA-22 and man I wish most options were just analog switches or even discreet buttons, the way Schiit does. The knob and usage on it is a bit rough.
This SMSL unit does look nice, and really, there's no replacement for all in one units. I'm over the days of separate units for dac and amp duties.
Just wish there was a company that would make a serious amp/dac device with a mic input and mic gain like the Schiit Hel, but... beefier. Been asking for a Helius or Helheim forever 😂.
Preach! I do still love this unit, but man if they added mic/TRRS support it'd be game over. All good stuff
Would this be an update over Topping DX3 Pro+? or should i consider something else? i mainly use Thieaudio Hype 4's atm with Topping
Pro+ has the advantage of power output vs price. It's also a great sounding DAC/amp with essentially zero noise floor. I like the RAW-MDA1 more only because of the screen, and the 6.3mm + 4.4mm outputs up front, along with RCA+XLR rear outputs. This is just a LOT more versatile for me.
So if you say the dx3 pro+ is slightly better performance wise would that mean the magni unity is still slightly better in raw performance than these to
@@GadgetryTech Do those who have headphone output generally not need the XLR output device at the back? DAC&HEADHONE AMP are generally used for desktops.
How does this compare with the creative x5? Currently looking at this, the x5, or the gunnr for lcd-gx’s. Was looking at the gsx 1000 but looks like they stopped making them.
I just want a combo DAC/amp for headphones and my smallish desktop powered 2.1 system (presonus eris4.5 and sub8). The key here that it seems everything is missing is a dedicated sub out. I have the fiio K11 and have my monitors plugged into my sub and sub into k11. Problem there is there isn't a dedicated channel for the sub now. So can't really do a separate eq on sub/monitors. Was hopeful when you said this does it all that it would solve for this without having to spend big bucks.
DT 770 Pro X LE or MMX 300 Pro, currently debating in my autistic mind about what to get. Is the price hike from the 770 to the 300 worth it? That's more up to me wanting a mic or not, but still
This would be perfect if it had RCA line-ins. I still use my GSX1000 for gaming but that thing can't drive a lot of my gear so I have to connect it to an amp, currently my old SMSL SP200.
I have the arete iems which cable would you reccomend i get for this dac amp ?
I have this product. Getting weird crackle sounds on certain tracks and certain low notes that i don't get with same headphones (Elex) connected via other products. Using usb-C input to smsl. Also sound via optical in is really muffled and bad, unusable, but i ordered a new toslink cable to see if that could explain it. Unlikely but who knows. Kind of a bummer that basic stuff doesn't work perfectly. Getting better sound out of just the headphone-out jack on pc and monitor...
Something is definitely wrong the. I’ve actually used this a lot and it’s been a wonderful product. Have you tried a different USB cable or changing the sample rate in Windows to see if it’s improved? There’s a chance yours is defective unfortunately
I love how the box looks like a PC motherboard box. All in, such a good all-in dac-Amp, like a juiced up Fiio K11?
Pretty much! K11 with the right filter sounds almost the same. This just has a much better selection of inputs and outputs, and the balanced output has a lower output impedance on the MDA1, so your gear will all sound the same regardless of which output you use. K11 has slightly higher output impedance on balanced, but it's not bad
have you reviewed the mjolnir 3 yet?
New subscriber here. Great Video!. In your opinion, will this pair well with the newly released Audio-Technica
ATH-R70x Refine?
How would it compare to the schiit magni unity
7hz zero vs kz zsn10 pro 2 vs blon bl03 which better for PUBG .
or can you give iem suggestion for PUBG in this budget range
Can you pair these with wireless headphones?
My question as well
No, you cannot
Is anyone using this as a preamp for a pair of fosi V3 mono's? Interested to hear anyone's thoughts on the results
gadgetryTech which iem is better for gaming the supermix 4 or the em6l?
Supermix 4
i just got this wish me luck guys i also got the hd 490 pros
How was it? Can you share insights?
Fixed locks it to whatever volume it's set at, rather than automatically at full volume....
I had always thought it was locked at 2V and 4V outputs for both RCA and XLR. I'll definitely test that again. Thanks :)
Is this mic compatible?
I WISH it was. I'm trying so hard to get a good UAC1 DAC/amp under $300 that also supports a mic connection. It's been a chore for sure
@@GadgetryTech me 2 bro
I’m was in the same boat to, ended up going for a Topping e2x2. Julian krause found in his objective review that they have a very good Dac/amp for a mixer device
Joseph, thank you for another wonderful headphone amplifier/DAC review! 👌
Reverend Dr. Thomas,
✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱
Smsl are the vanilla dacs, nothing added nothing taken away
Hi joey i was waiting for your review on the filo k11 r2r dac amp i have the fiio k11 but i just ordered the fiio k11 r2r on Amazon one review said it has better bass i hope i made a good decision i have the sound blaster Gc7 but it has no output for balance cables do you think i made a good decision buying the fiio k11 r2r when i already have the fiio k11 original what's your opinion stay safe and happy gaming to all
Hey, I have an off topic question if you happen to see this. Have you tried the beyerdynamic dt 770 pro (not pro x)? I was considering getting them for gaming on the PlayStation and I was wondering what you thought about them. I haven’t ever gotten a super nice set of headphones before, just gaming labeled ones so I haven’t had to worry and don’t even know anything about ohms or stuff like that. I just see that most people recommend 32 ohms if I’m just going to be using it for games and have no plans to get a dac and amp which I don’t (because I have no idea what those really are lol). The one downside is no mic but I’ll just use my old headset if I need one until I can get a modmic or something later on, but do you think they will work nice on the PS5, and the controller can power them? I saw you made a video on the pro x version but not the pro, and there are a lot of other reviews of course but I just like yours the most so I was hoping you could help. Thanks in advance if you see this
Using myself 80 Ohm version for gaming, pairing nicely with Ps5, no amp needed but if you have one that's even better
No HDMI in,not for me and my system
I also have this DAC. I was used to a certain standard, but the headphone output is too bad for me. The sound is artificial and flat with poor dynamics. At the moment I only use the MDA RAW as a DAC and for headphones the latest headphone amplifier from SMSL H400. The dynamics have improved tremendously. I'm still waiting for symmetrical cabling. My headphones are Denon AH-D7200.
Can I connect my Shure MV7X XLR Podcast Microphone this ?
I have the gc7
topping e30 ii стоит в 2 раза дешевле и имеет два чипа ak4493s, хорошие показатели и кучу хвалебных отзывов, но не имеет xlr выходов и bluetooth 🤔
Iw got it, I love it. 🥰
10 minute intro, 2 minute review
No EQ? No Crossfeed? Boring. No one needs stuff like the DAC filter settings.