Short answer: the SMSL RAW-MDA1. Both are rated 4.9/5 (#3 and #2 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the SMSL RAW-MDA1 costs $279.99 against $399 for the D&A Alpha, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the D&A Alpha: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the SMSL RAW-MDA1 lacks. Watch for: It is a large, heavy desktop box at 3.6 lbs (1,650 g), so it is no fit for a cramped desk or travel.
What the SMSL RAW-MDA1 does well: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The tradeoff: The maker doesn’t publish a 300 ohm power figure.
Buy the SMSL RAW-MDA1. Both are rated the same, and it costs $119.01 less than the D&A Alpha.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| D&A Alpha | SMSL RAW-MDA1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $279.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #3 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 9,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 1,700 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,100 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Volume Control | Analog volume IC (NJU72315) | - |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 2.2” x 8.2” (195 x 55 x 208 mm) | 7.4” x 1.8” x 7” (189 x 45 x 179 mm) |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,650 g) | 2.2 lbs (1,020 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for D&A Alpha:
- D&A Alpha vs SMSL DO400
- D&A Alpha vs Topping DX5 II
- D&A Alpha vs D&A Alpha Pro
- D&A Alpha vs Topping G5
- D&A Alpha vs JDS Labs Element IV
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
D&A Alpha: $399.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. A rated 9 W balanced into 32 ohms and 1.1 W into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, planar magnetics included, and it adds optical, coaxial and LDAC Bluetooth inputs with XLR line outputs for powered speakers. It matches the rating of the SMSL DO400 for less.
Cons: It is a large, heavy desktop box at 1,650 g, so it is no fit for a cramped desk or travel. The Topping DX5 II rates the same with similarly huge balanced power for less, and the 9 W figure applies only to the 4.4 mm balanced output.
Full D&A Alpha review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 2.2” x 8.2” (195 x 55 x 208 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,100 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 9,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog volume IC (NJU72315) |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,650 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL RAW-MDA1: $279.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. A rated 1.7 W into 32 ohms drives nearly any headphone including planar magnetics, and it has two optical and two coaxial inputs plus USB and LDAC Bluetooth. It matches the rating of the SMSL DO400 for much less.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 300 ohm power figure. Bluetooth lacks AAC, and the Topping DX1 II rates the same with ample balanced power for far less if you don’t need its extra inputs.
Full SMSL RAW-MDA1 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.8” x 7” (189 x 45 x 179 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,700 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1,020 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons