Short answer: the SMSL DL100. Both are rated 4.9/5 (#8 and #3 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the SMSL DL100 costs $152.99 against $279.99 for the SMSL RAW-MDA1, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
What the SMSL DL100 does well: Audio Science Review measured 119 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the SMSL RAW-MDA1 lacks. The tradeoff: The Topping DX5 II earns the same rating and publishes far more balanced power, though it costs more.
The case for the SMSL RAW-MDA1: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. Watch for: The maker doesn’t publish a 300 ohm power figure.
Buy the SMSL DL100. Both are rated the same, and it costs $127 less than the SMSL RAW-MDA1.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DL100 | SMSL RAW-MDA1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $152.99 | $279.99 |
| Ranked | #8 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 | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,500 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,700 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| 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-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote) | - |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 1.2” x 8.1” (196 x 31 x 206 mm) | 7.4” x 1.8” x 7” (189 x 45 x 179 mm) |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) | 2.2 lbs (1,020 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL RAW-MDA1 compares with other leading options:
- D&A Alpha vs SMSL RAW-MDA1
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX5 II
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping G5
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Aune X1s GT
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
SMSL DL100: $152.99 Apos Audio eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 119 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 1.5 W into 32 ohms handles most planar magnetic headphones, with 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs plus RCA and XLR line outs for powered speakers. Inputs include USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and a remote controls volume.
Cons: The Topping DX5 II earns the same rating and publishes far more balanced power, though it costs more. The Topping DX1 II shares the same rating for less if you do not need the extra inputs. Its 1.5 W rating is enough for most headphones but short of the several watts some rivals offer.
Full SMSL DL100 review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 1.2” x 8.1” (196 x 31 x 206 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote) |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1,050 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