Short answer: the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#4 and #13 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 costs $699.99 against $859.99 for the SMSL M400, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
What the SMSL M400 does well: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
Why pick the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for a fraction of the price, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its 123 dB SINAD for less.
Buy the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1. Both are rated the same, and it costs $160 less than the SMSL M400.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL M400 | SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $859.99 | $699.99 |
| Ranked | #13 of 30 in DACs | #4 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth | USB-C, USB-B, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EQ | ES9039MSPRO |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote), fixed or variable | - |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.7” x 8.5” (220 x 43 x 215 mm) | 10” x 1.9” x 8” (254 x 48 x 203 mm) |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1,530 g) | 4.2 lbs (1,900 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- Gustard X18 vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
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 M400: $859.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial, I2S and Bluetooth with UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and drives amps or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs. A volume knob and remote with fixed or variable output let it work as a preamp for active speakers.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers. Several rivals with the same rating measured slightly cleaner for less, including the Topping D70 Pro SABRE and the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1.
Full SMSL M400 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EQ |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.7” x 8.5” (220 x 43 x 215 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote), fixed or variable |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1,530 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1: $699.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It connects to powered speakers or an amp through RCA and balanced XLR outputs. Inputs are unusually complete, including USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for a fraction of the price, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its 123 dB SINAD for less. The packet lists no volume control. At 1,900 g it is a large box.
Full SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2024 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 10” x 1.9” x 8” (254 x 48 x 203 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, USB-B, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (1,900 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons