Short answer: the SMSL RAW-MDA1. It ranks #3 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $279.99; the Aune X1s GT ranks #11, rated 4.8/5, and costs $319, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
Why pick the SMSL RAW-MDA1: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: The maker doesn’t publish a 300 ohm power figure.
The case for the Aune X1s GT: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power.
Buy the SMSL RAW-MDA1. It is rated higher than the Aune X1s GT and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL RAW-MDA1 | Aune X1s GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $319.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #11 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) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,700 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,200 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) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA line out, RCA pre out |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | - |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.8” x 7” (189 x 45 x 179 mm) | - |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1,020 g) | - |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
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More worthwhile head-to-heads for SMSL RAW-MDA1:
- D&A Alpha vs SMSL RAW-MDA1
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX5 II
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping G5
- SMSL DL100 vs SMSL RAW-MDA1
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
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 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
Aune X1s GT: $319.00 Aune official store eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. Aune rates it at 1,200 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced jack, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it takes USB, optical and coaxial inputs plus an external 10 MHz clock. RCA line and preamp outputs let it feed powered speakers too.
Cons: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power. The SMSL RAW-MDA1 rates higher for less, and there is no Bluetooth input.
Full Aune X1s GT review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA line out, RCA pre out |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons