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 Fosi Audio ZH3 ranks #12, rated 4.7/5, at $199.99, $80 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
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.
The case for the Fosi Audio ZH3: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: The Topping DX1 II rates higher and measures cleaner at 121 dB for less money, though with less rated power.
Buy the SMSL RAW-MDA1. It is rated higher, and saving $80 with the Fosi Audio ZH3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL RAW-MDA1 | Fosi Audio ZH3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #3 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #12 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) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,700 mW (manufacturer rated) | 2,570 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, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | AK4493SEQ |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.8” x 7” (189 x 45 x 179 mm) | - |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1,020 g) | - |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (bass and treble) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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
Fosi Audio ZH3: $199.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening. A rated 2,570 mW into 32 ohms from the balanced output handles most planar magnetic headphones, with 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced jacks. USB, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs plus RCA and XLR outputs let it double as a preamp, and bass and treble controls are built in.
Cons: The Topping DX1 II rates higher and measures cleaner at 121 dB for less money, though with less rated power. It has no Bluetooth input, and its SINAD trails most of the top-rated units in this group.
Full Fosi Audio ZH3 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | AK4493SEQ |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass and treble) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,570 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons