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 Topping DX3 Pro+ ranks #10, rated 4.8/5, at $199, $80.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
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.
What the Topping DX3 Pro+ does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the SMSL RAW-MDA1 lacks. The catch: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack.
Buy the SMSL RAW-MDA1. It is rated higher, and the $80.99 saving on the Topping DX3 Pro+ is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL RAW-MDA1 | Topping DX3 Pro+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #10 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) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,700 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | ES9038Q2M |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.8” x 7” (189 x 45 x 179 mm) | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1,020 g) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
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 DL100 vs SMSL RAW-MDA1
- 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 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
Topping DX3 Pro+: $199.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Topping rates it at 1,800 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it accepts USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD and LDAC, plus an RCA line output.
Cons: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack. The Topping DX5 II rates higher, measured cleaner and is rated at far more balanced power for a bit more.
Full Topping DX3 Pro+ review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons