Short answer: the SMSL RAW-MDA1. Both are rated 4.9/5 (#3 and #4 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the SMSL RAW-MDA1 costs $279.99 against $299 for the Topping DX5 II, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
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 Topping DX5 II: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the SMSL RAW-MDA1 lacks. The tradeoff: The Topping DX1 II shares its rating for well under half the price and still delivers about 1 W into 32 ohms, which is plenty for most headphones.
Buy the SMSL RAW-MDA1. Both are rated the same, and it costs $19.01 less than the Topping DX5 II.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL RAW-MDA1 | Topping DX5 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #4 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) | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,700 mW (manufacturer rated) | 6,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.8” x 7” (189 x 45 x 179 mm) | 7.5” x 1.7” x 6.1” (190 x 44 x 155 mm) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1,020 g) | 2.1 lbs (945 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 990 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (10-band parametric) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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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 DX5 II: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6.4 W into 32 ohms and 990 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4 pin XLR outputs. It adds a 10 band parametric EQ, Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and RCA and XLR line outputs, matching the rating of the SMSL DO400 for less.
Cons: The Topping DX1 II shares its rating for well under half the price and still delivers about 1 W into 32 ohms, which is plenty for most headphones. Its full size chassis takes more desk space than compact all in ones.
Full Topping DX5 II review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 1.7” x 6.1” (190 x 44 x 155 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 990 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (945 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons