Short answer: the SMSL RAW-MDA1. Both are rated 4.9/5 (#3 and #7 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the SMSL RAW-MDA1 costs $279.99 against $299 for the Topping G5, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
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 Topping G5: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the SMSL RAW-MDA1 lacks. The catch: Its 175 mW into 300 ohms limits headroom with high-impedance headphones.
Buy the SMSL RAW-MDA1. Both are rated the same, and it costs $19.01 less than the Topping G5.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL RAW-MDA1 | Topping G5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #7 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) | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,700 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, Bluetooth | USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | ES9068AS |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.8” x 7” (189 x 45 x 179 mm) | 2.8” x 5.5” x 0.7” (70 x 140 x 18 mm) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1,020 g) | 0.6 lbs (265 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 175 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Battery Life | - | 9 hours (USB), 10 hours (Bluetooth), 25 hours (analog) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
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 DL100 vs SMSL RAW-MDA1
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- 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 G5: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 1,200 mW into 32 ohms is unusual for a battery unit and handles most planars, with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. It runs about 9 hours on USB, 10 on Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and 25 as an analog amp, and weighs 265 g.
Cons: Its 175 mW into 300 ohms limits headroom with high-impedance headphones. The Topping DX1 II rates the same and measures slightly cleaner for much less, though it is not portable. At 140 mm long and 18 mm thick, it suits a bag better than a pocket.
Full Topping G5 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (USB), 10 hours (Bluetooth), 25 hours (analog) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 5.5” x 0.7” (70 x 140 x 18 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm analog |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 175 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons