Short answer: the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#4 and #5 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 costs $699.99 against $719.99 for the SMSL VMV D1se2, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
The case for the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for a fraction of the price, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its 123 dB SINAD for less.
What the SMSL VMV D1se2 does well: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, comfortably in the range where noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
Buy the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1. Both are rated the same, and it costs $20 less than the SMSL VMV D1se2.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 | SMSL VMV D1se2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $719.99 |
| Ranked | #4 of 30 in DACs | #5 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-C, USB-B, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth | USB, I2S, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO | ES9039MSPRO |
| Dimensions | 10” x 1.9” x 8” (254 x 48 x 203 mm) | 8.3” x 1.5” x 6.7” (210 x 39 x 170 mm) |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (1,900 g) | 3.6 lbs (1,630 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Remote |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- Gustard X18 vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- SMSL DO200 Pro vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
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 Pro-DAC1: $699.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It connects to powered speakers or an amp through RCA and balanced XLR outputs. Inputs are unusually complete, including USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for a fraction of the price, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its 123 dB SINAD for less. The packet lists no volume control. At 1,900 g it is a large box.
Full SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2024 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 10” x 1.9” x 8” (254 x 48 x 203 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, USB-B, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (1,900 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL VMV D1se2: $719.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, comfortably in the range where noise and distortion are inaudible. Inputs cover USB, I2S, coaxial, optical and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and it feeds amps or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs. A remote is included for volume control.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers. The SMSL D-6S earns the same rating with nearly identical measurements for far less, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its SINAD and also costs less.
Full SMSL VMV D1se2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.5” x 6.7” (210 x 39 x 170 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, I2S, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Remote |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,630 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons