Short answer: the Topping D70 Pro SABRE. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#6 and #4 of 30 DACs), and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE costs $599 against $699.99 for the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides 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.
The case for the Topping D70 Pro SABRE: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 lacks. The tradeoff: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for far less, so the extra cost mostly buys inputs and features rather than audible gains.
Buy the Topping D70 Pro SABRE. Both are rated the same, and it costs $100.99 less than the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 | Topping D70 Pro SABRE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 30 in DACs | #6 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, optical, coaxial, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO | ES9039SPRO |
| Dimensions | 10” x 1.9” x 8” (254 x 48 x 203 mm) | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (1,900 g) | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 compares with other leading options:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- 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
Topping D70 Pro SABRE: $599.00 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 feeds powered speakers or an amp via RCA or balanced XLR, with a volume knob for direct control. Inputs include USB, optical, coaxial, AES and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD and AAC, and it costs less than the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 with the same SINAD.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for far less, so the extra cost mostly buys inputs and features rather than audible gains. At 222 mm wide and 1,050 g, it needs a full-size spot on the desk or rack.
Full Topping D70 Pro SABRE review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039SPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons