Short answer: the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#4 and #7 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 costs $699.99 against $899 for the Topping D90 III Sabre, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
What the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: 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.
Why pick the Topping D90 III Sabre: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 lacks. The catch: The Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches both its rating and its 123 dB SINAD for much less, and the SMSL D-6S matches its rating for a fraction of the price.
Buy the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1. Both are rated the same, and it costs $199.01 less than the Topping D90 III Sabre.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 | Topping D90 III Sabre | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $899.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 30 in DACs | #7 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, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO | 2 x ES9039SPRO |
| Dimensions | 10” x 1.9” x 8” (254 x 48 x 203 mm) | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (220 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (1,900 g) | - |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob and Bluetooth remote |
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 D70 Pro 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 D90 III Sabre: $899.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and drives an amp or powered speakers over RCA or balanced XLR. A volume knob and Bluetooth remote let it work as a preamp.
Cons: The Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches both its rating and its 123 dB SINAD for much less, and the SMSL D-6S matches its rating for a fraction of the price. It has no headphone output.
Full Topping D90 III Sabre review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039SPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (220 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob and Bluetooth remote |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs Gustard X18
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL D400 Pro
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL SU-10
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs Topping D900
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL M400
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL VMV D2R
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs Topping Centaurus
- See all 9 comparisons