At this time, Lynn evaluations the SMSL RAW-DAC1, a brand new desktop AK4499EX-equipped balanced output DAC able to as much as DSD512 and LDAC wi-fi decoding. It’s priced at $499.99.
Disclaimer: I acquired this pattern in alternate for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or partnerships. I thank Shenzhen Audio and SMSL for his or her assist.
Click on right here to study extra about SMSL merchandise we have now beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This text follows our present scoring tips, which yow will discover in additional element right here.
SMSL RAW-DAC1 Assessment
Abstract
The SMSL RAW-DAC1 follows within the footsteps of the wonderful desktop SU-X DAC. With superb element retrieval and considerably crystalline readability, the RAW-DAC1 presents an eminently musical tone to the supply, it doesn’t matter what it’s.
Professionals
A really musical DAC.
A various set of options.
The Soundcolor tone adjustment could be very HiFi pleasant.
Cons
The display has poor legibility from a distance.
After I reviewed the RAW-MDA1, I discovered it to characterize a step ahead for SMSL, away from their acquainted black field. Tucked inside had been some new electronics, separating the “RAW” moniker from the remainder of the road.
Shifting away from their plethora of product releases, the RAW sequence promotes a mid-fi sound that also follows the custom of SMSL however with a extra upscale look, really feel, and sound.
The $449.99 SMSL RAW-DAC-1 represents the purity of digital-to-analog circuitry following those self same ideas.
Whereas the AK chipset is probably not identified for its purity in sound, SMSL has labored its magic to advertise a stand-alone DAC that may go towards others on this market and achieve this with out disgrace.
The multitude of inputs permits to be used throughout many various sources, which many others do as effectively. However right here, it provides to the wonderful illustration of what SMSL would possibly stand for: high quality choices at an reasonably priced worth. The RAW sequence strikes upscale however doesn’t neglect from whence it got here.
Options
The RAW-DAC1 is constructed across the AK4191+AK4499EX chipset, the identical DAC setup within the SMSL SU-9 Extremely. The RAW-DAC1 additionally boasts the (third gen) XMOS XU-316, which helps as much as 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. As well as, it has full assist for MQA and MQA-CD.
The entire different common supply choices are current, together with Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD.
One attention-grabbing addition is an I²S enter, which reduces jitter and makes use of a direct digital connection for extra exact and clear audio. XLR out is a plus, particularly since its associate, the RAW-HA1, has XLR in.
There’s a specifically designed, built-in shielded energy provide inside, enhancing energy effectivity and reducing energy consumption whereas holding exterior noises to a minimal.
There’s a new twin UI design that provides you 2 distinct show kinds to select from and the identical clear and easy-to-use settings menu beneath. I appreciated this on the HA1, and this follows swimsuit.
Design
The bodily design of the SMSL RAW-DAC1 carries ahead the acquainted aesthetic of the RAW-HA1. The plain black field can unassumingly match into your system with out trouble.
A tempered glass panel on the entrance homes the two.33-inch show. To the proper of the show is the perform knob used to regulate the quantity and navigate the system menu.
The rear panel gives a complete vary of inputs and outputs, together with each XLR and RCA output connections. That includes twin coaxial, twin optical, USB-C, I2S, and Bluetooth inputs helps spherical out a full Monty of connectivity choices.
Moreover, a small energy swap is positioned beside the ability socket. As soon as turned on, the distant can be utilized for additional on/off to place the RAW-DAC1 in standby mode.
The RAW-DAC1 features a fully-featured distant management, permitting handy entry to all settings when the machine is out of attain.
Even with the smaller display, altering between settings was straightforward, particularly should you selected the visible choice of bitrate with bigger numbers (common setting). The graphics setting provides within the supply.
I/O
Inputs and outputs are separated properly on the again, with loads of house for accessing all inputs and outputs. There was a time when SMSL in/outs weren’t as effectively thought out as they’re now, and I admire that additional bit making our life simpler.
With two coax and two optical inputs, you’ll be able to run a devoted CD participant, streamers, or your DAP/PC by way of the USB-C. The extra I2S enter makes for a simple connection to your CD participant or streamer with a high quality connection.
Qualcomm’s Bluetooth 5.1 rounds out the inputs, whereas outputs of XLR 4-pin and RCA enable for connection to powered audio system or a headphone amplifier to be used. Being able to improve your DAC choice utilizing the RAW-DAC1 could be its best profit.
Controls
Having the distant is a worthwhile a part of the RAW-DAC1 expertise. You’ll be able to join the RAW-DAC1 to an exterior amplifier, such because the SMSL RAW HA1 and audio system and similar to the HA1, you’ll be able to entry all submenus with both the quantity knob or distant.
Additionally, just like the HA1, the FN key for choices can be utilized to find out whether or not you need it to manage outputs or Bluetooth performance. With easy accessibility by way of the big spherical button on the distant, you’ll be able to simply change this.
The UI perform key can even change the show to a extra conventional format, which reads higher from a distance than the “graphic” choice, with extra info introduced on the display as effectively.
Nevertheless, on the RAW-DAC1, I most well-liked the graphic setting. So when utilizing the 2 collectively, I stored one on every setting, alternating between every setting.
The straightforward-turn quantity knob doubles because the perform entry when you’re not utilizing the distant. The rounded-in really feel of the knob offers a pleasant tactile really feel to it.
System Menu
It’s price mentioning individually the huge quantity of knowledge from most desktop unit menus. The RAW-DAC1 isn’t any completely different. Accessing will be carried out by both urgent the middle of the quantity knob, or the spherical, flat circle on the distant.
The consumer is then introduced with enter, output, PCM filter, DSD filter, Soundcolor, pre mode, FN key for, I2S mode, I2S DSD channel, audio section, UI type, language, dimmer, brightness, and reset.
Inside every, there are a plethora of choices to tailor the sound in addition to performance. The choice I used essentially the most was the already talked about Soundcolor, which varies soundstages, accommodating numerous room sizes.
Emphasizing or de-emphasizing sure parts of the sound signature allowed numerous components to indicate extra or withdraw. The outcome offers a extra spacious or intimate high quality to the general signature.
The proverbial filter change choices can be found, and I discovered that minor variations may very well be heard, particularly when working by way of a two-channel system.
What might be one of the best side of this technique is that every thing is accessible by way of the straightforward however purposeful distant. By urgent that middle circle, you will have entry to each potential merchandise that may be modified. Adjustments on the fly can occur intuitively consequently.
Connectivity
Wi-fi
Much like the RAW-HA1, the preliminary connectivity was seamless between the FiiO TT13 and the RAW-DAC1, which was then fed into the RAW-HA1 and out to a pair of funds Yamaha NS638 (restored) bookshelf audio system.
Pairing the FiiO turntable took lower than 5 seconds and by no means skipped. The 5.1 BT is a one-way connection solely.
Wired
With the multitude of wired connections potential, you’ll be able to run the RAW-DAC1 out to 2 completely different sources whereas having as much as six simultaneous enter connections. This provides the consumer the flexibility to differ not solely the supply however the output supply, too.
For this evaluation, I linked RCA out to the HA1 amplifier, the Edifier R1280DBs powered audio system, and the Akai AM-U1 built-in amplifier; and XLR out to an upcoming amplifier evaluation with nice success. Inputs used had been BT and USB-C as a result of limitations I had available concerning gear.
Packaging & Equipment
The now acquainted crimson and black labeled SMSL field carries the RAW-DAC1, effectively shielded from the weather. Included are the unit, distant, energy cords, and consumer handbook.
Any connecting cables have to be provided by the consumer. Most of us have a plethora of cables anyway.
The RAW-DAC1 comes set right into a semi-soft foam insert, of matching dimensions, wrapped in plastic, with the ability wire and remotes tucked neatly subsequent to the unit.
Sound Impressions
To audition the RAW-DAC1, I used an upcoming amplifier for XLR out (and XLR headphones) and the beforehand reviewed SMSL RAW-HA1 out to the Yamaha NS638 bookshelf audio system or 4.4mm balanced to the Meze Audio 99 Classics or RCA out to the Edifier R1280DBs powered audio system. The primary supply used was the FiiO JM21.
Abstract
It may very well be mentioned that SMSL is fairly good at what they do. It may also be mentioned that they often put fashions out fairly shortly, hardly giving us time to benefit from the present ones.
The SMSL RAW-DAC1 may very well be the present fruits of all these machinations inside the firm. Retaining the DAC separate is all the time in one of the best curiosity of sound high quality.
The RAW-DAC1 comes throughout as nearly startlingly impartial in presentation, with a crystalline nature that presents an entire new side. The readability with which the music is introduced by way of the varied sources right here is equally spectacular, irrespective of the budgetary limitations of every.
The RAW-DAC1 permits vocals to come back by way of with a stage of readability they haven’t any proper to and carries forth a totally participating signature.
Timbre
The signal of a great DACs is that it permits the music to shine forth unencumbered. The RAW-DAC1 matches that invoice, with neutrality to it that enables the music to come back at you with glorious ranges of element retrieval and readability.
Any coloration you hear is from the supply or playback unit, not the RAW-DAC1. Spacious in presenting the main points, you’ll be able to tailor the sound to your specific room measurement in addition to the same old PCM and DSD filter choices.
Enjoying with the Soundcolor setting lets you tailor the DAC response to the room measurement in two choices for every (5.6m & 11m). However the enjoyable lies in altering these settings throughout playback.
Opening up an already crisp, clear signature allowed the music to unfold out with out thinning in any respect. If you happen to needed a larger-sized choice to accommodate your musical tastes, this setting allowed for that to occur with out diminishing the returns.
Readability and observe weight had been extraordinarily good, with solely the low finish struggling some lack of management. This might simply be attributed to the supply as effectively.
Staging & Dynamics
Adjusting the Soundcolor additionally helps you to open up the expanse with which you might be listening. Including not solely width however peak and depth, the 4 settings acted in a considerably holographic nature, pushing some components forward or withdrawing a bit.
The 2 settings of 5.6m and 11m every had two distinct settings, accentuating completely different components of the sound signature.
The soundstage of the RAW-DAC1 is amazingly broad, deep, and excessive, however with out turning into too skinny or ethereal. There actually is an ethereal high quality to it, however this affords a totally musical side to the present, filling the house with precisely introduced particulars and weight traits.
Assault and decay assist to include what might grow to be an unruly spacious mess, which solely provides to the RAW-DAC1’s capacity to painting that correct, pure signature with sound you would possibly anticipate from one thing that prices a lot, way more.
Click on on web page 2 beneath for my really useful pairings and chosen comparisons.
