On this assessment, we’ll take a look at the newest SMSL AKM-based DAC, the SMSL RAW-DAC1. The unit prices $499 USD and might be purchased from Shenzhen Audio and different retailers.
Disclaimer: Shenzhen Audio just isn’t associated to Headfonia. They despatched me the SMSL RAW-DAC1 freed from cost to be featured on Headfonia.com.
SMSL
SMSL stands for Foshan Shuangmusanlin Expertise Co., Ltd. The Chinese language audio producer was based in 2009. Its principal declare to fame has been delivering merchandise of nice worth the place stellar measured efficiency meets a worth obtainable to many. These days, nonetheless, SMSL has been probing greater worth ranges with a number of higher-end choices for the discerning listener wanting extra.
SMSL RAW-DAC1
At present, the SMSL RAW-DAC1 is the model’s latest AKM-based converter. It launched along with the RAW-HA1 desktop all-in-one and RAW-MDA1 DAC/amp and was later joined by an ESS-based brother, the RAW Professional-DAC1. I do know, I do know; all of us love SMSL product naming schemes! I can solely guess that the theme of the RAW product line is that it delivers the sound in its uncooked state with out something added or any preparation utilized.
Properly, who doesn’t love a pleasant carpaccio?
The RAW-DAC 1 employs Asahi-Kasei’s highest-tier modulator-converter duo – the AK4191 and AK4499EX. The previous takes an IIS sign and prepares it into a number of 1-bit knowledge streams for the DAC chip (or chips) to transform into analog audio. For DSD, the sign might be routed straight into the DAC chip for even cleaner playback.
In entrance of the conversion stage, we have now the digital front-end, which options two optical Toslink and two SPDIF inputs. I do know many of us will love this! Current is the USB enter with a USB-C connector, Bluetooth and IIS with an HDMI LVDS connector.
To ensure that each connection has the most effective shot of sounding wonderful, SMSL use their proprietary CK-03 jitter suppression circuit. Sadly, the chips have milled off markings, so I can solely guess what’s the precise implementation.
Seemingly, it’s a customized phase-locked loop, which is an honest method to clear up jittery alerts. Fancier stuff like FIFO reminiscence buffers and galvanic isolation are out of the query for a DAC at this worth vary.
To energy the DAC, SMSL have opted for a single encased SMPSU, which generates a 12VDC principal voltage, which is then stepped all the way down to +/-11VDC for analog wants and into different decrease voltages for digital stuff. Once more, a number of devoted voltage faucets from a transformer is what I’d have appreciated higher, nevertheless it’s uncommon to see in merchandise at this worth vary.
I used to be delighted to note that noisy voltage converters had been fairly distant from delicate clocking circuits.
The analog output stage is competent, however finally, there’s nothing actually to jot down residence about. Texas Devices opamps (possible OPA1612) are doing each the IV conversion and the road drive. So far as IC opamps go, these are a few of the higher sounding ones, however the implementation is pretty textbook. A pleasant contact is the MELF resistors within the crucial level of the analog stage.
General, the analog stage is designed to excel at measured efficiency as a result of hot-ish 2.5/5Vrms output (the AP555 loves it!), however it’s fairly consistent with my expectations for the worth level.
In conclusion, the RAW-DAC1 is competently designed with some acceptable compromises for its meant market positioning and viewers. I’d have appreciated some extra attention-grabbing engineering prospers to differentiate it from comparable models from SMSL’s personal steady and its friends like Topping.
And one other factor – the circuit is sort of equivalent to the SMSL SU9 Extremely save for the additional digital inputs and a barely improved PCB design.
Options
- As much as 32bit 768kHz PCM and DSD512 sign assist
- Bluetooth 5.1 – LDAC/aptX-Adaptive/aptX/aptX HD/AAC/SBC
- Inputs – USB-C, 2x RCA SPDIF, 2x Toslink, HDMI LVDS I2S and Bluetooth
- Outputs – RCA, XLR
- SNR and DNR – 132dB (XLR), 127dB (RCA) (properly under audibility)
- THD+N – <0.00006% (virtually immeasurable)
- 2.5/5Vrms output voltage
- Digital quantity management
- 4 sound modes and 6 LPFs to select from
- Distant
Design, Construct & Haptics
The SMSL RAW-DAC1 principally performs it secure on the subject of design. The chassis is made principally out of bent sheet steel with a pleasant CNC-milled aluminum faceplate. If put in in an tools rack, the RAW-DAC1 will solely present its entrance panel, which is dominated by the shiny display module and a pleasant contoured encoder knob.
To manage the RAW-DAC1 from a distance, an IR distant is included and it makes navigating menus a lot simpler than brief and lengthy urgent the knob.
When turned on, the display exhibits most of what you’d wish to see – quantity stage, chosen enter, sign kind and bitrate, and lively outputs. The legibility is okay for desktop use at arm’s size, however good luck seeing something however the quantity setting from the consolation of your sofa.
With two UI choices, the “Common” is extra informative, however the variety of colors and fonts on the display make my interior graphic designer cringe. SMSL might additionally carry different choices like a spectrum analyzer and UV-meter for me to be hypnotized by.
The IO on the bottom is well-spaced; solely the chunkiest of connectors will trigger hassle. By way of connections, I’m not too ecstatic about USB-C, because the older USB-B is extra sturdy, and there’s sufficient area for it. My different pet peeve is RCA for SPDIF. Sure, it really works, nevertheless it virtually by no means conforms to the 75-ohm transmission line spec.
With two connections obtainable, one might have simply used BNC for further sign integrity. Do I miss AES/EBU? Not at this worth level. The truth that there are two Toslink and SPDIF inputs can be extra useful.
Sound Signature and Technicalities
My check setup: SMSL SH-X, DROP + SMSL HO150X, Feliks Euforia EVO, Sennheiser HD6XX, Moondrop Para, DCA Noire X, ZMF Auteur Traditional, Maytak Audio M6, Softears Quantity S, Letshuoer Mystic 8.
Let’s begin off with some practicalities. The SMSL RAW-DAC1 is totally silent even with high-gain amplifiers and IEMs. The facility-up and shut-down sequences are nearly noiseless, so I wouldn’t hesitate to make use of the DAC as a preamp with lively audio system or energy amps.
The quantity management is extraordinarily properly applied, and I couldn’t detect successful in dynamics versus the fixed-volume mode. The two.5Vrms and 5Vrms output ranges are a bit excessive for shopper audio, so be ready to show it down some extra. A method to change to straightforward ranges could be appreciated.
For my testing, I used USB and optical inputs to check whether or not the DAC is enter agnostic and the way properly it stands as much as noise from USB. Toslink from a pc motherboard is probably going a worst-case situation for jitter as properly. I’m comfortable to report that there was no noise when utilizing USB, and there was no shift in efficiency when utilizing optical.
The jitter suppression appears to be working properly! Each RCA and XLR outputs have equivalent efficiency, with XLR being +6dB louder and able to driving longer sign strains with no noise penalty.
I attempted Bluetooth enter briefly as properly, and it’s advantageous for when you’ve gotten buddies over they usually wish to exhibit their music from a smartphone. LDAC and Aptx HD are advantageous for informal listening, however as soon as you turn over to a wired connection, even lossy music information regain some luster.
USB operation was easy as my machine discovered UAC2 drivers routinely. For ASIO playback, a devoted driver obtain from SMSL have to be made.
The assessment continues on the second web page with extra on sound. Click on right here or use the jumps under.
