90%
s.m.s.l RAW-MDA1
ES9039Q2M*2
Supports MQA decoding and MQA-CD;
2 pieces of ESS new generation high-end DAC chip ES9039Q2M;
Adapts the latest Bluetooth chip of Qualcomm, supports LDAC 24bit/96kHz, APTX/HD, SBC and AAC;
Utilizes 6 high-end dual op-amps OPA1612A and numerous audio-grade components;
The brand-new third-generation XMOS XU-316, supports up to PCM 32bit/768kHz and DSD512;
The audio clock processing circuit helps reduce clock jitter greatly;
There are two modes to choose from: USB 1.1 and USB 2.0;
Input ports (except Bluetooth) support MQA and DSD, coaxial and optical support DoP64;
Built-in self-developed low-noise switching power supply and multiple analog circuits low-noise power supply;
Full-fit color display screen with tempered glass High-quality gold-plated input and output connectors;
Japan Audio Association (JAS)Hi-Res certification;
Equipped with a full-featured remote control.
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Connectivity
85/100
Value for Money
96/100
The s.m.s.l RAW-MDA1 delivers a natural, near-neutral sound with a silent backdrop, convincing depth and richly separated instruments. Passion for Sound praised its immersive spatial presentation, while Giz Audio highlighted its smooth vocals, controlled bass and exceptional all-in-one value. Extensive digital connectivity and gaming-friendly USB support make it a remarkably capable desktop hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Natural, smooth near-neutral tuning with a touch of warmth avoids a clinical or fatiguing presentation.
Strong spatial performance, with layered separation, depth and an immersive sense of ambience for music and open-world gaming.
Exceptionally quiet background works well with sensitive IEMs, while 1.7W output provides ample headroom for many full-size headphones.
Excellent connectivity and flexibility: USB-C, Bluetooth, dual optical/coaxial inputs, XLR/RCA outputs, preamp capability and USB 1.0 gaming-console compatibility.
&
Cons
Detail is strong but not aggressively spotlighted; it can seem less focused or nuanced than more analytical or higher-priced DACs.
Soundstage width is considered fairly average by one reviewer, despite the unit's impressive layering and separation.
No 3.5mm headphone output, so users with 3.5mm-terminated headphones or IEMs need an adapter.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
Reviewers consistently describe a clean, natural and near-neutral presentation that avoids sterility, with enough warmth and note weight to keep instruments and voices engaging. Its strongest spatial traits are separation, layering and depth, while detail is good rather than aggressively spotlighted.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
91/100
Audiophilepure calls the RAW-MDA1 nearly neutral, with warmth and richness dependent on the recording or selected filter. Passion for Sound finds it smoother, less in-your-face and never clinical, while Giz Audio praises its natural instruments and vocals, richness, and freedom from a thin or clinical character.
Resolution and Detail
87/100
Giz Audio hears good detail, layering and separation, with sufficient treble energy for micro-details to come through. Passion for Sound similarly praises its depth and layering, although Giz notes that detail retrieval is not its principal focus and Prime Audio finds it less nuanced and resolving than pricier DACs.
Digital Performance
91/100
Prime Audio repeatedly highlights a black, silent background, including with very sensitive IEMs, and reports no audible noise floor. United States of Analog also hears none of the harsh or overtly digital qualities it dislikes, while Audio Masterclass found no audible change in its jitter-control comparison.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
Giz Audio describes a solid, sleek unit with firm sockets and a smooth volume control. Construction commentary is otherwise limited, though the supplied reports do not identify any operational or fit-and-finish concerns.
Features Connectivity
85/100
This is an unusually versatile desktop DAC/headphone amplifier: balanced XLR and RCA outputs, two coaxial and two optical inputs, USB-C, Bluetooth, variable or fixed line output, and two headphone jack sizes are all cited. It supports high-resolution PCM and DSD512, Bluetooth codecs including LDAC and aptX HD/Adaptive, and offers extensive filter and DPLL settings.
Value for Money
96/100
At roughly $246–$280, reviewers repeatedly frame the RAW-MDA1 as an exceptional buy. Giz Audio calls it the best-performing all-in-one desktop device it has encountered under $400, while Prime Audio says it cannot think of anything that beats it at around $249; Passion for Sound calls it a brilliant example of sub-$300 all-in-one performance.
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Authorized dealers for s.m.s.l RAW-MDA1
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Apos Audio — online and in-store — Oakland, California, United States (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Hum — in-store — Norte Sierra, Andalucía, Spain (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- AUDIOPHONICS — in-store — Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (website)
- Bloom Audio — online and in-store — Gibbsboro, New Jersey, United States (website)
- Elise Audio — online and in-store — Paddington, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Headphone Zone — online and in-store — Laxmi Industrial Estate, Maharashtra, India (website)
- Hifi Passion — in-store — Neustadt, Bremen, Germany (website)
and 4 more verified dealers