Has SMSL CREATED the DAC for EVERYONE？ Under $300 RAW MDA1 DAC – Headphone Amp Has ARRIVED!
United States of Analog | August 1, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the SMSL Raw MDA1 DAC/headphone amplifier priced at $279-280. The host Bob is evaluating whether this could be “the DAC for everyone” under $300, discussing its features, sound quality, and value proposition.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- SMSL Raw MDA1 DAC [00:00:20, 00:00:55]: $279-280, includes built-in headphone amp, available on Apos website, sent by Apos for evaluation
- Jusheli Labs AKM4499 DAC [00:03:20]: Host’s current DAC of choice, described as “very not dack sounding” without digital harshness
- Marantz CD player [00:02:10]: Used in host’s early DAC setup mistake
- Technics digital amplifier [00:02:14]: Part of host’s incorrect DAC chain setup
- Fozzy V3 amplifier [00:04:48]: Connected to the SMSL DAC, described as “very capable” with “lots of power”
- Elac Debut 5.2 speakers [00:04:55]: Connected to desktop setup
- Apple Mini [00:04:27]: New editing station computer
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The SMSL Raw MDA1 is a “FunFi product that transcends the category” [00:02:57]
- At $280, it’s “pushing the envelope” for FunFi but can compete with DACs in the $500-600 range [00:03:03]
- The form factor is “rather smart” and looks great – simple, clean design unlike some FunFi components with “weird angles and round meters” [00:03:49]
- Like his reference Jusheli Labs DAC, the Raw MDA1 doesn’t have annoying digital qualities like harshness or overt detail [00:03:42]
- The setup is “working famously” and “beautifully” in his new desktop editing station [00:05:09]
What are the host’s main recommendations or strong takes?
- One of his favorite DAC uses: connecting an older/cheap CD player from Goodwill to a good DAC like the SMSL creates “a heck of a CD playing system” [00:02:36]
- Warns about incorrect DAC usage based on his own mistake of creating unnecessary digital-to-analog-to-digital conversions [00:02:08]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- Opening with energetic “Dack, dack, dack” and commentary about everyone going “dack crazy” [00:00:00]
- “A dack for you, a dack for you, a dack for you” [00:00:14] – referencing Oprah’s famous giveaway phrase
- Story about his friend “Crazy Lenny” insisting he introduce himself and mention meeting rock stars [00:01:13]
- Teases a story about “the time that Eddie Van Halen tried to put a cigarette out in my hair. I mean, that was a pretty good night” [00:01:47]
- Self-deprecating humor about his early DAC mistake: “So a complete waste of time, but in this game of audio, you live and you learn” [00:02:30]
Summary
The video opens with Bob enthusiastically discussing the current “DAC craze” in the audio world and introducing the SMSL Raw MDA1 DAC as a potential solution for those who haven’t joined the trend yet. At $279-280, this DAC/headphone amplifier combo was sent to him by Apos for evaluation. Following advice from his friend “Crazy Lenny,” Bob introduces himself as someone with four decades of experience in the music industry, teasing future stories about meeting rock stars like Eddie Van Halen.
Bob provides a basic explanation of what DACs do and shares a humorous personal anecdote about incorrectly setting up his first DAC system, creating unnecessary conversion loops between his Marantz CD player and Technics digital amplifier. He emphasizes that while mistakes happen, they’re learning opportunities in the audio hobby. He particularly likes using DACs to upgrade cheap or vintage CD players from places like Goodwill.
The SMSL Raw MDA1 has impressed Bob as a “FunFi” product that transcends its category. While $280 pushes the boundaries of affordable gear, he believes it competes with DACs costing $500-600. He praises its clean, simple aesthetic compared to other FunFi components with unusual designs. The DAC features multiple inputs (coax, optical, USB-C) and both balanced and RCA outputs. Bob has integrated it into his new Mac Mini desktop editing station, pairing it with a Fozzy V3 amplifier and Elac Debut 5.2 speakers, creating what he describes as a beautifully functioning near-field listening setup.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- SMSL MDA-1 DAC/headphone amp ($279) [00:08:45]
- Sabre Dual 9039 DAC chip (released 2023) [00:07:45]
- Klipsch Forte speakers [00:10:21]
- Elac speakers (small model) [00:10:23]
- Emotiva GR1 headphones [00:10:28]
- Nuverum planar headphones [00:10:29]
- AKM DACs (mentioned as comparison) [00:10:07]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- The menu system is very easy to navigate, unlike other “FunFi” DACs [00:05:54]
- There are “maybe too many settings” but they’re available if desired [00:06:17]
- The display is one of the coolest features – bright, sharp, colorful with two UI options [00:07:01]
- SMSL did a good job applying the Sabre 9039 chip [00:07:51]
- It’s “a nice package at $279” [00:08:41]
- The DAC “did no harm to the music whatsoever” and “did not offend” [00:10:15]
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- Host tested with multiple systems: Forte speakers, small Elacs, Emotiva GR1 headphones, and Nuverum planar headphones [00:10:21]
- The DAC drove planar headphones “beautifully” despite them normally requiring more power [00:10:31]
- Host admits he’s “getting kinda lost in the sauce” from hearing so many DACs recently [00:08:52]
- Notes the unit has 1.7 watts at 32 ohms for headphone driving [00:10:43]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- Priced at $279, described as “a nice package” at this price point [00:08:45]
- Host mentions never buying DACs more than $500-600 [00:10:49]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “Listen, when you start speaking jitter, you lose me” [00:06:36]
- “If you have MQA CD, if you’re the one person on the planet that’s got that, this could be the be-all, end-all DAC for you” [00:08:11]
- “Equipment these days, pretty much across the board, is decent, sound is decent, components are decent” [00:09:05]
- “For me, sometimes for me, it’s easier to determine what I don’t like more than what I like” [00:09:38]
- “It did no harm to the music whatsoever” [00:10:15]
Summary
In this portion, the host provides detailed specifications and usability observations of the SMSL MDA-1 DAC, noting its compact dimensions and praising its intuitive menu system – a rarity among similar products. He appreciates the extensive customization options, including sound color presets and PCM filters, though admits some technical aspects like jitter settings are beyond his expertise. The standout feature for him is the bright, colorful display with dual UI options that make navigation particularly user-friendly.
The host conducts listening tests across multiple systems, from Klipsch Forte speakers to various headphones including demanding planar magnetic models. He’s impressed by the unit’s ability to drive power-hungry headphones effectively with its 1.7-watt output. However, he honestly admits that with so many recent DAC reviews, distinguishing between subtle sonic differences has become challenging, and he relies more on identifying what sounds bad rather than parsing minor improvements.
His final assessment positions the MDA-1 as solid value at $279, emphasizing that while he can’t declare it the best DAC he’s heard, it certainly doesn’t detract from the music experience. He takes a pragmatic view of modern audio equipment, suggesting that most components today perform well with only small deltas between them, making dramatic differences harder to discern than in previous eras of audio technology.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion:
- SMSL Raw MDA-1 DAC with 9039Q dual DAC chip [00:14:53-00:15:00]
- Denafrips DACs [00:10:56, 00:14:28]
- Walmart Monster Cable DAC [00:14:24]
- Dire Straits albums: Love Over Gold, Telegraph Road, Private Investigations, and the self-titled first album [00:12:11-00:12:47]
- Apost (retailer) [00:15:03]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion:
The host concludes that SMSL is “knocking it out of the park” [00:13:53] and believes they’re “busting out of that FunFi category and getting a little more legit” [00:14:03-00:14:06]. He found the DAC had no objectionable sound qualities and praised its punchy, dynamic, and engaging sound [00:11:07-00:11:18].
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider:
- Strong buy recommendation for first-time DAC buyers in the under $300 price range [00:14:21-00:14:36]
- Recommends it as the ideal middle ground between cheap Walmart DACs and expensive Denafrips models
- Suggests purchasing from Apost [00:15:03]
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers:
- The color sound settings are subtle but useful – specifically mentions “tube one” helped reduce sibilance on problematic recordings [00:13:17-00:13:22]
- Recommends experimenting with the various settings including PCM filters and color functions [00:13:22-00:13:35]
- Notes that all equipment in the chain affects the final sound [00:11:18-00:11:24]
How did the video wrap up:
The host signed off as “Bob” from “United States of Analog” [00:15:11] and directed viewers to YouTube’s recommended videos, joking about YouTube’s algorithm knowing what viewers want to see next [00:15:15-00:15:34].
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions:
- “SMSL is knocking it out of the park. I’m not paid to say that. This is not a paid sponsorship” [00:13:53-00:13:57]
- “Hats off to SMSL for doing a great job, picking great components” [00:14:08-00:14:14]
- “you’ll become one of the audiophile elite, one of the worldwide conglomeration of DAC owners” [00:15:04-00:15:07]
Summary
In this final portion of the review, the host provides his comprehensive assessment of the SMSL Raw MDA-1 DAC, emphasizing that it produces no objectionable sound and offers an engaging, dynamic listening experience. He tested the unit extensively with Dire Straits recordings, particularly noting how the “tube one” color setting helped tame sibilance issues he typically experiences with the band’s first album. The host appreciates the various customization options available, including PCM filters and color sound settings, though he kept most settings at default during his evaluation.
The host delivers a strong endorsement of SMSL as a brand, stating they’re “knocking it out of the park” and evolving beyond the “FunFi” category into more legitimate audiophile territory. He emphasizes this is not a paid endorsement and genuinely believes in the quality and thoughtful design of the product. The MDA-1’s dual 9039Q DAC chips and comprehensive feature set earn his praise, particularly noting that the headphone amplifier section deserves more recognition than he gave it during the review.
His final recommendation positions this DAC as the ideal solution for newcomers to the hobby who want something significantly better than budget options like Walmart’s Monster Cable DACs but can’t justify the $700-1000 price point of premium brands like Denafrips. At under $300, he sees this as hitting the sweet spot for first-time DAC buyers, praising both the DAC performance and the added value of the quality headphone amplifier with dual input sizes.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
