Select Comparisons
xDuoo MH02
This comparison still uses the aftermarket GE5654W tubes in the xDuoo MH02, since that is my preferred setup for this venerable little amplifier.
Technical
The xDuoo MH02 is a Class A buffered transistor headphone amplifier that uses 6J1 tubes as the pre-amplifier, warming what might be a colder, more sterile sound. The GE5654W tubes warm the sound even more.
Capable of decoding up to PCM 32bit/384kHz, MQA 32bit/384kHz, & DSD256 through the USB input, the characteristics fall right in line with this level of amplifier.
Keeping the Pre-amp and amplifier separate also contains potential noise interference, especially where tubes are concerned. The MH02 isolates each to help minimize interference and potential noise pitfalls.
This helps isolate any of the typical tube “ping” you might hear when touching the surfaces of the MH02 when it is operating.
With up to 1300mW (32Ω), the MH02 drives most higher-impedance headphones. A single CS43131 DAC chip (as opposed to the 2 ESS chips in the RAW-MDA1) carries a low noise floor and high decoding abilities.
The gain switch can add either 12dB or 18dB for headphones which need a higher output to perform. Since the “normal” output most likely would be the 12dB gain, it should be considered a baseline, meaning a +6dB gain between each setting is more realistic.
With a line-out, the MH02 can be utilized as a pre-amp for those who want to add another amplifier to the chain. There is also a built-in circuit protector, avoiding that familiar “pop” when turning on a unit such as this that carries tubes.
Design
The MH02 carries a small rounded, rectangular footprint, roughly a little less than half the size of the RAW-MDA1, with the two tubes sticking out of the top adding to the aura.
The sandblasted aluminum shell has “slots” to help dissipate heat giving the unit a more industrial look, especially with the gray coloring.
Carrying 12 X 7.8 X 4.0CM dimensions and a svelte weight of 0.35kg makes the unit imminently placeable within your system. The tube look will make you want to show it off, though, especially if you go tube rolling.
Performance
Tube amplifiers usually promote a smoother, warmer signature, and the MH02 follows this but with a level of detail mostly on par with a Class-A amplifier of this class.
There is plenty of power to drive higher impedance headphones with ease mostly, and I rarely had to use the high gain setting.
When using high gain though, the midrange is elevated and enhanced, pushing it to the forefront, but without losing clarity on both ends too much.
The treble is smoothed out by the tube coloration, with bass that digs a bit deeper, and without the familiar elongated, thumping notes typical of a tube amplifier.
Limited by the stock tubes, the sound comes across as fairly typical of a tube amplifier in this range, but without the overall smoothness often associated with such a unit.
The sound is not nearly as detailed and clear as the RAW-MDA1, but the fun here is when you change tubes, giving a different sound characteristic.
Using the NOS GE5654W tubes I purchased specifically for the MH02, I enjoyed the added level of detail, which the stock tubes could not match, along with a little more thump down low, but well controlled.
There was also a more organic feel to it, which fit my expectations of what a good tube amplifier can provide. So, the MH02 was just the beginning, and the fun began when I changed the tubes. But, it cannot match the technical abilities of the RAW-MDA1.
SMSL D-6S Review
Note that this comparison is DAC vs DAC using the Geshelli Labs Erish2 as a headphone amplifier.
Technical
The SMSL D-6S is a dedicated desktop digital-to-analog converter with RCA and XLR outputs, as well as Bluetooth, optical, and coaxial inputs.
The D-6S uses the third-generation XMOS XU-316 USB processor, providing a stable and low-latency USB connection. The XMOS chip works in unison with an ES9039Q2M, letting it decode up to PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 formats, similar to the RAW-MDA1.
The D-6S supports Bluetooth input, specifically, Bluetooth 5.1 with wide codec support, similar to the RAW-MDA1. This allows you to stream wireless audio from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop whilst minimizing wireless latency and maximizing wireless fidelity and compatibility.
The D-6S supports MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) decoding technology which is less relevant these days.
Design
The D-6S has a sleek and minimalist design that aesthetically blends with most desktop setups. The chassis is made of aluminum alloy and has a matte black finish.
Other than the sharp corners of the front panel display, the design is user-friendly and easy to manipulate. Those edges break the otherwise plain design of the unit, but I am not a fan of its sharp edges.
The front panel has frosted plastic revealing a 7-segment LED display showing the input source, sample rate, and volume level. The only button on the front is the power button, which doubles as the input selector.
The display has a soft white backlight that is not too bright or distracting but sufficiently displays all pertinent information even in a bright room, whereas the RAW-MDA1 is the typical off-blue LED with a black background.
However, visually, the RAW-MDA1 carries many colors denoting different aspects of functionality. Those may be harder to see from across the room, but I appreciate the different colors when used on my desktop.
Measuring 150 x 42 x 128.5mm and 590g, it isn’t the smallest DAC unit and will take up some desktop space, but it isn’t too large to cause any problems even in smaller dorm room setups. It is smaller than the RAW-MDA1, though.
When connected to a larger home theater or TV setup, the larger size becomes a non-issue, and the D-6S will easily blend into even the most minimalist Hi-Fi setups. The RAW-MDA1 sticks out more in looks, but positively when incorporated due to those different LED colors.
Performance
The D-6S has a clean, engaging timbre that does not color the overall tonal balance at all, It does not add any warmth or brightness to the sound but rather preserves its original tonality while adding some excitement via its good dynamics.
The difference here is that the RAW-MDA1 takes on the persona of the source a bit more while carrying an engaging personality with more bite in the lows.
Low-end bass drum hits are not given additional weight and bass riffs do not bleed into the lower mids. Despite this, deep male vocals do not sound hollow due to the DAC’s good extension towards the low end.
Bass hits have a strong impact and good texture. The difference in texture was quite noticeable compared to other less capable DACs, mirroring the results of the RAW-MDA1, with the added thump of the RAW-MDA11 winning out slightly.
The mid-range was neutral but exciting. String instruments are well articulated and textured, and vocal performances are presented in a way that maintains all nuance.
Once again, the sheer texture playback was the immediate standout to me. The slightly lifted nature of the RAW-MDA1’s mids separates itself from the D-6S here.
High-pitched female vocals are presented with slightly more sparkle, giving a good sense of detail. The treble region is presented in a very detailed manner, much like the RAW-MDA1, but the MDA1 sounded more natural.
Different cymbal strikes can be easily differentiated from one another, but it does not introduce any sibilance in its presentation. The RAW-MDA1 is more precise but on that separation in the treble range.
Snare drums sounded full and nuanced, compared to the compressed “crunchy” snare drum playback I observed in more affordable DACs. Similar to the RAW-MDA1, but again I preferred the MDA1’s approach.
The performance levels of the D-6S are slightly below the RAW-MDA1, with less thump down low, too.
SMSL DL100
The last comparison is a natural one since I recently finished the SMSL DL100 review, mentioning it several times here already. With slightly different functionality (and features), the DL100 still makes for a good comparison.
Technical
With 4 CS43131 chips, labeled as 2024’s first quad-chip, and TI’s OPA1612A Op-amps, the DL100 DAC can offer a wide range of digital connections, including an HDMI (ARC) cable.
Along with a dual USB connection (1.1 & 2.0 for easy game system connection), it makes the DL100 a potential system choice for HDMI ARC TV users
The third generation XMOS XU-316 is capable of DSD Native 256, PCM up to 32bit/768kHz, and DoP64. The DL100 also carries more power than its cousin the M300SE by approximately 16 times at 300Ω.
Five PCM filters allow for personalization ranging from NOS (no sampling), FL1 (Fast and Low-latency), FL2 (Fast and Phase-compensated), FL3 (Slow and Low-latency), to F4 (Slow and Phase-compensated).
That DL100’s amplifier can deliver up to 1.5W at 32Ω and 3.0W at 16Ω making it adequately powerful on its own. The power implementation is also kept separate from the DAC circuitry, which helps keep potential interference to a minimum.
The Qualcomm QCC5125 BT 5.1 module supports LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, and SBD giving you all of the common wireless codecs at your fingertips.
Design
There is no getting around the diminutive size of the DL100, especially with how thin it looks. This can give the user many beneficial options for placing the unit within their system. It is much thinner than the MDA1.
The matte black finish on all sides makes for an unassuming piece of gear which means it can go about its business without drawing too much attention to itself.
With its 196 x 31 x 206mm diminutive size (7.7×1.2×8.1in) and weighing in at a little over a kilo at 1.05kg (2.31 lbs.), the DL100 is quite a compact little integrated desktop DAC and headphone amplifier, while running a bit deeper than the RAW-MDA1.
The slightly canted sides also remind me of the YULONG DA-ART Aquila series. I find this shape helps me grab hold of the DL100 when necessary and if anything, it has a slightly different look than a regular black rectangular HiFi box.
Performance
The sound emanating from the DL100 varied by source input naturally, and the music source coming from each. I did prefer the balanced output for listening.
The balanced option helped to spread the soundstage out, but with less depth than the RAW-MDA1, allowing the instruments to exercise in their own space.
The DL100 promotes a neutral signature, displaying warmth and richness only if the source or music played does so. This comes across as one of the more neutral DAC/amps I have tried of late.
Its lows offer aplomb when called upon, but without bloating the sound, or carrying over into the mids, which I appreciated. The top-end reach will add a bit of sparkle and a distinct clarity to the notes, without becoming grating or harsh.
The level of detail and low-end thump cannot match the RAW-MDA1. While the DL100 serves as an excellent bridge between your two-channel or TV system, the MDA1 is more oriented towards your desktop, with more digital connections available.
This will come down to whether you want to ramp up your TV using the HDMI of the DL100 or provide digital options to multiple sources as well as desktop usage of the RAW-MDA1.
My Verdict
The SMSL RAW-MDA1 performance offers very good levels of detail while promoting a low-end that is on par with some of the better DACs I have heard.
The bass does not become cumbersome while providing good thump nor does it impede the midrange, which is of excellent character.
The midrange may be worth the price of entry alone. Carrying forward excellent vocal notes, the RAW-MDA1 provides clarity where it should, without thinning the notes noticeably. And to me, that is how a midrange should carry on with its business.
SMSL has another hit with the RAW-MDA1. With multiple connectivity, and an excellent DAC, which provides a nearly-neutral signature with good bass response, there is much more to like in the unit than not.
SMSL RAW-MDA1 Technical Specifications
- Input: USB/Optical x2/Coaxial x2/Bluetooth
- Output: RCA/XLR/HEADPHONE
- THD+N: 0.00005%(-124.5db non-Weighting)
- Line output amplitude: XLR 5.2Vrms, RCA 2.5Vrms, HP 8.2Vrms
- Headphone output power: 16Ω 2.5Wx2, 32Ω 1.7Wx2
- Output impedance: LINE OUT 100Ω, HP OUT Near 0Ω
- Dynamic range: XLR 132dB, RCA 127dB, HP 122dB
- SNR: XLR 132dB, RCA 127dB, HP 122dB
- USB transmission: Asynchronization
- USB compatibility: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11(Needs Driver), Mac 0SX10.6 or Later、Linux(Driverless)
- MQA decoder: USB/Optical/Coaxial
- Sampling rate & Bit Depth: USB: PCM 44.1~768kHz(32bit), DSD 2.8224~22.5792MHz(1bit), DoP DoP256, Optical / Coaxial: 44.1~ 192kHz(24bit), DoP DoP64
- Bluetooth specification: 5.1(Support SBC,aptX,aptX HD,LDAC)
- Power Consumption: ＜30W
- Standby power: <0.5W
- Size: 189x45x179mm(WxHxD)
- Weight: 1.02kg/2.24lbs
