Replacing RME ADI-2 fs : “SMSL RAW MDA 1”

The first of 3 contenders to try and take over the Scientific Audiophile's desktop reference DAC/AMP - the SMSL RAW MDA-1

SMSL Website:

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TimeStamp:
00:00 Introduction
01:16 Design
02:08 Menu
02:50 @PassionforSound
02:52 @cheapaudioman
07:45 Sound Quality
09:17 Rating
09:49 Conclusion

[middleearthltd]

One of your better reviews so thank you for that
It is nice to see the shoutouts to other YouTube channels you are kind to do so
I was hoping for another IME review but not disappointed in the least 🤔
BTW PFS did drop an IME review at the same time this dropped so burn 🔥

[NosEL]

Amazing the type of features & performance we can get these days for what I consider to be cheap in price vs days past.
I moved my RME into my main living room system a little over a year ago. I literally love that device. Plus it has just enough PEQ tabs to dial in my speakers.. allowing me to let go of my Dirac & minidsp boxes.
Great review & chat about the SMSL

[FunFiEmpire]

To go deaf by Bish - heaven indeed. Wonderful review, hilarious as usual, but also a very effective analysis of the unit with a beautiful conclusion (surprised to hear you say it's remarkable!). LOVE the raw rating! I could not have imagined a better one. Yummy FunFi!

[billmankin]

Yeah, but I really want that Sith Audio power cable. I love spending money on useless things that I can't appreciate, but only get to brag about to my buddies. Not sure if this enough of an upgrade from my SMSL DL200 in my office rig to warrant picking this up, but definitely considering. Great review and thanks!

[JeffB]

damn it boy ! luv your sarcasm . keep the good schiit coming .

[ryanmccann]

SML: The Gazpacho of DAC-AMPs. Put that on a box.

[JeffB]

i think i'm gonna order the RAW-MDA 1 for my first introduction to modern desktop/computer hifi equipment .
i just turned 63 and want to treat myself to something better than my 30ish year old slowly dying pioneer 5.1 receiver that only the headphone output has worked right on for the past year or so

[ArtificialDjDAGX]

Hey, I've been looking a bit more into subwoofers lately, and stumbled upon the existence of HSU VTF-NT1. It seems like a "sounds too good to be true" subwoofer, so would be awesome to get an unbiased review of it!

[rejean]

The FUnction button on the remote is mislabeled.

[QOTSAPT]

04:09 what happened sound cuts, I missed the background noise, scared me for a bit.

[mat.b.]

Every time you take a dig at Passion for Sound or Cheapo the would becomes slightly better

[supergwizzo]

I use bluetooth really lets you know how good dac is ! If the bluetooth is killer like ifi gryphon n smsl su_x you know your jaw drop and mind blown and su x best delta sigma ess ive ever heard. 😮😮😊

[dusantomic]

Is the Bluetooth just receiving or transmit/receive?

[Starchbcda]

Really, better sounding than the RMI?

[utsavratti]

Does this have a crossfeed implementation?

[themetatron]

Stuff that SMSL, get this = Audio GD, R-27HE. Take a look....

And if that is out of your budget which it probably is have
a look at the Audio GD, R-28 NOS..

[Roddy]

I gave up. I canceled the order for the same power cable that the shark in Jaws 2 bit on at the cable junction. 🦈

Happy now? 🤣🤣

Other than that, great review, as always. Life's a Bish, and then you die. 😁

[roa]

Zero pride of ownership because in two weeks there will be a successor. At least the display is done tastefully, not a given with chi-fi … .

[tedkay]

Bashing other reviewers because of jealousy. 😂

[Starchbcda]

Really, better sounding than the RMI?