SMSL DL100 vs SMSL RAW-MDA1
On score and price SMSL DL100 Higher score and lower list price than the RAW-MDA1.
The SMSL DL100 scores 0.2 higher and costs $60 less than the RAW-MDA1. Going by the two reviews, the DL100 is stronger than the RAW-MDA1 on connectivity, and the RAW-MDA1's review praises its tonal balance and circuit design.
By Jakub Charkiewicz Published Updated
When to choose the RAW-MDA1 over the DL100Is the RAW-MDA1 worth $60 more than the DL100?
Not on score: the RAW-MDA1 scores 0.2 lower than the DL100. Going by the two reviews, what the RAW-MDA1 adds for the money is its tonal balance and circuit design, and the DL100 keeps the edge on connectivity.
Which one to buy
On score and price the DL100 is the better buy, and the cards below say who should still choose the RAW-MDA1.
| At a glance | SMSL DL100 | SMSL RAW-MDA1 |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 8.2/10, Recommended | 8.0/10, Recommended |
| List price | $179 | $239 |
| Lowest US price now | $152.99 at Apos Audio on Nov 6, 2026 | $237.99 at Apos Audio on Nov 6, 2026 |
| Better choice for | connectivity | tonal balance and circuit design |
SMSL DL100
Choose it if:
- Connectivity is your priority, and the DL100 does better there than the RAW-MDA1.
SMSL RAW-MDA1
Choose it instead if:
- You want the RAW-MDA1's tonal balance and circuit design, which its review praises and the DL100 review does not cover.
What matters most to you?
| What matters | SMSL DL100 | SMSL RAW-MDA1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Technical performance | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Build & comfort | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| System fit | 8.4 | 8.1 |
| Value | 8.8 | 7.8 |
The widest gap is value: 8.8 for the DL100 against 7.8 for the RAW-MDA1. The DL100 column is worked out from its review's 13 pros and cons and the RAW-MDA1 column from 14, and each adds back up to its overall score, 8.2 and 8.0. How a score is built
Where they differ
Two topics the DL100 and RAW-MDA1 reviews both discuss, the most decisive first.
Only the DL100
Only the RAW-MDA1
Power and system matching
The DL100 review and the RAW-MDA1 review are both mixed here, so neither has a clear edge:
- DL100, criticized: "Pairs poorly with already-bright systems"
- RAW-MDA1, criticized: "Not enough power for Susvara, HE6, or Tungsten"
Inputs and outputs
Here the DL100 review is the more positive of the two and the RAW-MDA1 review has reservations:
- DL100, praised: "USB-C, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Optical, Coax inputs"
- RAW-MDA1, criticized: "Doubled coax/optical inputs instead of BNC or AES"
Only the DL100 review praises its value but faults its mids and detail; only the RAW-MDA1 review praises its tonal balance and circuit design but faults its treble and is mixed on its build.
What they have in common
The DL100 and the RAW-MDA1 are both DAC/amps from SMSL, and both have a USB input, an optical input, a coaxial input, Bluetooth, RCA outputs, balanced XLR outputs, a front display, and a balanced headphone output. The DL100 and the RAW-MDA1 are both praised for their features and measured noise, and both criticized for their bass.
On paper
The DL100 ranks joint #2 and the RAW-MDA1 joint #4 of the 8 DACs reviewed here; on value the DL100 rates Excellent and the RAW-MDA1 Fair. The DL100 and RAW-MDA1 spec sheets match on outputs (balanced XLR, RCA, 4.4 mm (HP), 6.35 mm (HP)).
The DL100 and RAW-MDA1 figures are the makers' own; AES17 defines how they are measured.
| Spec | SMSL DL100 | SMSL RAW-MDA1 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 4× Cirrus Logic DAC + XMOS - PCM 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD256, MQA | Dual ES9039Q2M (dual-mono) + 6× OPA1612A + XMOS XU-316 - PCM 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD512, MQA |
| Power output | 3 W into 16 Ω · 1.5 W into 32 Ω | 2.5 W into 16 Ω · 1.7 W into 32 Ω |
| Inputs | USB-C, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Optical, Coaxial | USB-C, 2× Coaxial, 2× Optical, Bluetooth (LDAC / aptX / AAC / SBC) |
| Output level | 2.5 Vrms (RCA) / 5.2 Vrms (XLR) | 5.2 Vrms (XLR) / 2.5 Vrms (RCA) / 8.2 Vrms (HP) |
Only the DL100 review lists THD+N; only the RAW-MDA1 review lists dynamic range / THD+N.
How these verdicts were reached
The DL100 review was published on Aug 5, 2024 and the RAW-MDA1 review on Dec 11, 2024, 4 months later, on one reference chain and rubric. The DL100 review never mentions the RAW-MDA1, nor the RAW-MDA1 review the DL100: two separate sessions. The DL100 and RAW-MDA1 reviews were both last checked on Oct 3, 2026.
Sources
Further reading for the DL100 and the RAW-MDA1: what both reviews say about balanced connections.
Questions about the DL100 and RAW-MDA1
What is the difference between the SMSL DL100 and the SMSL RAW-MDA1?
The SMSL DL100 scores 8.2 and the RAW-MDA1 8.0. Going by the two reviews, the DL100 is stronger than the RAW-MDA1 on connectivity, and the RAW-MDA1's review praises its tonal balance and circuit design. The DL100 and the RAW-MDA1 have similar sound signatures on every axis.
Which should you buy, the SMSL DL100 or the SMSL RAW-MDA1?
The DL100 beats the RAW-MDA1 on both counts, scoring 8.2 to 8.0 and costing $60 less. Choose the RAW-MDA1 instead if its tonal balance is worth $60 more to you.
Which has the better inputs and outputs, the DL100 or the RAW-MDA1?
The DL100, narrowly: both reviews are mixed on connectivity, the DL100's less so than the RAW-MDA1's.
Where they rank
In Best DACs the DL100 ranks #3 and the RAW-MDA1 #4.
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