ЦАПы — SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1

The RAW Pro-DAC1 is a standalone DAC for the desk or rack from SMSL built around the ES9039MSPRO chip from ESS. It adds wireless streaming, balanced outputs and a variable output mode, so it can act either as a pure source component or as a simple digital preamplifier. The launch price was listed at USD 699.99, and the case is finished in silver.

Key specs that matter

PCM playback reaches 32 bit and 768 kHz, and DSD runs up to DSD512, with MQA and MQA-CD decoding on board. Balanced XLR outputs deliver 5.2 Vrms, while the RCA outputs give 2.5 Vrms, both with an output impedance of 100 ohm. SMSL quotes THD+N of 0.00005 percent (-125 dB) on XLR and 0.00007 percent (-123 dB) on RCA, with dynamic range of 132 dB balanced and 127 dB unbalanced. The chassis measures 254 x 203 x 48 mm and weighs 1.9 kg. Power draw stays under 20 W in operation and under 0.5 W in standby, from a 100 to 240 V AC supply.

Engineering and use context

USB input is handled by a third generation XMOS XU-316 processor that supports true 32 bit transfer, DoP and native DSD. Beyond USB-C and USB-B, the rear panel carries coaxial and optical S/PDIF, a balanced AES/EBU input and an I2S port on an HDMI connector. Every wired input can pass DSD, with coaxial and optical limited to DoP64. The Bluetooth 5.1 receiver uses a Qualcomm QCC5125 chip and accepts LDAC at 24 bit and 96 kHz, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC. Clocking relies on a low phase noise crystal oscillator with an optimised clock processing circuit, and the analogue stages draw from several separate low-noise regulated supplies. Firmware can be updated by the user, the terminals are gold-plated, and the unit is certified Hi-Res by the Japan Audio Society. The package includes a remote, and the warranty runs one year.

Pairing

The fixed mode is intended for an integrated amplifier or preamplifier that already has a volume control, while the variable mode allows direct connection to power amplifiers or active monitors. A balanced input on the receiving amplifier makes use of the higher XLR level. A computer connects over either USB socket, and SMSL provides a USB audio driver for download for systems that need one. A TV, CD transport or streamer can use the optical, coaxial or AES/EBU inputs at the same time, and a phone can connect over Bluetooth without cables.

Alternatives

SMSL's D400EX is another desktop DAC from the brand, using two AK4499EX chips with an AK4191 modulator instead of an ESS converter.