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Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Features AKM4499EX in combination with AKM4191 chip, which cleans up the incoming digital signal ensuring it's jitter and noise-free
- Good pre-deck function provides excellent noise control
- Sound quality has a nice and rich tone, and is balanced with a deep soundstage
- Delivers a vivid and dynamic sound signature with good attack
- Offers a lot of features and functions, and is easy to pair with various components
Product Considerations
- D400EX will give slightly more open sound and a little bit better resolution in micro detail
- If one already has SU9 Ultra, this may not be the perfect upgrade
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- RAW sounds a little more vivid, and has a better attack than SMSL SU9 Ultra
- Compared to Top end D93 discrete, RAW's sound is deeper and richer, but D93 discrete is more transparent and offers better resolution
Takeaway: This AKM-based DAC offers a rich, balanced, and dynamic sound with excellent features and pre-amp capabilities, making it a great option for anyone wanting to get into the AKM sound. It pairs well with different setups and delivers a pleasant listening experience across various music genres.
All
RAW Pro-DAC1
reviews
Manufacturer details
- DAC Chip: ES9039MSPRO
- PCM Support: up to 32bit/768kHz
- DSD Support: up to DSD512
- Bluetooth: 5.1 with LDAC 24bit/96kHz, APTX/HD, SBC, AAC support
- XMOS Processor: XU-316 3rd generation
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- SMSL amplifiers, particularly the AO series, offer a versatile feature set, including USB DAC functionality, Bluetooth connectivity, and subwoofer outputs, making them suitable for diverse audio setups, often at an affordable price.
- They incorporate quality components, such as Infineon Class D amplifier chips, NJRC potentiometers, and TI op-amps, reflecting a deliberate choice to balance performance and cost.
- SMSL DACs often provide a neutral and transparent sound signature, aiming for accurate audio reproduction with excellent detail retrieval.
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Used
SMSL
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Fantastic sound quality and usability for the price
- Easy to set up and use
- Includes the OptiBox, which improves sound quality via optical Ethernet connection
- Streams hi-res files and DSD without converting to PCM first
- Has a custom DAC that sounds phenomenal
Product Considerations
- There can be occasional lag when switching songs
- No hardware remote is supplied
- The screen is on the smaller side and may be difficult to see at a distance
- The NEO Stream is not an all-in-one media hub, as it doesn't have any other inputs aside from network and USB storage, and it doesn't work as a DAC for other sources
- No Bluetooth capability
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bluesound Node, the iFi NEO Stream has a larger, more organic sound and a wider soundstage
- Compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN V2, the Cambridge has S/PDIF inputs (coaxial and optical) like the NEO, but includes a Type-B USB input for its DAC, and also has balanced XLR stereo outputs, but lacks the iFi's more advanced networking connectivity
Takeaway: The iFi NEO Stream is an impressive streaming DAC. It offers great sound quality, multiple features and makes enjoying high-quality streamed audio easy.
Video review
Our take on the brand
We shouldn't have favourites but CXN100 is something else. Hi-fi specialists and our listeners alike loved its predecessor CXN V2 – just wait until they hear this.
CXN100 will instantly transform a classic hi-fi stack into a system with a bright future. And because it's a network device, CXN100's firmware can be upgraded remotely, via our StreamMagic app, to receive the latest services. CXN100 Network Player's screen
Forever Changes
The first thing you'll notice is the big hi-res colour screen – all the better for album artwork. We've changed the volume control too, to do one thing well with a reassuringly tactile response. Inside, we take things up a level with a new ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 DAC and our Gen 4 StreamMagic module. Redesigned, expertly tuned, and simplified circuitry for a purer signal path, complete the picture. Smartphone playing music through the CXN100
Ready for the Revolution?
The convenience of streamed music was once let-down by its quality. That's no longer the case – thanks to better CODECS, broadband speeds and products like CXN100. It's designed to deliver the effortless accessibility of the digital format, but with the uncompromised sonic excellence that comes with over 55 years of designing hi-fi, and well over a decade perfecting our StreamMagic platform. StreamMagic app screenshots
Whatever you Want
CXN100 has free and subscription hi-res streaming services, like internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect with MQA, Qobuz, and Deezer on board for the best available sound quality. With Apple Airplay2 and Chromecast built-in, you can access Apple Music, Amazon Music, BBC Sounds and more. CXN100 is also Roon Ready, consolidating your digital music browsing experience in one place. CXN100 internal circuit board
The Whole Story
CXN100's circuitry has been totally re-designed to capitalise on the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Digital Analogue Converter's 32-bit capabilities. We've been able to simplify the audio signal path and tune our carefully chosen components' performance to make sure that nothing comes between you and the original recording. The result? A warmth, depth and nuance not often associated with digital audio. CXN100's StreamMagic Gen4 Module
StreamMagic
If the DAC is the CXN100's heart, then our StreamMagic Gen 4 module is its brain. It runs our custom-made streaming platform and app, which we've perfected for well-over a decade. It's responsible for the network player's slick, seamless and stable listening experience from any digital source. CXN100's firmware can also be upgraded over-the-air to receive updates and access to new services. Young man enjoying the sound of a CX range stack, including the CXN100 Network Player
Control. Pure and Simple
A beautifully smooth volume dial and large colour display take the experience of playing music from CXN100 up a level. The StreamMagic app is your remote control, giving you intuitive command of connected sources – curate playlists, program pre-sets or browse albums from the comfort of your listening position. CXN100 also works with the physical remote control supplied with CXC and CXA components. Remote control available here
CX stack on an hi-fi rack, including the CXN100 Network Player, CXC and CXA81
Designed for Life
With elegant, minimalistic lines, crafted from aluminium and steel, CXN100 will endure physically and aesthetically for many years to come. Its ability to receive over-air updates should repay your investment too. Making products that last is just one of the ways that we can minimise our impact on the planet and maximise your listening pleasure. After all, great sound shouldn't cost the Earth.
Product Strengths
- Clean, precise, and articulate sound with ample detail
- Expansive and open soundstage
- StreamMagic control app is stable, logical, user-friendly, and easy to navigate
- Features AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, and internet radio
Product Considerations
- Loses a touch of its predecessor's sonic solidity and warmth
- Does not include HDMI ARC
- Bluetooth is only compatible with SBC and AAC codecs
- Can be provoked by careless system-matching with bright, treble-centric equipment
- Volume is not controlled through the StreamMagic app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- CXN100 has improved clarity, precision, and spaciousness, but is missing some of the CXN (V2)'s sonic solidity and warmth, compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2)
- CXN100 trades off detail functionality to offer a user experience that is polished and genuinely pleasurable, and is able to take less than stellar recordings and avoid sounding strident or aggressive a little better than the EverSolo DMP-A6
- CXN100 has better low end and a slightly greater perception of space, compared to the Cambridge Audio MXN10
- CXN100 has a more natural quality to vocals with better realism and less fatigue, compared to the Bluesound Node
Takeaway: The CXN100 is a user-friendly and feature-rich music streamer that provides clear and detailed sound. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to add modern streaming capabilities to a classic hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Solid digital sound, good authority, solid bass, and a weighty sound with good scale
- Excellent clarity, very good timing, and a very good soundstage
- Outstanding build quality—solidly made and near indestructible
- Versatile unit that can become the hub of the digital audio world
- Clean and effortless digital processing
- Connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available for iOS
- The 4-inch non-touch screen is adequate, but not exceptional
- When written instructions feature on the screen, the words can be small and difficult to see
- The alphabetical order of the albums is not followed when used with an external hard drive
- Some reviewers felt a need for a high-end turntable setup, as the analog input feeds directly to the analog output stage—bypassing the digital stage altogether
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M10 V2: The Altair offers a step up in sound quality
- Vs AURALiC Aries G1: The Altair G2.1 chassis is a significant upgrade with an internal copper sub-chassis, tuned feet, and a solid steel base
Takeaway: The AURALiC Altair G2.1 is a versatile and well-built streaming DAC preamplifier that offers a clean and detailed sound. Comprehensive features and excellent sound quality make it a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Top-tier packaging and sound quality
- Detailed, modern, and holographic sound
- Excellent soundstage
- Remote control can also manage PS Audio DAC
Product Considerations
- Requires about an hour to reach peak performance when powered on using the back switch
- Soundstage might not suit all tastes, which is subjective
- Top-end extension is slightly less extended
- Bass is slightly less punchy
Takeaway: The Stellar Gold Preamp is a great choice for those seeking a modern and transparent sound with good dynamics in their audio system and a smooth, non-aggressive presentation. It especially shines with recordings that have a good soundstage, making the performance feel convincingly real.
Product Strengths
- Great, ear-pleasing sound
- Easy to use, especially with the remote control
- Offers loading presets and custom loading options for moving coil cartridges
- Low noise performance
- Clarity of sound
- Good depth of field for its price
Product Considerations
- Sensitive to grounding, ultra-low capacitance cables, RF, and other interference
- Does not have adjustable resistive and capacitive loading for fixed-coil/high-output cartridges
- Can have a high-pitched noise if cables are not oriented well
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Stellar sounds more interesting than the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
- The Stellar is not as bright as the iFi iPhono3 Black Label
- Bass extension and grip are not as powerful as more expensive phono preamps
Takeaway: The Stellar Phono Preamplifier delivers great sound and an enjoyable user experience with its flexible settings and remote control, making it a worthy addition to any vinyl lover's system. Its clarity and low noise floor allow listeners to fully appreciate the nuances of their record collection.
Product Strengths
- High damping factor for bass control and plenty of headroom
- Near-perfect linearity, low distortion, and high efficiency
- Neutral and colorless tonal balance
- Combines speed and power with a bass-range grip
Product Considerations
- Lacks the epic bass extension and hard-core slam of more expensive amplifiers
- Top end lacks the effortless harmonic bloom of other amplifiers
Takeaway: The PS Audio Stellar S300 is an excellent choice for a powerful, clean, and neutral-sounding amplifier. It offers high performance and finesse, delivering dynamic contrasts and excellent bass control, making it a worthwhile addition to any high-end audio setup.
Product Strengths
- Musicality and cohesiveness to music
- Nice drive with solid dynamics and 3-D imaging
- Delivers impressive drive with solid dynamics and 3-D imaging, accompanied by nice depth in both soundstage and low frequencies
Product Considerations
- I2S input is not HDMI compatible
Takeaway: The PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC/Preamp is a great choice for an DAC/Preamp that makes music easy and joyful to listen to. This product allows for great flexibility with its full-featured options and can become the centerpiece of a hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful looking case with nice metallic feet and massive heatsinks
- Impressive selection of digital inputs and analog outputs
- Excellent imaging, depth, and soundstage—trying to widen the picture
- Warm, smooth, and full-bodied sound—discarding notions of dryness or thinness
- Fun and engaging, not as linear or honest sounding
Product Considerations
- Not the fastest-sounding converter at this price point
- Not the most detailed-sounding converter at this price point
- Not linear and neutral in its presentation, more like fun and colored sounding
- Internal digital attenuator may degrade transients if used directly with a power amplifier
- The reviewer dislikes the unnecessary buttons that could be bypassed by using the remote control
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SMSL SU-10: D400EX is creamier, softer, warmer, and expands soundstage more, while SU-10 is more resolving and agile with faster transients
- Vs Gustard A26: D400EX offers a similar implementation of the AKM silicon, but SMSL's unit doesn't care as much for technical performance
- Vs SMSL DO200 MKII and C200: D400EX offers much better imaging and scale
Takeaway: The D400EX is a feature-packed DAC with a warm, smooth, and engaging sound signature that is excellent for relaxed listening sessions. It offers great value with flagship DAC chips.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Dual ESS ES9039MS PRO chips provide very low distortion and improve signal to noise ratio
- The soundstage is nice and wide with great layering
- Build quality is solid, made from thick aluminum with tempered glass
- The unit can act as a preamp with variable or fixed output
- Wide variety of inputs and outputs including USB-B, USB-C, TOS link, coax, I squared S, AES/EBU, balanced and single-ended output
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found the remote control to be basic
- Some reviewers found the standard sound profile to be too harsh or edgy
- Some reviewers found the screen with information to be small and hard to see from a distance
- The unit can get warm at times and could use more ventilation
- The black control knob doesn't match the enclosure for a clean look
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping D90 MK3 Saber: SU-X is slightly more laid back and natural, while D90 MK3 Saber is more clinical—studio sounding—and has more impactful bass
- Vs SMSL SU-10: SU-X improves detail retrieval
- Vs Denafrips Aries 12th: The Denafrips Aries 12th is more spacious, organic, and analog sounding than the SU-X in standard mode
Takeaway:
The SU-X is a well-built DAC with many features and a revealing sound. It offers a transparent and accurate listening experience, making it a very good choice for audiophiles who want a reference quality sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Well-built and aesthetically pleasing, with a machined aluminum case, matte black paint, and a glass-protected LCD screen
- Impressive detail retrieval and transparency, outperforming other DACs in its price range and providing a clear and detailed sound
- Bass performance is described as 'Godly'—'omnipresent'—'punchy'—and 'fast', offering a highly energetic and detailed bass response
- Uses two ESS ES9038PRO DAC chips with all 16 channels used, resulting in lower distortion and a better dynamic range, paired with 21 OPA op-amps, contributing to a powerful output stage
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth performance is lackluster compared to the wired connection
- With poor quality recordings, the sound can get a little edgy and bright, especially at higher volumes
- The remote control is plasticky
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping D90SE: SU-10 offers better separation, spaciousness, and three-dimensional notes
Takeaway: The SU-10 is a well-designed, feature-rich DAC that provides exceptional detail and impressive bass. It is a great option for audiophiles seeking high-end performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality; carved from a single block of aluminum and glass
- Its DAC section is great, more like the high-end SMSL VMV D1 SE and VMV D2 DACs
- Big sounding, holographic sounding, and airy sounding, with an amazing soundstage
- Fun and engaging sounding, as opposed to ultra-linear or flat sounding
- It supports up to 2 watts into 16 ohms, so it can drive just about any headphone or in-ear monitor
Product Considerations
- Its elongated, wagon-like look might not appeal to everyone
- The mids might be a little bright, but this can be tamed
- Not as fun and engaging via its headphone jacks, mostly because it uses an ultra-linear amplifier section that uses negative feedback
- It worked decently with something like Sennheiser HD800S, although there was much less headroom remaining on top for some wild dynamic swings, and it didn't work that great with something like Audeze LCD4
- Volume needs to be up to around 70-80% to drive some headphones, which can be improved with a dedicated amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It doesn't sound at all like the SMSL M500 MK1, as it sounds more like their high-end series and there is a better depth compared to its predecessor
- It sounded more like the VMV line of DACs and less so compared to the SMSL entry-level units
- Imaging was just absolutely on point with the SMSL M500, better than the Schiit Modi 3 in the Topping DX3 Pro+
- It is big sounding, holographic sounding, and airy sounding, with an amazing soundstage, something that reviewers could not say about the SMSL SU8S or SU9
- The only thing that the SMSL M500 has over the SMSL C200 is a better menu
Takeaway: The SMSL M500 MK3 is a well-built and fun-sounding DAC/amp with a great soundstage. It's a versatile unit that can be used with headphones or as a preamp for a stereo system, making it a great option for many audio enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses the latest ES9039MPRO DAC chip from ESS, offering a noticeable improvement in sound quality compared to previous versions
- Offers a transparent and neutral sound signature, making it close to a reference sound
- Voices and vocals are very accurate in the midrange
- Has a spacious and layered soundstage, with good imaging and instrument separation
Product Considerations
- Instrument placement and dynamics could be uneven, with some instruments emphasized over others
- Some users have reported a crackling sound when using the 'Sound Color' feature, though this may be resolved by using a PCM filter
- Design is kept the same as previous versions
- Has a slight forwardness in the upper mid-range area
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SU-9 Pro is a significant improvement in tone, transparency, soundstage, and dynamics, compared to the SMSL SU-9/9n
- The SU-9 Pro offers slightly better detail retrieval and a slightly deeper soundstage, while the SMSL M500 MKII has a warmer midrange
- The SU-9 Pro offers better resolution and dynamics, while the Denafrips Ares II is more laid-back and spacious
- The SU-9 Pro offers a more agile bassline, more extended highs, and more air around instruments, compared to the EarMen Tradutto
- The SU-9 Pro is more vivid and dynamic, the SMSL DO200 MK2 is more refined and polite
- SMSL leans toward liquidy smooth tone, while the Topping D9 TLE is grippier
Takeaway: The SMSL SU-9 Pro is a well-rounded DAC that provides a transparent and detailed sound, making it a good choice for audio enthusiasts. Its feature set and sound quality make it a worthwhile addition to any audio setup.
Video review
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