SMSL RAW-DAC1 Desktop DAC Review
A desktop DAC listed at $499.99 whose title and cover picture name AK4499EX and AK4191 chips, with XLR and RCA outputs, Bluetooth 5.1 and, per a picture, a 2.33-inch display. It suits buyers who want XLR and RCA outputs and Bluetooth in one DAC, using figures from pictured tables.
Our verdict
A fit for buyers who want a desktop DAC with AK4499EX and AK4191 chips named in its title and pictures, the XLR and RCA outputs its pictures list, and Bluetooth 5.1. Look elsewhere if you need an outside measurement, or the figures from the measurement charts that were not read for this review. The main caveat is that every spec figure comes from pictures on the store's page, and no independent test was checked for this review.
- Best for
- Buyers who want a desktop DAC with Bluetooth 5.1 and the XLR and RCA outputs its pictures list.
- Skip if
- You need an outside measurement or a page that lists what comes in the box.
Why 3.3/5: Limited by a page with no written specification list, by claims that sit in pictures several of which were not read for this review, by the store's own terms contradicting each other, and by no independent test having been checked.
SMSL's RAW-DAC1 is a desktop DAC that its title and a picture of its cover pair with AK4499EX and AK4191 chips, and HiFiGO lists it at $499.99. A spec table pictured on the page gives XLR and RCA outputs at 5 Vrms and 2.5Vrms, dynamic range of 132dB on XLR and 127dB on RCA, Bluetooth 5.1 and a USB input listed from PCM 44.1kHz to 768kHz at 32bit.
Specifications
| Spec | Page says (text and pictures) |
|---|---|
| DAC chips | AK4499EX + AK4191 (cover picture); the title reads AK4499ex+AK4191 |
| USB chip (pictured) | XMOS XU-316, 3rd generation |
| Inputs | USB / optical 1 / optical 2 / coaxial 1 / coaxial 2 / IIS / Bluetooth |
| Outputs | XLR / RCA |
| Output amplitude | XLR 5 Vrms; RCA 2.5Vrms |
| THD+N | 0.00006% (-124dB) (UN-WTD) |
| Dynamic range | XLR 132dB; RCA 127dB |
| SNR | XLR 132dB; RCA 127dB |
| USB transmission | USB2.0 (Asynchronization) |
| USB sampling rate and bit width | PCM 44.1kHz-768kHz (32bit); DSD 2.8224MHz-22.5792MHz (1bit); DoP 2.8224MHz-11.2896MHz (1bit) |
| Optical and coaxial sampling | PCM 44.1kHz-192kHz (24bit); DoP 2.8224MHz (1bit) |
| Bluetooth | 5.1: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| MQA decoder | USB / Optical / Coaxial |
| Size and weight | 219x180x45mm (labeled WxHxD); 1.33kg |
Options and pricing
One option, named RAW-DAC1, is listed at $499.99 and was orderable when the page was read. The pictures show a remote control marked S.M.S.L RC-8C, a 2.33-inch display with a tempered glass panel, and gold-plated input and output terminals. No in-the-box list appears in the pictures that were opened, so whether the remote is included is not confirmed here.
How it compares
The SMSL R100 R2R High-Resolution Audio DAC is listed at $289 and named an R2R DAC, while this one is $499.99 and named for AK4499ex+AK4191 chips and Bluetooth 5.1. The Gustard Audalytic DR70 / DR70N R2R Streaming Desktop DAC starts at $359.99 and the Gustard Audalytic DR80 / DR80N Discrete R2R Streamer DAC from $699.99, both named R2R. The RAW-DAC1 suits buyers who want named DAC chips with Bluetooth 5.1; the R2R models suit buyers who put the R2R design first.
Shipping, returns and warranty
HiFiGO sells from hifigo.com and says every order leaves its warehouse in China, usually 1-3 business days after it is placed, and says its delivery times are estimates, not promises. Its shipping policy gives the United States 1-2 weeks (about 10 days on average) by Priority and 6-10 days by Premium, both with duties and taxes prepaid by the store; Canada 2-3 weeks; the United Kingdom 1-2 weeks; and Australia 10-15 days. Express couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx) take 3-7 days, but then the buyer pays any duties and taxes. No shipping page names New Zealand, PO boxes are not accepted, and the free-shipping thresholds differ between the store's own pages, so check the cart. One of its two shipping pages adds that a lost parcel on an order above $50 gets only a 50% refund. A US buyer reported a $40 tariff charge in August 2025, after which HiFiGO said it had added a customs notice at checkout.
Read the return terms before you order. The homepage advertises 7-day returns. Both of HiFiGO's policy pages offer a 7-day dead-on-arrival cover (a replacement or a full refund, with the return postage refunded) and also describe 30-day returns, but a request made 7 to 30 days after delivery loses 30% of the MSRP as a restocking fee (10% more if the packaging is incomplete), plus shipping both ways and duties, and the FAQ on the same pages says there is no refund or exchange once 7 days have passed. One version recommends reselling an opened product locally. Custom IEMs and custom cables cannot be returned, no return address is published, and buyers describe sending items back to China.
HiFiGO's warranty runs one year from the order date for parts and labor; its policy names desktop DACs and amps, IEMs and dongles at one year and gives cables and adapters three months. HiFiGO decides between repair and replacement, the buyer pays the shipping, and faulty items go back for service, not for a refund. Claims go to [email protected], the only contact the store lists: its pages name no company, street address or phone, and its terms are governed by the laws of China.
On Trustpilot, HiFiGO had 4.6 out of 5 from 378 reviews when we checked on 2026-10-28 (91% five-star, 5% one-star), and it had replied to about 75% of negative reviews; Trustpilot notes the store has not invited customers to review recently. The one-star reviews mostly concern the short return window and the deductions on returns, items listed in stock that turned out back-ordered, slow email support and a tariff charge on a US delivery in 2025. HiFiGO says its products are genuine and come in the brands' retail packaging; it does not claim to be an authorized dealer.
What we liked
- Title and cover picture name AK4499EX and AK4191 DAC chips
- XLR and RCA outputs listed at 5 Vrms and 2.5Vrms, with dynamic range of 132dB and 127dB, in the pictured spec table
- Seven inputs in the pictured spec table: USB, two optical, two coaxial, IIS and Bluetooth 5.1
- Bluetooth 5.1 with SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC listed in the pictured spec table
- A pictured measurement screen for the balanced output gives THD+N of 0.000062 % and 0.000058 % on the two channels
Worth noting
- Picture 14 labels the size WxHxD, but the drawing in picture 13 puts 180mm along the depth and 45mm as the height
- A callout says USB-B input while the rear photos show a slim oval port labeled USB
- The pictured spec table lists Windows as needing a driver
- No in-the-box list appears in the pictures that were opened
Questions before you buy
Which DAC chips does the RAW-DAC1 use?
The title and a picture of the cover name AK4499EX and AK4191 DAC chips, and a picture names a 3rd generation XMOS XU-316 for USB. A picture also names a CK-03 clock processing circuit; its claim of greatly reduced jitter was not checked for this review.
Does it need a driver?
The pictured spec table lists Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 as needing a driver, and lists Mac OSX10.6 or above and Linux as driverless. It gives the USB connection as USB2.0 (Asynchronization).
Which output levels and noise figures are listed?
The pictured spec table gives XLR at 5 Vrms and RCA at 2.5Vrms, with dynamic range and SNR of 132dB on XLR and 127dB on RCA. THD+N is given as 0.00006%(-124dB)(UN-WTD).
Where does HiFiGO ship from, and how long does it take?
From its warehouse in China, usually 1-3 business days after the order. The shipping policy gives 1-2 weeks to the US by Priority (6-10 days by Premium), both with duties and taxes prepaid, 2-3 weeks to Canada, 1-2 weeks to the UK and 10-15 days to Australia. Express couriers take 3-7 days, but the buyer pays any duties.
Can I send it back if I change my mind?
HiFiGO gives 7 days to report an item that arrives dead, damaged or wrong. Its policy also describes 30-day returns, but requests 7 to 30 days after delivery lose 30% of the MSRP plus shipping both ways and duties, and the FAQ on the same page says no refund or exchange after 7 days. Ask [email protected] before you open the box.
What warranty does HiFiGO give?
One year from the order date for parts and labor, for faults in build or materials (the policy names desktop DACs and amps, IEMs and dongles; cables and adapters get three months). HiFiGO chooses repair or replacement, the buyer pays the shipping, and a faulty item is serviced rather than refunded. Claims go to [email protected].
Sources & verification
What this review is based on and the day we last read it. Specs and claims from the maker are the maker’s own; the verdict and the rating are ours.
From the store
- SMSL RAW-DAC1 AK4499ex+AK4191 Bluetooth 5.1 DAC product page: specs, options and price (the buy buttons go there)Specs, options and the listed priceRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO shipping policyShips from China in 1-3 business days; US 1-2 weeks by Priority or 6-10 days by Premium, duties prepaid; Express buyers pay dutiesRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO shipping and order tracking pageA second shipping text: Premium also for Canada and Australia, Canada free shipping from $99.99, lost-parcel rulesRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO refund policy7-day dead-on-arrival cover; 30-day returns minus a 30% restocking fee; its FAQ says no refund after 7 daysRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO warranty and refund policyWarranty by product class (1 year; cables and adapters 3 months); 30% fee for resealing an opened productRead October 28, 2026
- HiFiGO terms of serviceOperator named only as HiFiGo; governed by the laws of China; contact [email protected]Read October 28, 2026
Independent
- HiFiGO reviews on Trustpilot4.6 of 5 from 378 reviews (91% five-star, 5% one-star); the store has not invited reviews recentlyRead October 28, 2026
What we couldn’t verify
- Picture 14 labels the size WxHxD but the drawing in picture 13 puts 180mm along the depth and 45mm as the height; a callout says USB-B input while the rear photos show a slim oval port labeled USB.
- Seven of the 15 pictures were not opened, including charts of balanced SNR and line-out dynamic range (pictures 10 and 11) whose figures were not read. Claims of distortion as low as 0.00006% and of greatly reduced clock jitter are pictured text only.
- The Hi-Res Audio Wireless logo, MQA and MQA-CD support, LDAC support and the CK-03 jitter claim are labels and claims in pictures, not confirmed here; this review checked no independent test of this model.
- HiFiGO's policy pages contradict each other: 30-day returns with a 30% restocking fee in one place, no refund or exchange after 7 days in the FAQ.
- HiFiGO's pages name no company, street address or phone number; the only contact given is [email protected].
Spotted an error or something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it and update the date.
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