Shanling upgrades hi-fi streaming with the SM1.3R HD

Shanling introduces the SM1.3R HD, a network streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier. Building on the SM1.3R, the new model pairs an upgraded display with the company’s own R2R conversion technology, putting streaming services and personal music collections at the centre of the system.

The most visible change is its 5.98-inch 2K screen. With a resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels, the display gives album artwork, menus and playback information a clearer presentation.

Behind the screen sits Shanling’s second-generation Kunlun Pro R2R DAC architecture, developed in-house and drawing on technology used in its flagship SCD3.3 SACD player. The 24-bit design uses 212 precision resistors rated at 0.01% accuracy, with a sound character Shanling describes as natural and analogue-like.

Roon Ready support sits alongside TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect, while built-in access to Apple Music, Amazon Music and Spotify gives listeners plenty of ways to find their next favourite album.

The Android-based platform runs on a Rockchip processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 provide a choice of wired or wireless networking, allowing the SM1.3R HD to fit around the listening room and its existing network.

For listeners with larger music collections, an internal M.2 SSD slot provides room to build a huge local music library, with USB drive playback adding another route to stored favourites.

Power comes from two 31W toroidal transformers, with separate supplies serving the digital and analogue sections. This arrangement supports Shanling’s focus on stable power delivery throughout the audio circuitry, complementing the precision of its resistor-based conversion system.

Coaxial, optical and USB DAC inputs accommodate additional digital sources, including a computer or a compatible CD transport, while RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs offer straightforward integration with a hi-fi system. Digital outputs also allow the unit to serve as a transport for an external DAC. A dedicated headphone amplifier and front-mounted 6.35mm output allow flexible personal listening too.

By combining an improved display with established R2R engineering, extensive streaming support and flexible connections, the SM1.3R HD is a powerful streamer which can easily fit into any hi-fi system or active speaker set-up.

Release and pricing:

The Shanling SM1.3R HD is out now, priced $1699, £1799.

For review samples, please contact Starscream Communications.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions (including feet): 280 × 280 × 110mm

Weight: 6.4kg

Display: 5.98-inch touchscreen, 2560 × 1440 resolution

Processor: Rockchip ARM CPU

DAC: R2R assembly

Storage: 64GB internal memory + M.2 SSD slot

External drive capacity: Up to 2TB

Power supply: 220V or 110V

Bluetooth version: 5.2

Bluetooth codecs: LDAC / aptX HD / aptX Adaptive / aptX LL / aptX / AAC / SBC

Dual-band Wi-Fi 6: 2.4GHz / 5GHz

Supported audio formats: DSD, DXD, APE, FLAC, WAV, AIFF/AIF, DTS, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, ALAC, MP2, M4A, AC3, OPUS, TAK and more; CUE support

Hi-Res support: Up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512

RCA Output

Output level: 2.2V

Frequency response: 20Hz–40kHz (-0.5dB)

THD+N: 0.003%

Dynamic range: 118dB

Channel separation: 116dB

Signal-to-noise ratio: 118dB

XLR Output

Output level: 4.4V

Frequency response: 20Hz–40kHz (-0.5dB)

THD+N: 0.003

Dynamic range: 120dB

Channel separation: 117dB

Signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB

Headphone Output

Output power — low gain: 17mW @ 32Ω

Output power — medium gain: 159mW @ 32Ω

Output power — high gain: 900mW @ 32Ω; 130mW @ 300Ω

Frequency response: 20Hz–40kHz (-0.5dB)

THD+N: 0.003% @ 32Ω

Dynamic range: 116dB @ 32Ω

Channel separation: 70dB @ 32Ω

Signal-to-noise ratio: 116dB @ 32Ω

Noise: 111dB

Output impedance: 4.7Ω

Digital Connections

Coaxial input: PCM 192kHz/24-bit

Optical input: PCM 192kHz/24-bit

USB input: PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512

Coaxial output: PCM 192kHz/24-bit

Optical output: PCM 192kHz/24-bit

USB output: PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512

I²S output: PCM 768kHz and DSD512