Shanling SM1.3R HD Streamer Adds A 2K Screen
Shanling has introduced the SM1.3R HD, combining a network streamer, digital-to-analogue converter and headphone amplifier in one box. It builds on the SM1.3R with an upgraded touchscreen and Shanling’s own resistor-based DAC technology.
At £1,799 / $1,699, this is a substantial upgrade purchase rather than a budget starting point. It can bring streaming and stored music to an existing HiFi system, or connect to active speakers without needing a separate DAC.
Quick Reference
Product: Shanling SM1.3R HD streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier
Price And Availability: £1,799 / $1,699, available now
Display: 5.98-inch touchscreen with 2560 × 1440 resolution
Streaming: Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect
Storage: 64GB internal memory, M.2 SSD expansion and USB drive playback
Connections: Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, digital inputs and outputs, RCA and XLR outputs
Streaming And Your Own Music
The Android-based platform offers built-in access to Apple Music, Amazon Music and Spotify alongside its other streaming options. You can connect to your network using Wi-Fi 6 or a wired Gigabit Ethernet connection.
If you prefer keeping music files, USB drive playback and an internal M.2 SSD slot provide alternatives to streaming. The new 2K touchscreen displays artwork, playback information and menus directly on the player.
A Different Approach To Digital Conversion
Shanling’s second-generation Kunlun Pro R2R DAC uses 212 precision resistors in a 24-bit design, drawing on technology from its SCD3.3 SACD player. Shanling describes the sound as natural and analogue-like; that is the manufacturer’s description, not a listening verdict.
Two 31W toroidal transformers provide separate power supplies for the digital and analogue sections. USB input supports PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512, while optical and coaxial inputs accept PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit.
Connecting A System Or Headphones
RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs connect to an amplifier or suitable active speakers. Digital outputs let you use a separate DAC instead. Passive speakers still need a speaker amplifier: the built-in amplifier here is for headphones.
The front 6.35mm headphone socket offers three gain settings, with Shanling quoting up to 900mW into 32 ohms at high gain. The unit measures 280 × 280 × 110mm including its feet and weighs 6.4kg.
What The Terms Mean
Network Streamer: A player that gets music over your home network.
DAC: Converts digital music into an analogue signal for an amplifier.
R2R: A DAC design using a ladder-like network of resistors.
SSD: Solid-state storage for keeping music files locally.
Active Speakers: Speakers with their own amplification.
Gain: The amount an amplifier boosts an incoming signal.
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