Following up on the release of their HW600 Planar Open-Back Headphones, Shanling has announced the SM1.3 Music Streamer, which may be a great companion for those headphones, a set of powered speakers (such as the Shanling S0), or as part of a hi-fi stereo system. It supports every hi-res digital audio format, the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards, and all major music streaming streaming services. It’s got nearly every feature one would want in a music streamer, except Roon. Instead Shanling is betting on its own, new and improved, app and touchscreen interface on the front panel for music management.
Shanling SM1.3 Overview
The SM1.3 music streamer (aka network streamer) incorporates a 64-bit ARM Cortex CPU, with a customized closed Android 12 OS. The SM1.3 has an Aluminum Alloy Chassis.
For feature and content navigation, a UI in combination with a 5.8-inch 1080p resolution touchscreen or Eddict Controller App (iOS / Android) is provided.
On the inside, the SM1.3 incorporates the AKM 4499EX DAC and AK4191 Modulator. Comprehensive input and output stages provide setup flexibility and the TPA6120 dedicated headphone amp supports a great listening experience.
SM1.3 provides streaming support for Spotify, TIDAL, Apple Music, Apple Classical, and Amazon Music.
The SM1.3 features Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, and aptX HD support. Apple AirPlay 2 is also provided in addition to Bluetooth.
Pro Tip: MQA Decoding is also supported.
Added content access is available via flash drives connected to the USB input. An M.2 SSD slot is also provided for larger digital music collections. The SM1.3 can also function as a DLNA compatible music hub.
For internet connectivity, the SM1.3 includes Wi-Fi 6 and Wired Ethernet (Gigabit LAN) options.
Additional input and output connectivity includes digital optical and coaxial options as well as RCA and XLR analog outputs. An I2S digital output (HDMI) with an FPGA offering 10 compatibility modes is included.
Specifications
| Price | $1199 (US), £1199, and €1199 |
| Product Type | Network Music Streamer |
| Status Display Screen | 5.8-inch 1080P Sharp Touch Screen |
| Processor | Rockchip ARM CPU |
| DAC System | AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX DAC Chip |
| Storage | 64 GB Internal Memory + SSD M.2 Slot |
| External Drive Capacity | Up to 2TB |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Codec Support | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| WiFi | Version 6 Dual-Band 2.4G / 5G |
| Supported Audio Formats | DSD, DXD, APE, FLAC, WAV, AIFF/AIF, DTS, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, ALAC, MP2, M4A, AC3, OPUS, TAK, etc. Supports CUE. |
| Hi-Res Audio Support | Up to 768kHz / 32-bit and DSD512 |
| Output Level | RCA – 2.36V XLR – 4.72V |
| Frequency Response | RCA – 20Hz-40kHz (-0.5dB) XLR – 20Hz-40kHz (-0.5dB) Headphone – 20Hz-40kHz (-0.5dB) |
| THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise) | RCA – 0.0003% XLR – 0.0003% Headphone – 0.0013%@ 32Ω (A-Weight@2.4V |
| Dynamic Range | RCA – 118dB XLR -121dB Headphone – 117dB@32Ω |
| Channel Separation | RCA – 117dB XLR – 121dB Headphone – 70dB@32Ω |
| Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) | RCA – 118dB XLR – 121dB Headphone – 117dB@32Ω (A-Weight High Gain) |
| Headphone Output Power | Low Gain: 0.79mV@32Ω (19mW@32Ω) Medium Gain: 2.4V@32Ω (180mW@32Ω) High Gain: 5.7V@32Ω (1015mW@32Ω) High Gain: 6.3V@300Ω (132mW@300Ω) |
| Headphone Output Noise | 111dB (Low Gain) |
| Headphone Output Impedance | 4.7Ω |
| Digital Optical/Coaxial Input Audio Support | PCM 192kHz / 24bit |
| USB Input Audio Support | Up to PCM 768kHz / 32-bit, DSD512 |
| Digital Optical/Coaxial Output Audio Support | PCM 192kHz / 24-bit |
| USB Output Audio Support | Up to PCM 768kHz / 32-bit, DSD512 |
| I²S Output Support | Up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512 |
| Clocks | Accusilicon 45.1584/49.152 mHz |
| Power Supply | Dual 31-watt Toiodial Transformers, 220 or 110V Region Locked |
| Dimensions (including feet) | 280mm x 280mm x 110mm |
| Weight | 6.4kg |
| Finish | Black or White |
| Included Accessories | Power Cord, Remote Control, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Antennas, USB Cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty. Brochure, Cleaning Cloth |
The Bottom Line
The music streamer product category with touchscreen interfaces has exploded in 2024 with entries ranging from the $329 WiiM Ultra, to the $999 Bluesound NODE Icon, and the $12,000 Marantz Link 10n. Prices are all over the place which makes selecting the streamer that might be right for you and your audio system harder.
Shanling isn’t very well known in the US, but the China-based company has an extensive line of audio products, which include DAC/Amplifiers and CD/SACD players. Their latest product, the SM1.3 Streamer packs in a lot, and is priced in the middle of the pack. For $1,199 (US) it offers streaming, storage, physical input options, a DAC, and a headphone amp that will satisfy many and may be the right choice for you.
Pricing & Availability
The Shanling SM1.3 is priced at $1,199 (US), £1199, and €1199 and is available from Authorized Dealers and Distributors or the Shanlin Store.
For more information: shanling.com/product/466
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