If you are in search of a compact desktop audio solution that integrates a D/A converter and headphone amplifier, the newly launched Shanling EH1 Compact Desktop DAC/AMP may be an excellent option. This product is the latest addition to the Shanling Desktop Line, presented by Shanling Audio.
The EH1 is more powerful than the offerings in the Shanling UA Line, features a simpler design compared to the Shanling H Line, and is smaller than the Shanling EH3 Desktop DAC & Amplifier. This new model exemplifies a classic combination in desktop audio, providing both a D/A converter and headphone amplifier, which Shanling has made available in various iterations.
What sets the Shanling EH1 Compact Desktop DAC/AMP apart is its introduction as part of a new series within the Shanling Desktop Line, designed to be particularly appealing in terms of pricing and compactness.
Particularly simple and straightforward
The Shanling EH1 Compact Desktop DAC/AMP has been crafted for user-friendliness. It features a minimalist design without a display, relying instead on a selection of buttons and rotary encoders to ensure a seamless and comfortable user experience.
Compact and elegant
The design emphasizes a sleek aluminum chassis, offered in both black and silver, showcasing a sophisticated aesthetic. The front panel features a rotary encoder for volume adjustment, along with controls for bass and tone, a standby button, and gain adjustment.
Headphones can be connected through either a 6.3 mm stereo jack (unbalanced) or a 4.4 mm PENTACONN (balanced) input.
On the rear of the Shanling EH1 Compact Desktop DAC/AMP, there is a USB-C port for direct connection to a PC or Mac, complemented by a coaxial S/PDIF interface that functions as an output. Analog outputs are available via a pair of RCA sockets, with a selector switch allowing you to choose between Line Out and Pre Out.
Signal processing up to 32 bit and 768 kHz as well as DSD512
The developers of the Shanling EH1 Compact Desktop DAC/AMP have chosen a D/A converter from Cirrus Logic Inc., specifically the Cirrus Logic SC43198 DAC, for signal processing. This DAC is capable of handling Linear PCM signals with resolutions up to 32 bits and sampling rates of 768 kHz, as well as DSD formats up to DSD512.
The output stage features a dual-mono architecture, incorporating two SGM8262 headphone amplifier modules from SG Micro Corp. This design ensures that a wide range of headphones can be driven effectively.
According to the manufacturer, the unbalanced 6.3 mm stereo jack with low gain outputs 250 mW at 32 ohms, while high gain provides 399 mW at the same impedance. The balanced 4.4 mm PENTACONN jack offers 250 mW at 32 ohms in low gain mode and can reach up to 1,015 mW at high gain.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the device can be powered directly through the USB-C port from a PC or Mac, or alternatively, via a 5 V DC power supply.
Prices and availability
The Shanling EH1 Compact Desktop DAC/AMP is set to launch in specialized retailers shortly, as announced by Shanling. It will be offered in both black and silver finishes. The suggested retail price is $199.
Our opinion
Shanling has introduced the EH1 Compact Desktop DAC/AMP, designed as a straightforward and user-friendly digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier. This sleek and compact audio device from the Shanling Desktop Line may appear simple, yet it delivers impressive sound quality, leading the manufacturer to highlight its exceptional value for money.
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