Shanling has announced the SM1.3R, an R2R variant of the SM1.3 streaming DAC that hit the market in the fourth quarter of 2024. The housing, the 5.8-inch touchscreen, the Android-based streaming platform, and the connectivity options have all been carried over to the SM1.3R. Shipments will start during the second half of April.
Shanling SM1.3R: R2R DA converter
The most significant change to the SM1.3R compared to the earlier SM1.3 is the architecture of the DA converter at the heart of the device. The AKM4499EX + AK4191 preprocessor chip configuration has given way to a proprietary 24-bit R2R module, which is reportedly also used in Shanling's flagship SCD3.3 SACD player. The company has used 212 resistors with an accuracy of 0.01% and presents the R2R approach as a method that offers a more analog representation than the original delta-sigma system.
Shanling SM1.3R: streaming
The streaming platform is virtually identical to that of the SM1.3, without significant changes. The SM1.3R is Roon Ready, and Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Spotify Connect are built-in. These services are available alongside separate apps for the same services, plus Apple Music, Apple Classic, and Amazon Music. Shanling describes the platform as a closed Android build, which excludes sideloading apps or installing them via the Google Play Store.
For local playback, an internal SSD slot is available for users who prefer to keep their lossless music library on the device itself. NAS users retain the Samba and UPnP support of the SM1.3.
Located on the rear panel are balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, alongside a digital input matrix consisting of I²S, 2 x coaxial, 2 x TOSLINK, and USB-C. There is also a USB-A port for storage media. This allows the SM1.3R to function as a standalone DA converter for an existing streamer, transport, or computer source. The headphone output on the front panel has a power output of 900 mW at 32 Ohms or 130 mW at 300 Ohms, powered by a 31-Watt split power supply.
Shanling SM1.3R: price and delivery information
The SM1.3R will be delivered for the first time during the second half of April. The recommended retail price is just under $1,800.
