Shanling has expanded its UA product line of compact DACs and headphone amplifiers with the UA7. For the first time, the Chinese manufacturer has used tubes in the output stage. Combined with the modern DAC chip from ESS Technologies, the Shanling UA7 delivers distinctive sound in a very compact format.
Shanling UA7
The UA7’s form is similar to that of the other members of the UA product line, but it features a redesigned housing and a newly designed multifunction control knob. The aluminum housing features a special shock-absorbing structure to protect the delicate tubes. According to the manufacturer, this guarantees high operational reliability and durability of the UA7, even in mobile applications. The OLED display shows all essential information at a glance and allows direct control of inputs, filters, and gain settings.
Modern technology in a small format
Shanling UA7
At the heart of the UA7 is the ESS ES9069 DAC, a high-resolution converter supporting linear PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512. The amplifier combines two 1662 operational amplifiers with four BUF634A buffers, which should deliver an output power of up to 577 milliwatts into 32 ohms from the balanced 4.4mm output. 195 milliwatts into 32 ohms are available via the 3.5mm output. This should be sufficient, even for demanding headphones.
The most distinctive feature is, of course, the use of two JAN6418 tubes, which, according to the manufacturer, give the sound a particularly natural, smooth, and musical character. With this, Shanling continues the tradition of its tube amplifiers and CD players.
Shanling UA7
Thanks to the integrated OLED display and multifunction controls, users can switch filters, gain levels, and output modes directly on the device, without needing an additional app. The UA7 can be powered via USB-C from smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
In addition to direct control via the integrated OLED display and multifunction knob, the Shanling UA7 can also be configured with the Eddict Player app. The app is available for Google Android as well as Microsoft Windows 10 and Microsoft Windows 11 and enables advanced control of the device, such as adjusting filters, gain stages, or tube modes. Unfortunately, according to the manufacturer, Apple iOS users will have to make do without these advanced features due to current system limitations.
The suggested retail price is $269. Customers can choose between Deep Black, Radiant Orange, and Titanium Gray.
Price and delivery information
The Shanling UA7 will begin shipping in November. The suggested retail price is $269. Customers can choose between Deep Black, Radiant Orange, and Titanium Gray.
