Shanling has introduced the M8T, a digital music player that operates on the Android platform. Notably, this is the first time the company has incorporated a tube output stage into a portable device. With a battery capacity of 8,350 mAh, the M8T is expected to deliver a minimum playback time of thirteen hours. When using Bluetooth with the tube output stage disabled, the manufacturer claims that the M8T can offer up to 96 hours of continuous music playback.
Powerful platform based on Google Android 13
The M8T is presented as an ideal combination of advanced Hi-Res Audio technologies and the most sophisticated tube-based sound. The latest Shanling M8T Android Portable Player is fundamentally derived from the Shanling M8 Portable Hi-Res Player, which was introduced in early 2021. However, the designers assert that the technology in the new Shanling M8T Android Portable Player has undergone substantial enhancements compared to the earlier model.
The M8T’s hardware features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor built on 11 nm technology, paired with an Adreno 610 GPU, both manufactured by Qualcomm Inc. The device operates on Google Android 13. It is equipped with 6 GB of DDR4 RAM and offers 128 GB of internal storage. While this may seem insufficient, users have the option to expand storage by inserting a microSD card with a capacity of up to 2 TB, which can accommodate approximately 3,500 bit-perfect ripped CDs.
A 6-inch touchscreen from Sharp Corporation dominates the front panel, featuring a resolution of 2,160 x 1,080 pixels. Additionally, tactile buttons and a rotary encoder are conveniently accessible.
Connectivity is facilitated through Bluetooth 5.0, which serves as both a transmitter and receiver, supporting SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, along with WiFi capabilities provided by a Qualcomm WCN3980 wireless module.
Users can access a variety of streaming services through WiFi, and applications can be installed effortlessly, similar to the experience on an Android tablet or smartphone. The Shanling M8T also functions as a DLNA-certified streaming client, supporting UPnP and Apple AirPlay. Equipped with an XMOS XU316 from XMOS Technology, the Shanling M8T Android Portable Player allows for data exchange with PCs or Macs via USB-C and serves as a high-quality DAC.
DA converter from AKM
Digital-to-analog conversion is performed using DAC chips from Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) in Japan, specifically featuring two AKM AK4499EX DACs along with two AK4191 delta-sigma modulators. This unique configuration effectively mitigates clock signal distortions commonly associated with traditional designs, leading to a significantly purer sound output.
The system supports linear PCM signals with resolutions reaching up to 32 bits and 768 kHz, while DSD playback extends to DSD1.024. Although this capability is impressive, suitable content is currently scarce, and DSD512 remains quite uncommon.
Output stage with a choice of semiconductors or tubes
The Shanling M8T Android Portable Player features a robust solid-state output stage, incorporating a low-noise amplifier, the ADI AD45253 from Analog Devices Inc., along with a low-pass filter utilizing the TI OPA1612 from Texas Instruments. Additionally, the headphone amplifier is based on the ADI AD8397 from Analog Devices Inc.
A notable highlight of the M8T is its dedicated tube output stage. Each channel is equipped with a JAN6418 tube, providing an alternative to traditional semiconductor outputs.
The M8T offers three distinct output configurations: transistor, triode, and ultra-linear. In transistor mode, the device relies solely on the semiconductor output stage, which the manufacturer claims delivers a clear and dynamic sound. The triode mode is characterized by the warm tonal qualities of the tube output, while the ultra-linear mode merges the advantages of both semiconductor and tube technologies.
The output stage is capable of delivering 500 mW into 32 ohms through the unbalanced 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, and an impressive 1,125 mW into 32 ohms via the balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn, making it suitable for driving a diverse array of headphones.
Long battery life
The manufacturer clearly states that the new Shanling M8T Android Portable Player offers impressive output power and features an integrated tube power amplifier without compromising on battery life. With a robust 8,350 mAh battery, users can expect up to 15.5 hours of playback in single-ended mode and around 13 hours in balanced mode. When utilizing Bluetooth alone, bypassing the M8T’s power amplifiers, playback time can extend to an impressive 96 hours.
Additionally, the device supports rapid charging through USB-C, utilizing Quick Charge 3.0 or Power Delivery 2.0, allowing for charging speeds of up to 18 watts. The M8T also boasts exceptional frequency response and low noise levels.
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