Shanling EH90: Flagship R2R DAC & Headphone Amplifier with 5.2W Output

Shanling has launched the EH90 as the new flagship model in the EH product line. According to the manufacturer, the EH90 brings PRO R2R DAC technology to a standalone DA converter and headphone amplifier for a desk or other location.

The new headphone amplifier and DA converter appears to be specifically aimed at headphone users who want to use Shanling's high-quality conversion platform without switching to one of the brand's more complex source components. The PRO R2R module was previously used in Shanling's SCD3.3 SACD player and later in the SCD1.3R , but the EH90 packages that architecture into a more focused product, meaning some features have been scrapped.

Internally, Shanling has separated the power supplies for the analog and digital sections, with a custom-made 35-watt linear transformer for the analog stage and a separate 10-watt power supply for digital processing. Furthermore, the company specifies a smoothing capacitance of more than 12,000 µF.

The front panel features a 4.8-inch color display, a large rotary knob, and direct access to the headphone outputs. The device measures 280 x 230 x 83.1 millimeters and weighs 3.7 kilograms, making it more robust than many compact USB DACs, yet still compact enough for a desk.

The EH90 combines the PRO R2R DAC with a fully discrete balanced headphone amplifier. Shanling claims a maximum power output of 5.2 Watts per channel at 32 Ohms via the balanced outputs. At 300 Ohms, the power of the balanced stage is a maximum of 575 mW per channel, while the 6.35 mm unbalanced output delivers a maximum power of 1.32 Watts per channel at 32 Ohms in high-gain mode.

The headphone connections include a balanced XLR output, a 4.4 mm Pentaconn connector, and a 6.35 mm stereo jack, providing the EH90 with a convenient range of options for both modern balanced headphones and more conventional unbalanced models. Consequently, with its specified power and connections, the EH90 will be able to effortlessly drive a wide range of headphones.

The digital connectivity is also unusually broad for a desktop DA converter that doubles as a headphone amplifier. USB and I2S via HDMI/LVDS support PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, while AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical S/PDIF inputs can handle PCM up to 32-bit/192kHz. Shanling has also added HDMI ARC, which is becoming increasingly useful for listeners who want to connect a serious headphone or active speaker setup directly to a television.

The I2S input is also not limited to a single pin configuration. Shanling indicates that the EH90 offers ten selectable I2S pin modes, which should simplify compatibility with digital transport systems, in addition to Shanling's own CT90 CD drive. An external clock input is also present, compatible with clock signals of 44.1 kHz and 10 MHz.

Wireless playback is handled via Bluetooth 5.4, with support for codecs such as LDAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. That does not make the EH90 a streamer, and that is perhaps the intention. Shanling seems to be positioning the device as a central DA converter, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier for users who already have their digital sources in order, whether that be a computer, (SA)CD player, streamer, TV, or music server.

The EH90 can also function as a compact preamplifier, with analog outputs via balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections. The output voltage is 5V via XLR and 2.5V via RCA, making the device suitable for driving active loudspeakers or a power amplifier.

The Shanling EH90 is being launched this month for a price of just under $1,300.