Shanling has launched the UA6II, a portable and small DA converter and headphone amplifier that performs DA conversion using no fewer than eight CS43131 DAC chips from Cirrus Logic. Furthermore, the small device features a 2.4 cm OLED screen and two headphone jacks.

Shanling UA6II

The most important technical feature of the Shanling UA6II is the structure of the DA converter. Many USB dongle DA converters feature one or two DAC chips, but Shanling has equipped the UA6II with eight Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips. According to the manufacturer, this topology improves technical performance, increases signal processing stability, and further refines detail reproduction.

Interestingly, Shanling has built a switch into the UA6II that allows you to choose between four and eight DAC chips. This allows the operation of the converter section to be adapted to the specific application, for example, when maximum performance or more efficient use is required. For a device of this size, this is a remarkable approach. The UA6II weighs just 30.8 grams and measures 62 x 30 x 13.5 millimeters.

3.5mm stereo mini-jack and 4.4mm Pentaconn

The Shanling UA6II offers two options for connecting headphones. A 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack is available for traditional headphones and in-ear monitors. According to Shanling, this unbalanced output delivers up to 107 mW at 32 Ohms, with an output voltage of 1.85 Volts at 32 Ohms.

Users with balanced-cabling headphones can use the 4.4 mm Pentaconn connector. This increases the output power to 365 mW at 32 Ohms, with an output voltage of 3.418 Volts at 32 Ohms. This makes the Shanling UA6II an attractive option, not only for sensitive in-ear monitors but also for many portable and compact over-ear headphones. With the low and high gain controls, the amplifier can be practically adjusted to suit various headphone models.

OLED screen, volume control, and settings directly on the device

An important difference compared to very simple USB DACs is the direct controls on the device itself. The Shanling UA6II features a 2.4 cm OLED screen displaying essential information and settings. The tactile volume control on the side serves not only to adjust the volume but also to navigate the menu.

This allows important functions to be managed directly on the DAC, independent of the connected smartphone or computer. Consequently, settings are retained when using different connected devices. This is particularly useful if the UA6II is regularly used on various smartphones, tablets, notebooks, desktop computers, or handheld game consoles.

Hi-res audio up to 32 bits and 768 kHz, as well as DSD512

The Shanling UA6II supports Linear PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512. This means that it supports a very wide range of current Hi-Res Audio formats and is suitable for both local music libraries and use with associated streaming apps and players.

The information screen also indicates which signal format is currently being processed. This is a small but useful detail in daily use, because with USB DACs without a screen, you often cannot immediately see whether a file is actually being output at the intended resolution.

USB-C, UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0

The connection is established via USB-C. The package contains a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and documentation. For Apple iOS devices with a Lightning connector, Shanling recommends a separately available Shanling L3 Lightning cable, while drivers may need to be installed for use with Microsoft Windows systems.

In addition to UAC 2.0, the Shanling UA6II also supports UAC 1.0. This is particularly relevant for devices that are not directly compatible with more modern USB audio modes, such as older players, devices with limited power, or certain game consoles like the Nintendo Switch. The Shanling UA6II can therefore be used with various digital sources.

Eddict Player App

In addition to direct control via the device itself, the Shanling UA6II can also be used with the Eddict Player app. According to Shanling, this app is available for Google Android and Microsoft Windows 10 and Microsoft Windows 11. The app provides access to settings, supports bit-perfect output on Google Android, and also serves as a tool for firmware updates.

The app complements the direct operation of the device. It is precisely this combination of display, hardware controls, and optional app that makes the UA6II more flexible in daily use than many minimalist USB dongles.

Price and delivery information

The new USB-DAC is coming to market in three different colors. The suggested retail price is just under $220. A matching leather case is available separately.