When Shanling unveiled the new M3 Plus at High End Munich 2025, it immediately caught my attention. After a brief first listen, I’ve been waiting impatiently to get it into my hands for a proper review. Now that I’ve spent time with it, I can confidently say: this is one of the most charismatic and capable mid-range Hi-Res players Shanling has ever produced.
Despite its compact size, the M3 Plus is packed with serious hardware – quad DACs, a refined amplification stage, and a full-fledged Android 13 system. Priced at $470 (excluding taxes), it promises a lot, and after testing it, I think it delivers.
First Impressions & Design
The Shanling M3 Plus arrives in a sturdy package with a neat list of specs on the sleeve. Inside, you’ll find the player, a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, and a protective film. The official case – a stylish lavender design – is sold separately.
The Shanling M3 Plus looks really stylish and expensive.
Visually, the M3 Plus is a winner. The matte aluminum body and tempered glass give it a premium feel, while the smooth edges and flawless build quality inspire confidence. Available in Black, Silver, and the new Mocha finish, it’s a device that looks as refined as it sounds. Personally, I fell in love with Mocha – a warm golden-brown tone that feels unique in a market full of black bricks.
At 115 x 70 x 18 mm and 205 g, it’s genuinely pocket-sized without feeling toy-like. Ergonomics are spot on: it sits comfortably in the hand and doesn’t overwhelm your pocket – the perfect size for travel.
The 4.7-inch 1280×720 Sharp display is bright and crisp enough for music playback. Physical controls include three playback buttons and a tactile volume wheel that doubles as a lock button. Both 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced outputs are onboard, covering the essentials. The wheel and buttons feel responsive, and overall usability is excellent.
We have a Sharp 4.7-inch 1280×720 touch display, 3 physical buttons for switching tracks and a volume wheel that works out pressing to start/lock.
Features & Technology
This is where Shanling really impressed me. Compared to the M3 Ultra, the M3 Plus is a clear step up in both power and versatility.
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Quad DACs – Four Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs handle decoding, supporting PCM 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512 playback. Cirrus has always been one of my favorite DAC designs, and here it shines.
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Amplification – Dual SGM8262 op-amps provide serious muscle:
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200 mW @ 32Ω (single-ended)
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800 mW @ 32Ω (balanced)
With three gain settings, it drives sensitive IEMs without hiss, yet still has enough grunt for full-sized headphones – short of the most demanding planars.
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Operating System – Full Android 13 with AGLO (Android Global Lossless Output). You can install streaming apps via Wi-Fi, use DLNA/AirPlay, or switch to “Prime Mode” for a clean player-only experience.
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Performance – Powered by a Snapdragon 665 and 4 GB RAM, it isn’t blazing fast compared to smartphones, but perfectly smooth for music playback.
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Storage – 64 GB internal + microSD slot (up to 2 TB).
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Connectivity – USB DAC mode, digital transport functionality, Bluetooth 5.0 (bidirectional) with SBC, LDAC, aptX, and aptX HD. Perfect for both wired purists and wireless convenience.
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Battery – 3,500 mAh, lasting up to 14 hours single-ended or 11 hours balanced. Charging is fast via 18 W QC 3.0.
Sound Impressions
Tested with Focal Utopia, 64 Audio tia Fourté, Noble Audio Khan, HiFiMAN Edition XS, and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, the Shanling M3 Plus consistently delivered an open, clean, and versatile sound.
In terms of technology, the Shanling M3 Plus was a positive surprise.
Its tonal character strikes a fine balance: neutral and detailed, but with just enough warmth to avoid sterility. There’s a sense of airiness and refinement, with smooth treble and textured midrange. Vocals are expressive, natural, and lifelike, while bass is punchy, controlled, and layered.
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Bass – Tight, dynamic, and punchy without bloat. Adds body without overpowering.
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Mids – Transparent, layered, and emotionally engaging. Voices sound natural and vivid.
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Treble – Airy and extended, offering excellent detail retrieval. Slightly dry at times, but never harsh.
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Stage & Imaging – Not massive in scale, but impressively holographic. Instrument placement is precise, giving tracks a three-dimensional feel.
It doesn’t aim for a “wow factor” with exaggerated tuning – instead, it wins you over with balance, coherence, and musical honesty. This makes it an excellent all-rounder for any genre and a trustworthy daily driver.
On a single charge, the Shanling M3 Plus lasts up to 14 hours with an unbalanced connection, up to 11 hours with a balanced connection.
Comparisons
Compared to its predecessor, the Shanling M3 Ultra, the difference is clear.
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M3 Ultra – Warmer, smoother, with a more analog “tube-like” character. Relaxed and easygoing.
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M3 Plus – Cleaner, more neutral, with better detail, soundstage depth, and technical control.
Both are enjoyable, but for listeners who value accuracy and openness, the M3 Plus feels like the natural upgrade.
The Shanling M3 Plus is currently the best player in its line.
Verdict
The Shanling M3 Plus is, in my opinion, the best M3-series player to date. It brings together stylish design, a compact and travel-friendly form factor, Android flexibility, solid battery life, strong amplification, and above all, refined and balanced sound quality.
At $470, it offers fantastic value in the mid-tier Hi-Res player market. If you’re an audiophile who prefers a dedicated player over dongles or mobile DACs, the Shanling M3 Plus deserves to be at the very top of your shortlist.
Highly recommended.
