Review: Shanling EH2 – A High-Value R2R DAC/Amp That Bridges the Gap

When I first reviewed the Shanling EH1—the brand’s most affordable stationary DAC/amp—it was clear that it served as an entry-level model. Basic functionality, limited power, and a focus on simplicity marked its design. At the other end of the spectrum sat the Shanling EH3: a fully loaded, flagship-grade device brimming with features and commanding a significantly higher price tag.

But something was missing in between—an intermediate model that would offer a step up in performance without the financial leap. The EH2 is Shanling’s answer to that missing link. Not only does it close the gap between the EH1 and EH3, but it does so with a distinctive twist: a proprietary 24-bit R2R ladder DAC, an increasingly rare and sought-after architecture in desktop audio.

And unlike some of Shanling’s collaborations with ONIX—such as the $5,000 ONIX Miracle—the EH2 remains within reach for most enthusiasts. It promises serious audiophile performance without pushing into unattainable pricing territory.

Unboxing & First Impressions

Shanling EH2 box

Shanling EH2 comes in a small square box, weighing about 1 kg. The box is made of ordinary, as it is fashionable to say now, “kraft” cardboard. On it we see a contour image of the device from the top in the center, the company logo is present at the top, and the name of the model and device at the bottom.

The Shanling EH2 arrives in a compact, minimalist “kraft” cardboard box featuring an outlined top-view of the device and the company’s branding. Certification marks for Hi-Res and Hi-Res Wireless on the corner give a subtle nod to its capabilities.

Inside, the packaging is clean and efficient. A slim box contains documentation and accessories, while the EH2 itself is safely encased in foam and a white protective bag. The included 36W power supply is made by Simsukian and feels premium, featuring a replaceable Euro plug and a 1.5-meter cable with a DC output (12V, 3A).

Shanling EH2

Key Features & Technical Highlights

• Custom-designed 24-bit R2R DAC using 192 high-precision resistors

• Selectable oversampling modes via a rear switch:

  • NOS (Non-Oversampling, 44.1 kHz) for natural, analog-like sound

  • OS (Oversampling, 352.8 kHz) for heightened dynamics and detail

• Tone controls for bass and treble:

  • Bass: ±6 dB

  • Treble: ±10 dB

• High power output:

  • Balanced (4.4 mm): 4351 mW @ 32Ω

  • Single-ended: 1280 mW @ 32Ω

• Wireless support: Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX family (including HD, Adaptive, and LL)

• USB Game Mode: UAC 1.0 with low latency for gaming

• Sampling rate indicator via LED ring around the volume knob

Design & Build Quality

The EH2 retains the EH1’s signature look—a blend of retro cues and modern materials—but with key physical upgrades. The chassis is noticeably deeper and heavier, now including ventilation slots for improved thermal management.

The design of the Shanling EH2 is almost identical to the base model EH1, but there are several important changes.

Constructed from solid aluminum with a glass front panel, the EH2 exudes quality. Its minimalistic interface avoids screens in favor of LED indicators and tactile controls, further reinforcing its analog charm. The tone knobs are well-marked and offer firm, center-detent positions.

Available in black and a more visually distinctive silver (“natural aluminum”), both finishes look great, though they tend to attract fingerprints.

Connectivity & Functionality

The EH2 makes a clear leap forward in connectivity:

• Inputs: USB-C, Coaxial, Optical, Bluetooth 5.2

• Outputs: Balanced 4.4 mm, Unbalanced 6.3 mm (with 3.5 mm adapter), RCA line-out

While Shanling’s proprietary Eddict Player app doesn’t support the EH2 (as with the EH1), the hardware-based control layout is intuitive and eliminates the need for external apps or software.

Bluetooth pairing is straightforward and stable. I tested it using LDAC with a smartphone and USB-C with both phone and PC. Across all scenarios, performance was flawless—fast connections, no dropouts, and reliable functionality.

For listening with the Shanling EH2, I used a high gain level, the volume was about mid-range.

Listening Tests

1. Shanling EH2 + Sennheiser HD800S

Pairing the EH2 with Sennheiser’s HD800S was a revealing experience. These open-back, high-impedance (300Ω) headphones are notoriously demanding, but the EH2 handled them confidently with plenty of headroom and clean output from the balanced 4.4 mm jack.

• Bass: Subtle and natural, though I added a touch via tone control (~3 o’clock) to compensate for the HD800S’s modest midbass.

• Mids: Clear, uncolored, and emotionally engaging—excellent detail and separation.

• Highs: Slightly smoothed by the EH2, which helped tame the HD800S’s occasional sharpness.

Despite their price disparity, this pairing felt synergistic. While the HD800S can still scale higher with top-tier gear, the EH2 did not feel like a bottleneck. The sound was immersive, nuanced, and highly enjoyable.

2. Shanling EH2 + FiiO FD5

The FD5 are dynamic IEMs known for their energetic and emphasized sound. Connected via 4.4 mm balanced, the EH2 smoothed some of their sharper edges and provided improved balance across the spectrum.

• Bass: Controlled and better defined, with less boom.

• Mids: More transparent and less congested.

• Highs: Retained sparkle, but without harshness.

The EH2’s R2R presentation enhanced the FD5’s musicality, adding a touch of refinement to their natural enthusiasm.

3. Shanling EH2 + Edifier R2000DB

Though not traditional audiophile gear, the Edifier R2000DB active speakers responded well to the EH2’s analog RCA output. While their inherent V-shaped tuning remained intact, improvements were noticeable.

• Bass: Slightly softer and more nuanced.

• Mids: Significantly improved—vocals gained presence and clarity.

• Highs: Clean and consistent, retaining energy without harshness.

The EH2 brought out the best in these budget-friendly speakers, proving that a good source can elevate even mid-tier gear.

The Shanling EH2 is more than just a bridge between the EH1 and EH3—it’s a compelling product in its own right.

Conclusion

The Shanling EH2 is more than just a bridge between the EH1 and EH3—it’s a compelling product in its own right. With its unique R2R architecture, refined design, and balanced feature set, the EH2 offers incredible value in the desktop DAC/amp space.

It delivers natural, detailed, and emotionally rich sound while offering enough power to drive even high-impedance headphones. Combined with flexible connectivity, hardware tone controls, and stylish aesthetics, the EH2 stands out in a crowded field.

If you’re seeking an R2R desktop DAC/amp that delivers audiophile-grade performance without the flagship price, the EH2 is not just a great choice—it’s one of the most exciting options currently available.