The Shanling UA1 II is a high-performance portable USB-C DAC featuring a dual Cirrus Logic DAC design, engineered to deliver rich, detailed and accurate sound reproduction when paired with smartphones, tablets and computers. Supporting audio streams up to PCM 32bit 768kHz as well as DSD512, it relies on a dual mono architecture to enhance channel separation and stereo accuracy, while providing substantial output power reaching approximately 240mW into 32Ω via its balanced output.
This compact DAC stands out thanks to its comprehensive connectivity (USB-C with USB-A adapter), broad compatibility (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and certain gaming consoles via UAC 1.0 support), as well as its 0.96-inch colour display and intuitive physical controls. These features allow direct access to volume, audio format and system settings without relying on an external application.
Shanling UA1II: Dual Mono DAC Architecture
At the heart of the UA1II lies a dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC configuration, a well-regarded audio chip known for its efficiency and conversion quality. Each audio channel benefits from its own dedicated DAC, resulting in improved stereo imaging, enhanced channel separation and more accurate reproduction of fine audio details.
Thanks to this architecture, the UA1II supports PCM audio up to 32bit 768kHz and DSD512, allowing full enjoyment of high-resolution audio files and demanding high-quality streaming platforms.
Shanling UA1II: Power and Versatile Headphone Outputs
The Shanling UA1II portable DAC is equipped with both single-ended (3.5mm jack) and balanced (4.4mm jack) headphone outputs, offering excellent flexibility when used with modern headphones and earphones.
Via its balanced 4.4mm output, it can deliver up to approximately 240mW into 32Ω, ensuring sufficient power and dynamics to drive more demanding headphones. Using the 3.5mm single-ended output, it provides around 94mW into 32Ω, perfectly suited for most portable headphones and in-ear monitors.
Shanling UA1II: USB-C Connectivity and Broad Compatibility
The UA1 II connects via USB-C, ensuring native compatibility with the majority of modern smartphones and tablets. A USB-C to USB-A adapter is included, making it easy to connect to computers or devices without USB-C ports.
Fully plug-and-play, this DAC requires no driver installation on most operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. It also supports USB Audio Class 1.0 (UAC 1.0), enabling compatibility with certain gaming consoles and further enhancing its versatility.
Shanling UA1II: Compact Design and User-Friendly Interface
The Shanling UA1 II features a lightweight and robust aluminium chassis designed for portable use. On the front, it integrates a 0.96-inch colour display that shows essential information in real time — volume level, audio format and sampling rate — ensuring excellent readability.
Alongside the display, dedicated physical buttons allow direct control of volume and track navigation directly from the DAC itself, enhancing the listening experience without relying solely on the source device.
Shanling UA1II: Controls and Customisation Options
In addition to its physical controls, the UA1 II is compatible with the Shanling Eddict Player application on Android, offering more advanced control options. This application allows users to:
- Adjust channel balance
- Set gain levels
- Change digital filters
This dual approach — combining hardware controls and a mobile application — offers an effective balance between immediate ease of use and advanced sound customisation.
