Shanling UA7 Dongle with ESS ES9069 DAC and JAN6418 Tubes - COPPER

The Shanling UA7 Copper Edition takes Shanling's flagship tube-equipped portable USB DAC/AMP and gives it a distinctive full copper-alloy chassis.

Created as a limited edition of the popular UA7, the Copper version retains the same internal audio components while replacing the standard aluminium construction with a denser copper-alloy body finished in rich red copper.

A durable anti-oxidation protective layer helps preserve the distinctive finish, while the greater density gives the UA7 Copper a more substantial feel in the hand.

More Than a Cosmetic Upgrade

While the internal components remain unchanged, Shanling states that the move to a full copper-alloy chassis also affects the acoustic performance of the UA7.

The increased chassis density and improved shielding produce a slightly warmer and richer presentation, alongside a darker background and a subtle increase in dynamics.

Combined with the UA7's tube output, the Copper Edition provides a distinctive variation on Shanling's original UA7 tuning while retaining the technical platform of the standard model.

Dual JAN6418 Vacuum Tubes

The UA7 features two JAN6418 vacuum tubes, bringing genuine tube technology to Shanling's compact UA-series dongle DAC platform.

Tube Mode adds a smoother, richer and warmer character to playback, giving listeners the analogue-inspired presentation associated with vacuum tube amplification without requiring a large desktop system.

The visible tubes also form part of the UA7's distinctive design, allowing their glow to be seen through the exterior of the unit.

Switchable Tube & Transistor Sound

UA7 isn't limited to a single sonic presentation.

Listeners can switch between the JAN6418 tube output and transistor-based output, providing two distinct listening options within the same compact DAC/AMP.

Tube Mode provides the richer character of the JAN6418 tubes, while Transistor Mode offers a more direct solid-state presentation, making it easy to tailor the UA7 to different headphones, earphones and music.

ESS ES9069 Hi-Fi DAC

At the centre of the UA7's digital audio section is the ESS ES9069 Hi-Fi DAC.

Designed for high-resolution audio playback, the ES9069 allows UA7 to support PCM files up to 768kHz/32-bit alongside native DSD512.

The DAC forms the foundation of the UA7's detailed digital performance before the signal passes through its dedicated amplification architecture.

Advanced OP + BUF Amplifier Architecture

Shanling uses an advanced OP + BUF amplifier design derived from the architecture found in larger audio equipment.

The amplification stage combines two OPA1662 operational amplifiers with four BUF634A high-current buffers, delivering substantial output power from the compact USB-powered design.

Through the 4.4mm balanced output, UA7 can provide up to 577mW @ 32Ω, giving it enough power to partner with a wide range of IEMs and full-size headphones.

3.5mm & 4.4mm Headphone Outputs

UA7 provides both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone connections.

The balanced output delivers up to 577mW @ 32Ω, while the 3.5mm connection provides a convenient option for conventional headphones and earphones.

High and Low Gain settings allow the output to be better matched to headphones and earphones with different power requirements.

OLED Display & Multifunction Wheel

A 0.87-inch OLED display gives direct access to playback information and device settings without relying entirely on a companion app.

The UA7 also features Shanling's multifunction volume wheel, providing tactile control over volume and device operation from the DAC itself.

Additional settings can be accessed through Shanling's Eddict Player companion software on compatible devices.

High-Resolution Portable Audio

UA7 connects using USB-C and can be used with compatible smartphones, tablets and computers as a portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier.

Its combination of high-resolution decoding, substantial amplification and selectable tube sound gives listeners access to a powerful Hi-Fi system small enough to travel alongside their phone or laptop.

Specifications

Edition: Copper Edition
Chassis: Full copper alloy
Finish: Red copper with anti-oxidation protective layer
Dimensions: 70 × 36 × 15mm
Weight: Approx. 97.4g
Display: 0.87-inch OLED
DAC: ESS ES9069
Vacuum Tubes: 2 × JAN6418
Amplifier Architecture: OP + BUF
Amplification: 2 × OPA1662 + 4 × BUF634A
Headphone Outputs: 3.5mm Single-Ended / 4.4mm Balanced
Gain: Low / High
Maximum Output Power: Up to 577mW @ 32Ω
PCM Support: Up to 768kHz / 32-bit
DSD Support: Native DSD512
Connection: USB-C