Shanling EM5 Desktop Streaming DAC/AMP

The Shanling EM5 is an all-in-one desktop companion for headphones: a music streamer, an AKM AK4493EQ DAC and a fully balanced headphone amplifier in one compact box. A closed Android system runs Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz and more on its 4.7-inch touch screen, and the amplifier delivers up to 1,620mW into 32Ω from 4.4mm and 4-pin XLR balanced outputs, plus a 6.35mm output for everything else.

Back to Shanling’s origins

Shanling started in 1988 as a traditional hi-fi company, designing and making equipment for home hi-fi and stereo speakers, before becoming known for portable players, earphones and Bluetooth products. The EM5 marked its return to home audio.

An independent streaming centre

A deeply customised closed Android system makes the EM5 a standalone music system, with no computer or complicated set-up: just direct access to your music collection and streaming apps. Shanling’s AGLO (Android Global Lossless Output) processes the music from every app at full quality, bypassing Android’s sample-rate conversion. Music also plays from a microSD card of up to 2TB, a USB drive or a NAS, and the EM5 supports AirPlay and DLNA (it is DLNA certified).

Key design elements

A gold-plated volume wheel adds a touch of luxury, the 4.7-inch touch screen (720 × 1280 IPS) controls your music, and a circuit diagram on the top glass is there for hi-fi enthusiasts. An airgap design helps the compact body shed heat faster and more effectively.

Separated power supply

Shanling split the power supply in two. The analogue components are powered by a small, highly efficient toroidal transformer with high-performance German capacitors, for a cleaner and smoother sound, and the digital section by a switching supply with a specially designed voltage-stabilising circuit that keeps noise and interference to a minimum.

Shanling house sound

For Shanling’s typical smooth, natural sound, the EM5 uses the classic AKM AK4493EQ DAC with a high-quality power supply. It plays PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit, native DSD256 (DSD512 in software) and 8x MQA from local files, streaming apps and the USB input, with six digital filters.

A balanced amplifier

The newly designed four-channel balanced amplifier uses Shanling’s proven OP+BUF architecture for low distortion, precise control and plenty of power, with a Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 for each channel, chosen for low distortion and a fast slew rate. Four gain levels match it to anything from sensitive IEMs to demanding full-size headphones.

• CPAF low-pass filtering: Shanling’s own Constant Phase in All Frequency technology.
• KDS crystal oscillators and third-generation FPGA: two Japanese KDS active oscillators and Shanling’s improved algorithm give a more accurate clock and lower jitter.
• Thin-film resistors (0.01% accuracy) and Panasonic tantalum-polymer capacitors: for precision and long-term reliability.

Balanced outputs and connections

With both a 4-pin XLR and a 4.4mm socket, the EM5 suits the vast majority of balanced headphones, and the standard 6.35mm output covers everything else. On the back: coaxial and optical digital inputs, a USB DAC input, a USB port for an external drive, Ethernet, coaxial and optical digital outputs, RCA and balanced XLR line outputs, a power switch and the mains socket. The line outputs can feed active speakers or a power amplifier.

Wireless and remote control

Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi gives faster transfers, less interference and smoother streaming. Two-way Bluetooth 4.2 receives LDAC and SBC from your phone, or sends LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, aptX or SBC to Bluetooth headphones and speakers. Shanling’s Eddict Player app for Android and iOS mirrors the whole display, so you can control every feature from your chair. The EM5 holds Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification.

Good to know

• The built-in player doesn’t play DST-compressed DSD files.
• Shanling makes versions for different mains voltages (100V, 110–120V and 220–240V).
• Colours: black or silver. In the box: EM5, power cable, USB-A to USB-B cable, 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter and quick start guide.