Shanling SM1.3 Desktop Streamer

The Shanling SM1.3 is a high-end hi-fi streamer that opened a new era of Shanling streaming. It brings a network streamer, AKM’s flagship AK4499EX DAC with the AK4191 modulator, a preamp and a dedicated headphone amplifier together in one 28cm-square case. A brand-new, highly customised Android 12 system runs on a 5.8-inch touchscreen, it is Roon Ready with Qobuz Connect and TIDAL Connect, and a split power supply, an internal SSD slot and up to 1W for headphones make it the centre of a desk or a hi-fi rack. It plays up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512 and MQA.

A brand-new Shanling streaming system

The SM1.3’s system was developed from the ground up for the new generation of Shanling streamers. An upgraded 64-bit ARM Cortex-A55 processor from Rockchip, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, runs a deeply customised, closed Android 12, built to the high standards of other hi-fi streamers and closely following customer feedback. The new interface gives simpler, faster access to every level of the system, with a streamlined main menu, settings and playback controls, fewer elements and clear labelling; the main menu gives instant playback control and direct access to your music library.

Refined and robust

Following the standard set by Shanling’s SACD and CD players, the SM1.3 has a fairly minimal design that fits easily into most homes. Aluminium alloy construction in black or silver, a glass top, pleasingly rounded shapes and a stunning 5.8-inch 1080p Sharp touchscreen give it the feel of a high-quality, high-end device.

Streaming, your way

• On the touchscreen: Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Apple Music, Apple Classical, Amazon Music, Presto Music and KKBox, with a new system for app updates so your streaming stays up to date.
• From phones, tablets and computers: Roon Ready, Qobuz Connect and TIDAL Connect for easy streaming in any set-up.
• From your own server: full NAS support, now with Samba for easier set-up.
• Your own library: an internal M.2 NVMe 3.0 SSD slot for even the biggest collections (drive not included), plus USB-A for external drives up to 2TB.
• Network: a gigabit LAN port and a dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi 6 module (2T2R) for fast, stable, uninterrupted streaming.
• Bluetooth: a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.2 receiver for direct playback from any phone or tablet, with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX, AAC and SBC.

Split power supply

A special power division between the streamer and audio sections stops harmful interference between the two halves of the SM1.3. A pair of custom-made 31W linear toroidal transformers gives extremely low noise and high efficiency, and an extra potting process further reduces unwanted vibration. A linear supply is especially important for the analogue section, giving cleaner, more stable power than a switching supply.

High-end sound: AKM AK4499EX and AK4191

Following the high standards of Shanling’s SACD and CD players, the SM1.3 uses the same flagship AKM AK4499EX DAC and AK4191 modulator. Shanling describes the sound as highly detailed, with a vast, precise soundstage and a touch of warmth and smoothness for the most natural tuning, with a 121dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.0003% distortion. Accusilicon 45.1584MHz and 49.152MHz clocks improve accuracy with hi-res music, and Shanling’s AGLO system keeps playback bit-perfect even on Android. The system and its XMOS XU316 USB input handle up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, and the SM1.3 is a full MQA decoder, giving 16× playback of MQA files and CDs.

Pre-out, line-out and headphones

A MUSES8920 stage gives a clean line output for standalone preamps or integrated amplifiers, or, with its highly precise volume control, turns the SM1.3 into a top-quality preamp for power amplifiers or active speakers. A dedicated TPA6120 headphone amplifier, optimised for full-size audiophile headphones, gives powerful, controlled and smooth sound, with three gain levels and up to 1,015mW into 32Ω or 132mW into 300Ω.

Eddict Controller app

The new Eddict Controller app for iOS and Android shares the SM1.3’s interface, for a friction-free switch between the device and remote control. It is faster and more stable: control local playback straight from the app, or switch to wireless screen mirroring for full control of the streaming apps. Shanling says a dedicated tablet version will follow. An infrared remote is included too.

A multifunctional hi-fi hub

Designed as the digital and analogue centre of any hi-fi system, the SM1.3 takes optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, USB, LAN and Wi-Fi in; sends optical, coaxial, I²S and USB out; and has RCA, XLR and 6.35mm headphone analogue outputs. Its special FPGA-assisted I²S output offers exceptional compatibility as an I²S transport. The SM1.3 holds Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification from the Japan Audio Society.

Good to know

• In the box: remote control, power cable, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi antennas, USB-A to USB-C cable and quick guide.
• Shanling makes 220V and 110V versions; the power supply is region-locked.
• Prefer an R2R DAC? The Shanling SM1.3R shares the same streaming platform. For a transport only, see the Shanling SMT1.3.