Shanling SM1.3R Streamer with R2R DAC

The Shanling SM1.3R is a high-end hi-fi streamer that brings a new flavour to streaming: Shanling’s own second-generation R2R DAC, first released in its SCD3.3 SACD player. Streaming apps run on its 5.8-inch touchscreen, it is Roon Ready with TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect, and it adds an internal SSD slot, an FPGA-assisted I²S output, a built-in headphone amplifier and a split power supply with two 31W toroidal transformers. It plays up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512.

Second-generation R2R DAC

The SM1.3R uses the second generation of Shanling’s in-house DAC, a true high-end design. Its upgraded R2R assembly uses 212 extremely accurate 0.01% resistors for the 24-bit DAC module, with a 19-bit architecture, a 4-bit compensating code and an assistive push-pull differential circuit, for smooth, natural R2R sound with true hi-fi precision and clarity.

• R2R sound: free of the digital roughness of delta-sigma DACs, R2R sound flows smoothly with seamless transitions, capturing the deeper warmth and softness of the music.
• Hi-fi clarity: Shanling’s in-house design reaches a 120dB signal-to-noise ratio, with harmonic distortion of just 0.003%, for clarity and detail worthy of true high fidelity.

Split power supply with dual 31W transformers

A special power division between the streamer and audio sections stops harmful interference between the two halves of the SM1.3R. 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, which matters for true hi-fi sound in a dedicated streamer.

Optimised high-end sound

Accusilicon AS318-B 45.1584MHz and 49.152MHz clocks give better accuracy when decoding hi-res music, and Shanling’s AGLO system keeps playback bit-perfect even on Android. The system and its XMOS XU316 USB input both handle up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. Two dedicated analogue circuits follow: MUSES8920 op amps give a clean line-level signal for any external amplifier or powered speakers, and a dedicated TPA6120 amplifier drives headphones straight from the SM1.3R, with three gain levels and up to 900mW into 32Ω.

A modern streaming platform

Like Shanling’s latest streamers, the SM1.3R runs on Shanling’s most advanced 64-bit ARM Cortex-A55 processor from Rockchip, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage for streaming apps, giving stable, balanced performance from Shanling’s closed Android 12 platform. The deeply customised 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, and can favour local files or streaming as you prefer.

Streaming, your way

• On the touchscreen: Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Apple Music, Apple Classical, Amazon Music, Presto Music and KKBox.
• From phones and tablets: TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready, plus DLNA and AirPlay 2 for simple wireless playback.
• Your own library: full NAS support, external drives up to 2TB on the USB-A ports, and an internal M.2 NVMe 3.0 SSD slot for even the biggest libraries (drive not included).
• 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 plays straight from any phone or tablet, with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX, AAC and SBC for high-quality, low-latency sound.

Refined and robust

Following the standard set by Shanling’s SACD and CD players, the SM1.3R has a fairly minimal design that fits easily into most homes. An aluminium alloy chassis in a black or silver finish, a glass top, pleasingly rounded shapes and a stunning 5.8-inch 1080p Sharp touchscreen make it feel like a top-quality hi-fi component.

Eddict Controller app

The Eddict Controller app for Android and iOS shares the SM1.3R’s interface for a seamless switch between the device and your phone. Control local playback straight from the app, or switch to wireless screen mirroring for full control of all the streaming apps. A remote control is also included.

A multifunctional hi-fi hub

Designed as the digital and analogue centre of any hi-fi system, the SM1.3R has a wide range of inputs and outputs: optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, USB, LAN and Wi-Fi in; optical, coaxial, I²S and USB out; and RCA, XLR and 6.35mm headphone analogue outputs. Its FPGA-assisted I²S output offers exceptional compatibility as an I²S transport. The SM1.3R 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 manual.
• Shanling makes 220V and 110V versions; the power supply is region-locked.
• For a smaller streamer with AKM DACs, see the Shanling SM90.