Shanling UA1II USB Dongle DAC

The Shanling UA1 II is a compact USB DAC and headphone amp, and a generational upgrade for Shanling’s smallest dongle line. Two Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs in a dual mono design play PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512, and drive both a 3.5mm single-ended output and a 4.4mm balanced output with up to 240mW into 32Ω. A 0.96-inch screen and four hidden buttons put volume, playback and every setting on the DAC itself, and a UAC 1.0 mode suits games consoles. It weighs 17.5g.

Refreshed look, compact form

With its sleek shape and low weight, the UA1 II is an ideal on-the-go hi-fi upgrade for any smartphone, small enough to fit in a travel case with your favourite earphones and light enough never to bother you. Its aluminium body comes in black, purple or silver.

Two windows, hidden buttons

Two windows, on the front and back, are both practical and decorative: the front one hides the 0.96-inch screen, showing volume, format and sample rate, and the rear one gives a look inside the DAC. Press the left or right side of the windows to use four hidden tactile buttons, which control volume, skip tracks and navigate the on-DAC settings.

Dual CS43131: hi-fi sound, pocket sized

The pair of well-proven Cirrus Logic DACs is known for combining excellent measurements with a pleasing, energetic sound, and with one DAC per channel the dual mono layout improves channel separation and stereo imaging. Even Shanling’s smallest dongle gets its traditional approach to sound tuning, with each design going through both thorough scientific testing and listening by experienced audiophiles.

3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs, up to 240mW

With both single-ended and balanced outputs, the UA1 II is, Shanling says, its most capable and most powerful UA1 yet. The 4.4mm balanced output gives up to 240mW into 32Ω, enough for even demanding earphones and running smoothly with many full-size headphones; the 3.5mm output gives 94mW into 32Ω for everyday headphones and IEMs.

UAC 1.0 mode for gaming

Switch to UAC 1.0 mode for the best gaming sound with a Nintendo Switch or other games consoles. It is also useful with older or power-limited devices.

Complete on-device settings

Every setting can be changed on the UA1 II itself, with no app needed: digital filters, gain and channel balance, and your settings are always saved. On Android, Shanling’s Eddict Player app offers the same controls on your phone’s screen.

USB-C, with a high-purity copper cable

A high-purity copper USB-C cable is included, and a USB-A adapter connects it to computers without USB-C. Because the DAC has a standard USB-C socket, you can switch to a cable with a different connector, a longer cable or an audiophile upgrade. It works with Android, iOS, macOS and Windows.

Good to know

• Windows computers need Shanling’s USB driver (from Shanling’s downloads page); Android, iOS and macOS need no driver.
• iPhones and iPads with a Lightning port need a USB-C to Lightning cable, such as Shanling’s L3 (sold separately).
• The Eddict Player app works with the UA1 II on Android only; all its settings are also on the DAC.
• In the box: UA1 II, USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-A adapter and manual.