Shanling EH90 Desktop R2R DAC/AMP

Shanling EH90 Desktop R2R DAC/AMP

The Shanling EH90 is a high-end desktop R2R DAC and headphone amplifier designed for listeners who want the natural, refined sound of Shanling’s flagship R2R technology in a dedicated headphone and Hi-Fi system component.

Built around Shanling’s most advanced Pro R2R DAC architecture, the EH90 uses a precision resistor array with 212 ultra-accurate 0.01% resistors, combining a 19-bit architecture with a 4-bit compensating code and push-pull differential circuit. The result is a smooth, detailed and musical presentation that brings the character of R2R conversion to both headphones and full-size Hi-Fi systems.

The EH90 is more than just a DAC. Its fully discrete headphone amplifier uses an advanced MOSFET design, carefully matched to the R2R DAC section to balance transparency, power and natural sound. With up to 5.2W @ 32Ω from the balanced output, it has the strength to drive demanding full-size headphones with ease.

A dual-power supply design separates the digital and Hi-Fi sections for improved isolation and lower noise. The EH90 uses a custom 35W linear transformer, dedicated 10W digital power supply and carefully selected filtering capacitors totalling over 12,000μF, helping to maintain clean, stable power delivery throughout the system.

For system flexibility, the EH90 offers an impressive range of inputs and outputs. Digital inputs include USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, HDMI ARC and AES/EBU, while headphone outputs include 6.35mm single-ended plus 4.4mm and XLR balanced outputs. RCA and XLR analogue outputs allow the EH90 to be used as a preamp or line-level source for powered speakers, power amplifiers or wider Hi-Fi setups.

The HDMI ARC input makes the EH90 easy to integrate into modern living room systems, allowing direct connection to compatible TVs and AV setups. Bluetooth 5.4 support also allows convenient wireless playback from smartphones and tablets, with premium codec support including LDAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC.

For high-end digital systems, the EH90 includes FPGA-assisted I2S input with selectable pinouts for wider transport compatibility. It also supports external clock input at 44.1kHz and 10MHz, allowing further performance upgrades when paired with a dedicated master clock.

Finished in Shanling’s elegant 90-series design language, the EH90 features a rigid aluminium chassis, clean front-panel controls and a panoramic 4.8-inch colour display for playback information and direct settings access.

Flagship R2R Sound

The EH90 brings Shanling’s flagship R2R DAC technology into a standalone desktop DAC and headphone amplifier. Using 212 precision 0.01% resistors in its 24-bit DAC module, the EH90 is designed to deliver the organic, natural and highly musical sound that R2R conversion is known for.

Fully Discrete Headphone Amplifier

Shanling developed a new fully discrete amplifier stage specifically for the EH90, using advanced MOSFET architecture to pair cleanly with the R2R DAC section. The design is built to provide strong current output, stable performance across a wide range of headphones and a balanced sound that preserves the character of the DAC.

Powerful Balanced Output

With up to 5.2W @ 32Ω from its balanced output, the EH90 is built for serious headphone listening. Whether using sensitive headphones or more demanding full-size models, the EH90 offers the power and control needed for confident desktop performance.

Flexible Hi-Fi Connectivity

The EH90 is designed to sit at the centre of a desktop or Hi-Fi system. Alongside its headphone outputs, it includes RCA and XLR preamp/line outputs, allowing it to be connected directly to active speakers, power amplifiers or other Hi-Fi components.

Modern Digital Integration

USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, HDMI ARC and AES/EBU inputs give the EH90 wide compatibility with digital sources. HDMI ARC makes it a strong choice for living room systems, while Bluetooth 5.4 provides quick wireless playback from phones and tablets.

Specifications

Dimensions: 230 x 280 x 83.1mm, including base
Weight: 3.7kg
Display: 4.8-inch colour screen
Power: 100V or 220V, region locked
Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.4
Bluetooth Codec Support: LDAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

Connections

Digital Inputs: USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, HDMI ARC, AES/EBU
Headphone Outputs: 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, XLR balanced
Analogue Outputs: RCA and XLR

Format Support

USB: PCM up to 768kHz / 32-bit, DSD512
I2S: PCM up to 768kHz / 32-bit, DSD512
Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU and HDMI ARC: PCM up to 192kHz / 32-bit

Output Specifications

6.35mm Single-Ended Headphone Output

Output Power
Low Gain: 295mW + 295mW @ 32Ω
Low Gain: 30mW + 30mW @ 300Ω
High Gain: 1320mW + 1320mW @ 32Ω
High Gain: 140mW + 140mW @ 300Ω

Frequency Response: 20Hz–45kHz (-0.2dB, OS)
THD+N: 0.003% @ 32Ω
Channel Separation: 70dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 117dB
Noise: 111dB / 2.8μV
Output Impedance: 0.3Ω

4.4mm / XLR Balanced Headphone Output

Output Power
Low Gain: 1170mW + 1170mW @ 32Ω
Low Gain: 125mW + 125mW @ 300Ω
High Gain: 5200mW + 5200mW @ 32Ω
High Gain: 575mW + 575mW @ 300Ω

Frequency Response: 20Hz–45kHz (-0.2dB, OS)
THD+N: 0.003% @ 32Ω
Channel Separation: 95dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 120dB
Noise: 109dB / 3.6μV
Output Impedance: 0.6Ω

RCA Preamp Output

Output Level: 2.5V
Frequency Response: 20Hz–45kHz (-0.2dB, OS)
THD+N: 0.003% @ 32Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 116dB
Output Impedance: 100Ω

XLR Preamp Output

Output Level: 5V
Frequency Response: 20Hz–45kHz (-0.2dB, OS)
THD+N: 0.003% @ 32Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 118dB
Output Impedance: 200Ω