Shanling M3 Plus Master Edition 64GB Android Portable Music Player

A Refined Master Edition

The Shanling M3 Plus Master Edition builds upon the original M3 Plus with smoother system performance and carefully refined audio tuning.

Shanling has increased the internal RAM from 4GB to 6GB, providing improved performance when running streaming services and other Android applications. The audio power supply has also been optimised, with adjustments made to selected capacitors within the audio circuit.

These changes give the Master Edition a slightly lusher and smoother presentation, accompanied by a more open soundstage and a subtle increase in overall clarity. Master Edition players can be identified by the engraved M logo on the volume wheel and their dedicated start-up animation. 

Quad Cirrus Logic DAC Architecture

The M3 Plus Master Edition uses four Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, providing a significant step up in audio performance for Shanling’s compact M3 series.

Users can switch between Dual and Quad DAC modes, allowing the player to balance sound performance against battery consumption. Quad DAC mode engages the complete DAC array for maximum performance, while Dual DAC mode reduces power consumption during longer listening sessions.

A custom FPGA solution works alongside Japanese KDS crystal oscillators to maintain accurate digital timing and reduce unwanted jitter.

Refined Analogue Audio Circuit

The DAC array is supported by two OPA1612 operational amplifiers operating in a differential configuration. These help reduce noise and distortion while preserving the player’s full dynamic range.

Dual SGM8262 amplifiers form a fully balanced headphone amplifier stage, delivering a clean and powerful output for everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding full-size headphones.

The circuit also uses carefully selected components, including ELNA SILMIC II and Panasonic tantalum capacitors. For the Master Edition, Shanling has made further adjustments to the power supply and capacitor configuration to refine the player’s overall sound. 

Up to 800mW Balanced Output

The 4.4mm balanced headphone output delivers up to 800mW at 32 ohms, giving the M3 Plus Master Edition enough power to drive a broad selection of portable and full-size headphones.

A 3.5mm single-ended output is also provided, delivering up to 200mW at 32 ohms.

Three selectable gain levels make it easy to match the output to different headphones:

• Low gain for sensitive earphones

• Medium gain for general portable listening

• High gain for more demanding headphones

Both connections can also operate as fixed-level line outputs, allowing the M3 Plus Master Edition to be connected to an external headphone amplifier, integrated amplifier or powered speaker system.

Open Android 13

The M3 Plus Master Edition runs an open Android 13 operating system, giving users access to a wide selection of music streaming and playback applications.

Shanling’s Android Global Lossless Output system bypasses Android’s standard audio resampling, allowing supported applications to deliver their audio directly to the player’s high-resolution audio hardware.

The Snapdragon 665 eight-core processor provides smooth everyday operation, while the upgraded 6GB RAM improves multitasking and performance under heavier application loads.

64GB Storage and MicroSD Expansion

The player includes 64GB of internal storage for applications and locally stored music.

A microSD card slot supports cards with capacities up to 2TB, providing plenty of space for large lossless and high-resolution music libraries.

The M3 Plus Master Edition supports PCM playback up to 768kHz/32-bit and native DSD512, alongside a wide selection of popular formats including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, APE, AAC, MP3 and MQA.

Larger 4.7-Inch Display

A 4.7-inch Sharp display provides more space for browsing albums, managing playlists and controlling modern streaming applications.

Despite its larger screen, the M3 Plus Master Edition remains compact and portable, measuring approximately 115 × 70.5 × 18mm and weighing around 205g.

The chassis is precisely CNC-machined from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminium, combining a robust construction with Shanling’s curved contemporary design.

3.5mm and 4.4mm Connections

Both headphone connections are positioned along the top of the player for convenient access:

• 3.5mm single-ended headphone and line output

• 4.4mm balanced headphone and line output

Dual-Band Wi-Fi and Streaming

A Qualcomm Wi-Fi module supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks, with MIMO technology helping to provide a fast and stable connection for music streaming.

The open Android system allows users to install compatible streaming services directly onto the player. Network functionality also includes DLNA, AirPlay and Shanling SyncLink.

SyncLink allows the M3 Plus Master Edition to be controlled remotely through Shanling’s Eddict Player application on a compatible Android or iOS device.

Two-Way Bluetooth

Two-way Bluetooth 5.0 allows the M3 Plus Master Edition to operate as either a transmitter or receiver.

It can send music to compatible wireless headphones and speakers, with high-resolution codec support including LDAC and aptX HD. Alternatively, Bluetooth Receiver mode turns the player into a wireless DAC and headphone amplifier for music streamed from a smartphone or tablet.

The player has received Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification for its wired and wireless playback capabilities. 

USB DAC and Digital Transport Modes

The M3 Plus Master Edition can be connected to a computer and used as a high-resolution USB DAC and headphone amplifier.

USB Transport mode allows the player to send a digital audio signal to a compatible external DAC, making it equally useful as a portable player or as the digital source within a larger desktop audio system.

The multifunction volume wheel includes an integrated LED status indicator. Its colour changes according to the active sampling rate, audio format or Bluetooth codec, making it easy to check the current playback status.

Up to 14 Hours of Playback

A built-in 3500mAh battery provides up to approximately 14 hours of playback when using the 3.5mm output in Dual DAC mode.

Battery life will vary depending on the selected output, DAC mode, gain setting, screen use and wireless connectivity. QC3.0-compatible 18W charging helps reduce charging time between listening sessions. 

Technical Specifications

• Operating system: Open Android 13
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
• RAM: 6GB
• Internal storage: 64GB
• Expandable storage: MicroSD cards up to 2TB
• Display: 4.7-inch Sharp touchscreen
• Display resolution: 720 × 1280
• DAC: Four Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Operational amplifiers: Two OPA1612
• Headphone amplifiers: Two SGM8262
• High-resolution support: PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0, two-way
• Bluetooth transmission: LDAC, aptX HD, aptX and SBC
• Bluetooth reception: LDAC and SBC
• Wi-Fi: Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Network features: DLNA, AirPlay and SyncLink
• Headphone outputs: 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced
• Line outputs: 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced
• Battery: 3500mAh
• Charging: QC3.0, up to 18W
• Maximum battery life: Up to approximately 14 hours
• Dimensions: 115 × 70.5 × 18mm
• Weight: Approximately 205g

3.5mm Single-Ended Output

• Low gain: 12.5mW at 32Ω
• Medium gain: 50mW at 32Ω
• High gain: 200mW at 32Ω
• Frequency response: 20Hz–40kHz
• THD+N: 0.0007%
• Channel separation: 75dB at 32Ω
• Dynamic range: 127dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 127dB
• Output impedance: Less than 1Ω
• Line output level: 2.58Vrms

4.4mm Balanced Output

• Low gain: 50mW at 32Ω
• Medium gain: 200mW at 32Ω
• High gain: 800mW at 32Ω
• Frequency response: 20Hz–40kHz
• THD+N: 0.0007%
• Channel separation: 110dB at 32Ω
• Dynamic range: 130dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 130dB
• Output impedance: Less than 1.5Ω
• Line output level: 5.16Vrms