SHANLING EH2 24-bit Architecture R2R DAC AMP Desktop Decoder Headphone Amplifier

Introducing Shanling EH2

Featuring our first R2R DAC and powerful headphone amplifier, packed into a compact design and available at just 369 USD!

The Shanling EH1 was the start of our new compact desktop line, a simple DAC with headphone amplifier, offering good sound at a reasonable price. But right when we started designing it, we knew we also wanted to bring something more interesting, slightly bigger, more advanced and much more powerful. It’s called Shanling EH2 and it’s coming to the market this December!

Shanling EH2 follows the same concept of basic Hi-Fi DAC, with no screens or complicated systems. Fitted into a similarly shaped aluminium body, just at twice the depth, still ideally formed for your desk space. And featuring the same tone controls for Bass and Treble adjustments right on the front of the device.

But the changes on the inside were massive.

In-House developed DAC module is a big step for our audio engineers, creating a modern 24bit R2R DAC that follows the heritage of our old high-end designs based around the legendary PCM1704 DACs, such as the Shanling CD-T300 and HDCD-H24. Bringing this older style of sound to our modern audience in our classic pursuit of the most natural-sounding Hi-Fi gear.

The headphone amplifier was based around BD139 / BD140 transistors and optimised for the High-End full-size Headphones. Offering up to 4.3W @ 32Ω on its 4.4mm balanced output, it can run even the most demanding headphones with ease, while its single-ended 6.35mm output brings 1.3W @ 32Ω for the more modest models. Additional circuit was added for the RCA & 4.4mm Line-out / Pre-out, based around OPA1612, offering the pure R2R output to your active speakers or power amplifiers.

The bigger enclosure also allowed us to add a bit of extra compatibility to the EH2, with an increased amount of inputs. The USB input was upgraded Hi-Fi level to XMOS XU316 module, next to which we slotted both the coaxial and optical SPDIF inputs. And as an extra bonus, Qualcomm QCC5125 brings in Bluetooth V5.2 compatibility for smooth wireless connectivity, ensuring top quality connection with LDAC and aptX Adaptive codecs.

All powered by a dedicated 12V power adapter that comes alongside the EH2.

Shanling EH2 will be available at Shanling distributors around the middle of December.

Available at 369 USD MSRP.

Specification:

Dimensions: 156 X 150 X 36.5mm
Weight: 713g
Hi-Res Support USB: 768 kHz/32 bit, DSD 512
Inputs: USB-C, Coaxial, Optical, Bluetooth
Outputs: 6.35mm & 4.4mm Headphone output, RCA & 4.4mm Line Output

4.4mm Headphone Output
Output power:
Low gain: 2365mW @ 32 ohms
High gain: 4351mW @ 32 ohms
Frequency response: 20HZ-40KHZ (-0.5dB)
THD + N: 0.02% @ 32 ohms
Dynamic Range: 118DB @ 32 ohms
Channel separation: 111dB @ 32 ohms
Signal to noise ratio: 118DB @ 32 ohms
Output Impedance: <2 Ohm

6.35mm Headphone Output
Output power:
Low gain: 632mW @ 32 ohms
High gain: 1280mW @ 32 ohms

RCA / 4.4mm Line Out
Output power: 2.2V / 4.5V
Frequency response: 20HZ-40KHZ (-0.5dB)
THD + N: 0.02%
Signal to noise ratio: 119DB