Shanling UA5: The Next Step in Portable USB DAC/AMPs

 

 

 

 

 

Shanling UA5: The Next Step in Portable USB DAC/AMPs

 

Shanling anaounced the brand new Portable USB DAC/Amplifier the UA5 that will add some brand-new elements into our UA line of small portable DAC/AMPs.

 

 

Here are first three big changes;

Switching to combination of 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm Balanced. With its growing popularity and more robust construction, implemented the 4.4mm output into the UA model. Putting it in line with their Bluetooth amplifiers, portable and desktop players.

Adding a volume wheel for direct volume control means that you no longer need to rely on the volume control of your smartphone or computer, UA5 will provid more precise volume setting and many will appreciate the “analog experience”.

Monochromatic OLED Display. Allowing for settings adjustments directly on the DAC/AMP, without any need for additional apps. Keeping you clearly informed about current sampling rate, volume level, gain setting and battery level.

 

 

The Shanling UA5 will be the first portable DAC/AMP on the market with a build-in lithium battery that allows it to run in special “Hybrid power” mode.

When enabled, certain sections of UA5 will still be running on USB power, like USB Controller and FPGA. But the crucial parts of DAC and amplifier will instead use a cleaner power from the battery.

Shanling says that the final test do show that this set-up proved helpful in three scenarios:

  • Consistent analog performance and noise floor, independent from the quality of USB power of the connected device.
  • Reduced power drain from the connected device, which can be crucial when running it with smartphone.
  • Reduced power demand allows for a compatibility with certain devices, which are normally unable to provide enough power for USB DAC/Amps.

 

 

The Shanling UA5 is of course capable of running in a standard USB Powered mode, in which the battery is completely disconnected and all sections of UA5 runs out of USB power. UA5 will also automatically switch to this mode when the battery runs too low.

Build with two ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DACs and dedicated Ricore RE6863 amplifier, UA5 will be according to Shanling their best sounding Portable DAC/AMP.

 

Thank you for the Read!

 

 

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