Shanling UA6 Review

 

Introduction:

Shanling is a Chinese audio company founded in 1988. Known for its diverse range of audio products, including Hi-Res portable music players, portable DAC/Amplifiers, Hi-Fi headphones and In-Ear Monitors, SACD/CD players, Hi-Fi amplifiers, power conditioners, and other premium Hi-Fi components, Shanling has established itself as a notable player in the global audio market. The Shanling UA6 that I will now review for you is a high-performance portable DAC/AMP USB dongle featuring a Quad-DAC architecture with four CS43131 DAC chips, enabling it to support high-resolution audio formats, including 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512 signals.

The hybrid power supply system 2.0, powered by a built-in 220mAh battery, ensures low noise levels. The UA6 offers dual operating modes (UAC2.0 and UAC1.0) and integration with the Shanling Eddict Player application. With impressive SNR and DNR performance (up to 132dB SNR and 133dB DNR), 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone output ports, low/high dual gain modes, and a maximum output power of 361mW@32Ω.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Shanling for providing me the UA6 review sample. I am not affiliated with Shanling beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered, opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The actual price of the Shanling UA5 is $159.00 USD. More information can be found at the following link:

• Shanling UA6 Portable USB DAC/AMP

 

Package & Accessories:

The Shanling UA6 arrives in a small, square-shaped box featuring an illustration of the product on the top surface.

Inside the box are the following items/accessories;

• 1 x Shanling UA6 Portable USB DAC/Amplifier Dongle
• 1 x USB Type-C to USB Type-C OTG Cable
• 1 x USB Type-C to USB A adapter
• 1 x Print Material (Quick Start Guide Warranty card).

 

Design and Build Quality:

 

The Shanling UA6 USB DAC/AMP dongle features a sleek and modern design with a metallic finish, exuding a premium feel. The device measures 68 x 33.5 x 13.6 mm and weighs approximately 35g, making it compact and portable for on-the-go use.

The Shanling UA6 is available in two colors: Black and Silver, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

The front side of the device displays a glossy black glass panel that that covers most of the surface.

Half the area is reserved for the 1.3″ LCD color display positioned behind it, contributing to its sleek and functional aesthetic.

The rounded corners of the glass panel contribute to its sleek and sophisticated appearance.

Below the display, the status indicator provides clear information on the currently used sampling rate or DSD level through different colored lights.  The colors and their corresponding sampling rates or DSD levels are as follows:

• Blue: 32 / 44.1 / 48kHz
• Green: 64 / 88.2 / 96kHz
• Yellow: 128 / 176.4 / 192kHz
• Purple: 352.8 / 384 / 705.6 / 768kHz
• White: DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256 / DSD512
• Red: 44.1 / 48kHz (UAC 1.0)

The sides of the Shanling UA6 dongle feature a ribbed texture with a retro style that reminds one of classic amplifiers from the past. This design not only enhances grip and aids in heat dissipation but also adds a distinct visual appeal and nostalgic charm.

The right surface of the device includes a button layout with three buttons: the top button, middle button, and bottom button. These buttons allow users to control various functions of the device. The middle button serves multiple purposes, such as turning the display on or off with a double press, entering the settings menu by pressing for 2 seconds, and performing a factory reset by pressing for 10 seconds. The top and bottom buttons are used to adjust the volume. In the settings menu, the middle button switches items, while the top and bottom buttons adjust items. The middle button can also exit the settings by pressing for 2 seconds. This layout and functionality provide users with intuitive and easy control over the device.

The bottom of the dongle houses two headphone outputs: a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced output, offering versatile connection options for various headphones.

The top of the device features a USB Type-C port, ensuring a secure and efficient connection with a wide range of devices.

The rear surface of the UA6 has a clean and minimalist design. At the top, there is the Shanling logo. Below the logo, a “Hi-Res AUDIO” label signifies its high-resolution audio capabilities. Near the bottom are various certification logos, including CE and FCC marks, which indicate compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

The Shanling UA6 includes a 7-strand, 18-core high-purity oxygen-free copper cable, which ensures clean signal transmission and enhances sound quality. Its interchangeable cable design offers compatibility with iOS, Android, and PC devices, allowing for versatile use across various devices and scenarios.

Overall, the Shanling UA6 USB DAC/AMP dongle’s design combines metal and glass materials for a durable and high-end aesthetic.

 

 

Technical Specifications:

• Model                          : UA6
• Dimensions                 : 68 x 33.5 x 13.6mm
• Weight                        : about 35 grams
• DAC Chips                  : 4x Cirrus Logic CS43131
• Output Ports               : 3.5mm Single Ended, 4.4mm Balanced
• Hi-RES Support          : 32 Bit/ 768kHz & DSD512 (USB) / 24 bit/ 192kHz (SPDIF 3.5mm)
• Digital Filter                : 5 different filtering methods
• Battery                        : 220 mAh

 

3.5mm PO Output:

• Output Power: Low gain: 1V@32Ω (31mW@32Ω), High gain: 1.9V@32Ω (112mW@32Ω)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz(-0.5dB)
• THD+N: 0.00025%@32Ω(A-Weight High Gain)
• Dynamic Range: 128dB@32Ω(A-Weight High Gain)
• Channel Separation: 68dB@32Ω(A-Weight High Gain)
• S/N Ratio: 127dB@32Ω(A-Weight High Gain)
• Noise: 122dB@32Ω(A-Weight High Gain)
• Impedance: <0.6Ω

 

4.4mm BAL Output:

• Output Power: Low gain: 1.8V@32Ω(101mW@32Ω), High gain: 3.4V@32Ω(361mW@32Ω)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz(-0.5dB)
• THD+N: 0.0006%@32Ω(A-Weight@2V high gain)
• Dynamic Range: 133dB@32Ω(A-Weight High Gain)
• Channel Separation: 129dB@32Ω(A-Weight High Gain)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 132dB@32Ω(A-Weight High Gain)
• Noise: 121dB@32Ω(A-Weight High Gain)
• Impedance: <1.2Ω

 

 

Hardware and Software Features:

Digital to Analog Converter (DAC):

The Shanling UA6 is designed with a sophisticated quad-DAC architecture, featuring four CS43131 DAC chips. This advanced configuration aims to deliver high-quality audio performance, suitable for users seeking superior sound quality. The DAC’s complex circuitry is intended to ensure high-fidelity sound reproduction, marking it as a key feature of the UA6.

The UA6 also offers the flexibility to switch between dual DAC and quad DAC modes, catering to different listening preferences and requirements.

Equipped with a high-performance USB bridge, the UA6 is capable of decoding and processing high-resolution audio formats, including 32-Bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512 audio signals. This functionality supports high-quality audio playback, enhancing the overall listening experience.

The device includes five built-in digital filters that allow users to further customize their audio output. These filters provide various sound signatures, enabling users to tailor their listening experience according to their personal preferences. The integration of these filters underscores the UA6’s versatility and adaptability in audio processing.

 

Output Interface & Amplifier Section:

The Shanling UA6 is equipped with both a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced output, providing versatile connection options for various headphones. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.

Moreover, the UA6 offers SPDIF output that can be activated directly from the device menu.

For the 3.5mm single-ended output, the UA6 offers low gain output power of 31mW@32Ω and high gain output power of 112mW@32Ω. The 4.4mm balanced output features low gain output power of 101mW@32Ω and high gain output power of up to 361mW@32Ω.

The UA6 employs Shanling’s noise control technology, which includes a low-noise, high-current LDO power chip, providing a pure black background and significantly reducing unwanted noise. This enhances the overall audio experience.

The amplifier section supports two gain modes, low and high, allowing users to adjust the output to match their specific listening needs. Both the 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs deliver a clean background with minimal hissing, thanks to the noise control technology implemented in the device.

 

Hybrid Power with Intelligent Battery Management:

The Shanling UA6 is equipped with a 220mAh lithium battery and Hybrid Power Supply System 2.0, designed to address the unstable power issues often encountered with smartphones. This innovative system ensures a cleaner signal output and better control over audio performance.

By utilizing intelligent pre-buffering, the UA6 minimizes sudden power consumption spikes, making it compatible with power-sensitive devices like iPhones. During dynamic playback, the battery automatically supplements power, enhancing performance and reducing power fluctuations.

Key benefits of this hybrid power system include:

• Consistent Analog Performance: The UA6 maintains a stable noise floor and analog performance, regardless of the USB power quality from the connected device.
• Reduced Power Drain: The device decreases power consumption from the connected device, particularly beneficial when used with smartphones.
• Enhanced Compatibility: The lower power demand makes the UA6 compatible with devices that typically struggle to provide sufficient power for USB DAC/Amps.

This intelligent battery management system elevates the overall user experience by ensuring reliable and high-quality audio performance across various devices and conditions.

 

Nintendo Switch Compatibility Mode: 

The Shanling UA6 offers compatibility mode with the Nintendo Switch for an enhanced gaming experience. By holding the multifunction button on the UA6 while connecting it to the Switch, the screen will display “UAC1.0,” indicating that the UA6 has switched to its external DAC amp mode. This change allows the UA6 to deliver higher quality sound during gameplay, providing a richer and more immersive audio experience.

 

Eddict Player App:

The Shanling UA6 integrates seamlessly with the Shanling Eddict player application, offering additional functionality and control. Through the application, users can adjust the volume precisely, set channel balance, switch DAC operation modes, and access other features to optimize their audio experience. This integration enhances the UA6’s usability, ensuring users can fully utilize its capabilities via a Digital Filter (DF) with 5 presets.

However, since the device can be controlled directly, the Eddict Player app becomes unnecessary.

 

Equipments used for this review:

• Devices          : Shanling UA6, FiiO KA17
• IEM’s              : Campfire Audio Fathom, Shanling Sono
• Headphones  : SIVGA Anser

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
• Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
• Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
• Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

 

The Sound:

The Shanling UA5 is an Ultra Portable DAC/Amplifier with a pretty neutral tonality and balanced frequency response that delivers plenty of details thanks to its well implemented Dual ES9038Q2M DAC Chip in harmony with many other important hardware components.

The bass of the UA5 sounds clean and shows a good sense of authority with almost any earphone/headphone I have paired. The midrange on the other hand is reproduced with a decent level of transparency and resolution, while the treble area offers an above average clarity and extension.

Please note that my review below is mainly based to my sound impressions over the 4.4mm Balanced (TRRRS) output hooked to the HiBy RS6. I have used IEM’s & Headphones like the Shanling ME700 Lite, Oriveti OV800, HiBy Crystal6, FiiO FD7, iBasso SR2 and SIVGA Phoenix. This review has been written after a burn-in period of about 60 hours.

 

Bass:

The Shanling UA6 offers a bass response that is mildly warm and full, without being overpowering. The sub-bass extends deeper than average, providing a solid foundation that enhances various music genres. This depth is particularly beneficial for bass-heavy genres, offering a satisfying low-end rumble that enriches the overall listening experience. The Quad-DAC design and hybrid battery power system contribute to the bass’s richness and control. When paired with the Campfire Audio Fathom, the bass is particularly well-managed, adding depth without overshadowing the midrange or treble. Similarly, the Shanling Sogno pairs well with the UA6, delivering a balanced and engaging listening experience. Considering its price, the UA6’s bass performance is commendable, meeting or exceeding expectations within its category. However, some might find the sub-bass slightly less pronounced, which could affect the overall impact in certain tracks.

 

Midrange:

The midrange of the Shanling UA6 is clear and detailed, presenting vocals and instruments with a natural and lifelike quality. There is a slight warmth in the midrange, which enhances the musicality of the device, making it suitable for a wide array of listening preferences. When paired with the Campfire Audio Fathom, the midrange performance shines, offering a warm and engaging sound that brings out the best in vocals and instruments. This is particularly noticeable in tracks where the guitar or piano plays a central role. Similarly, when using the SIVGA Anser, the midrange delivers clear and detailed sound, enhancing the overall listening experience. However, some listeners may find the midrange slightly recessed compared to the bass and treble, which can affect the overall tonal balance. Despite this, the UA6 manages to maintain a good level of detail and resolution, making for an engaging listening experience.

 

Treble:

The treble response of the Shanling UA6 is smooth and well-balanced, providing a clear and detailed presentation of high frequencies. There is a slight emphasis on clarity, ensuring that treble notes are precise and well-defined without causing listener fatigue. The treble is crisp and bright, adding a sense of airiness and sparkle to the music. It is never harsh or sibilant, ensuring a pleasant listening experience. When used with the Shanling Sogno, the treble performance is particularly notable, delivering crisp and bright highs that add a sense of airiness and sparkle to the music. The SIVGA Anser also benefits from the UA6’s treble, providing detailed and enjoyable highs without being harsh or sibilant. While the treble is generally well-executed, some users might prefer a slightly more extended high end for additional sparkle in certain recordings.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The soundstage of the Shanling UA6 is moderately intimate, providing a focused and cohesive listening experience. However, in Quad DAC mode, the soundstage expands noticeably, offering more precise instrument placement compared to Dual DAC mode. This wider soundstage enhances the listening experience, particularly for complex musical arrangements. The imaging remains clear, allowing listeners to discern the position of instruments and vocals distinctly, making it easier to pinpoint the placement of a violin in an orchestra or the position of a singer on stage. When paired with the Campfire Audio Fathom and SIVGA Anser, the soundstage and imaging deliver a detailed experience.

 

Comparison – Shanling UA6 versus FiiO KA17: 

Overall Sound Profile:

The Shanling UA6 and FiiO KA17 both offer unique sound profiles tailored to different audio preferences. The UA6 features a warm and musical tonality, providing a rich and full-bodied sound that enhances the listening experience across various musical styles. It emphasizes musicality with a touch of warmth in the midrange, making it particularly engaging for vocals and instruments. On the other hand, the KA17 leans towards a neutral and transparent sound with a hint of treble brightness. This creates a balanced signature that combines clarity with a touch of low-end warmth, making it both musical and technically proficient.

Bass / Midrange / Treble / Soundstage & Imaging:

The Shanling UA6 offers a warm, full bass with deep sub-bass extension, maintaining clarity and detail. Its controlled bass ensures a balanced listening experience. The FiiO KA17, with its punchy and well-defined low-end, delivers a dynamic and impactful bass, especially in desktop mode. It provides a more substantial bass presence, making it ideal for listeners who prefer a more pronounced low-end.

The midrange of the Shanling UA6 is clear, detailed, and engaging, with a natural warmth that enhances vocals and instruments. It offers excellent resolution and an immersive listening experience. The FiiO KA17, on the other hand, has a neutral and articulate midrange, reproducing vocals and instruments with high accuracy. While the KA17’s midrange is linear and transparent, the UA6’s midrange stands out for its warmth and presence, making it more engaging.

The Shanling UA6’s treble is smooth and well-balanced, providing clarity without causing listener fatigue. It adds airiness and sparkle without being harsh. The FiiO KA17 offers a more extended and refined treble, revealing micro-details with energy and luminosity. While the KA17’s treble is fast and lively, the UA6’s treble offers a smoother and more pleasant presentation, making it suitable for extended listening sessions.

The soundstage of the Shanling UA6 is moderately intimate, expanding in Quad DAC mode for precise instrument placement and clear imaging. The FiiO KA17 delivers a wide and expansive soundstage, especially in desktop mode, with excellent separation and a realistic sense of space. While the KA17 excels in creating a vast soundstage, the UA6 provides a balanced and cohesive soundstage, ideal for various listening environments.

Conclusion:

The Shanling UA6 is a high-performance portable DAC/AMP USB dongle featuring a quad-DAC architecture with four CS43131 DAC chips, supporting high-resolution audio formats up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512. It includes dual operating modes and offers impressive SNR and DNR performance. The hybrid power supply system with a 220mAh battery ensures low noise levels and stable performance across various devices. The UA6 also offers versatile connection options with 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, along with low/high gain modes.

In terms of sound quality, the UA6 delivers a warm and full bass response, clear and detailed midrange, and smooth, well-balanced treble. Its soundstage is moderately intimate but expands noticeably in Quad DAC mode, providing precise instrument placement. The sleek, modern design, combined with a 1.3″ LCD color display, enhances usability and functionality. Overall, the Shanling UA6 offers a well-rounded package of advanced features, high-quality sound, and portability, making it a strong contender in the market for portable audio solutions.

 

Pos and Cons: 

• + Overall bass response (texture, layering, control)
• + Clear and detailed midrange
• + Smooth and well-balanced treble
• + Compact and portable design with a 1.3″ LCD color display
• + Good integration with smartphones and other devices (Nintendo Switch)
• + Hybrid power supply system ensures low noise and stable performance
• + Dual operating modes (UAC2.0 and UAC1.0)
• + Good Value for the Price

 

• – Protective case is optional
• – No Lightning Cable included
• – Device control can be done directly, making the Eddict Player app unnecessary

 

Thank you for the Read