As we speak, we’re trying on the new Shanling M3 Plus DAP. It retails for $469 USD.
Disclaimer: Shanling despatched us the M3 Plus for this evaluate. This text displays my trustworthy expertise with the product.
Shanling
Based in 1988, Shanling has been growing Hello-Fi merchandise for greater than 30 years now. From high-end CD gamers to stylish tube amps, the model made a reputation due to nice craftsmanship and top-of-the-line merchandise.
As we speak, we’re trying on the newest addition to Shanling’s M3 collection. This lineup displays Shanling’s efforts to dominate the mid-range DAP market. Regardless of the naming, the brand new M3 Plus is the successor to the M3 Extremely and retails at $469 USD.
Now we have reviewed a number of Shanling merchandise earlier than and you may learn these by means of this hyperlink.
Shanling M3 Plus
The Shanling M3 Plus is the most recent Android-based digital audio participant from Shanling, positioned because the long-awaited successor to the M3 Extremely that debuted round two years in the past. Persevering with Shanling’s idea for compact but highly effective DAPs, the M3 Plus retains the open Android structure with full third-party utility assist, making the lifetime of audiophiles lots simpler.
Like its predecessor, the M3 Plus runs on Shanling’s (Android International Lossless Output, aka. AGLO framework, which bypasses Android’s native SRC to make sure bit-perfect playback throughout the system. Whether or not you’re utilizing Shanling’s personal participant app or streaming apps like Qobuz, the AGLO ensures the sign path bypasses Android OS resampling.
The open system additionally makes it simple to sideload APKs from sources like APKPure or set up immediately by means of Google Play.
There are some fairly important modifications hidden away throughout the new chassis. Sure, the M3 Plus runs on the identical Snapdragon 665 SoC because the M3 Extremely, however now with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of inside storage, doubling the ROM of the earlier mannequin.
Audio circuitry is the place the actual magic has occurred. As a substitute of a twin DAC setup, the M3 Plus makes use of 4 Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs configured in a quad array, permitting for higher dynamic vary and technicalities. The brand new DAC stage is paired with twin SGM8262 amplifiers and OPA1612 op-amps in a totally balanced structure.
Capacitor choice accommodates the popular ELNA Silmic II and Panasonic Tantalums. Additionally, the 3500 mAh battery returns, providing 11H balanced runtime regardless of the participant now providing nearly thrice as a lot energy as its predecessor did.
There’s a bigger, brighter 4.7-inch Sharp model show and a brand new unibody aluminum chassis on prime of the redesigned innards.
Specs
Right here’s a fast rundown of all of the specs and the highlights:
- Snapdragon 665 CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB ROM, NON-SRC Android 13
- x4 CS43198 DAC Stage + x2 SGM8262 + OPA1612 AMP Stage
- ELNA SILMIC II & Panasonic Tantalum Capacitors
- Shanling’s Proprietary FPGA with x2 KDS Crystal Oscillators
- 3500 mAh Battery with QC3.0 Fast Charging / 11H Balanced
- 4.4mm BAL 800mW @32-ohm | 3.5mm SE 200mW @32-ohm
- Bluetooth 5 LDAC, AptX HD, SBC, AAC + 2.4/5Ghz Wi-Fi
- Can be utilized as a USB DAC
- Accepts MicroSD as much as 2TB
- DLNA, AirPlay 2 & NAS Assist
- 4.7-inch Sharp 1280 × 720 – Contact Show
- Output impedance 1.5 Ω
- 115×70×18 mm, 205g
Packaging & Equipment
Shanling ships the M3 Plus in a compact black field with a matte end and minimalist design. The outer sleeve showcases the brand new chassis and hi-res badges, whereas the inside field maintains the same old two-piece aesthetic with the Shanling emblem entrance and middle. As soon as opened, you’re instantly greeted by the participant, which sits securely in a custom-cut foam cradle.
When it comes to equipment, the package deal is pretty minimal. You get a normal 1.5 m USB-A to USB-C charging/knowledge cable, a backup movie display protector, a fast begin information, and Shanling’s ordinary product brochure. There’s no USB-C to USB-C cable included, which can disappoint some customers.
The M3 Plus comes with a pre-applied display protector. Nonetheless, it’s solely a primary movie protector as a substitute of tempered glass, which appears like a missed alternative contemplating that one of many key highlights of the brand new M3 Plus is its premium show.
It’s a useful package deal, however barely sparse given the M3 Plus’s pricing and goal demographic. A silicone case or a greater oleophobic display protector would have added extra sensible worth.
Moreover, Shanling has designed two fake leather-based instances for the M3 Plus in Purple and Gentle Gray. A 3rd choice in a copper tone, matching the brand new chassis colorway, might have been a extra cohesive aesthetic selection. The construct high quality is superb, with clear stitching and exact cutouts. Each instances are priced at $30 USD and out there by means of AliExpress and different sellers.
Design & Construct High quality
The M3 Plus continues the wedding of glass and aluminum in Shanling’s lineup, and it does so with aptitude. The chassis is carved from a single block of aluminum utilizing CNC machining, delivering a dense, sturdy really feel. It has contoured sides that bend the sunshine, very similar to an A&Okay.
The evaluate unit is in copper shade, and Shanling affords M3 Plus in three colours: black, silver, and copper. The copper shade end is placing in particular person; it seems to be and appears like touching uncooked copper. Relying on lighting, it may shift subtly between rose gold and bronze, which provides visible depth to its clear aesthetic.
The brand new curvy silhouette is sort of a light wave on either side, and it isn’t simply aesthetic; it additionally improves ergonomics, making the system really feel good within the hand. On the fitting edge, you’ll discover a knurled quantity wheel with good tactile suggestions, which additionally doubles as the ability button. It’s positioned completely for thumb management when held in the fitting hand.
On the left, you get three playback buttons for monitor navigation and play/pause. These buttons are all metallic, they usually don’t rattle or really feel free.
The underside edge encompasses a USB-C port for charging and USB DAC duties, alongside a microSD card slot to broaden the interior storage. Up prime, the M3 Plus homes each a 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs.
On the again, Shanling retains it minimal with the Hello-Res certifications and branding etched beneath the glass floor. Match and end all through is superb. The panel gaps are tight, machining is exact, and there aren’t any meeting points. Nada.
The entrance is dominated by a brand new 4.7-inch Sharp show. It’s laminated, brilliant, and vibrant. Whereas the decision will not be spectacular on paper, it seems to be crisp in actual life for music apps and album artwork. The much-improved brightness is instantly noticeable and makes an enormous distinction. It’s like 40% brighter than the M3 Extremely.
Total, the M3 Plus stunned me lots. Shanling has made a grandstand play with it.
Options & UI
The Shanling M3 Plus runs a totally open and impressively debloated model of Android 13, optimized particularly for audio. For these acquainted with Android smartphones, the interface feels instantly reflexive, but noticeably lighter. Shanling’s AGLO framework ensures that playback stays bit-perfect even in third-party apps, bypassing Android’s down sampling.
Out of the field, it comes preloaded with a minimal set of apps, together with Shanling’s music participant, By way of browser, a file supervisor, and APKPure. You’re free to take away these and obtain and set up the rest you want, similar to on an everyday Android telephone.
I’m genuinely impressed with Shanling’s execution right here. As somebody who has spent hours stripping down bloated Android working programs through USB debugging, I admire the clear and steady OS they’ve constructed. It’s probably the most refined implementation of the Snapdragon 665 I’ve encountered to this point. Whereas 665 will not be a quick chip by 2025’s requirements, the OS responsiveness is noticeably higher than on the M3 Extremely or M3X.
The UI feels easy in every day use, and the participant boots and navigates with no lag. Apps with heavy GUIs often stutter, but it surely’s fairly forgivable.
Navigation is customizable. You may select between basic three-button controls, gesture-based swipes, or a floating ball menu. Whereas some Android options are stripped again, like the lack to edit the short settings, aka management panel tiles, I don’t see this as a disadvantage.
Shanling stored the necessities and eliminated just about all of the litter, which finally helps a smoother audio-first expertise, and one thing that every one producers ought to try to do.
The swipe-down management panel provides fast entry to important settings: USB mode switching, Bluetooth settings, SPDIF toggle, acquire management, DAC mode (twin or quad), PO/LO output choice, and digital filters. It’s environment friendly and responsive, although not customizable.
One in every of my favourite options of the M3P is the idle power-off or idle-sleep characteristic. The participant allows you to select a timer to show off or fall asleep robotically, and that is a wonderful choice that I want in all my gamers. I hate to see them drain their batteries away when not in use, so this setting fixes that utterly.
Bodily, the controls are thoughtfully laid out. The amount wheel on the fitting doubles as an influence button and feels agency with good tactile suggestions. On the left, three clicky buttons supply playback management. They’re machined exactly and complement the chassis, which minimizes unintended presses. There’s additionally a software program key-lock characteristic that disables them fully for peace of thoughts when carrying the participant in a pocket or bag.
The M3 Plus additionally doubles as a USB DAC for Home windows and macOS with out difficulty and helps Bluetooth DAC/amp performance. Codec assist consists of LDAC, aptX HD, and SBC. Two-way Bluetooth operation is feasible, and the three.5mm output doubles as an SPDIF coaxial out, enabled through the short panel.
Shanling has efficiently constructed an Android platform that feels clear, purpose-driven, and dependable. Kudos to Shanling’s software program group for this spectacular implementation and optimization.
The evaluate continues on the subsequent web page. Click on right here or use the hyperlinks beneath.
