Immediately, Meldrick critiques the Shanling EH2, a compact and reasonably priced desktop 24-bit R2R DAC and 4.35W succesful balanced headphone amplifier. It’s priced at $369.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in trade for my trustworthy opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. I thank Shanling for his or her assist.
Click on right here to study extra about Shanling merchandise we beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This text follows our present scoring tips which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
Shanling EH2 Evaluation
Abstract
The compact desktop Shanling EH2 expertly balances the satisfying natural heat of an R2R DAC structure with good decision and dynamics, whereas additionally delivering a formidable 4.35W of balanced output energy able to driving a variety of headphones.
Execs
Good bass dynamics.
Versatile bass and treble tone controls.
Bluetooth connectivity.
Cons
Treble vitality could also be sub-par for some.
Shanling follows up their compact desktop EH1 DAC/amp with the brand new EH2, a extra highly effective and feature-rich desktop DAC/Amp constructed round an R2R DAC structure.
With out difficult screens or onboard working techniques, the EH2 is touted as a simple-to-use unit that allows you to give attention to listening to music.
Coming in at $369, the EH2 faces some stiff competitors, particularly amongst current R2R DAC/Amp releases such because the cheaper FiiO K11 R2R.
To see if the EH2 has what it takes to face out from its friends, learn my full ideas and impressions beneath.
Options
On the coronary heart of the EH2 lies a newly developed 24-bit R2R DAC module, a nod to Shanling’s legacy with the PCM1704 DACs utilized in fashions just like the CD-T300 and HDCD-H24.
This resistor ladder design is famend for producing a pure and musical sound, interesting to purists who worth tonal authenticity.
Complementing the DAC is a sturdy headphone amplifier, using BD139 and BD140 transistors, optimized for high-end full-size headphones.
The amplifier delivers as much as 4.35W at 32Ω by way of its 4.4mm balanced output and 1.3W at 32Ω by way of the 6.35mm single-ended jack, making certain ample energy for a variety of headphones.
Similar to the EH1, the EH2 consists of bass and treble tone controls. Whereas hardware-level tone changes might not attraction to everybody, the flexibility to shortly and simply tweak the general sound signature provides a singular layer of versatility to this class of gadgets.
Design
After reviewing the Shanling EH1 not too way back, what stood out to me when initially unboxing the EH2 was how related the 2 models appeared.
The EH2’s footprint is basically an EH1 with double the depth. Regardless of taking over extra desk house, its low peak ensures that the unit nonetheless suits in desktop pc setups or extra advanced Hello-Fi setups.
Similar to the EH1, the EH2 has a barely curved chassis that isn’t as excessive as these present in iFi audio’s ZEN line of desktop DACs and amps, however it does give the unit some visible aptitude on the expense of stackability with different rectangular amplifiers or streamers.
The shell has a black anodized aluminum end that provides it a stealthy utilitarian really feel. When positioned on a countertop or in a Hello-Fi rack, the EH2 doesn’t stand out, merely mixing in with the remainder of the gear.
This deep black end contrasts elegantly with the piano-black faceplate, which homes the unit’s knobs, dials, jacks, and management buttons. The gold-tone perform labels on the faceplate add a refined contact of sophistication, reinforcing its premium aesthetic.
Regardless of the shiny piano black end, the faceplate resists fingerprints surprisingly nicely, requiring minimal maintenance throughout every day use. The rear panel can also be crafted from anodized aluminum and neatly homes the assorted inputs, outputs, and switches.
I/O
The Shanling EH2 is provided with a well-rounded choice of inputs and outputs, making it a extremely adaptable desktop DAC/amp for numerous listening setups.
On the enter aspect, the EH2 provides USB-C, coaxial, and optical connections, making certain compatibility with a variety of digital sources, from PCs and laptops to digital audio gamers and gaming consoles.
With assist for UAC 1.0, Shanling outfitted the EH2 with enhanced compatibility for many main gaming consoles such because the Change and PS5, including to the EH2’s worth as a easy all-in-one system
Moreover, it options Bluetooth 5.2 with assist for high-resolution codecs, together with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and AAC, enabling high-quality wi-fi streaming.
For output, the EH2 caters to each headphone and speaker customers. It gives an ordinary 6.35mm single-ended headphone jack alongside a 4.4mm balanced output, giving customers the flexibleness to decide on between completely different headphone terminations.
The rear RCA ports may be cycled between line-out and pre-out modes by way of the change to the suitable of the RCA jacks. Being positioned in the back of the unit makes them laborious to succeed in throughout every day utilization, particularly when contemplating the EH2’s longer footprint.
Nevertheless, I nonetheless desire this configuration over the method taken by different manufacturers that require the person to undergo a number of menu layers simply to vary this setting.
The inclusion of each RCA and 4.4mm balanced line outputs permits seamless integration with exterior amplifiers, powered audio system, or studio displays, making it a flexible centerpiece for an audio setup.
Controls
The Shanling EH1 retains issues easy and straightforward to make use of, providing a refreshingly easy management format in comparison with many different DAC/Amps in its value vary.
On the heart of the design is a big, smooth-turning quantity knob, devoted solely to adjusting quantity.
Not like some dials that additionally act as buttons or spin endlessly, this one has a transparent stopping level at 5 and seven o’clock, making it intuitive and exact to make use of. The knob feels stable and responsive, giving a satisfying sense of management.
Surrounding the amount knob is a vibrant RGB LED ring, which modifications colour primarily based on the bitrate and file format of the incoming audio sign.
This function acts as a real-time indicator, permitting customers to confirm that their high-resolution digital supply stays unaltered all through the playback chain—a useful instrument for audiophiles who wish to guarantee bit-perfect transmission.
To the suitable of the amount knob, the EH1 features a devoted achieve button, which toggles between excessive and low achieve modes for higher compatibility with delicate IEMs or demanding full-sized headphones. Moreover, a separate energy button is conveniently positioned on the far-right aspect of the unit.
Along with the amount knob, the EH2 options devoted bass and treble adjustment knobs, a comparatively uncommon inclusion in desktop DAC/Amps.
These enable customers to fine-tune the tonal steadiness of their audio in actual time, providing a handy technique to form the sound signature while not having exterior equalizers or DSP software program.
The changes are refined but efficient, offering added depth to bass frequencies or bringing extra airiness to the treble area with out overwhelming the pure character of the music.
Packaging & Equipment
The EH2 is available in a easy brown field with a top level view of the system on the entrance and specs on the again. The EH2 comes packaged with important equipment to get customers began proper out of the field.
Included are a USB-C to USB-A cable for information connection, a 12V energy adapter to make sure the amplifier operates at its full potential, and a person guide to information by way of setup and operation. Whereas the accent set is fundamental, it covers the requirements for many customers.
Sound Impressions
The next sound impressions have been made with the Sennheiser HD 580, Audio-Technica R70X, Modhouse Argon MK3, and Moondrop Blessing 3 my important headphone and IEM pairings.
Except in any other case specified, all checks and comparisons on the EH2 have been accomplished on its OS setting and with the treble and bass knobs set to their impartial place.
NOS vs OS
The rear of the unit has a easy change that units the unit into both NOS (Non-Oversampling) or OS (Oversampling) modes, every shaping the listening expertise otherwise.
NOS mode delivers a wider, extra atmospheric soundstage with a hotter tonality, making it preferrred for relaxed listening.
Nevertheless, this comes on the expense of instrument separation, as bass turns into softer and extra subtle, whereas treble is barely much less emphasised and extra susceptible to sibilance.
In distinction, OS mode presents a cleaner, extra centered sound with crisper treble and improved harmonic element, enhancing the presence of cymbals and different high-frequency parts.
The soundstage turns into narrower and extra intimate, however imaging is extra exact, permitting devices within the bass and treble areas to be higher outlined in each placement and backbone.
In additional bass-guitar-dependent disco and funk tracks, I discovered myself gravitating in direction of the NOS setting, since I discovered that this gave tracks a lush tonality that enhanced total enjoyment.
This didn’t come as a shock since I normally hearken to such tracks by way of notoriously heat sound hybrid tube amplifiers.
For many genres of music, I opted for the extra clear and technical sounding OS setting. Regardless of having a narrower sound stage and higher decision efficiency, I nonetheless discovered that its sound signature had a slight heat tilt that gave tracks a pure sound signature.
Bass
Like most R2R DAC/Amps I’ve tried, the EH2 has a heat but natural-sounding sound signature with very slight sub-bass emphasis and a satisfying velvety presentation of mid-bass sounds.
When paired with my Audio-Technica R70X in additional trendy advanced Hip-hop or pop tracks, I discovered myself turning up the bass knob round 10 levels since I used to be in search of a bit extra affect.
Nevertheless, with my Modhouse Argon, I discovered myself turning it down, demonstrating the EH2’s clear sub-bass presentation that doesn’t colour the headphone’s presentation an excessive amount of.
The EH2’s hotter tuning lends bass guitars and synths a wealthy, full-bodied character, making a extra immersive and laid-back listening expertise.
This heat contrasts with the cleaner, extra analytical presentation of sources just like the FiiO K11, making the EH2 notably satisfying for individuals who desire a extra musical and natural sound.
I used to be impressed with how the EH2 can play again deep bass guitar strums with out overpowering the harmonics, giving them a greater sense of tactility and element. In additional advanced tracks, I discovered that this improved my perceived instrument separation efficiency.
In melodic pop and rock tracks, the mix of a well-textured sub-bass and a barely elevated mid-bass provides depth to the music. This tuning enhances the EH2’s dynamics, making tracks sound each pure and fascinating with out sacrificing readability or steadiness.
Mids
The heat within the bass subtly carries over into the mid-range, giving male vocals a wealthy, authoritative presence that enhances their depth and smoothness.
This high quality makes the EH2 notably satisfying for my common suite of 80s funk and disco, the place horns and synths achieve added vibrancy and weight with out disrupting the general tonal steadiness.
Surprisingly, I discovered this slight emphasis within the decrease mid-range pleasing even in typical trendy pop music. The EH2 can expertly ship thick and dynamic male vocals and lower-pitched keys, with out overpowering airier and resolving devices within the higher mid-range.
This offers tracks a extra thrilling tuning that may ship good word weight and affect, with out overpowering string harmonics and extra minute particulars within the mid-range.
Treble
With a pure sound signature that leans heat, the EH2 delivers a {smooth} and laid-back treble presentation that helps cut back listening fatigue, notably in less complicated tracks. Nevertheless, in comparison with extra impartial sources, it doesn’t emphasize micro-details or air as a lot.
Throughout my testing, I by no means encountered any sibilance with the EH2 on its default settings. In most pop tracks, the treble felt well-balanced, offering sufficient presence with out making chimes and cymbals sound overly sharp or distracting.
For extra advanced tracks that includes layered cymbals and chimes, I discovered that barely lowering the bass and rising the treble by 5-10 levels helped improve micro-details, although the effectiveness of this adjustment diverse relying on the monitor and style.
In well-mastered, less complicated recordings, the treble performs its function in complementing the general combine with out calling an excessive amount of consideration to itself.
Staging & Dynamics
By itself, the EH2’s imaging efficiency is first rate to good. However what I discovered to be extra spectacular was how good its imaging efficiency was in comparison with most warm-leaning DACs and amps I’ve tried.
I normally discover that the hotter presentation of treble parts causes a lower within the capability to pick particular person devices, however I didn’t encounter this when testing the EH2.
The EH2’s soundstage is pretty competent in comparison with its friends. Whereas it doesn’t artificially develop the staging of extra intimate headphones, nor does it limit the openness of wider-sounding pairs, it maintains a well-balanced spatial presentation.
It successfully reproduces a 360-degree soundscape, making certain a pure and immersive listening expertise with out exaggerating or constraining the perceived house.
With its hotter turning, devices within the bass area have excellent dynamics and tactility. They by no means overpower the combination, delivering deep word weight with spectacular dynamics within the mid-range and treble.
Click on on web page 2 beneath for my beneficial pairings and chosen comparisons.
