Specifications
For the nitpickers and nerdy ones here, I’m giving the specs and technical sheets. For all the others, you can just go to the next page to see how the H7 performs.
Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 + SG-Micro SGM8262-2
No AKM this time, Shanling switched for Cirrus Logic. To nobody’s surprise, Shanling decided to go for a pack of dual CD43198 chips – from the MasterHiFi series – paired with the all-new SG-Micro SGM8262-2 op-amps, combined with Japanese Silmic II silk capacitors.
A very potent setup, found in lots of mid-level devices like the FiiO KA5 and K11 – check Berkhan’s review, it’s pretty cool – offering the usual lovely features you’d expect, namely:
“ high-performance 32-bit, 2-channel audio D/A converter providing a “superior system-level audio performances, with less power draining”. And, as an evolution from the previous CS4399, this new DAC now comes with an increased THD+N, from -108dB to -115dB and full DSD256 playback, when the older generation topped at DSD128.”
On top of that, thank to the MasterHiFi blazon, this DAC features:
- high impedance of 600 ohms
- 130 dBA dynamic range
- inter-channel isolation of > 110dB
- non-decimating volume control with soft ramp, and 50 kHz filtering as recommended by Scarlet Book
XMOS XU316 + Ingenic X1000
On top of that, and to ensure the best performances, Shanling developed a fourth-generation FPGA chip with “more two low-phase noise 22.5792MHz / 24.576MHz active oscillators”, combined with an XMOS XU316 chip that now equip almost of its devices.. Unlike Chord which uses an FPGA chip as a DAC, here it’s used as a middle-man between the 16-core audio processor from Xmos and the AKM DAC – working in I2S/DSD.
Add an Ingenic X1000 CPU dedicated to route all digital entries and control music playback, and you’ll find all that little world working hard to ensure everything is phase-locked / 100% bit-perfect, with full 256 / PCM 32bit/384kHz support. A great layout in and out!
Bluetooth 5.0 + Embedded player (Eddict player)
Like the H5, the Shanling H2 only supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC. No Apt-X nor Apt-X HD/Adaptive, which came as a bit of a surprise.
But, the biggest surprise, by far, is the inclusion of a fully-fledged music player, that allows stand-alone use of the H5. In fact, the DAC is one of the few, maybe the only one, that can be used as a sole device, free of any source, all thanks to the Ingenic X1000 (Not X2000) platform.
All you have to do is plug a micro-SD card into the dedicated port, switch to “player” mode, and then you’ll be able to play your music like every standard DAP. And, if you’re not satisfied by the small embedded screen, you can even connect the Shanling H2 via Bluetooth to your smartphone, and use the Eddict Player app, to access your full music library.
It’s a lot like HiBy Music Player, but for Shanling players, and it works quite well with the H2. A killer feature in my opinion!
Still want the full specs? Ok, here they are!
Full specs
- Model: Shanling H2
- Type: Digital Audio Converter + headphone amplifier
- DAC: 2x Cirrus Logic CS43198
- Sample rate : PCM : 8Hz – 384Hz (8/16/24) native – DSD64/128/256
- System clock: Full synchronization technology with FPGA processor crystal clock
- Outputs: 3.5mm TRS // 4.4mm Pentaconn
- Input: USB-C // Bluetooth // micro-SD
- Screen: 0.9″ IPS Screen
- Bluetooth support: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Battery: 3.8V 2100mAh Li-Polymer
- Quick Charge: yes, QC3.0
- Battery life: 12.5h with wired headphones (3.5mm), 10.5h with a Balanced headphone
- Charging time: around 2.5h
- Size : 102mm x 71.5mm x 21.5mm
- Weight: 185g
- Price : $169
3.5 mm Headphone out
- Output power : 180mW @32ohm (High gain) / 90mW @32ohm (Low gain)
- Frequency Response : 20Hz – 40kHz (-0,5dB)
- THD : > 0.0007%
- SNR : > 123 dB
- Dynamic range: 123dB
- Crosstalk : > 80 dB
- Output impedance : 0.4 ohm
4.4mm Pentaconn Headphone out
- Output power : 680mW @32ohm (High gain) / 340mW @32ohm (Low gain)
- Frequency Response : 20Hz – 40kHz (-0,5dB)
- THD : > 0.0007%
- SNR : > 125 dB
- Dynamic range: 125 dB
- Crosstalk : > 111 dB
- Output impedance : 0.8 ohm
Time to plug the DAC now!
The article continues on Page Four, after the click here
Page 1: About Shanling
Page 3: Specifications
Page 4: Sound performances
