In this article we review the new Shanling H7 DAC/AMP selling for $829 USD.
Disclaimer: Shanling sent us the H7, free of charge, for the purpose of this review. In exchange, we’re going to give our honest opinion, as always.
About Shanling
Founded in 1988, Shanling has been developing Hi-Fi products for more than 30 years now. From high-end CD players to classy tube amps, the brand made a name thanks to great craftsmanship and top-of-the-line performance, embodied by devices like the new EC3 – a high-end, compact CD Player, that I’d LOOOVE to try.
Shanling also developed a complete range of players and IEMs, like the M6 and M6 Pro (21) that I previously reviewed, now topped by the Shanling M6 Ultra, the M7, and the almighty M9 that Berkhan and Yagiz loved and praised, with good reasons.
But today, we are not reviewing a DAP. No, no! This time, we are going back to root as we have the all new Shanling H7, a high-end portable DAC/AMP, that aims to overthrow FiiO’s latest Q7. And, it looks like the brand might be able to, as we’re about to find out.
Design & Build Quality
Casing
As usual with the brand, build quality is absolutely flawless, with no gaps and premium materials everywhere your eye can see, and your hand can touch. The unibody case is simply gorgeous, magnified by the titanium finish and two clickable knobs used to control the device.
It’s, by no means, a small device nor a lightweight one but, compared to the FiiO Q7, the Shanling H7 feels like an easier device to carry – especially on the go. Size-wise, the DAC is 142 mm tall, 85 mm wide, and 25 mm thick, with a total weight of 350g – almost twice less than its FiiO counterpart – without the leather case.
And from top to bottom, the device screams TOTL, which isn’t a bad thing by any means, especially for a DAC/AMP that’s advertised as a “High-End Portable DAC/AMP” with “classic Hi-Fi Heritage”.
It’s still an incredibly geeky device, with a screen that’s way too sharp for a portable DAC/AMP, but in the meantime, the H7 keeps Shanling’s finesse, as seen on other models like the EM7.
Layout
Like the Q7 it competes with, the Shanling H7 offers one of the best I/O I’ve ever seen on a portable device.
Upfront you get:
- two control wheels, with one used to control the DAC, and the other one to set the volume
- a 3.5mm headphone output, so you can connect your headphone (unbalanced)
- 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced headphone output, to connect a balanced headphone
- and finally a 6.35mm headphone port for your biggest cans
Backside, you have:
- a full-size line-out, with L/R RCA ports
- a 3.5mm digital line-in (the Jack to Cinch port is included)
- two USB-C ports, with one used for charging and the other one for Data
- and, who’d have guessed, a micro-SD port!
And, last but not least, you also get a monochromatic 1.44” OLED screen on top, that displays all the information like volume, playback info, options, or even the name of the track playing (more info on that later)
Again, every port and knob is faultless and looks like they’ll easily withstand any harsh abuse. I like that.
Screen
Usually, a screen on a DAC/AMP is just for show. But, this time there’s a real purpose and the Shanling H7 definitely makes good use of its screen.
It’s not the first device of its kind to get a screen – xDuoo or FiiO already did that – but the H7 is one of the first to carry its own embedded player, thanks to the new Ingenic X2000 platform, and its micro-SD port.
Sure, it’s a bit small and you’ll preferably crank up the brightness, but fonts are sharp, responsiveness is great and overall, this one delivers a great experience. Even more if you take account of the fact that… it’s a DAC/AMP, not a DAP!
Bundle
Inside the box
The Shanling in’t really well-dotted, but you do get the mandatory accessories.
Inside, you will find :
- the Shanling H7
- a faux-leather pouch
- one USB-C to USB-A cable
- a short USB-C to USB-C adaptor
- some documentation
Sadly, the device only comes with a sole USB-C port and no USB-C to 8-Pin adapted, but thankfully I just had to use my ddHiFi TC28i to connect the H7 to my iPhone.
The article continues on Page Two, after the click here
Page 1: about Shanling, casing, construction
Page 2: UI & Usage, Bundle
Page 3: Specifications
Page 4: sound & conclusion
Metivier
Très intéressant
David
How would this compare to the ifi Diablo?
John
No comparisons? How does it perform against other portable DACs like Gryphon, Mojo 2…
ornob islam
Hi there. Do i need to charge it prior to using it connected to my laptop? Or is charge not needed when connected via usbc on my laptop?
Jonathan
Hi
I am looking for a portable aolution to drive my hifiman he1000 stealth. I am.actually using my ibasso dx300 with amp12 and want to know if the shanling h7 is able to drive them on the go? Or is there a good alternative with akm dac?
Cheers Jonathan