Shanling M0 Pro Review

Today we take a look at Shanling M0 Pro, the updated version of the previous M0. Check out how this little device performs.

Disclaimer: We received the Shanling M0 Pro directly from Shanling for this review. It goes for 129$.

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.

Shanling has been making very impressive devices in the last few years. We’ve covered a lot of them if not all. You can check out our Shanling reviews here. Of course, they’re mostly known for their DAPs, but they also make some IEMs and DACs, which usually perform very well too.

Especially when it comes to players, Shanling has established a great portfolio and great design language across the board. The M series has reached great popularity and a customer base. Shanling’s expansion never stops, and I’m looking forward to new releases. We’ll soon review the M1s model, and possibly a new M9 variant in the summer.

M0 Pro

A refreshed M0, this is an extremely small, lightweight and super pocketable device. It shares the same design characteristics as the other models of Shanling, yet it has this super compact form factor. That’s not it though. Shanling M0 Pro also has great features for its tiny size: It plays DSD (even 128!) and all types of files you put into it.

You can use it as a USB DAC. You can also use it almost like a “Bluetooth module” as I prefer to call it because of its size. What I mean is that you can connect your smartphone wirelessly to use your streaming applications. Speaking of Bluetooth, it has LDAC and aptX. The BT chip is upgraded to BT 5.0, so they got that one covered as well. It’s a very feature-packed device for its size & price level.

For the audio circuit, Shanling somehow managed to put a fully balanced audio circuit into this device. With two pieces of ESS ES9219C DAC/AMPs, M0 Pro will be able to provide improved sound quality and increased output power.

Packaging

As its size, the packaging of the M0 Pro is very compact. The box presents the device on top and the charging cable on the bottom. The M0 Pro has a protective film on the screen pre-installed. There’s also a spare one just in case.

Shanling also offers a leather case, and a 3.5mm to 4.4mm adapter cable for a balanced connection. However, these two accessories are sold separately. For an ultra-compact DAP that costs just 129$, the costs of these two add around 26$, and the total price gets to 155$ with all the accessories. I can’t judge business decisions of course, but in my humble opinion, the price could’ve been bumped slightly to include these add-ons in the package from the start.

Design

The DAPs I reviewed recently from Shanling have great designs. This is not hugely different from the original M0, but the design is overhauled to match the latest portfolio. The four corners now have a protruding profile, versus the smooth edges of the original M0. The rest of the design is familiar, which I have no complaints about. 

A difference from the other models is that it doesn’t have a glass back, but that didn’t stop Shanling to make a glass top/bottom. That is Shanling’s signature with their latest offerings, and they went the extra mile to give the M0 Pro the same luxury feel. This also sets it apart from the original M0, further improving the feel and the cool look. The MicroSD port is now moved to the bottom side, which also improved the overall design to make a clean appearance.

I must say the player also is very eye-catching with its design and small form factor. I received some questions from my colleagues in the office and people at home, questions like “what’s this thing? It looks cool”. I said it was a DAP and they were quite surprised at how small it was.

Build

The device has a robust, monoblock chassis that is made from aluminium, which is excellent. It also doesn’t get scratched easily. The volume pot now has a better profile and it’s also a bit bigger with more presence. It also serves as a power button just like the original, which makes the DAP easy to use. The screen has curved glass on the sides, so it feels very smooth and beautiful in hand. Looks-wise I think it’s stellar and sweet. The green one that I received is very nice looking.

Page 2: Software, Experience, Settings, Battery, Connectivity

Page 3: Sound

Page 4: Technical Performance, Comparison, Conclusion