Review : Shanling M2X – Harder, better, faster, stronger

Specifications

For the nit-pickers and nerdy ones here, I’m giving the specs and technical sheets . For all the other, you can just go to the next page to see how the amp performs.

DAC and LPF

The Shanling M2X cuts off one of the dual AKM AK4490EN chips found in the M5S. A splendid chip working in duo with a TI OPA1612 for low-pass filtering. If you look at the numbers, they are a bit behind the M5S :

• the advertised SNR is now announced at 117dB in Single-ended mode, and to 116dB in Balanced mode.
• sampling rates support is now limited to 384kHz instead of 768kHz max.

The new circuit traded the previous amplifiers for a new set of AD8397. Power output is rated at 106mW @ 32ohm (single ended) and 120mW @ 32ohm (balanced) which is still plenty for a pair of IEM or portable headphones.

Another difference is the adjusted output impedance, respectively 1 ohm in single-ended and 2 ohm in balanced mode. No noise whatsoever, theoretically.

WiFi

The WiFi is limited to 2.4ghz on the Shanling M2X which should not be an issue since the DAP isn’t made for Netflix or gaming. For Airplay and DNLA, this is more than enough, even if you send high bitrate files through the server.

Signal strength was good and I never lose the signal on a daily use.

Full specs

• Type : Digital Audio Player- OS : Mtouch OS 2.0
• DAC : 1x AK4490EN
• LPF : 1x Ti OPA1612
• BUF : 2x AD8397
• Sample rate : PCM : 8Hz – 384kHz (8/16/24/32bit) native – DSD64/128/256
• System clock : Full synchronization technology with FPGA processor and dual clock
• Outputs : 3.5mm headphone out/line-out – 2.5mm balanced headphone output
• Input : USB Type-C
• Screen : 3.2″ 320×480 IPS Screen from LG
• Micro SD : SDHC / SDXC (single slot)
• USB DAC : yes
• WiFi : 2.4 GHz support (b/g/n)
• DNLA/Airplay/TIDAL
• Bluetooth support : SBC, apt-X, LDAC
• Duplex Bluetooth : player can emits and receive music
• USB out : available in every mode
• Battery : 3.8V 2400mAh Li-Polymer
• Quick Charge : yes
• Battery life : 10h in single ended, 7h in balanced
• Charging time : around 1h30
• Size : 98mm*60mm*16mm
• Weight : 147g (160g with the silicon sleeve)

3.5 mm Headphone out

• Output power : 180mW @16ohm / 106mW @32ohm
• SNR : 117 dB
• Channel separation : 70dB
• Output impedance : 1 ohms
• Distorsion : < 0.0015%

2.5 mm Headphone out

• Output power : 210mW @16ohm / 120mW@32ohm
• SNR : 117 dB
• Channel separation : 107dB
• Output impedance : 2 ohms
• Distorsion : < 0.0016%

The review continues on Page five, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.