Shanling ME700 Review

Shanling ME700

Sound performance

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My main sources were: FiiO M15 / Shanling M6 Pro / NuPrime Hi-mDAC. Trusted sources from trusted brands that I used extensively for the past months.

As usual, files were played from either Qobuz / Spotify or my own music library. I highlighted some tracks, just so you can try them home too!

Overall Signature

“Silence is golden. But my eyes still see.

The first thing that struck me once I’ve put the Shanling ME700 in my ears, was the fact that it didn’t sound as good as the ME500 I previously owned. Same volume, same track, same source, the ME700 seemed a little shyer, with dull bass. 

Why was that? Simply because I tried them on my iPhone. Compared to its older siblings, the ME700 has to be paired with a proper DAP, or at least a real USB-DAC, and not just Apple’s little dongle. Once done, things changed drastically.

Unlike before, the dynamic was simply awesome, surpassing the ME500 which was already a beast on this aspect. On tracks like Closed on Sunday from Justice Der, each note was perfectly distinct, never overlapping the prior one, even if the latter was played Forte, where the prior was Piano. 

Paired with the FiiO M15, mids were razor-sharp, with more pressure and a fuller background. It’s a lush sound, jazzy voices taking the edge on lighter singers. Gregory Porter sounded amazing, pounding each note with its usual confidence as if the IEM guided him right inside my eardrums.

On the long run

It’s a superb IEM, one with excellent articulation, fast transients, and the right amount of force to surpass its predecessor, but not too much so it never gets tiring. My only regrets remaining the bass, still way too shy in my opinion.

Yes, lows are delightful and the ME700 magnifies each and every detail. But, like the ME500, it’s never as boomy as could be a BGVP DMG for example. And, sometimes, I want that little nudge over the head, one that keeps pushing to help you make it through the day.

And that’s a shame because the Low driver can go deep, very deep. I’m a big fan of Infected Mushroom or Aerix, repetitive yet sometimes complex tracks, with insane drums&bass lines. So, when I found out that the ME700 could cope with those tracks, and even surpass my usual CIEM, I was both surprised and delighted. Still not explosive, but darn impressive.

All in all, it’s awesome, but a (very) good source is a must!

Tonality

Highs: crisp and clean. As usual with Shanling, there is a slight emphasis on highs. Nothing to be afraid of, but once bright sources, this might get a bit tiring. The BA drivers offer low distortion, great ASDR, and once properly driven, the result is absolutely superb.

Good test-track: Nutmeg – Infected Mushroom

Mediums: spaciousness and accuracy. The sound stage is amazing and voices are, once again, the strong point of this IEM well helped by the super-wide dynamic. Excellent sound stage, razor-sharp mids, and the right amount of warm give outstanding results. Unfortunately, those ears are still prone to hiss, so be extremely wary of the source.

Good test-track: La belle dame sans regret – Emilie-Claire Barlow

Bass: deep but shy. Like the ME500, the ME700 isn’t expansive on the lower end. Bass is there, well-defined, with good extension, yet it always seems to shy off compared to the usual chi-fi IEM I’m accustomed to. Add a small bump around the 500Hz, for a funkier sound and you’ll discover how good this gold-plated DD can get.

Good test-track: Wicked Games – Ramin Djawadi (from Westworld)

The article continues on Page Five, after the click here

4.1/5 - (27 votes)
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A nerdy guy with a passion for audio and gadgets, he likes to combine his DAC and his swiss knife. Even after more than 10 years of experience, Nanotechnos still collects all gear he gets, even his first MPMAN MP3 player. He likes spreadsheets, technical specs and all this amazing(ly boring) numbers. But most of all, he loves music: electro, classical, dubstep, Debussy : the daily playlist.

10 Comments

  • Reply May 28, 2020

    InvisibleInk

    “… has to be paired with a proper DAP, or at least a real USB-DAC, and not just Apple’s little dongle.”

    I wonder what the top performing IEM is for a pairing with the iPhone? Audiophiles and gearheads might spring for some wonderful DAPs, but I reckon the vast majority of customers want something that works well with their iPhones and other smartphones.

    • Reply May 30, 2020

      Roman

      the best shanling review i’ve read until now.
      Thank you very much for this nice creation! ????????????

  • Reply May 28, 2020

    kyku

    I have The Shanling R6 Pro. Can’t wait to pair it with this ????

  • Reply May 28, 2020

    Audioman

    How does the ME700 compare with the FH7?

  • Reply May 28, 2020

    Albe

    I’ve M6 pro, should I go with M500, M500 platinum or M700?
    I like M6 pro and I’m looking for an IEM transparent, airy and clear on highs and, rich mids and deep bass but tight and no Boomy.

    • Reply May 30, 2020

      Roman

      you should go with the me700, the combo M6/M6 pro with me700 is so nice! ????????????
      i got my ME700 31th at the release and i was using it until now with the Shanling M6. On Thursday i get the M6 Pro ????

  • Reply June 1, 2020

    Mark

    I also use my me700 with the M6 Pro .. I played with numerous tips above and beyond the extensive range that come with them. I settled on Comply T200 which were a tighter fit on the me700 than the Comply tips that came included . The bass low frequencies I now get are really outstanding , still controlled but rich and expansive .

  • Reply June 1, 2020

    cyril

    thank you for this review, how about pairing with the Plenue D2 ?
    Thanks in advance.

    Greets Cyril

  • Reply June 24, 2020

    Matt

    Hi,
    Thank you for this great review.
    What about pairing it with ibasso dx150 + amp8 with the 4.4mm adaptater ?
    Thanks

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