Shanling SM50 is a compact music streamer designed to combine network music access, local playback, digital-to-analog conversion and headphone listening in a single device. The device uses a Linux-based system and integrates an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, offering several connection options both to an audio system and to headphones with a 4.4 or 3.5 mm connector.

The structure measures 20.5 x 18.8 x 5.3 cm, dimensions that facilitate placement in audio setups where available space is limited. The aluminum chassis is completed by glass panels. The front houses a 4.5-inch touchscreen with 1080p resolution, used to display information and manage the device’s main functions directly from the unit.

Streaming, network and local playback

SM50 can access different music sources over the network. Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready are supported, allowing these environments to be used according to the methods provided by their respective services and systems. The device is also compatible with network protocols and platforms such as DLNA, AirPlay 2 and Squeezelite.

Connection to content available on the network can take place via wired LAN or dual-band Wi-Fi. NAS connectivity is also supported, allowing access to music stored on a storage device connected to the home network. SM50 can therefore be integrated into different configurations: from a system based on a local network archive to a system primarily oriented toward streaming services.

For playback without a network, local playback from USB drives is available. A compatible USB drive can therefore be connected and used as a source for music files stored on it. Management can be carried out using the integrated touchscreen or through the Eddict Controller app, indicated as the companion app and control app for Shanling SM50.

Control and interface

The 4.5-inch touchscreen uses a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, also indicated as 1080p. The presence of a screen directly on the device makes it possible to view the interface without relying exclusively on an external device. The Eddict Controller app instead adds the option of managing SM50 through a dedicated app.

The Linux-based operating system provides the software platform on which network functions, supported services, local playback and the various available inputs and outputs are managed. The supplied data does not specify additional software functions beyond those indicated, so the actual availability of individual services depends on the configuration provided for each environment.

Digital-to-analog conversion and declared formats

The core of the conversion section is the ESS ES9039Q2M DAC. Conversion reaches a declared maximum resolution of 768 kHz and 32 bit, with support up to DSD512. These data describe the conversion capabilities indicated for the device and form part of a digital section designed to handle network sources, local files and signals from the available inputs.

Shanling SM50 also integrates a pair of crystal oscillators, specified with frequencies of 90 and 98 MHz. The digital section is complemented by RCA and XLR analog outputs, which allow the music streamer to be connected to audio components equipped with the corresponding inputs. The analog outputs can be configured in Line-Out or Pre-Out mode.

Analog outputs and connection to the system

The RCA and XLR outputs make SM50 suitable for different analog configurations. In Line-Out mode, the device provides a line output; in Pre-Out mode, the analog output can be used according to the configuration provided by the connected system. The presence of both types allows the connection to be selected according to the inputs available on the amplifier or other system components.

For personal listening, there are two dedicated headphone outputs. The 4.4 mm connector is a balanced output, while the 3.5 mm connector is a single-ended output. The declared power reaches up to 700 mW at 32 ohms. This data refers to the output power specified for this impedance value and does not, by itself, identify compatibility with every headphone model.

The dual availability of headphone connections allows cables or headphones with different terminations to be used, keeping the choice of headphone listening separate from the output to the audio system. Before connection, it is nevertheless advisable to check the connector type and the characteristics of the headphones being used.

Digital inputs and outputs

SM50 has a USB digital output and a coaxial SPDIF digital output. These connections allow the digital signal to be sent to an external component equipped with the corresponding input. The availability of USB and SPDIF expands the ways in which the device can be integrated into a system, in addition to the RCA and XLR analog outputs already present.

A dedicated USB DAC input, also identified as USB DAC Input mode, is provided. This function allows SM50 to be used as a converter for a signal from a source connected via USB, according to the mode provided by the device. The documentation distinguishes the USB input from the USB output, making it possible to consider the signal reception and transmission functions separately.

Bluetooth and network connections

Bluetooth 5.2 is indicated as a Bluetooth input. SM50 supports the LDAC and aptX HD codecs, allowing audio to be received from a Bluetooth source compatible with the relevant codec. Actual codec availability depends on the transmitting device and source configuration.

For network connection, users can choose between Ethernet, via the LAN connector, and dual-band Wi-Fi. Wired LAN provides an alternative to wireless connection when an Ethernet network is available near the system. Dual-band Wi-Fi instead allows the home network to be used without a direct network cable to the music streamer.

Installation and use in an audio system

The compact dimensions allow Shanling SM50 to be placed near the other system components, while still leaving the space required for cables and the ventilation provided by the system. The main connection can be selected according to use: RCA or XLR to an analog component, headphones through the 4.4 or 3.5 mm output, or USB and SPDIF to an external digital section.

Once connected to the network via LAN or Wi-Fi, SM50 can be used with the declared services and protocols, including Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, DLNA, AirPlay 2, Squeezelite and NAS. Alternatively, music can be played from a USB drive or received via Bluetooth. The Eddict Controller app and touchscreen display are the two management methods indicated in the available data.

The device uses a power supply compatible with voltages from 100 to 240 V and frequencies from 50 to 60 Hz. The aluminum body with glass panels, front display and range of connections make SM50 a source that combines streaming, local playback, conversion, digital connection and headphone listening functions in a single device.

Main features

• Headphone outputs: 4.4mm & 3.5mm
• Analog output modes: Line-Out or Pre-Out
• Analog outputs: RCA & XLR
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth input
• Bluetooth codecs: LDAC and aptX HD
• Bluetooth version: V5.2

Technical specifications

Headphone outputs	4.4mm & 3.5mm
Analog output modes	Line-Out or Pre-Out
Analog outputs	RCA & XLR
Bluetooth	Bluetooth input
Bluetooth codecs	LDAC and aptX HD
Bluetooth version	V5.2
Body material	Aluminum
Companion app	Eddict Controller Companion App
Control app	Eddict Controller
Crystal oscillators	Dual Crystal oscillators at 90 and 98MHz
DAC	ESS ES9039Q2M
Digital outputs	USB and Coaxial SPDIF
Declared dimensions	20.5 x 18.8 x 5.3 cm
Screen resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels
Screen size	4.5 inches
Balanced headphone output	4.4 mm
Headphone output power	700 mW @ 32 Ohm
Single-ended headphone output	3.5 mm
Local playback	USB Drives
MSRP	559 EUR
MSRP	499 USD
Wired network connection	Ethernet
Network protocols and connectivity	DLNA, Airplay 2, Squeezlite, NAS Connectivity
Operating system	Linux
Panel material	Glass
Power frequency	50-60 Hz
Power voltage	100-240 V
Screen resolution	1080p
Screen size	4.5 Inch
Streaming services	Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready

Technical insights

The listed specifications help compare the product’s configuration, compatibility and performance.

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Frequently asked questions

Which streaming services does Shanling SM50 support?

Shanling SM50 supports Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready. DLNA, AirPlay 2, Squeezelite and NAS connectivity are also available.

Is it possible to play music from a USB drive?

Yes. The device supports local playback from USB drives. It can be managed using the integrated touchscreen or through the Eddict Controller app.

Which headphone outputs are included?

A 4.4 mm balanced output and a 3.5 mm single-ended output are available. The declared power reaches up to 700 mW at 32 ohms.

Can Shanling SM50 be connected to a wired and wireless network?

Yes. The music streamer has an Ethernet connection via LAN and dual-band Wi-Fi. It can therefore be connected to the home network with or without a cable.

Which audio connections does it offer?

SM50 has RCA and XLR analog outputs, configurable in Line-Out or Pre-Out mode, as well as a USB digital output, coaxial SPDIF output and dedicated USB DAC input.