Shanling SM1.3: The Most Versatile Digital Source for Your Hi-Fi System!

Shanling SM 1.3: The Hi-Fi Revolution in a Single Chassis!

Are you an audiophile in search of the ultimate digital source that combines high-resolution streaming, a reference DAC, and a high-performance headphone amplifier, all in one elegant device? Get ready to discover the Shanling SM 1.3, a true game-changer in the world of Hi-Fi!

A Hi-Fi Giant is Born in Shenzhen: The Story of Shanling

Before delving into the incredible capabilities of the SM 1.3, let's get to know the brand that created it. Shanling, born in Shenzhen in the late '80s, boasts over 30 years of experience in the Hi-Fi sector. With a strong investment in proprietary technologies and high-profile collaborations with giants like Sony and Dolby, Shanling has established itself as a global benchmark for the quality of CD players, SACD, amplifiers, and portable DACs. Today, with next-generation streamers like the SM 1.3, Shanling continues to push the boundaries of audio innovation.

Design and Construction: Elegance You Can Feel

The first impression of the Shanling SM 1.3 is one of pure solidity and meticulous construction. Its anodized aluminum chassis, available in black or silver, exudes a premium quality worthy of much more expensive components.

The large Full HD color touch display by Sharp not only adds a touch of modernity but makes navigation a smooth and intuitive experience, perfectly in tune with a prestigious Hi-Fi system.

Technological Heart: Power and Precision

Under its elegant shell, the SM 1.3 hides a top-notch hardware platform:

• 64-bit ARM CPU with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage.
• A slot for M.2 NVMe SSD up to 2 TB to host your entire local music library.
• A dual linear power supply with two separate toroidal transformers (one for the analog section and one for the digital section) – a typical solution of high-end electronics, demonstrating a no-compromise design.

AGLO: The Secret of Bit Perfect Sound

The operating system based on Android 12 has been optimized by the proprietary system AGLO (Android Global Lossless Output). This revolutionary technology bypasses Android's resampling limitations, ensuring native bit perfect playback. In simple terms, the original audio signal is preserved up to the DAC without any degradation, ensuring the maximum lossless audio quality from any source.

Unlimited Streaming and Total Connectivity

From its front display, you will have immediate access to your favorite streaming services in high and ultra-high resolution:

• Amazon Music
• Apple Music
• Qobuz
• Spotify
• Qobuz Connect
• Tidal

But that's not all! The SM 1.3 also supports local network sources, USB memories, and internal storage. Connectivity is ensured by next-generation Wi-Fi, wired Ethernet, Bluetooth reception, and features like AirPlay, seamlessly integrating smartphones, tablets, and TVs into your audio ecosystem.

A Reference DAC: The AKM4499EX in Command

The beating heart of the digital-to-analog conversion section is the reference chip DAC AKM4499EX, accompanied by a separate modulator AK4191. This architecture, the same used in Shanling's reference players, is designed to maximize sound dynamics and naturalness. The analog outputs benefit from high-quality operational amplifiers, the Muses 8920 (originals). This system handles audio files up to 32 bit 768 kHz and native DSD 512, supporting all major Hi-Res encodings, including MQA. The balanced XLR outputs boast a dynamic range of about 121 dB with extremely low distortion, while the headphone output offers noise and channel separation values suitable for serious Hi-Fi headphones.

Flexibility and Scalability: A System That Grows with You

One of the absolute strengths of the SM 1.3 is its incredible connection flexibility:

• Analog outputs: RCA and XLR.
• Digital outputs: USB audio, 75 ohm coaxial, TOSLINK optical, and **i2S on HDMI configurable in 10 different modes** thanks to the dedicated FPGA control.

This versatility makes it a scalable device for evolving Hi-Fi systems. It can be your complete digital hub source today, and tomorrow transform into a reference-level digital transport by pairing it with a more ambitious external DAC, without having to change the entire audio chain.

The Integrated Headphone Amplifier: A Significant Plus

Unlike many streamers/DACs, the Shanling SM 1.3 integrates a respectable headphone amplifier. Based on TPA 6120, it offers three selectable gain levels and in high gain exceeds 1 Watt on 32 Ohm, sufficient to drive most Hi-Fi headphones. This makes the SM 1.3 perfect for those who want a serious headphone listening setup, with a single machine offering the same conversion quality for both speakers and headphones.

User Experience: Smooth, Intuitive, and Always Updated

The daily user experience of the Shanling SM 1.3 is *very responsive and fast*. Navigating between libraries and playlists is smooth, and the large display makes it easy to view information even from a distance. AGLO technology ensures bit-perfect audio quality in every scenario. Additionally, thanks to free firmware updates via the eddict Controller app, Shanling keeps the product alive and aligned with the latest innovations, such as support for Qobuz Connect and the highly anticipated Spotify Lossless.

Sound Quality: Detail and Musicality in Perfect Balance

On the sound front, the SM 1.3 excels in finding a pleasant balance between detail and musicality. The AKM 4499X DAC, dual linear power supply, and dedicated clocks forge a clean sound with a deep black background, plastic three-dimensionality, and a timbral approach that enhances naturalness. In a well-balanced chain, this unique source does not make you miss complex configurations based on multiple Hi-Fi components, especially considering its price range.

Conclusion: The Ideal Choice for the Modern Audiophile

The Shanling SM 1.3 is the perfect solution for those who want:

• A single serious machine for Hi-Res streaming.
• A high-end integrated DAC.
• A good headphone amplifier.
• All without the complication of managing multiple devices and cables.

It is an ideal device for mid-high level systems and for those aiming for a decisive upgrade compared to traditional streamers. If you are looking for a modern digital source with a truly audiophile soul and the possibility of future growth, the Shanling SM 1.3 definitely deserves to be on your candidate list!