The Shanling SM1.3R HD is the new version of Shanling’s network streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier. Building on the SM1.3R, it pairs a sharper 2K display with the company’s own second-generation R2R conversion, and puts streaming services and your own music collection at the centre of the system. The new model is available now.
Shanling SM1.3R HD: a 2K screen up front
The most visible change is the 5.98-inch touchscreen. With a resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels, it gives album artwork, menus and playback information a much clearer presentation than before. For a streamer that you operate from the front panel as often as from an app, that is a welcome upgrade.
Kunlun Pro R2R DAC
Behind the screen sits Shanling’s second-generation Kunlun Pro R2R DAC architecture. It is developed in-house and draws on technology used in the brand’s flagship SCD3.3 SACD player. The 24-bit design uses 212 precision resistors rated at 0.01% accuracy, with a sound character that Shanling describes as natural and analogue-like.
Power comes from two 31 W toroidal transformers, with separate supplies for the digital and analogue sections. That arrangement supports stable power delivery throughout the audio circuitry, which matters for a resistor-based conversion system like this one.
Streaming and local music
The Shanling SM1.3R HD is Roon Ready, and it supports TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect. Apple Music, Amazon Music and Spotify are built in as well. The Android-based platform runs on a Rockchip processor with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, while Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 let you choose between a wired or wireless network connection.
For larger collections, an internal M.2 SSD slot gives you room to build a big local library, and USB drive playback adds another route to your stored music. External drives of up to 2 TB are supported, and Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC and aptX HD covers wireless playback from a phone.
Connections and headphone output
Coaxial, optical and USB DAC inputs let you add other digital sources, such as a computer or a CD transport. RCA and balanced XLR outputs connect the Shanling SM1.3R HD to an amplifier or active speakers, and digital outputs (coaxial, optical, USB and I²S) let it act as a transport for an external DAC. A dedicated headphone amplifier drives the 6.35 mm output on the front, with up to 900 mW into 32 ohms in high gain. If you want a smaller streamer from the same brand, read our news on the Shanling SM50 music streamer.
Pricing and availability
The Shanling SM1.3R HD is available now, priced at $1,699 and £1,799. European pricing in euros has not been announced yet. More information is available on the Shanling website.
Key specifications
- Type: network streamer, R2R DAC and headphone amplifier
- DAC: Kunlun Pro R2R, 24-bit, 212 resistors at 0.01%
- Display: 5.98-inch touchscreen, 2560 × 1440
- Platform: Android, Rockchip CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage + M.2 SSD slot
- Streaming: Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 (LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive)
- Hi-res: up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD512
- Outputs: RCA (2.2 V), XLR (4.4 V), 6.35 mm headphone, coaxial, optical, USB, I²S
- Headphone power: up to 900 mW @ 32 Ω, 130 mW @ 300 Ω
- Dimensions and weight: 280 × 280 × 110 mm, 6.4 kg
- Price: $1,699 / £1,799
