Description
SHANLING EM5 DAC – Network audio player / Station DAC / Headphone Amplifier / Preamp AK4493 32bit / 768kHz DSD256 MQAx8
The Shanling EM5 is a complete high-end DAC / headphone amplifier station, with a wide range of different connectors, including balanced XLR and 4.4mm. It can also be used as a DAC and preamplifier when paired with a separate power amplifier or active speakers.
DAC AK4493 + OPA2211
The EM5 conversion stage is based on an excellent AK4493 chip. This generation of AKM 32bit DACs features Velvet Sound ™ technology as well as OSR Doubler filtering. It also ensures an extremely low level of distortion with a generous dynamic range.
Integrated into an Android system, the DAC supports sampling rates up to 32bit 768kHz and native DSD256 (+ DSD512 software support), while ensuring minimal noise as well as pure sound reproduction.
The digital to analog circuit is accompanied by Panasonic Polymet Tantalum capacitors, allowing filtering of the power supply and therefore contribute to upgrading the in-depth signal-to-noise ratio.
Finally, the analog signal at the output of the DAC circuit embeds an OPA2211 operational amplifier: a remarkable component regularly used in the filtering / buffering of very high-end DACs.
Huge possibilities for integration
The possibilities of integration and the ways of sending digital audio signal to the EM5 are numerous. Its digital circuit is accessible via a USB input, a coaxial input, an optical input. It also has wired network connectivity (RJ45) even has its own ability to read files from USB storage devices.
Wireless connectivity is not left out since the EM5 can receive audio streams via a WiFi (2.4 & 5G) & two-way Bluetooth 4.2 on-board circuit. Shanling’s EM5 is therefore compatible with DLNA & Airplay standards and supports high definition bluetooth audio streams (LDAC).
Headphone Amplifier & Preamplifier
The EM5 has a very interesting connection for a centralized audio installation. It has no less than three different headphone outputs (6.35mm single-ended/ 4.4mm & balanced 4-pin XLR) as well as two pre-amplified analog outputs on RCA & XLR connectors.
The headphone output stage is capable of delivering a comfortable power of 540mW @ 32Ohm (SE) against 1620mW @ 32Ohm (balanced). It takes advantage of an extremely clean and dynamic signal thanks to two TPA6120A2.
Its preamplified output uses two reference Muse8920 operational amplifiers.
Touchscreen interface & Android
Dressed in a beautiful 4.7 inch HD touchscreen, the Shanling EM5 displays beautiful colors. Offering an optimal visual experience, this screen provides an intuitive and easy user experience.
The touch interface makes it easy to control the Android distribution (customized & closed) and to take advantage of its many streaming applications already present to use your favorite streaming services.
DSD 256 & MQA x8
The EM5 supports very high resolution files. It is able to read and get the most out of DSD files up to DSD256 (512 with software), but also supports 8x MQA decoding. The latter format allows sound reproduction as close as possible to the quality of the original recordings, with a limited file size.
Control app
Shanling provides its own mobile application, available on Android and iOS, for free. Ergonomic and easy to use, it allows you to control remote playback on your connected Shanling device, browse through your local or networked files or even play your music from Spotify.
