Shanling EH90: Flagship Desktop R2R DAC with Headphone Amplifier

Experience exceptional sound with the Shanling EH90, a powerful R2R DAC and headphone amplifier designed for audiophiles seeking premium desktop audio performance.

A New Era in R2R DAC Technology

As a long-time enthusiast of high-fidelity audio gear, I’m always thrilled when a brand I respect pushes the boundaries of sound quality and design. Shanling’s latest release, the Shanling EH90, is exactly that—a flagship desktop DAC and headphone amplifier that brings their signature PRO R2R DAC technology out of the realm of bulky SACD players and into a sleek, compact form.

This PRO R2R DAC tech previously powered models like the Shanling SCD3.3 and SCD1.3R SACD players, which I remember fondly for their warm, natural sound and precise audio reproduction. Now, Shanling has distilled that same architecture into the EH90, offering a sophisticated yet user-friendly option for those who demand premium digital-to-analog conversion without diving into the brand’s more complex—and often larger—components.

Thoughtful Power Design for Pure Sound

One of the standout features of the Shanling EH90 from a design perspective is how it handles power. The unit cleverly separates the analog and digital power supplies to minimize interference—a move that truly shows Shanling’s dedication to sonic purity. The analog section runs on a robust 35W linear power supply, while the digital section receives a dedicated 10W supply. Add to that a massive total smoothing capacitor capacity exceeding 12,000 µF, and you have a device engineered for consistency and low noise.

Front Panel Features That Audiophiles Will Love

The Shanling EH90’s front panel is a playground for music lovers. A large 4.8-inch color display delivers crisp visuals, making navigation and settings adjustments a breeze. Surrounding it is a sizable rotary dial for easy volume and menu control, alongside multiple headphone outputs for varied listening preferences.

Connectivity is generous: balanced outputs come in XLR and Pentaconn 4.4mm formats, complemented by an unbalanced 6.35mm jack. Power output is impressive, with 5.2W per channel into 32-ohm loads via balanced outputs, and up to 575mW per channel into 300-ohm headphones. If you prefer the 6.35mm output, the EH90 pumps out 1.32W per channel at 32 ohms on high gain, ensuring plenty of muscle for demanding headphones.

Digital Inputs: Versatile and Future-Proof

If you’re keen on hooking up various digital sources, Shanling has you covered. The EH90 supports USB and I2S inputs via HDMI/LVDS, accommodating PCM streams up to a staggering 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 files. Other inputs include AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical S/PDIF, which handle PCM up to 32-bit/192kHz.

A particularly handy addition for home theater enthusiasts is the HDMI ARC port, making it effortless to link the EH90 to your TV setup. This means you can enjoy high-end headphone listening or drive active speakers with ease, all from one elegant device.

Flexible I2S and Wireless Streaming

Shanling really thought about compatibility when designing the EH90’s I2S input—it supports ten different wiring modes, simplifying connections with various digital transports, including Shanling’s own CT90 CD transport. For synchronization, there’s an external clock input compatible with 44.1kHz and 10MHz signals, which is music to the ears of anyone running a serious audiophile rig.

Wireless fans aren’t left out either. The EH90 incorporates Bluetooth 5.4 and supports a suite of codecs including LDAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. This ensures top-tier wireless sound quality for casual or on-the-go listening.

More Than Just a Headphone Amplifier

The Shanling EH90 doesn’t just excel as a DAC and headphone amp; it doubles as a compact preamplifier. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs deliver 5V and 2.5V signals respectively, perfect for connecting to active speakers or a power amplifier.

Physically, the device strikes a balance between presence and portability, measuring 280 x 83.1 x 230 mm and weighing in at 3.7 kg—solid without dominating your desktop real estate.

Currently available, the Shanling EH90 retails for about $1,199 USD or €1,299, a price point that sits comfortably within reach for committed audiophiles looking to upgrade their digital audio chain.

“Shanling EH90 is designed for those who want a top-tier DAC and powerful headphone amplifier without stepping up to more complex components in the brand’s lineup.”
— Shanling Official Statement

Have you ever dreamed of a DAC and headphone amplifier that combines classic R2R technology with modern digital versatility in a compact desktop setup? Shanling EH90 might just be the dream come true.

FAQ

• What is the core technology behind the Shanling EH90?
  The EH90 uses Shanling’s proprietary PRO R2R DAC technology, known for high-fidelity audio reproduction.
• Which headphone outputs are available on the EH90?
  It includes balanced XLR and Pentaconn 4.4mm outputs plus an unbalanced 6.35mm jack.
• What digital inputs does the EH90 support?
  USB, I2S via HDMI/LVDS, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical S/PDIF, and HDMI ARC for easy TV connection.
• Does the EH90 support wireless audio streaming?
  Yes, it features Bluetooth 5.4 with multiple codec support including LDAC and aptX Lossless.
• Can the EH90 be used as a preamplifier?
  Absolutely, it offers balanced and unbalanced outputs to connect with active speakers or power amplifiers.

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