Enter The Entry Solid Performer – Shanling EH1 Desktop DAC AMP
Shanling EH1 is a $219 USD Entry-Level DAC / Headphone AMP designed for desktop usage, with a Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC at the heart, and up to 1015mW at 32 OHMs of driving power, and with a 4.4mm headphone output too. Today we will review the EH1 and study if EH1 will become your next DAC/AMP for an entry-level setup.
Introduction
Shanling started making more and more entry-level products, which although far less interesting than their high-end and flagship options, are still popular and bring a smile to many music lovers every single day. EH1 comes in both silver and black, aand it is one of the most affordable Desktop DAC AMPs, being in the same range as FiiO’s K11 R2R.
As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases, and using the purchase links in my reviews helps me maintain this website and Youtube Channel. Huge thanks to Aune for providing us with the sample for this review.
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3QzAIZq
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_onR2KkA
Build Quality/Aesthetics
Shanling EH1 has its own casing and shell, not reusing anything else seen in other products, but the internals are quite similar to other Shanling products, including the Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC and the SGM8262 Headphone amplifier it features. Something a little more unique and also really welcome in the entry-level range, we have a bass and a treble adjustment tone control, although most websites mention that the treble allows for up to 10 dB of treble variations, and 6 dB of bass variation. Those go both to plus and minus values, so you can fine tune your system.
We have heard setups using the same CS43198 DAC, including FiiO KA15, Hiby R6 PRO, Shanling Onix Alpha Xi1, Shanling H2, Creative Sound Blaster X5, Aune Yuki and FiiO K11. The same Amplifier has been used inside of the Shanling EC Smart CD Player, Shanling M1 Plus, FiiO Ka15, and others. The most important thing when checking out the internal combination of elements is to remember that this is not a smartphone, so the component itself can be implemented very differently between different products, and that even in smartphones, the same CPU sometimes can act completely different depending on the thermal solutions, cooling and even software implemented by each company.
Back to Shanling EH1, we have a USB DAC input, in the USB Type-C Format, and EH1 can be powered by that USB Type-C cable, or you can use a dedicated DC or Direct Current input. We have a beautiful indicator light around the volume wheel, and it can decode PCM signals up to High Resolution 32 Bit / 768 kHz and DSD512.
Signal To Noise Ratio is quoted at 122 dB, Distortion quoted at 0.0004% and we have the Amplifiers running in a Dual SGM8262 combination, with 4 Sanyou 47uF Capacitors, 8 Panasonic Capacitors, and 5 Silmic II capacitors. The two headphone outputs are different, and we have a maximum output power of +399 mW at 32 OHMs for the single ended 6.35mm output, and a maximum output power of 1015mW for a 32 OHM impedance for the Balanced headphone output. EH1 can be used as a digital converter too, having a standalone SPDIF output, and you can use it as a standalone USB to SPDIF Converter. The output at the back is a line out, which can act as a pre output too, working well with both active and passive speakers.
Subjective Usage
With a mere weight of 392 grams, Shanling EH1 is a small desktop DAC AMP that you barely notice sitting on your desk, and with a silver color, it looks quite modern and nice sitting on my desk. The unit never gets hot, or even too warm, regardless of what it is driving, and although there are very small indicators on the bass and treble wheels, you can go back to neutral as they have an obvious tactile bump right in the middle. There is an audible pop sound when turning EH1 on and off, so I would recommend plugging out the headphones or turning off the speakers / amplifier that is currently connected to it when turning it on and off. You don’t need to turn it on and off, it never gets too hot.
We also get the gain switch, and on/off switch at the front, with a line out / preamp out switch at the back. Although XLR would have been welcome for the line out, in this price range, the analog output is welcome, especially as it is a reliable output. I mostly have been using the EH1 with no external DC voltage input, and just with the USB Type C port connected. I have been able to test it with a DC Switching Power Supply connected, but there is no obvious difference in quality when using just the Type-c input and the DC input for power.
EH1 has no audible background noise or self noise when powering speakers, which is one of the most pleasing surprises about it, as most USB DAC/AMPs in the entry-level range are quite noisy over the PRE and Line outs. One of the most important tests for a desktop DAC/AMP, the sync test, indicates that there is no noticeable USB DAC delay and EH1 is fit to play real-time content, with the delay being less than 20 ms (I measured around 17 ms), enough for a single frame to not be noticeable with a 60fps / 60Hz content being played. This includes real-time gaming and watching movies / anime / content in general. With Windows there is some kind of bug, volume in programs works correctly, but windows volume works for just the first 10% percent, anything higher than 10% in windows volume does not change the volume in any way. Gain button affects both the headphone output and the line output. Sound comes out of both the headphone output and line out at the back, at the same time. You cannot disable either from the EH1, you have to turn off the speakers of unplug the IEMs / Headphones to turn them off.
Sound Quality
Pairings – Shanlinbg EH1 can be both a desktop DAC for a stereo system, but also a headphone amplifier, so my test list includes multiple setups. The IEM list includes Simgot EM10, Letshuoer Cadenza 12, RAPTGO Lead D01, NF Audio NE4, Rose Technics QTX, Moritz Dragon, Campfire Moon Rover, ZiiGaat Arcadia, HarmonicDyne Devil, HeartField Blanc, Soundz Flame and TinHiFi P1 Max II. The Headphone list includes HIFIMAN He1000 Unveiled, MIRPH-1, FiiO FT1 PRO, Crosszone CZ-10 Enhanced, Crosszone CZ-8a Enhanced, Palma DHS-1. For the stereo systems, I have connected EH1 to be the DAC for a pair of Pylon Audio Diamond 30 mkii, and as an amplifier I placed either Topping B100 or Fosi Audio ZA3 Amplifiers in between.
Overall Signature – When driving headphones, shanling generally makes warm and smooth sounding sources, EH1 following the same path, having a boofy, wide and large bass, warm low-end with a ton of impact and weight, and a smooth, relaxed treble. Fun part is that this is what it sounds like with the bass and treble settings right in the middle. You can further increase the bass using the wheels, although the bass wheel mostly increases the mid bass and upper bass, while the treble wheel will mostly increase the upper midrange and lower treble. For most IEMs and headphones, I found the best sonic quality with both wheels left right in the middle, as increasing them too much introduces phase offset and other issues that can skew your sound more than a signature you don’t like. EH1 is much better tuned for headphones than IEMs, and I generally prefer it with headphones, as with IEMs the drive factor is a bit too high and causes them to sound loud and compressed, likely the power curve being adapted to give the best kick and impact for harder to drive headphones.
And I can confirm that EH1 is enjoyable with full-size headphones, and although even at max volume, for some very hard to drive headphones like HE1000 Unveiled, the volume even close to max is a bit quiet, around 90 to 95 dB, I can admire the control and low distortion EH1 has up there. For stereo systems, the response is also a bit on the warm side, somewhat smooth in the treble, although holographic and with a colorful midrange.
Bass – Shanling always had a full and warm bass, and EH1 has the same, even if you leave the bass setting right in the middle, which is theoretically a neutral setting. Bass shakes the earth, has a full, delightful and deep impact, although for very hard to drive headphones like HIFIMAN He1000 Unveiled, the maximum volume with high gain is still too quiet, around 90 dB. Bass control is excellent with hard to drive headphones, although the signature can be a bit overpowering and overblown with sensitive IEMs, especially in the bass.
Midrange – EH1 has a colorful, musical and smooth sounding midrange, both for the headphone output and the line out at the back. Both male and female voices are expressed emotionally and clean, with very low distortion, and both sound full and lively. There’s a slight bias towards giving more presence and depth to male voices, although pianos and female voices can still have enough presence in sadder music. Overall, the midrange is very balanced and clean, although there’s a bit of extra body and warmth added on top of what I’d consider to be absolutely neutral.
Treble – We get a smooth, clean top end that is never fatiguing nor stressful, and EH1 is very musical and pleasing in the treble. This signature emphasizes classical music, and jazz in particular, although I found a good experience for pop and rock and metal too. It is a versatile tuning that just takes the edge away and delivers high volumes with very little fatigue.
PRaT / Textures – A big part of the tuning can be attributed to a natural towards slow impulse response and a rather pleasing texture rendering. While this is not the most revealing of approaches, for the price range, it is a safe spot that will give a beautiful sound to all instruments EH1 is rendering.
Soundstage – With a rather wide and clean soundstage, EH1 has a similar level of depth as it has width, a rounded and fun soundstage. Instrument separation is ok, good for the price point, although EH1 has a tendency to blend more than it has a tendency to offer the ultimate separation possible.
Value and Conclusion
I am positive that Shanling EH1 is a good choice and excellent value for any possible customers, it sounds good, has a low price point, but multiple functions, including a very capable headphone amplifier, good DAC performance, can be a line out, has a preamp inside, or even a digital to digital converter, all for less than the money a good high-end speaker cable costs.
At the end of the day, Shanling EH1 is proof that Shanling can stay competitive in the entry-level market even though they usually make expensive and complex high-end listening setups, and EH1 is a fully recommended product for a versatile desktop setup.
PROs
- No noticeable USB DAC Delay
- Bass and treble adjustments with analogue wheels
- Solid build quality
- Does not need the DC power input connected at all times
- Both a balanced and SE headphone outputs included
- Digital to Digital converter function
- No background noise audible when used as a DAC for a stereo system, either with active or passive speakers
- Plenty of volume control
- Does not get hot
Cons
- Mild sound that’s generally easy to swallow
- Background noise audible with sensitive IEMs
- No auto turn off
- Audible pop when turning it on or off, which can be a problem for both headphones and speakers connected to it
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3QzAIZq
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_onR2KkA
--- Please remember to stay safe, and always have fun while listening to music!---
- If you have a dime to spare, please donate, and help us! It would make the day brighter for me and my wife-
Full Playlist used for this review
We listened to more songs than those named in this playlist, but those are excellent for identifying a sonic signature. I recommend trying most of the songs from this playlist, especially if you’re searching for new music! The playlists are different for Spotify, Tidal and Youtube, and based on the songs I enjoy and are available on each!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_cjBXGmwSHSdGcwuc_bKbBDGHL4QvYBu
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5J3oloz8Riy9LxEGenOjQ0?si=979ba4f082414be7
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/330fd544-8e5b-4839-bd35-676b2edbb3d5
--- Contact Us ---
