Shanling EH3 Desktop DAC/Headphone Amplifier

Shanling EH3 Desktop DAC/Headphone Amplifier

Over 35 years of Hi-Fi Experience

After many years of portable devices and desktop Android streamers, EH3 marks Shanling's return to the market of simpler desktop DAC/AMPs. 

Multifunctional DAC & Amplifier

Offering a range of Digital inputs, including Wireless streaming over DLNA/Airplay and Bluetooth, alongside RCA and XLR outputs, makes for a versatile DAC for any Hi-Fi setup. And thanks to the analog input, EH3 can also serve as a pure top-quality headphone amplifier or pre-amp for your Vinyl rig or special DACs.

Masters of DAC

EH3 adapts the Newest Generation of ESS DAC, a special 8-channel solution that’s pushed further by Shandling's skilful Audio Engineers.  All done with the aim for the most realistic and natural presentation, combined with the highly precise and detailed sound quality.

Utilizing flagship ESS ES9039SPRO 8-channel DAC with fully balanced amplifier based around four OPA1612. With in-house developed FPGA, KDS crystal oscillators and XMOS XU316 USB Chip, matching its High-End performance.

Offering up to 1 900 mW @ 32 Ohm // 205mW @ 300 Ohm in Single-Ended and 5 300 mW @ 32 Ohm // 700mW @ 300 Ohm in Balanced. EH3 is Shanling's second most powerful amplifier, right behind EM7, providing plenty of driving power even for the demanding Audiophile headphones.

System and controls

Based on Ingenic X2000 platform, EH3 is using the same system and control setup as ET3 CD Transport. Main multifunctional wheel serves for volume control and menu navigation, with playback and input buttons on the top of the device. Users can navigate the simplified system on the circular screen at the front of the device, with Eddict Player app serving as a remote controller from their smartphones and tablets. Simple remote controller is also included alongside the EH3.

System includes the ability of independent local playback from USB Drive. Fully lossless playback directly on the DAC, without any need for a separate digital source or computer. Supporting all the major audio formats and Hi-Res files up to PCM 32/768 and DSD512.

Connectivity

Ready for Wireless playback, EH3 offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It can be used as a simple Bluetooth receiver, with support of LDAC, aptX HD, aptX and AAC. And for local networks, EH3 will play smoothly with Airplay 1 or with your favourite DLNA app and local server.

The rear panel offers a range of inputs and outputs, allowing EH3 to serve many roles in a variety of Hi-Fi rigs. For use as DAC, EH3 can be connected over USB, Optical, Coaxial or I2S HDMI. It can be also used as a pure amplifier thanks to a pair of RCA Analog inputs. And when you want to connect EH3 to a power amplifier or active monitors, the combination of RCA and XLR Analog outputs can be run in both linear or pre-amp modes.

Independent Standalone Playback

Simply connect any of your USB Drives to turn EH3 to a fully independent all-in-one audio solution. Capable of reading all the Hi-Res files directly from the drive, with comfortable control provided by the Shanling Eddict Player app, EH3 does not need any other components to shine with your headphones or active speakers.

  

Advanced Audio Design

Fully Balanced Amplifier, OP + BUF Audio Architecture

Four-way fully balanced design, running in Shanling’s well-proven OP+BUF topology. EH3 combines OPA1612 with discreet transistors and extra support of 8 units of BD139 & BD140 power transistors, for increased stability while offering higher-power output.

OPA1611 In-House Developed I/V Stage

Highly optimized I/V conversion stage based on TI OPA1611, helping the ES9039Pro to reach its ultimate performance, retaining all the energy and sound characteristics of this DAC.

CPAF Low Pass Filtering

CPAF Low Pass Filtering CPAF - Constant Phase in All Frequencies technology, developed by Shanling’s audio engineers, using two additional pieces of TI OPA1612.

New Crystal Oscillators & 4th Generation FPGA

Upgraded Japanese KDS active crystal oscillators 90.3168MHz and 98.304MHz, alongside further improved 4th generation of Shanling’s algorithm, providing better accuracy and enhanced performance when decoding PCM or DSD data.

Specifications

Dimensions: 23.8 X 18.8 X 5.9 cm

Weight: 2.8 kg

Screen: 1.6 IPS screen

USB Drive Supported Formats: DSD, DXD, APE, FLAC, WAV, AIFF/AIF, DTS, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, ALAC, MP2, M4A, AC3, OPUS, TAK, etc. CUE is supported. Hi-Res Support: 32 bit / 768 kHz & DSD 512 DAC Chip: ESS ES9039PRO

Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver

Bluetooth Codec Support: LDAC / aptX HD/ aptX / AAC / SBC

Connectors:

[Headphone Outputs] 3.5mm/ 6.35mm/4.4mm/XLR [Digital Inputs] USB DAC / USB Drive / Coaxial / Optical / 12S [Digital Output] USB Audio Out [Analog Outputs] XLR & RCA  [Analog Input] RCA

Single-Ended Headphone Output 

Output power

Low gain: 2.0V@32Ω (126mW@32Ω) (THD+N<0.0034%)

Medium Gain: 4.1V@32Ω (537mW@32Ω) (THD+N<0.0009%)

High Gain: 7.8V@32N (1900mW@32Ω) (THD+N<0.002%)

High Gain: 7.8V@300 (205mW@300Ω) (THD+N<0.002%)

Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz (-0.5dB) THD+N: 0.0005% @ 32Ω (A-Weight @ 2V High Gain)

Dynamic Range: 123dB @ 32Ω (A-Weight @ 2V High Gain)

Channel Separation: 73dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 123dB @32Ω (A-Weight High Gain)

Noise: 113dB @32Ω (A-Weight Low Gain)

Output Impedance: 1Ω