Shanling M9 Plus Flagship Android Audio Player with Quad AK4499EX DACs
In 2021, Shanling introduced its limited flagship Android music player, the Shanling M9 and it was quickly sold out after its release. Recently Shanling introduced the all-new Shanling M9 Plus, a worthy flagship, taking performance to an all-new level.
Quad AKM AK4490 EX DAC Arrangement
The new DAC in the Shanling M9 Plus is something special. The top-of-the-line AK4490EX from AKM in a quad arrangement is implemented in the new M9 Plus. These 32-bit DAC chips are supported by dual AK4191 delta-sigma modulators for enhanced performance. Quad DAC design offers an increased current output and overall improved dynamics, better SNR, and lower background noise, with all four DACs being active for the balanced output. All four DACs are manually tested and paired for ideal matching in the audio circuit.
Upgraded Audio Circuit
With a flagship Digital Audio Player, all components have been chosen with care, such as premium crystal oscillators for lower jitter and upgraded amplification circuit based on Shanling’s OP+BUF architecture with MUSES8920 J-FET and BUF634 chips. The resulting audio performance is very refined, clean and full of dynamics, with a maximum output of 1120mW for the balanced connection.
Shanling has featured an independent XC9519 power supply chipset for the DAC section on the M9 Plus. An Independent power supply provides cleaner performance with a smooth and uninterrupted power supply to the DAC. The Quad DAC definitely requires some more power to sound at its best.
User Experience
Shanling M9 Plus features an Android 10 OS with an octa-core Snapdragon 665 CPU along with 8 GB of ram for smooth and fast performance. This DAP has a rated battery life of up to 18 hours on the single-ended 3.5mm output and up to 11 hours through the 4.4mm balanced output.
Reviews
The Shanling M9 Plus has been reviewed by several websites already:
Headfonia: In terms of sound, the M9 Plus is a serious player. The big soundstage, musical delivery, and the ”HiFi” type of sound, all are worth considering if you’re on the lookout for a flagship unit. This is the Shanling house sound at its best. With an excellent screen, good battery life, fast operation, and full Android support, this is one of the best players in the market for sure.
Headfonics: The Shanling M9 Plus is a beast of a DAP which delivers similar if not better technical performance to some of the competition costing significantly more, all within an impressively portable package.
Pricing & Dealers
Shanling M9 Plus MSRP €3149
