Choosing a Shanling Network Streamer
Shanling has quietly become one of the most interesting names in desktop and rack level streaming, and their network streamer lineup reflects a company that likes to solve the same problem in more than one way. Whether you are building a compact digital front end or a reference network source with analogue conversion at its heart, there is a Shanling model shaped for the job. In this guide we compare the two streamers we carry, explain the technology they share, and help you decide which one belongs in your system.
Both models on offer are the Shanling SM90 and the Shanling SM1.3R. They are designed with different goals in mind, so this is less about which is objectively best and more about matching a design philosophy to your listening life.
The Shared Shanling Technology
Across this category Shanling draws on a common toolkit even when the execution differs from model to model. Understanding these building blocks makes the choice between streamers much easier.
R2R Conversion
R2R, or resistor ladder conversion, is a design approach where an array of precision resistors reconstructs the analogue waveform directly. Shanling builds an in-house R2R assembly into the SM1.3R, a design goal aimed at listeners who favour a natural, organic presentation and want the DAC stage to be a defining part of the product rather than an off the shelf component. R2R is prized for its tonal character and its unhurried sense of flow.
Delta Sigma Conversion
The other common path is the modern delta sigma DAC chip, and the SM90 uses dual AKM AK4493SEQ converters with OPA1612 output. This approach is engineered for clean linearity, excellent measured performance, and broad format support. It is a different design goal from R2R, favouring precision and versatility rather than the ladder DAC voicing.
FPGA and Digital Processing
Shanling has long used careful digital signal handling to manage clocking and format conversion before the signal reaches the converter. This processing is what allows their streamers to accept a wide range of inputs and sample rates while keeping jitter under control, and it is part of why both models feel composed and stable regardless of source.
Tube and Solid State Output
Within the wider Shanling world you will find tube output stages used to add harmonic warmth, though both streamers in this comparison use solid state output stages. The SM90 relies on the OPA1612 for its analogue output, while the SM1.3R adds a dedicated TPA6120 headphone amplifier, so headphone listeners have a real reason to look closely at the higher model.
Model by Model
Shanling SM90
The Shanling SM90 is a streaming DAC built around dual AKM AK4493SEQ converters with an OPA1612 output stage. It carries a generous 4.96 inch 1080p touch screen, a 35 W linear power supply, and a broad set of digital inputs including coaxial, optical, USB DAC, and notably HDMI ARC, which makes it a natural hub for a television or media setup as well as a music streamer. Network connectivity covers Wi-Fi 6 and gigabit LAN, and analogue output is available on both RCA and XLR. At 280 by 230 by 83.1 mm and 3.3 kg, it is the more compact and flexible of the two.
The SM90 suits the listener who wants an all in one digital front end with modern conversion, room friendly dimensions, and the ability to tie in a television through HDMI ARC. If your priority is versatility and a clean, precise delta sigma sound, this is the model designed for you.
Shanling SM1.3R
The Shanling SM1.3R is the high-end network streamer in the range, and it is a different animal by design. At its core is Shanling's in-house R2R assembly, paired with a larger 5.8 inch 1080p touch screen and serious power delivery in the form of dual 31 W toroidal transformers arranged in a split configuration. It includes 64 GB of onboard storage plus an M.2 SSD slot for a local library, a dedicated TPA6120 headphone amplifier, and full streaming credentials with Roon Ready certification alongside TIDAL and Qobuz Connect. Digital inputs cover coaxial, optical, and USB DAC, with analogue output on RCA and XLR. It is a substantial component at 280 by 280 by 110 mm and 6.4 kg, offered in black or silver.
Within the same Shanling range, the SM1.3R legitimately offers more where it counts for a reference minded system: the R2R conversion, the heavier dual toroidal power supply, expandable local storage, and a proper headphone stage. It suits the listener who wants their streamer to be the tonal heart of the system and who values the R2R character, or who needs a capable headphone output in the same box.
Which Should You Buy
If you want a compact, versatile digital hub
Choose the Shanling SM90. The smaller footprint, HDMI ARC input, and dual AKM conversion make it ideal for a system that blends music streaming with a television or that simply needs a clean, flexible source in a tidy enclosure.
If you are chasing R2R character and a reference source
Choose the Shanling SM1.3R. The in-house R2R assembly, split toroidal power supply, and expandable storage make it the streamer to build a serious two channel system around.
If you listen through headphones
The SM1.3R is the clear pick here thanks to its dedicated TPA6120 headphone amplifier, letting you run both loudspeakers and headphones from a single well engineered component.
If you want Roon at the center of your library
The SM1.3R is Roon Ready and includes onboard storage plus an M.2 SSD slot, so it is the natural choice for a Roon based, locally stored library alongside streaming services.
Pairing Thoughts
Both streamers offer balanced XLR and single ended RCA outputs, so they slot comfortably into integrated amplifiers and preamplifier setups of many kinds. Match the SM90 with a compact integrated for a space conscious system, and consider giving the SM1.3R a resolving amplifier and loudspeakers that can reward its R2R voicing and headphone flexibility. If you would like specific matching suggestions for your room and existing gear, our team is glad to help you plan the full chain.
Come Listen
AEA is an authorized Shanling dealer with a showroom in Timonium, Maryland. Because our demo units rotate and not every model is always set up on the floor, we recommend reaching out before you visit so we can arrange a listen to the streamer you have in mind. Contact us and we will do our best to have it ready for you.