The Shanling SM90 is a streaming DAC, which means it is a single box that pulls music from the internet and from your home network and turns it into a clean signal your amplifier can play. If you have ever wondered how people listen to Spotify, Tidal, or their own music library through a proper hi-fi system, this is the kind of component that makes it happen. It combines two jobs in one: a streamer (the part that fetches the music) and a DAC (the part that converts the digital data into an analog sound wave your speakers can eventually reproduce).
Think of it as the smart front end of a music system. Everything downstream, your amplifier and speakers, depends on getting a good signal from a device like this.
Where does the SM90 sit in a typical system?
The SM90 sits at the very start of your listening chain, before your amplifier. In plain terms, the flow goes like this: music source (streaming service or files) travels into the SM90, the SM90 does the clever conversion work, and then it sends the finished analog signal out to an amplifier, which powers your speakers.
Because it does not have speakers or a big power amp built in, you pair it with a separate amplifier of your choice. That separation is common in higher-end audio because it lets each box focus on doing one thing very well.
The Core Technology in Plain Terms
How does the DAC section actually work?
The DAC section uses dual AKM AK4493SEQ chips paired with an OPA1612 output stage, and together they handle the conversion from digital data to analog sound. AKM is a well-respected name in digital-to-analog conversion, and using two chips (one approach for handling the left and right channels with extra care) is a design choice aimed at cleaner, more precise sound.
The OPA1612 is the output stage, which is the final polishing step that shapes the signal before it leaves the unit. You do not need to memorize these part names. The takeaway is simple: this is a carefully chosen, quality conversion setup rather than a generic one.
What does the linear power supply do for the sound?
The SM90 uses a 35 W linear power supply, which is the type of power design that audio enthusiasts generally prefer for keeping noise out of the music. Every electronic device needs power, but how that power is delivered matters. A linear power supply is built to provide steady, clean electricity to the sensitive audio circuits.
In day-to-day listening, cleaner power tends to mean a quieter background, so quiet passages sound genuinely quiet and small details are easier to hear. You will not adjust anything here. It simply works in the background to support the sound quality.
Connections and Everyday Controls
What can I plug into the SM90?
You can connect a range of digital sources through the coaxial, optical, USB DAC, and HDMI ARC inputs. Each of these is a way to feed digital audio into the unit:
Coaxial and optical are common connections for devices like CD transports or older digital gear. USB DAC lets you connect a computer and use the SM90 to convert audio from your laptop or desktop. HDMI ARC is especially handy because it lets you connect a television, so your TV sound can run through the SM90 and your hi-fi system instead of the TV speakers.
This variety means the SM90 can be the hub for more than just streaming.
How does it connect to my music and the internet?
The SM90 connects to your network using either Wi-Fi 6 or a gigabit LAN (wired) connection. Wi-Fi 6 is a modern wireless standard designed for fast, stable connections, which matters when you are streaming high-quality audio that needs steady data. If you prefer a wired connection for maximum reliability, the gigabit LAN port lets you plug in an Ethernet cable directly.
Once connected, the SM90 can reach streaming services and music stored on your home network, so your library and subscriptions are available in one place.
How do I get sound out to my amplifier?
The SM90 sends audio to your amplifier through either RCA or XLR analog outputs, and you choose based on what your amplifier accepts. RCA is the familiar pair of red and white connectors found on most audio gear. XLR is a balanced connection, a sturdier three-pin type often used in higher-end setups because it can help reject noise over longer cable runs.
Having both means the SM90 fits comfortably with a wide range of amplifiers, whether modest or more ambitious.
How do I control the SM90 day to day?
You control the SM90 mainly through its 4.96-inch 1080p touch screen, which is a large, sharp display built right into the front of the unit. 1080p refers to a high-resolution screen, so text, album artwork, and menus look crisp and clear rather than fuzzy.
Because it is a touch screen, you interact with it much like a smartphone: tap to select, swipe to browse, and navigate your music visually. This makes the SM90 approachable even if you are new to hi-fi, because you can see your library and settings clearly instead of squinting at a tiny readout.
Build Quality and Who It Is For
Why does Shanling build quality matter here?
Shanling build quality matters because a streaming DAC is a precision device where careful construction directly supports clean, reliable sound. Shanling is an established audio company with a long history of making digital audio players and desktop components, and they are known for solid, well-finished products with thoughtful design.
The SM90 measures 280 x 230 x 83.1 mm and weighs 3.3 kg, which tells you it is a substantial, well-built desktop-sized unit rather than a flimsy gadget. That reassuring weight often reflects quality internal parts and a sturdy chassis, which helps keep sensitive circuits stable and free from vibration.
What do the key specs mean for real listening?
The specs come together to mean the SM90 delivers clean sound, flexible connections, and easy everyday use. The dual AKM DACs and OPA1612 output stage focus on accurate conversion, so recordings sound detailed and natural. The linear power supply supports a quiet background. The wide input selection and dual analog outputs mean it fits into many different systems. The Wi-Fi 6 and gigabit LAN options keep streaming stable, and the large touch screen makes it all easy to operate.
In practice, you spend less time fussing and more time simply enjoying music.
Who is the Shanling SM90 best suited to?
The SM90 is best suited to anyone who wants a single, capable hub to bring streaming and quality sound into a proper hi-fi system without a complicated setup. If you are new to high-end audio and want one box that handles streaming, connects to your TV, and feeds a good amplifier, this is a very welcoming place to start.
It also suits listeners who already own an amplifier and speakers they like and simply want a modern, well-built front end to feed them. With its friendly touch screen, broad connectivity, and considered engineering, the Shanling SM90 offers a clear path into serious listening while keeping the experience approachable and enjoyable.
