Shanling SM1.3R Music Streamer

Overview

The Shanling SM1.3R is a high-end network streamer built around an in-house R2R DAC assembly, bringing a distinctly analogue voiced approach to digital playback. A large 5.8-inch 1080p touch screen puts album art, library browsing, and playback controls at your fingertips, while Roon Ready certification along with TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect make it easy to slot into a modern streaming lifestyle.

Engineering focus is clear from the dual split 31 W toroidal transformers, which separate power delivery to keep noise low and give the audio circuits a clean, dedicated supply. The unit includes 64 GB of onboard storage plus an M.2 SSD slot for local libraries, a dedicated TPA6120 headphone amplifier for private listening, and both RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs. Digital inputs include coaxial, optical, and USB DAC, letting the SM1.3R act as the digital hub of a system.

This streamer suits the listener who wants a warm, musical R2R character combined with the convenience of a full color touch interface and the flexibility to feed a wide range of amplifiers. Housed in a 280 by 280 mm chassis weighing 6.4 kg and available in black or silver, it is a source component aimed at those building a considered two channel system.

Key Features

• In-house R2R DAC assembly for an analogue voiced presentation
• Roon Ready with TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect built in
• Large 5.8-inch 1080p touch screen for library and playback control
• Dual split 31 W toroidal transformers for clean, low noise power
• 64 GB onboard storage plus an M.2 SSD slot for local libraries
• Dedicated TPA6120 headphone amplifier for private listening
• Balanced XLR and single ended RCA analogue outputs
• Coaxial, optical, and USB DAC digital inputs
• Available in black or silver, 6.4 kg chassis

How the SM1.3R Compares

Shanling SM1.3R vs Shanling SM90

The SM90 sits one step below the SM1.3R in Shanling's streaming ladder and offers a more compact, streamlined take on network playback. The SM1.3R adds the larger 5.8-inch touch screen, the in-house R2R DAC assembly, dual split toroidal supplies, and both XLR and RCA outputs. Choose the SM1.3R when you want the fuller feature set and the R2R voicing at the heart of a resolving system.

Shanling SM1.3R vs Cambridge Audio EXN100

The EXN100 is a network player designed for clean, precise, and neutral streaming within Cambridge Audio's ecosystem. The SM1.3R takes a different route with its R2R DAC assembly and its large onboard touch screen for at the unit control. Consider the character you prefer, a crisp neutral presentation versus the more analogue leaning R2R sound. See the Cambridge Audio EXN100.

Shanling SM1.3R vs EverSolo DMP-A8 Gen 2

The DMP-A8 Gen 2 combines streaming, DAC, and preamplifier duties in one flexible chassis for those who want volume control built in. The SM1.3R focuses on being a source first, pairing its R2R DAC with dual split toroidal power and dedicated analogue outputs. Pick the EverSolo if you want an all in one hub, or the Shanling if you want a dedicated R2R streaming source feeding a separate amplifier. See the EverSolo DMP-A8 Gen 2.

Shanling SM1.3R vs Silent Angel Rhein Z1C V2

The Rhein Z1C V2 is a music server and Roon Core focused on serving and organizing a library across a network. The SM1.3R is a player oriented streamer with its own R2R DAC, touch screen, and analogue outputs ready to drive an amplifier directly. They can even be complementary, with a server on the network and a player at the rack. See the Silent Angel Rhein Z1C V2.

Recommended Amplifiers and Speakers

The SM1.3R is a source component, so pair it with an amplifier and speakers to complete a musical two channel system. These picks balance the R2R character with amplification and speakers that let it shine.

• Advance Paris X-A160 EVO A powerful stereo amplifier that gives the SM1.3R plenty of headroom and control, letting the R2R voicing carry into larger or more demanding speakers.
• Cambridge Audio EXA100 An integrated amplifier that keeps the system compact and takes the SM1.3R's XLR or RCA output directly for a clean, straightforward setup.
• Parasound HALO A23+ A refined power amplifier for those who want to run the SM1.3R into a dedicated preamp and power amp configuration for maximum flexibility and drive.
• Spendor A1.2 A refined two way standmount whose natural midrange complements the analogue leaning R2R presentation of the SM1.3R beautifully.
• Amphion Argon 1 A precise, controlled bookshelf speaker that reveals the detail and resolution the SM1.3R delivers while staying easy to place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shanling SM1.3R?
It is a high-end network streamer built around an in-house R2R DAC assembly, with a 5.8-inch touch screen, Roon Ready support, and dual toroidal power supplies.

Does the SM1.3R use an R2R DAC?
Yes, it features an in-house R2R DAC assembly, which gives it a distinctly analogue voiced presentation.

Is the SM1.3R Roon Ready?
Yes, it is Roon Ready and also supports TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect.

What size is the display?
It has a 5.8-inch 1080p touch screen for browsing your library and controlling playback.

What analogue outputs does it have?
It offers both balanced XLR and single ended RCA analogue outputs.

What digital inputs are available?
It includes coaxial, optical, and USB DAC digital inputs, allowing it to serve as a digital hub.

Does the SM1.3R have onboard storage?
Yes, it has 64 GB of onboard storage plus an M.2 SSD slot for adding a local library.

Does it include a headphone amplifier?
Yes, it has a dedicated TPA6120 headphone amplifier for private listening.

What power supply does it use?
It uses dual 31 W toroidal transformers in a split configuration for clean, low noise power delivery.

What finishes are available?
The SM1.3R is available in black or silver.

What are the dimensions and weight?
It measures 280 x 280 x 110 mm and weighs 6.4 kg.

Does the SM1.3R need a separate amplifier?
Yes, it is a source component, so you will pair it with an integrated amplifier or a preamp and power amp plus speakers.

Can I use it as a USB DAC?
Yes, the USB DAC input lets you connect a computer or other source and use its internal R2R DAC.

How does it differ from the Shanling SM90?
The SM1.3R adds the larger touch screen, R2R DAC assembly, dual split toroidal supplies, and both XLR and RCA outputs compared to the more compact SM90.

Can it stream TIDAL and Qobuz?
Yes, it supports TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect in addition to Roon Ready.

What amplifiers pair well with it?
Options such as the Advance Paris X-A160 EVO, Cambridge Audio EXA100, or a Parasound HALO A23+ with a preamp all pair well depending on your goals.

What speakers suit the SM1.3R?
Refined speakers such as the Spendor A1.2 or Amphion Argon 1 complement its R2R character nicely.

Can I expand its storage?
Yes, the M.2 SSD slot lets you add solid state storage for a local music library alongside the 64 GB onboard.

What warranty does the SM1.3R include?
It comes with a 1 year parts and labor warranty through Forte Distribution.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Shanling dealer in MD with the SM1.3R in stock, so you receive a genuine unit, full manufacturer warranty support, and expert guidance building your system.