The package – simple and compact. Not an unusual small box for a Shanling very portable product. Once opened it reveals a more eye-catching device. At first glance it could be mistaken for a luxury lighter with an all metal alloy body and golden wheel. The box includes a USB adapter (Type C to A) and a short USB cable (Type C on both ends). There is no case/cover for the UA5 included; an extra leather-like case is available in 3 colors for ~$13 more.
Build quality is great and overall design is well thought out. Not surprising for the Shanling’s sources line. The UA5 has a bit of a different shape. A more straightforward bar-like shape with curved laterals and flat top and bottom sides. The whole frame consists of a single thick CNC machined aluminum piece, with the exception of the USB side section which looks to be of plastic or maybe glass (?). The layout is pretty simple. Type-C USB port is placed on one end, for digital audio input and/or charging. On the opposite side there are the two audio outputs, single 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm. The 3.5mm can be also used as SPDIF coaxial digital output – needs to be set from the settings menu. At one of the lateral sides, there is the wheel control; it is a different take from all the previous Shanling devices where there wheel control rotates in a vertical way, while on the UA5 it rotates horizontally (to the length of the device). Painted in gold color it stands out of the whole device, unlike the other models where it just blends within the whole lateral frame.
The wheel is multifunctional. It works both as volume control and as a clickable button. The volume on the UA5 reaches up to 100 digital steps, and works just great for a very precise volume adjustment. Many other small DAC/amp I tried that had digital hardware control reach up to 32 steps, while others struggle to about 60~64. Personally, the 100 is ideal for any audio source (and those who can reach even a wider 120+ range are just excellent). One thing I do not really like is that the screen turns on every time the volume is adjusted to show the current volume level. (Not a major complaint, but do wish it could be avoided through an extra setting option.)
There is no power button on the UA5. It just powers on once connected to a digital audio USB output or when charged. The UA5 features two modes: full USB and Hybrid-mode which makes use of the built-in battery of 220 mAh capacity. This greatly helps to save the source battery if used on the go with a phone or other portable smart-device. Though it will depend on the volume, gain and quality of files played, the battery may hold up to 5~6 hours at best on the single 3.5mm and half of that on the 4.4mm balanced. Not the most optimal offer, but at least a very useful feature, nonetheless, and a full charge just takes about 30 min.
Another feature of the UA5 is the OLED display screen. It may be small but still shows all the necessary info: DAC mode, source/bit-rate, volume, gain, battery. I would say that having a screen is not a must for small DAC like these (even on Bluetooth ones, like the UP5 or BTR5), but once you have it becomes very convenient and hard to discard. A single press of the clickable volume wheel will turn the screen on and off, while a long press (when on) will access the settings options. There are many options here:
- DAC (single/dual)Charging (on/off)Gain (low/high)Power (USB or battery)Filter (digital audio filter)channel balance (left to right)spdif (on/off for the 3.5mm only)screen off timingscreen brightnessscreen orientationfirmware version
A single wheel turn will toggle between the current setting option and a single press will accept and switch to the next option. Lastly, a quick double-press will lock/unlock the volume control. If you find having to adjust the settings from the small OLED display very annoying, then do know that everything can be handled from the Shanling app. The only thing missing on the UA5 are playback controls for play/pause and track skipping. It is not something found on other similar options either (with exception of the PAW S2), but would be ideal if it could be added on a future firmware release.
Sound
Gears used: final A8000 & A3000, qdc VX, UM Mest II & MEXT, Campfire Solaris, FAudio DarkSky, Tin P2; VE Zen 2; Hifiman Sundara, iBasso SR2
Lotto PAW S2, Cayin RU6, Shanling UP5, DDHifi TC44C
To be concise, let’s get right to the point: sound quality and presentation of the Shanling UA5. Clearly it depends on the paired headphones, their synergy, and of course, sound preference. I find the UA5 to have the most different sound presentation among all the Shanling sources I tried. The UA5 takes a more neutral, very uncolored tuning, that might even be accused of leaning towards a ‘more clinical’ tune having a bit more treble energy and less fullness overall, but it also is technically strong in some key aspects of the sound. Some may want to address this character to the implemented DAC chips – the UA5 using a Sabre ESS model – but there is more than just a single component what makes a final product. The UA5 not only implements dual ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip but also adds two Ricore 6683 amplifier components. Basically, the same combination applied on the UA2 but now in dual form.
First of all, the UA5 has a very clean silent background even with most sensitive in-ear models like the Solaris and Fir M5. Some good aspects of the UA5 would be the dynamics through all the frequency response. Not just the bass is tight and well separated but also the midrange and even more the treble. There is good contrast between louder/more forward and quieter/distant components of the sound, and the transition between multiple instruments is quick. The speed is ‘good’ – it gives a fast, snappy bass attack, though not ‘great’. For instance, I am not getting the best speed of the A8000 or DarkSky out the UA5 as when paired with a more powerful source, even from the balanced output which is a default for these single dynamic IEM models; though, for an all-BA option such as the qdc VX it is all good even from just the single 3.5mm out. The neutral, uncolored character is well noticed on the low-end weight; bass is tight, precise, extended (or rather not rolled-off), but doesn’t have much impact and density on notes. Similarly, the midrange is very neutral with a tiny glare at its upper region for a more apparent clarity. On the lower midrange the sound is a bit leaner, and like the bass, lacks some body and fullness of notes. At the same time that leads to a cleaner and detailed midrange; the separation is pretty good. Upper midrange tends to be positioned more forward, pushing some instruments and vocals closer than they’d be. Ear/headphones that are prone to some sibilance might get a bit edgy out of the UA5. Likewise, the treble is set on the brighter side; however, it doesn’t get harsh or unnatural. Even with IEMs like the A8000, qdc VX, MEST II, or planar headphones as the Sundara all sound very well rounded and yet very detailed, despite their strong, brighter tuning.
While I don’t find the soundstage to be particularly wide or larger from the UA5 (partially due the very neutral to slightly more forward presentation), the extension on both low and high ends is easy to appreciate, and especially it presents a really good sense of air and separation. Moreover, the sound feels open and uncongested. If I have to be more picky, then the UA5 does not make justice to top-tier IEMs (qdc VX, A8000, MEST mk2, Fir M5) in terms of absolute resolution and finest details, but it is a very good solution for a super portable use to be used with a phone or smart-device; though, personally I could wish for more “character” on the sound with a fuller tuning while on the go.
There is a very positive synergy match I found on the UA5 when paired with the UM MEXT. The warmer, darker and a bit treble-shy signature of the MEXT gets more ‘balanced’ and nicer to my tastes. The bass is still very strong, but also tight with good dynamics and less abrasive attack. The mids are cleaner on the low-mid region and get finer layering, and most importantly the treble area gets boosted sounding more open, less dull, while staying smooth and sibilance free.
The FAudio DarkSky is also a great match for the UA5. It is an IEM, that while more sensitive than for example the A8000, performs better with extra power. And the UA5 has enough output for driving such IEMs. The level of dynamics is great, with very good speed on the low-end and overall sound is very open and clear. Another dynamic driver IEM that matches well with the UA5 is the Hifiman RE2000. The bass is particularly solid, creating a more v-shaped response; and while the treble gets a tad more sizzling than what I’d like, and the stage is not the best I got out of the RE2000, the overall signature is more ‘fun’.
As mentioned, UA5 power is quite good to drive planar headphones like the Sundara to a very decent level without resorting to a larger portable/transportable setup. Though in synergy matching alone, the UA5 & iBasso SR2 combo is much more favorable. Specifically, I find the midrange to be more even with the UA5 and the upper treble gets more authority for a better rounded, balanced presentation. The only section still missing would be in soundstage, but hard to criticize for such a small device.
Comparisons
There are two direct rivals to the Shanling UA5 as an amp/DAC option I could compare so far. The Lotoo PAW S2 and Cayin RU6. Adding the UA5 to the party, these three small DAC offer three fairly different flavors of sound presentation, with their own pros and cons.
Soundwise, the UA5 would have the cleanest and leanest presentation boosting the higher frequencies and pushing the details more frontal. A less favorable match for already bright earphones unless you like to listen to all the details all the time and can handle a bit of sibilance if present.
With the more unique inner R2R architecture, the RU6 has a more polarizing presentation to that of the UA5. While the level of details is about the same, the RU6 gives a much fuller sound overall with more weight on notes and body to instruments. Lower vocals as well are thicker and more natural in texture. The RU6 is very transparent through the whole midrange, even though the UA5 feels more ‘clinical’ sounding. Bass has more depth and rumble on the RU6; UA5 is more snappy in attack, while the RU6 is more naturally paced on decay. Both devices sound open and airy, though soundstage dimensions are wider on the RU6.
The PAW S2 is more midrange focused with a slightly warmer tonality and more mellow rounded take. Vocals can shine with the S2 and it is the smoothest and most forgiving out of the three. (Arguably) the S2 could be the safest bet among these three amp/DAC and the well achieved EQ options from Lotoo makes it a more ‘all-rounder’ device. However, while both UA5 and RU6 deliver about the same level of power on both single and balanced outputs, the S2 is noticeable less powerful
The different outer design and special features of each of the three devices are also very important. Some may prefer the digital rotating knob volume of the UA5 and the inner battery that may save battery time when connected to a portable device or phone. The S2 not only has great EQ presets but also 4 dedicated buttons, which include a multifunctional one for playback and track skip working with several apps, saving all the trouble of controlling from the source device itself. The RU6 has no fancy features, but its strengths lay in the more unique sound signature.
Overall, the Shanling UA5 can be considered a very solid device for portable use or as a compact alternative to DAC/Amp. It certainly presents important and comfortable features such as built-in battery, dual outputs and small but useful display. The volume control is very good with a wide range of steps for precise adjustment for more sensitive gears. Though, I do think there are some extra features or fixes that could be added on future firmware releases. On the technical side, it has a clean, silent background and a very decent amount of power for many portable IEMs and headphones. The sound presentation will depend on personal preference and synergy. It is mostly uncolored, neutral with a bright tilt, less weight on the low-end traded with clean and open midrange. That said, it does compete against some strong rivals at the $200~300 range, but the UA5 has its own strong points.
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OspreyAndy
500+ Head-Fier
Shanling UA5 Pros: -
- Great neutral, uncolored DAC/Amp
- Very well-tuned native ESS Sabre HiFi sound
- Great technicalities
- Adequate driving power
- Crisp, clean and coherent dynamic transients
- Good battery endurance to the host and itself
- Rich in functionsCons: -
- Tone and timbre a bit still digital for my taste
- Does not sound that great with natively bright partnersReview Date: 29 March 2022
SPECIFICATIONS
Dual ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M
Dual dedicated Ricore RE6863 amplifier chips
Fully Balanced Circuit
Physical volume wheel for independent volume control
In-built 220mAh battery
Switchable operating modes, full USB power + Hybrid Battery power mode
Digital SPDIF coaxial output (through 3.5mm port)
3.5mm+4.4mm Headphone output ports
Supports both UAC2.0 and UAC1.0 modes
Works perfectly with Android, Windows, Mac, and IOS Devices
Monochromatic 1.44” OLED display
PCM decoding: up to 32-Bit/768kHz
DSD decoding: Native DSD512
Output Power: 137mW@32Ω(single-ended), 211mW@32Ω(balanced)
Connector type: USB Type-C
Test Equipment
IEMs and Earbuds:
- Etymotic ER4SR (Single BA, 45 Ohm, 96db Sensitivity)
- Shure KSE1500 (Single Electrostatic 200V, KSA1200 Energizer)
- TRN VX Pro (8BA + 1DD Hybrid, 22 Ohm, 106db Sensitivity)
- TIN HiFi T3+ (Single DD, 32 Ohm, 105db Sensitivity)
- Kinera Idun Golden (3BA + 1DD Hybrid, 32 Ohm, 112db Sensitivity)
- TANCHJIM OLA (Single DD, 16 Ohm, 126db Sensitivity)
- Tripowin HBB Olina (Single DD, 32 Ohm, 110db Sensitivity)
- DUNU Titan-S (Single DD, 32 Ohm, 110db Sensitivity)
- VE ZEN 2.0 SLQ (Single DD, 320 Ohm)
Headphones:
- FOSTEX T40RP MK3 (Magnetic Planar, 50 Ohm, 91db Sensitivity)
- Beyerdynamic DT880 (Dynamic Drivers, 600 Ohm, 96db Sensitivity)
Sources:
- Windows 10, Foobar 2000 (USB 3.0 Power)
- LG V50 ThinQ (UAPP USB Exclusive Mode, Bitperfect)
- Sony Xperia X Compact (UAPP USB Exclusive Mode, Bitperfect)
- HiBy Music Player App (USB Exclusive Mode)
LISTENING EQUIPMENT USED IMPARTED HUGE INFLUENCE TO SOUND IMPRESSIONS & RATING
Shanling UA5 is the continuation of UA line-up in the wake of UA2 which has been widely liked by many. UA5 took some time to present itself, and apparently with some very interesting features to offer, vastly different from what we get from UA2. The most innovative being, battery support. A feature not available with any Dongle class DAC/Amp until now. Shanling opted to stay with ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC, now in dual discrete format as opposed to single DAC design of UA2.
Build, Functions, Usability
From the ground up, UA5 has been designed to be a premium device. Exquisite and elegant, made of aluminum chassis that looked super solid and convincing. The biggest change from UA2, now with a LED display much similar to what we see from the likes of Luxury & Precision W2, Lotoo PAW S1/S2 and Cayin RU6.
Most prominent is the special rotary volume adjuster never seen anywhere else on any Dongles, or even DAPs for that matter. Meant to be easily operated with the thumb, the volume dial offers very smooth movement. Admirably the volume steps are very refined and this alone is something I appreciate a lot. Being able to adjust volume at refined levels will enhance listening pleasure – adapting to the state of the listening sensitivity to sound depending on the moods and conditions. The volume wheel also serves as Functions button. Pressing it inward will toggle the functions menu which will allow the user to adjust desired parameters.
Once in the menu mode, available options: (Long Press on the Volume Wheel)
- DAC: Dual (It will only show that UA5 is in Dual DAC mode, no toggle)
- Charging: ON/OFF (charging UA5 internal battery when connected to host)
- Gain: High/Low (simple toggle for high or low gain)
- Power: Battery or Hybrid (Battery, DAC/Amp gets power from internal battery. Hybrid, power from host directly)
- FIR: Filters selection (Specific to ES9038Q2M, mildly alters the sound timbre)
- Channel Balance: Adjuster for each channels Left/Right
- SPDIF: On/Off (For connecting to external DAC using Optical link)
- Screen OFF: Specify LED timeouts
- Brightness Adjustment
- Rotate: Flip the display to suit the user preferences
- FW Version
The effects of High/Low gain mode are quite audible. It is evident that the Low gain mode is to be used for highly sensitive IEMs, otherwise I prefer to set it always on High Gain. The truth is, even with my most sensitive IEMs I see no reasons not to use the High Gain mode to ensure the fullest power from it.
Power selection does impart subtle differences especially when used with highly resolving partners. What I am hearing, with internal Battery option selected, better sense of space and openness to the sound with a touch more pronounced imaging. However, it must be noted that this is only evident when I set myself to critical listening mode with some of the most resolving IEMs I have in my possession. Something like Etymotic ER4SR and Shure KSE1500. Less prominent with the rest. Be it on Battery or Hybrid Mode, the sound signature and overall presentation remained the same, subjective to the characteristics of each connected partners.
Filters selection. Now this is very interesting. Not many ES9038Q2M devices offer the option to switch these settings. UA2 does allow the user to change the filters with Shanling own app. UA5 on the other hand offers direct Filters switching. For my own usage, I have settled on “LinearSlow” filter – simply because my primary listening gears are natively neutral and somewhat bright-ish. From my past experiences with ESS filters, Slow filters on ES9038Q2M will appear less edgy, more balanced to my ears. Using fast filters will result in something which I consider unnaturally bright and aggressive on timbral balance and dynamic transients.
On the subject of power, I have conducted extensive tests with my Sony Xperia X Compact (Android 8, 2700 mAH, UAPP, Airplane Mode, driving TRN VX Pro in High Gain) with the following results:
- 6.00 Hours for the Host (USB Hybrid Mode, Charging ON)
- 5.30 Hours for the Host (Battery Mode, Runs on Battery, Charging ON)
- 5.00 Hours for UA5 (Battery Mode, Runs on Battery, Charging OFF)
PS: I did not test the SPDIF feature as I don’t have any legacy DAC that could benefit from such options.
Sound Impressions
I will be very upfront on this. I expected more of UA5. My experience with UA2 has been great. That UA2 offered very well balanced AND organic (warm, as most people would term it) sound. UA5, to my ears sounded like a typical ESS Sabre tuned device. Yes, it is super clean, crisp and resolving. But on timbral balance I feel that it lacks the natural sense of organic touch. For someone like me who prefer analogue sound, this is not exactly what I consider as pleasurable. But that’s me being subjectively selfish and stubborn to my own listening preferences – I came from the cassette, vinyl and analogue amps background after all. It is evident that UA5 is a properly tuned unit to emit something very neutral and uncolored. I really appreciate that element a lot, of being neutral and transparent. But the problem is, I have also heard similarly neutral and transparent DAC/Amps capable of presenting something more organic and even analogue-ish. What I can tell, it seems a trend nowadays for manufacturers to tune their devices for this “Hi-Fi” sound that many would appreciate. It has that modern and digital characteristics that would jive very well to equally modern music. I can totally understand that, it is just not my sort of thing, subjectively.
To be fair, that digital and less than organic sound is only evident when paired with something natively neutral, something closer to being bright-ish. For example, with my primary IEM Etymotic ER4SR, UA5 sounded edgy, lean and a bit more aggressive than I prefer it to be. I observed that similar results to be had from the pairing of UA5 with TANCHJIM OLA, DUNU Titan-S, Beyerdynamic DT880 and TRN VX Pro – all of which will have tendency to sound equally metallic, dry and lean when subjected to typical ESS Sabre sound tuning. There was even mild hint of the infamous ESS Pinna Glare that some may find annoying (me included).
But enough about me ranting on with my personal listening preferences. To counter what I mentioned above, UA5 is amazingly great when hitting the right synergy with partners that are natively organic sounding. And I must admit I have been having great times with UA5 when paired with Shure KSE1500, TIN HiFi T3+, Kinera Idun Golden, VE ZEN 2.0 SLQ, Fostex T40RP MK3 and Tripowin Olina. There’s the sort of natural and balanced sound that I consider as realistic yet highly technical. Even good sense of musicality that is free from that sterile timbre as observed with bright sounding partners.
Dynamics wise, UA5 lived to the expectations. The range is admirably extensive to even synergize amazingly well with Shure KSE1500, the most resolving, beautiful IEM I have ever had the pleasure to listen to. Superbly articulated details even on the lowest or highest frequencies. Airy smooth Treble with realistic decays, deep and engaging seismic responses for Sub-Bass, tidy and disciplined Mid-Bass, highly textured and natural sounding Mids – UA5 has it all to allow my KSE1500 to shine like a true champion that it is. To a certain extent, I can say the same for Tripowin Olina and Kinera Idun Golden as well – both of which seems to be quite at home with UA5.
Technically, I am just glad that UA5 does not inherit the tall but narrow soundstage as observed with UA2 – or most ESS based Dongles for that matter. UA5 has good width and expanse with proper sense of spacing. Imaging and resolution being top notch. Spatial imaging being very holographic and precise. It was easy to track individual instruments or layers, for the separation lines are well defined without any hint of fuzziness. It is crispy clarity all over. Similarly, depending on the prowess of the paired partners, details retrieval being great too. Macro and Micro details resolved admirably. Very satisfying for any details junkie for sure. Last but not least, UA5 has the speed and agility to resolve even the most complex of passages, or something outright speedy. It will not sound sluggish or congested even with slower partners.
Driving Power
Shanling did not mentioned specifically the VRMS rating of this UA5, but I believe is is definitely something at the mark of 2 VRMS at least.
Pushing it to the max, I subjected my UA5 with the likes of Beyerdynamic DT880 600 Ohm DD and Fostex T40RP MK2 91db Magnetic Planar headphones. While UA5 does need the volume cranked up all the way almost to the roof, when proper loudness is achieved, the output is actually very usable coming from a portable device.
Here’s how it panned out:
- DT880 = Vol 75/100 High Gain
- T40RP Mk3 = Vol 68/100 High Gain
SE and BAL Differences: (Tested with Tripowin Olina)
- Vol: 26/100 4.4mm BAL High Gain
- Vol: 32/100 3.5 SE High Gain
VERDICT
Ultimately, Shanling UA5 is a very well-tuned ESS Sabre DAC/Amp and will appeal a lot to those already liking that sort of sound signature. There’s maturity and refinement all over especially when it comes to technicalities. However, from my own subjective listening perspective, I wish UA5 could have done better with timbral balance and tonality – a bit more of organic touch that I consider as realistic. This too much focus on HiFi sort of sound is pushing it close to being sterile, almost lifeless. Not sounding that great with my Etymotic ER4SR is something that I feel detriment to my sonic indulgence. But enough of that. UA5 when paired correctly with matching partners, will then reveal how great it can be. With the likes of Shure KSE1500, Kinera Idun Golden and Tripowin Olina especially, I will admit the output being satisfyingly amazing. UA5 will then live up to the expectations. There’s exquisite balance that I consider as properly musical as it is technically competent.
What I do know, UA5 will also appeal greatly for those liking the rich features offered. That volume adjustment alone is a wonder in itself. Being able to fine tune the loudness is something I consider a must have feature, especially if the listener is the type that prefer listening at slightly lower than normal loudness. All in all, Shanling UA5 is like a Swiss Army Knife – sharp and purposeful.
Best Pairing: Prefers natively organic sounding partners
#donglemadnessLast edited:View previous replies…
rkumarblrDid you try using the Apple camera connect cable. It’s not a simple otg it has some circuitry in the cable that enables lossless etc.
heavydThanks for the great review. The power options for the UA5 are battery mode and USB mode. The "hybrid" mode you are referring to in your review is the battery mode. You listed the two modes as battery and hybrid, which may confuse people who own the UA5.
When battery mode is selected, the UA5 uses internal battery power to run the DAC and other elements that relate to sound reproduction (thus, the "hybrid" moniker). In USB mode everything is powered by the source USB.
MllumpI have tried iFi Gryphon, GoBar, Questyle M15, L&P w4, Shanling H5, FiiO Q7 and Cayin Ru7 with my U12t and the UA5 is a good bit better than all of them in synergy. I had come to grow tired of Shanling's overly warm house sound, but the UA5 is different. It leans more neutral, but just enough to knock off that "sheen" that seems to be there in really warm sources. I have moved away from larger stack systems to IEM only with a wireless over-ear solution, for a change up. I truly don't feel the need for a stack or a higher-end transportable amp-dac.
