Introducing Shanling M30 - Modular Desktop Hi-Fi Streaming Player

[Shanling]

M30 is a unique modular device, upgradeable and customizable over time. Always keeping up with the latest technologies and your preferences.

Designed as an all-in-one device, it’s not only a high-performing DAC and headphone amplifier, but also a standalone music player with access to different music streaming services. And fully powered by its own batteries, assuring clean and stable power for the best audio performance.

We prepared detailed FAQ for the M30, where you can learn more about its design principle, modular system and many other details. You can find it in post #2


Availability – Q2 of 2021

MSRP – 3599 USD / Euro





Specifications:

Size & Weight: 26 x 21 x 5 cm / 3.0 kg

Modular Design: 5 Interchangeable Modules

Player Module: 6-inch 1920 x 1080 Touch screen

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 8-core

Memory: 4GB RAM + 32GB ROM + microSD Card slot

Streaming services: Spotify / Tidal / Qobuz / Deezer / QQ Music

DAC Module: 2x AKM AK4497 + 2x Ti OPA1662

Amplifier Module: 2x ADI ADA4610-2 + 4x Ti BUF634

Battery Power Module: 16 500 mAh

Tube Output Module: 2x Korg Nutube 6P1

Output mode: Direct/Transistor/Tube

Headphone outputs: Balanced 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm, 2.5mm, 3.5PRO / Single-ended 6.35mm, 3.5mm

Analog connectivity: RCA and XLR output, RCA input

Digital inputs: Coax / Optical / 2x USB-A / USB-B / USB-C / LAN

USB DAC input: XMOS XUF208, up to PCM 32/768 & DSD512

Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4/5G / Bluetooth

Wi-Fi connectivity: DLNA / AirPlay / NAS / File transfer

Bluetooth Receiver: LDAC / SBC

Bluetooth transmitter: LDAC / LHDC / aptX HD / aptX / SBC

Other functions: Over-the-Air Updates / DSD Upsampling / MQA

​

 

[Shanling]

Is M30 a portable or desktop device?

M30 is an all-in-one device, with its own power and digital player. So, in theory, it could be used as a very bulky portable device. But it was designed as a purely desktop device. It’s heavy and quite big, with inputs and outputs suited for a use at home.


Modular design of M30

What is a modular device?

When designing the M30, we wanted to offer a unique device, one device that will be upgradeable and customizable. We took the idea of a modern desktop Hi-Fi streamer and divided it into multiple separated modules. We arrived to five core modules:

- Digital player with a touch screen, giving you direct control over playback and streaming.
- Digital to Analog converter, which can be used both with the build-in digital player or as an external DAC with your PC, CD player or smartphone.
- Headphone amplifier, for use with a range of high-end headphones and earphones.
- Battery power supply, for clean and stable power.
- Additional Tube circuit, for the fans of this unique sound presentation.

These modules are seated into the main chassis, which includes all needed inputs and outputs.

What are advantages of a modular system?

Firstly, it’s upgradeable. As Hi-Fi and digital technology keep evolving, many devices are becoming obsolete over time. But with the M30, you can simply add in a new flagship DAC, brand new digital player or even new revolutionary battery technology.

Secondly, it’s customizable. Over time, we plan to release different DAC and amplifier modules, so each customer will be able to pick their favourite sound tuning or pick amplifier more suitable for their headphones or earphones.

What modules are available?

At the launch, M30 will come with these five modules:
- Digital player with 6-inch screen, Snapdragon 430 CPU, 4GB RAM + 32GB ROM and closed system build upon Android.

- Digital-to-Analog converter with 2x AKM AK4497 and 2x Ti OPA1662

- Headphone amplifier with 2x ADi ADA4610-3 and 4x Ti BUF634

- Battery module with 16 500 mAh capacity, using 5x 18650 batteries

- Tube module using 2x Korg Nutube 6P1

How will be the M30 sold? Can I pick which modules I want?

At the beginning, M30 will be sold only as an all-included package, with all 5 modules.

Can end user change modules themselves?

Yes, all needed tools and manual are included with the M30.


System

What system is used in the Digital Player Module of the M30?

Custom build closed system, based on an heavily modified Android 7.1. Developed by our in-house software team.

How is it with software updates?

M30 can be easily updated over the air. Just make sure it’s connected to a local wi-fi network.

What applications can be installed on the M30?

Special version of the Shanling Music player serves as the main app for a music playback.
Spotify, Qobuz and Tidal streaming services are available for installation.

Will there be more applications in the future?

Yes, our software team will be adding more applications over time.

Can I install additional streaming applications or my favourite music player?

No, it’s not possible for users to install additional applications.


Batteries

Why are we using batteries in a desktop device?

Clean and stable power is essential for a high-end audio performance. By using batteries, we can assure the high quality performance in all environments, without any need to worry about premium power cables or power conditioners.
This approach is based on our experience with an older Shanling H2.2 DAC/AMP, which was also thoroughly powered by batteries.

Can I keep M30 connected to a charger at all times?

Yes, you can keep your M30 connected to a charger at all times. For such usage, we recommend to adjust charging settings in the system menu, by setting a battery percentage when the player starts charging. This will prevent any excess wear of the batteries.

How easy is to exchange batteries?

Due to the modular concept of the M30, exchanging batteries is extremely easy. Just swap the Battery module for a new one and you are good to go.


Other

Can I play music from my microSD cards or portable drives?

Yes, M30 comes with single microSD card slot and dual USB-A ports, which can be used to connect portable drives.

Where is the microSD card slot located?

MicroSD card slot is a part of the Digital Player module.
To access this slot, you need to remove the bottom module, pair of fixing rods and Digital Player module from the M30’s chassis. Please refer to the “M30 teardown guide” for detailed information and guide.

How to switch on / off the tube circuit?

Output circuit can be easily switched in system settings or in quick access menu. Users can switch between tube output, headphone amplifier output and direct DAC output.

 

[Shanling]

Reserved

 

[feverfive]

Hmmmmm actually a lower SRP than I was expecting... Shockingly, not entirely out of the question for me, given all that it apparently can do. Watching this with extreme interest.

 

[Vitaly2017]

Woa woa finally! Yes

 

[InstantSilence]

4gb ram only?

 

[Vitaly2017]

4gb ram only?

Dude dont ruin the fun lol go get samsung S21 if you need more ram


This is is a BomB wow.
Shanling is on fire I love the M30 concept and idea and this is the future. Cant wait to have one my self!
I am so excited about it.

 

[InstantSilence]

Dude dont ruin the fun lol go get samsung S21 if you need more ram


This is is a BomB wow.
Shanling is on fire I love the M30 concept and idea and this is the future. Cant wait to have one my self!
I am so excited about it.

Yeah it should be fun. Laggy but fun.
My microwave has 6gb ram..

 

[feverfive]

^^ Not sure how one can assume that right now. It's gonna come down to software implementation; how efficient they are at coding.

 

[Shanling]

4gb ram only?

Running closed Android, we are seeing satisfactory performance.

 

[InstantSilence]

Running closed Android, we are seeing satisfactory performance.

Sounds great

 

[chaiyuta]

What is the different purpose of "USB Audio" (Type A) and "USB DAC" (Type B)?

 

[Shanling]

What is the different purpose of "USB Audio" (Type A) and "USB DAC" (Type B)?

Two USB A ports for connecting external drives.
USB B port for using M30 as a USB DAC.

 

[HK_sends]

Two questions, if I may; can it function as a pre-amplifier for speakers, and can you use the USB to feed an external DAC (yes, I know you have the module but I have several DACs)..?
Thanks, I am definitely interested!
Cheers and All the Best!
-HK sends

 

[Whitigir]

Woaaa!!! Totally a giant!!! Sitting at 5cm thickness. That is a little shy to 2”

I can see it being built for desktop purposes for sure