Introducing Shanling M6 Ultra - AKM Quad-DACs based Portable Android Player
Jul 21, 2022 at 3:41 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 90
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Long awaited upgrade to our M6 line is finally here, bringing not only a modernized Android platform, but mainly marking a return of the AKM DACs to the M6 line!

resize_M6u SQ.jpg

Following the fire at AKM’s factory in 2020, we had to switch many of our products to the rival DACs from ESS, including our M6 and M6 Pro players. While that allowed us to experiment with some new audio designs, the tuning was never completely matching Shanling’s traditional house sound and it marked a shift in the sound of our portable players.

But the sweet AKM tuning is now back with the M6 Ultra. Returning to a slightly warmer and relaxed sound, taking listeners back to the original AKM M6 models and M8. Serving as a perfect alternative to our ESS Sabre based M7 portable player.

resize__MG_8142.JPG

M6 Ultra is our first portable player adapting the newest generation of AKM DACs, utilizing four pieces of AK4493SEQ for a unique Quad-DACs design. This multi-DACs concept was inspired by a few old-school Shanling CD players, with an aim to maximise the potential of DACs for a balanced circuit. Now with four DACs, we are able to divide the signal four ways between each of them, achieving a completely independent fully balanced output.

Amplifier design was further adjusted for this Quad-DACs array, allowing for a higher power output than was possible on our previous AKM based M6 models. Offering up to 720 mW @ 32 Ohm output.

Rest of the M6 Ultra follows the high standard set by our latest Android players. Running on a much faster Snapdragon 665 CPU, with an open Android 10 system and an in-house developed Android Global Lossless Output (AGLO) system for an ideal sound performance. Operated through a nicely bright 5-inch 1080p touch screen and all packed into Shanling’s classic aluminium & glass build, this time inspired by the curves of M3X and M8.

resize_M6u colros.jpg

With M6 Ultra we are also adding a new color to our portable players, stunning Emerald Green. You can combine it with a matching green leather case or went a more tradition way and opt for a black M6 Ultra and a brown leather case. (Leather case sold separately).

M6 Ultra will be available at international markets in early August at MSRP of 919 USD / Euro.


resize_M6u case.jpg


Specification:

Dimensions
– 127 x 77 x 18 mm

Weight – 263g

Display – 5-Inch 1920 * 1080

Operating System – Open Android 10

CPU – Qualcomm Snapdragon 665

Memory – Ram 4GB, ROM 64GB + single Micro SD card slot

Hi-Res support – 32/768 & DSD512 & MQA 16X

Bluetooth – Bluetooth 5.0, Transmitter: LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, SBC // Receiver: LDAC, SBC

Wi-Fi – 2.4G/5G, supporting DLNA, Airplay

DAC – 4x AKM AK4493SEQ

Analog Circuit – OPA1612 + OPA2211 + LTA8092 + BUF634A

Output Power – Single-ended 240 mW@32Ohm // 720mW@32Ohm Balanced

Output – 3.5mm single ended and 4.4mm balanced

Output impedance - Less than 1 Ohm on both outputs

Battery – 5650 mAh, supporting 18W QC3.0

Battery life – Up to 13.5 hours in single ended and 9 hours in balanced

resize_M6u 2.jpg
 
Shanling Have any question about our players? Just PM me or send me email. Stay updated on Shanling at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/Shanling-Audio-603230783166845/ https://twitter.com/ShanlingAudio https://www.instagram.com/shanlingaudio/ http://en.shanling.com/ frankie@shanling.com
Jul 21, 2022 at 10:52 AM Post #2 of 90
This is very, VERY hard to resist after experiencing the marvel you have pulled through with M7. When to start the saving for getting this - that is the question it seems...
 
Jul 21, 2022 at 11:39 AM Post #4 of 90
Long awaited upgrade to our M6 line is finally here, bringing not only a modernized Android platform, but mainly marking a return of the AKM DACs to the M6 line!


Following the fire at AKM’s factory in 2020, we had to switch many of our products to the rival DACs from ESS, including our M6 and M6 Pro players. While that allowed us to experiment with some new audio designs, the tuning was never completely matching Shanling’s traditional house sound and it marked a shift in the sound of our portable players.

But the sweet AKM tuning is now back with the M6 Ultra. Returning to a slightly warmer and relaxed sound, taking listeners back to the original AKM M6 models and M8. Serving as a perfect alternative to our ESS Sabre based M7 portable player.


M6 Ultra is our first portable player adapting the newest generation of AKM DACs, utilizing four pieces of AK4493SEQ for a unique Quad-DACs design. This multi-DACs concept was inspired by a few old-school Shanling CD players, with an aim to maximise the potential of DACs for a balanced circuit. Now with four DACs, we are able to divide the signal four ways between each of them, achieving a completely independent fully balanced output.

Amplifier design was further adjusted for this Quad-DACs array, allowing for a higher power output than was possible on our previous AKM based M6 models. Offering up to 720 mW @ 32 Ohm output.

Rest of the M6 Ultra follows the high standard set by our latest Android players. Running on a much faster Snapdragon 665 CPU, with an open Android 10 system and an in-house developed Android Global Lossless Output (AGLO) system for an ideal sound performance. Operated through a nicely bright 5-inch 1080p touch screen and all packed into Shanling’s classic aluminium & glass build, this time inspired by the curves of M3X and M8.


With M6 Ultra we are also adding a new color to our portable players, stunning Emerald Green. You can combine it with a matching green leather case or went a more tradition way and opt for a black M6 Ultra and a brown leather case. (Leather case sold separately).

M6 Ultra will be available at international markets in early August at MSRP of 919 USD / Euro.




Specification:

Dimensions
– 127 x 77 x 18 mm

Weight – 263g

Display – 5-Inch 1920 * 1080

Operating System – Open Android 10

CPU – Qualcomm Snapdragon 665

Memory – Ram 4GB, ROM 64GB + single Micro SD card slot

Hi-Res support – 32/768 & DSD512 & MQA 16X

Bluetooth – Bluetooth 5.0, Transmitter: LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, SBC // Receiver: LDAC, SBC

Wi-Fi – 2.4G/5G, supporting DLNA, Airplay

DAC – 4x AKM AK4493SEQ

Analog Circuit – OPA1612 + OPA2211 + LTA8092 + BUF634A

Output Power – Single-ended 240 mW@32Ohm // 720mW@32Ohm Balanced

Output – 3.5mm single ended and 4.4mm balanced

Output impedance - Less than 1 Ohm on both outputs

Battery – 5650 mAh, supporting 18W QC3.0

Battery life – Up to 13.5 hours in single ended and 9 hours in balanced

This looks perfect to me.
What is the general tuning of this? Is it in line with M6 Pro and M8? because M7 seems to be quite different from previous Shanling DAPs tuning.
 
Last edited:
Jul 21, 2022 at 5:00 PM Post #8 of 90
Wow.. the DAP wars continue
 
Jul 21, 2022 at 8:35 PM Post #10 of 90
This looks perfect to me.
What is the general tuning of this? Is it in line with M6 Pro and M8? because M7 seems to be quite different from previous Shanling DAPs tuning.

From the announcement:

But the sweet AKM tuning is now back with the M6 Ultra. Returning to a slightly warmer and relaxed sound, taking listeners back to the original AKM M6 models and M8. Serving as a perfect alternative to our ESS Sabre based M7 portable player.


That will be name for the next generation :)
 
Shanling Have any question about our players? Just PM me or send me email. Stay updated on Shanling at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/Shanling-Audio-603230783166845/ https://twitter.com/ShanlingAudio https://www.instagram.com/shanlingaudio/ http://en.shanling.com/ frankie@shanling.com
Jul 22, 2022 at 1:09 PM Post #13 of 90
Looking forward to reading and hearing people's impressions and reviews of the M6 Ultra! Because of this product announcement, last night I ordered a Shanling UA3 to experience the Shanling + AKM sound in a pocketable portable package until the M6 Ultra becomes available for sale and some review videos and articles get released.
 
Jul 24, 2022 at 1:16 AM Post #15 of 90
Looks awesome and is under $1000.00, looking foward to the reviews on this one.
 

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